How College Station is going big for America’s 250th Anniversary

How College Station is going big for America’s 250th Anniversary

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0],” Parks and Recreation’s Jeep Wentsch and Jessica Scott offer details about the I Heart America [https://www.cstx.gov/parks-recreation-culture/events/community-events/i-heart-america/] Fourth of July celebration at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater [https://www.cstx.gov/parks-recreation-culture/facilities-and-rentals/wolf-pen-creek/], which features free food, family activities, a headlining performance by the Josh Abbott Band [https://joshabbottband.com/], and a synchronized fireworks display. Jessica also introduces a new alternative event, Red, White and Splash [https://www.cstx.gov/parks-recreation-culture/events/community-events/i-heart-america/], offering community members a chance to swim, play yard games, and view the fireworks from Adamson Lagoon. These free events are designed to build community spirit and provide safe, memorable experiences as part of the milestone America 250 celebration. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Whats-Up-College-Station-Transcript-Season-4-Ep.-25-1.pdf]   The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov]. -30-

Summer safety and crime prevention tips with Officer David Simmons

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0],” College Station Police Department Public Information Officer David Simmons discusses crucial summer safety strategies, the proper use of 911 versus the non-emergency dispatch line, and highlights the "Lock, Take, Hide" protocol to prevent vehicle burglaries and package theft. Officer Simmons also addresses key seasonal concerns, including strict parental supervision at local pools, staying hydrated during extreme heat, and establishing healthy boundaries for teenagers on summer break. He urges residents to report suspicious behavior directly to law enforcement rather than relying on neighborhood social media groups. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Whats-Up-College-Station-Transcript-Seson-4-Ep.-23.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov]. -30-

How ‘Howdy Hospitality’ helps drive sports tourism in College Station

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0], Parks and Recreation’s Samantha Holland and Amy Teufel discuss the growing market of youth sports tourism and explain how College Station’s strategic location within the "Texas triangle" helps attract teams from across the country. They highlight major upcoming summer events, specifically the State 7on7 football tournament and the Games of Texas, which bring tens of thousands of visitors to the area. The interview details how these massive tournaments generate millions of dollars in economic impact. They also praise the dedicated local operations crew and emphasize how the city’s trademark "howdy hospitality" keeps out-of-town families returning year after year. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Whats-Up-College-Station-Season-4-Ep.-23.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov]. -30-

Thinking of Running for Office? What You Need to Know Before You File

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0], Deputy City Secretary Ian Whittenton discusses the vital, behind-the-scenes role of the City Secretary’s Office in managing public records, election compliance, and voter registration. Whittenton also covers the upcoming Council 101 [https://blog.cstx.gov/2026/05/06/thinking-of-running-for-city-council-your-roadmap-begins-with-city-council-101/] seminar on June 16, an educational program designed to prepare prospective candidates for the immense commitment and legal requirements of running for public office. The seminar is open to anyone curious about local government operations, not just serious candidates. The Mayor’s seat and City Council Places 1 and 2 will be on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election. The filing period for candidacy is July 18 through Aug. 17. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, U.S. citizens, qualified Texas voters, and College Station residents for at least one year before Election Day. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Whats-Up-College-Station-Season-4-Ep.-22.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available each week on Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov].  -30-

Homecourt advantage: Parks staff brings lifelong passion to the Lincoln Rec Center

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0], Markeesha Watson and Katie Kamas of the Lincoln Recreation Center [https://www.cstx.gov/parks-recreation-culture/facilities-and-rentals/lincoln-recreation-center/] discuss the center's deep multi-generational roots and community impact, and how the LRC operates as a safe, family-like "home away from home" for all ages. Watson and Kamas also highlight the LRC’s active summer camp programs and upcoming Juneteenth celebrations, which will feature a morning Freedom Walk and an evening pavilion party with live zydeco music by Grammy-nominated artist Cedric Watson [https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/w/wa-wn/cedric-watson/].  To get involved or register for programs, residents are encouraged to view the summer Recreation Connection Activity Guide [https://issuu.com/cocs/docs/recreation-connection-activity-guide-summer-2026?fr=xKAE9_zMzMw], visit cstx.gov/parks [https://www.cstx.gov/your-government/departments/parks-and-recreation/], or stop by the facility on Eleanor Street [https://www.google.com/maps/place/Lincoln+Recreation+Center/@30.598916,-96.3331961,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8646837982d83c99:0xfa2be779c0e4c0df!8m2!3d30.5989114!4d-96.3310074?shorturl=1]. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Whats-Up-Transcript_4_21.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly on Podbean [https://whatsupcollegestation.podbean.com/], iHeartRadio [https://iheart.com/podcast/199399071], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/1BteiIM9lX5nkKU26Wjl6H], Apple [https://podcastsconnect.apple.com/my-podcasts/show/whats-up-college-station/a848d3a4-64cd-4c26-a852-712119b4a0e7/episodes], and Amazon/Audible [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/93a8e8c5-e3ab-4e5d-8bfe-cc3c115f8b9d]. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend! If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov [ckillian@cstx.gov]. -30-