Tacos, twisters, and technology: Inside CS's emergency management strategy

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-

Tacos, twisters, and technology: Inside CS's emergency management strategy

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0], Emergency Management Coordinator Lauren McGrath discusses seasonal weather preparedness for severe thunderstorms, tornadoes, and extreme heat. She also clarifies common misconceptions — such as the danger of sheltering under highway overpasses — and explains the critical difference between a tornado watch and a warning. McGrath also emphasizes that the majority of her emergency management [https://www.cstx.gov/emergencies-public-safety/emergency-management/]work happens before a disaster through proactive regional planning, training, and multi-jurisdictional collaboration. She urges residents to take charge of their own safety by building family emergency kits and ensuring they have multiple, redundant ways to receive weather alerts. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Whats-Up-Transcript-Season-4-Ep.-20.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-

Paws and laws: Navigating pet ownership and safety in College Station

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station? [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnI77WIvWvouwZxlMNVhnUDfU_0lG5yk0], Animal Control Officer Hector Garcia discusses the multifaceted role his small, four-person unit plays in managing public safety and pet welfare. He emphasizes the life-saving impact of microchips and updated registration, sharing how these tools facilitate reunions even months after a pet goes missing. The interview also clarifies local ordinances, such as the requirement for rabies vaccinations and the city's leash law — which applies to both dogs and cats — while highlighting the department's dedication to supporting residents with education and essential pet supplies. >> Read the Accessible Transcript [https://blog.cstx.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Whats-Up-Transcript-Season-4-Ep.-19.pdf] The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via 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-