What’s Up, College Station?

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Deputy City Secretary Ian Whittenton discusses the role of local government committees, boards, and commissions, as well as the upcoming election season. He highlights how resident involvement provides essential input to the City Council on key community issues, ranging from solid waste management to housing initiatives.

Whittenton also details the application pro...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Visit College Station Events Coordinator Sadie Martinez discusses the launch of the inaugural College Station Restaurant Week, running Aug. 24-30. Featuring eight local restaurants, the event offers diners a special three-course Prix Fixe menu at set prices to showcase the area's diverse culinary scene.

Additionally, 10% of proceeds will benefit the Brazos Valley ...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” the Gary Halter Nature Center's Laurie Brown discusses local birding and conservation efforts, highlighting College Station's designation as one of 16 Bird Cities in Texas. She also explains how staff played bird calls and lit up trees to lure roughly 25,000 migrating purple martins away from dangerous urban spots to safer roosting areas in John Crompton Park.

Lau...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Neighborhood and Community Relations Coordinator Taitelyn Morris-Wise breaks down what students need to know before moving, including lease tips, City ordinances vs. HOA restrictions, and the importance of neighbor relations.

She also highlights key civic engagement initiatives such as Citizens University, the Future Leaders Program, and support for local HOAs, wh...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Code Enforcement Supervisor Tommy Shilling talks about navigating the busy move-in and football seasons in College Station. Shilling highlights that his team focuses heavily on educating incoming students to prevent common violations, such as leaving trash cans at the curb past the permitted window, accumulating bulk waste, parking illegally on lawns or near fire ...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Solid Waste Division Manager Caroline Ask shares key waste and recycling tips for the busy student move-in season. She explains that proper collection requires four feet of clearance around curbside carts and keeping bulk items clear of apartment dumpsters.

Only plastics #1 and #2, paper, clean cardboard, glass, and metal cans are accepted for recycling, while pla...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Principal Planner Heather Wade discusses the upcoming Harvey Road District Plan, which focuses on revitalizing and reinvesting in a key commercial gateway with aging infrastructure and disconnected pedestrian paths.

The project aims to implement a vibrant, mixed-use vision where residents can live, work, and play. Throughout August, the city is prioritizing public...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Water Resource Coordinator Jennifer Nations discusses practical outdoor water conservation strategies, the risks of excessive summertime watering, and how efficient water management protects College Station's groundwater infrastructure and saves residents money.

Nations highlights the significance of Smart Irrigation Month in July, the City's free irrigation check...

Summer is a time for backyard barbecues, pool days and Independence Day celebrations, but it's also one of the busiest seasons for the College Station Fire Department.

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Grace Hallowell sits down with CSFD Captain Stuart Marrs to discuss how residents can stay safe during the hottest months of the year. From grilling safety and wildfire prevention to fireworks regu...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Parks and Recreation’s Jeep Wentsch and Jessica Scott offer details about the I Heart America Fourth of July celebration at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater, which features free food, family activities, a headlining performance by the Josh Abbott Band, and a synchronized fireworks display.

Jessica also introduces a new alternative event, Red, White and Splash...

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

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

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?, 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 seminar on June 16, an educational program designed to prepare prospective candidates for the immense commitment and legal requiremen...

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?, Markeesha Watson and Katie Kamas of the 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...

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

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 requireme...

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 explo...

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 ...

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 tr...