What’s Up, College Station?

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

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?, 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

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

-30-

Turtles, tributes, and ZZ Top: The quirky charm of the Starlight Music Series

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?, Recreation Supervisor Jeep Wentsch discusses the City’s packed schedule, anchored by the long-standing Starlight Music Series. Wentsch highlights the series as a free, community-focused event at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, featuring the upcoming Journey/ZZ Top tribute (May 30) and Tejano music night (June 13).

The conversation expands beyond the stage to explore various city programs, including summer camps, birding events at the Gary Halter Nature Center, rentable park pavilions, and the comprehensive Recreation Connection program guide. Wentsch also teases the upcoming I Heart America celebration on July 4, which promises to be the largest in city history to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

-30-

A whole house at the curb? Student move-out tips from code enforcement

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Code Enforcement Supervisor Tommy Shilling discusses best practices for student move-out season and his department's role in maintaining community health and safety. He encourages tenants to be proactive by reviewing leases and coordinating with property management to prevent neighborhood clutter during this high-volume transition.

Shilling’s general advice for residents includes using the SeeClickFix app to report issues, following city ordinances regarding bulk trash and grass height, and ensuring proper parking to allow emergency vehicle access.

 >> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

-30-

Bikes, scooters, and savings: College Station’s active transportation future

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Jesse Dimeolo and Carl Ahrens from Planning and Development Services discuss the City’s ambitious Active Transportation Master Plan and break down how the City is balancing the needs of drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. They also talk about skateboarding to class, community rides with Darth Vader, and the surprising $12,000 annual savings that come with trading your car keys for a helmet.

 >> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov.

-30-

Diving into aquatics safety, summer swim teams, and pool party watchdogs

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Aquatics Supervisor Jessica Scott discusses the Tsunami swim team, swimming lessons for all ages, the critical importance of water safety and why a "watchdog" is the most important person at your next pool party.

Adamson Lagoon and Cindy Hallaran Pool open for the season on May 23. Registration for summer programs and swim lessons begins May 4. For more information, call 979-764-3735.

  >> Read the Accessible Transcript  

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov. 

-30-

Solid waste logistics and the dangers of mixing household chemicals

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Solid Waste Division Manager Caroline Ask discusses the logistical and safety challenges of managing solid waste, essential guidelines for move-out season, and the dangers of improper hazardous waste disposal, especially pool chemicals and lithium-ion batteries.

The spring Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event is Saturday, April 18, from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Texas A&M University Services Building east of Veterans Parks and Athletic Complex.  

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov. 

-30-

 

How the Community Development Division plans for people, not just spaces

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Community Development Administrator David Brower and Analyst Raney Whitwell discuss how their department uses federal grants to provide essential resources and works closely with nonprofits and City departments to address critical needs. Residents are encouraged to take the HUD Grant Survey (available until April 15) to help determine how future grant funds should be allocated.

Brower and Whitwell also share stories of how community development programs impact residents' lives—from helping a homeless high school senior graduate to funding infrastructure that ensures students have safe routes to school.

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

Read the Accessible Transcript

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov. 

-30-

 

 

Water expert shares irrigation tips and eye-popping usage data

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Water Resource Coordinator Jennifer Nations discusses how she wishes residents would think about every drop of water, surprising water usage data, smart irrigation tips, and her lifelong affection for Snow White.

You can sign up for weekly water recommendations and tips at Brazos Valley Water Smart to stay informed and save water.

The "What's Up, College Station?" podcast is available weekly via Podbean, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Apple, and Amazon/Audible. Please subscribe, rate, and recommend!

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email ckillian@cstx.gov. 

-30-