What’s Up, College Station?

In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Recreation Supervisor for Special Events Jeep Wentsch discusses the return of Movies in the Park on Nov. 6 at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater. The free community event will screen the classic film “Jurassic Park,” with family-friendly activities including a themed costume contest, trivia, food trucks, and free popcorn.

Gates open at 5 p.m., and Wentsch encourages residents to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and coolers for an immersive outdoor movie experience. He also touches on other fall and winter festivities, including the annual College Station Marathon in December.

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

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email [email protected].

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Larry J. Ringer Library Branch Manager Derika Bailey discusses the resources, branches, and programs offered by the Bryan + College Station Public Library System. She also highlights the unique interlocal partnership between College Station and Bryan, which lets residents access three locations with a single library card.

The conversation covers a wide range of free community offerings, including robust adult and teen programs, online tutoring and language-learning databases, meeting room reservations, and digital audiobook services through Libby and OverDrive. Additionally, Bailey shares details about the upcoming author series featuring bestselling writers and the Friends of the Library Fall Book Sale.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

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

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email [email protected].

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Solid Waste Division Manager Caroline Ask discusses how improper disposal of hazardous materials can cause dangerous chemical reactions, noxious gases and truck fires during trash compaction.

Ask highlights the upcoming Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA) Household Hazardous Waste Collection event on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the University Services Building on Harvey Road south of Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. She also covers how to correctly identify hazardous products using labels and pictograms, proper disposal methods for items like old paint, and why residents should check their garages for hazardous items such as lithium-ion batteries.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

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

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email [email protected].

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Senior Services Coordinator Kari Williamson discusses the wide range of City programs available for adults ages 55 and older. She covers popular fitness classes, social games such as Mahjong and Bunco, and upcoming seasonal events, including the Senior Autumn Fest.

Williamson explains how community members can access these activities using affordable annual senior passes or by attending free community events. Through these diverse offerings, the Parks and Recreation Department aims to promote physical health, emotional well-being and social connection among local seniors. The podcast highlights the strong sense of community built within the programs and explains where to find monthly calendars and activity guides online.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

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

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email [email protected].

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Municipal Court Judge Edward Spillane talks about College Station's fall Warrant Amnesty and Roundup program. The upcoming three-week amnesty period allows individuals with active warrants to resolve their cases, avoid arrest, and have their $75 warrant fee waived. After amnesty, a nine-day roundup takes place, during which law enforcement actively seeks out unresolved warrants.

Judge Spillane explains that municipal court primarily handles fine-only offenses and emphasizes educating citizens to prevent repeat court appearances. The court uses text messaging, online tools and flexible resolution options like community service to make resolving legal matters accessible. Judge Spillane stresses that the court's main goal is to help citizens resolve their issues smoothly rather than cause hardship.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

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

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email [email protected].

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Transportation and Mobility Planner Carl Ahrens shares how his childhood passion for SimCity and early experiences with traffic congestion inspired his career in urban planning. The conversation centers on Biketober, an 8.6-mile community bike ride on Saturday, Oct. 10, highlighting the longstanding Sister City relationship between College Station, Bryan and Greifswald, Germany.

The grant-funded event features a casual, family-friendly ride with a stop at the City of Bryan's Farmers Market, along with food trucks, music, and educational safety activities. Ultimately, the event aims to foster community connection, celebrate German culture, and showcase cycling as a practical option for everyday travel.

Ahrens also highlights safety tips like wearing helmets and performing pre-ride checks, while encouraging residents to gradually swap vehicle trips for active transportation.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

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

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email [email protected].

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” Assistant Director of Economic Development Brian Piscacek discusses the City's new "Shape College Station" survey campaign. The interactive survey lets residents vote for and submit their preferred new businesses — starting with restaurants — and updates live every 24 hours to help guide local retail recruitment.

While top-voted concepts like Waffle House and In-N-Out are not guaranteed to open, the real-time data helps economic developers demonstrate local demand to businesses, developers, and site selectors. Piscacek emphasized that retail recruitment requires strategic outreach and patience, as bringing new "eatertainment" and family-friendly concepts to a growing community often takes years.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

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

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email [email protected].

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In this week’s episode of "What's Up, College Station?,” University and Community Relations Manager Barbara Moore discusses the upcoming College Station Christmas Parade on Dec. 5. The event offers a feel-good opportunity for residents and local organizations to showcase their community spirit and celebrate the holiday season together.

Registration is open and is completely free for local businesses, schools, and community groups, though early registration is strongly encouraged before the Nov. 6 deadline.

Moore explains that planning for the annual tradition begins months in advance and requires extensive coordination across city departments, including police, fire, and traffic operations.  The parade welcomes entries of all sizes — from decorated trucks to marching groups — with the only strict rule being that no duplicate Santas are permitted since the official Santa makes an appearance.

>> Read the Accessible Transcript

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

If you have a suggestion for a future topic or interview, email [email protected].

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