Shows
266 ExpressBeyond the Rails: Sanger's Economic VisionWhat makes a small town worth staying in for decades? According to John Payne, president of Sanger's Type B board, it's intentional planning that balances inevitable growth with preserving community spirit. Since arriving in 1997, Payne has witnessed Sanger transform while maintaining its small-town heart—a delicate balance achieved through strategic economic development.The Type B board, established in 1998, has been instrumental in shaping Sanger's evolution by directing sales tax revenue toward quality of life improvements. Unlike general city funds that primarily support essential services, these dedicated dollars ensure community amenities receive proper attention. From the preservation of th...
2025-09-0453 min
266 ExpressFrom Pinstripes to Spotlights: The Tex McDormand StoryYou have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to dgreen@sangertexas.org
2025-07-2151 min
266 ExpressWhat Happens When We Stop Limiting Potential?When doctors handed Marianne and Billy the news that their newborn son Blake had Down syndrome back in 1996, one medical text cruelly suggested an "expiration date" for his life. Fast forward nearly three decades, and Blake has not only defied those limitations—he's shattered them while building a legacy that's changing minds across the country.Blake isn't just Sanger's first business owner with Down syndrome. He's a hometown celebrity who's been football captain, prom king, opened the New York Stock Exchange, had his logo featured on NASCAR vehicles alongside Fortune 500 companies, and inspired state legislation. His snow co...
2025-07-1443 min
266 ExpressInside Sanger ISD: Building the Future of EducationWhat does it take to transform a small-town school district into a destination for families and educators alike? Deputy Superintendent Jenny Flaw takes us behind the scenes of Sanger ISD's remarkable journey.A 1990 Sanger graduate with 24 years of service to the district, Jenny shares how this educational ecosystem operates much like a city – with departments, leadership structures, and strategic planning all aligned toward a singular purpose: making decisions that center on students first. Through intentional curriculum alignment, financial ingenuity, and community partnerships, Sanger ISD has created an educational experience that defies the resource limitations typically faced by sm...
2025-06-2335 min
266 ExpressRedefining the Small-Town Library: Laura Klinke's Vision for SangerLaura Klinke, Director of the Sanger Public Library, envisions her institution as "the living room of the community" – a vibrant gathering place where residents dance, watch movies, study, and connect. Far beyond traditional book lending, Sanger's library offers an expanding array of services from hotspots and STEM kits to cognitive care resources and board games.With Sanger's growth bringing young families alongside longtime residents, Klinke and her passionate staff have strategically developed programming for every life stage. While preschool story times have always been popular, they've expanded to serve the "awkward years" of middle school, high school st...
2025-06-0943 min
266 ExpressFarm to Table: Inside Sanger's Downtown Farmers MarketEver wondered what truly makes a farmers market the beating heart of a small town? In our conversation with Amber Whitworth-Spagner, Director of the Sanger Farmers Market, we discover how a simple agricultural marketplace has transformed downtown Sanger into a vibrant community hub where nearly 1,000 visitors now gather on market days.Amber shares the remarkable journey of relocating the market from its previous location to downtown's beautiful square, creating an atmosphere she describes as "like nothing else." The market has stayed true to its agricultural roots while expanding to feature an impressive variety of local treasures – from da...
2025-03-2630 min
266 ExpressBusiness Connections UnleashedDive into the vibrant world of local business with our latest podcast episode featuring Megan Moon, president of the Sanger Chamber of Commerce. We explore the significant role of the Chamber in supporting local businesses, advocating for economic development, and facilitating connections within the community. Megan shares her passion for fostering a thriving economic landscape, emphasizing every local business's importance in the broader context of community success. Listeners will uncover how the Chamber serves as a vital resource for networking opportunities, educational events, and essential advocacy efforts. Megan sheds light on the importance of shopping local, explaining h...
2025-03-0545 min266 ExpressBrewing Community Bonds: Todd and Vanessa Benson on Revitalizing Sanger with Uptown Rail Brewery and Innovative VenturesEver wondered how a couple's online meeting could spark a small-town revolution? Join us as Todd and Vanessa Benson share their journey from a digital encounter 18 years ago to becoming the visionary minds behind Uptown Rail Brewery in Sanger, Texas. The Bensons' entrepreneurial spirit led them to create community-centered businesses that breathe life into small-town charm. Discover how their ventures, including a creamery and a brewery, are not only revitalizing Sanger's evening scene but also offering local youth valuable job opportunities.Get ready to be inspired by the Bensons' creative initiatives designed to bring people together. From...
2025-02-0335 min266 ExpressCelebrating Community Spirit: Valerie Foster on the upcoming Education Foundation GalaWondering how a community can come together to support local education while having a blast? We've got you covered with Executive Director Valerie Foster from the Sanger Education Foundation, sharing her insights on the much-anticipated Education Foundation gala. This event isn't just about raising funds; it's about celebrating collaboration and growth, with local businesses and community members joining forces to support the education sector. Valerie talks about the foundation's exciting expansion, a testament to the community's commitment, and how it has enhanced their ability to foster future leaders.What's the secret to transforming sixth-grade students into ambassadors...
2025-01-1533 min266 ExpressNorth Pole Wonders: Mrs. Claus on Santa's Secrets, Elves' Origins, and Holiday TraditionsJoin us on a whimsical adventure to the North Pole with the enchanting Mrs. Claus as our special guest. You won't want to miss her sharing the delightful tale of meeting Santa in 1830 and the secrets behind Santa's favorite cookies—spoiler alert: chocolate chip and snickerdoodles reign supreme! Mrs. Claus also spills the beans on the magical carrots that fuel the reindeer's flight and dishes on the mystery of the elves' origins, their love for snowball fights, and their unique fashion sense. Not to mention, she gives us the lowdown on maintaining the legendary naughty and nice list with he...
2024-11-2621 min
266 ExpressCrafting Community Growth: Ramey Hammonds on Urban Planning, Strategic Projects, and Enhancing Sanger's CharmJoin us for a captivating discussion with Ramey Hammonds, the dynamic Director of Development Services for the city, as we explore the bustling world of urban planning and community growth. Ramey unveils the intricacies of her role, from managing planning and zoning to collaborating with third-party engineers. You'll gain insights into exciting new projects, including a 50,000-square-foot grocery store set to anchor a vibrant mixed-use development. These initiatives promise not just to transform the city's landscape but also to boost its economy, enriching the community with a blend of residential and commercial spaces.Ever wondered how new...
2024-10-3041 min266 ExpressBuilding Sanger's Future: Donna Green on Urban Transformation, Downtown Revitalization, and Community ProgressPicture a city on the brink of transformation—how does a 50,000-square-foot grocery store fit into the puzzle? Join us as we promise to unravel the ambitious plans and strategies that are reshaping Sanger, from the determined efforts of the Economic Development Corporation to the strategic incentives that have attracted a major grocer. Our discussion spans new residential developments necessitating enhanced City infrastructure, with insights into what these changes mean for the community at large. Donna Green and John Noblitt explore the intricate web of planning that supports Sanger's growth, bringing you closer to the vibrant future envisioned for th...
2024-10-0559 min
266 ExpressFrom Boredom to Brilliance: Jordan Shepherd on Music, Family, and Creative InspirationWhat inspires a young artist to transform boredom into brilliance? Join us as we chat with Jordan Shepherd, the talented winner of last year's Old Bolivar Station Songwriter Festival, as he prepares to headline the event this year. From the small towns of Northeast Louisiana to the grand stage, Jordan shares his heartfelt journey, painting vivid memories of his childhood along the Mississippi River, the idle moments that sparked his creativity, and the long drives through fields that birthed his soulful songs. Listen in as he reflects on his song "When I Go Back," capturing the evolving landscapes and...
2024-08-2155 min266 ExpressEntrepreneurial Ventures: Renee Richardson and Joanne Dela Cruz on Creating Community and Business Success in SangerWhat makes two entrepreneurs from opposite sides of the Atlantic choose the quaint town of Sanger, Texas as their business haven? Join us as we unravel the captivating journeys of Renee Richardson, a Texas native, and Joanne Dela Cruz from London. Discover how Renee transitioned from corporate life to become a thriving small vendor and eventually opened her own store, Vintage Variety. Hear Joanne’s heartfelt story of moving from Pennsylvania to Texas and falling in love with Sanger’s small-town charm, which inspired her to establish Whistle Stop Coffee, Tea and More.Vintage Variety, which began as a...
2024-07-2939 min266 ExpressDriving Economic Growth: Shani Bradshaw on Building Sanger's Future Through Strategic Development and NetworkingHave you ever wondered what it takes to transform a community's economic landscape? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Shani Bradshaw, the Economic Development Director who turned her diverse background in marketing, social media, and community engagement into a thriving career in economic development. Learn how her initial hesitations were overcome with encouragement from a police chief and the power of a robust professional network. Shani shares her journey, the mentors who shaped her path, and the certifications that paved the way for her role today.Discover the strategic efforts behind workforce development in Sanger as...
2024-07-0838 min
266 ExpressTransforming Scrap into Gold: David Fulton on DEF Recycling's Journey and Community ImpactWhat if a simple scrapyard could transform into a thriving business that uplifts an entire community? Join us as we welcome David Fulton, the driving force behind DEF Recycling, and uncover the remarkable 38-year journey that took him from working in his father's scrapyard to becoming a pivotal figure in Sanger's metal recycling industry. David's story is a testament to the power of family businesses and the significant economic impact of the scrap industry on local economies. Learn why DEF Recycling focuses solely on metals and avoids plastics and newspapers, and discover where these recycled materials go, including steel...
2024-05-3127 min266 ExpressRevitalizing Sanger: Jim Bolz on Advancing City Infrastructure and Fostering Civic EngagementStep into the world of civic innovation with Jim Bolz, the Director of Public Works for the City of Sanger, as he unveils how a municipality breathes life into its infrastructure. With a wealth of knowledge from his nearly two-decade tenure, Jim walks us through the complexities of managing a city's vital systems. He enlightens us on the pioneering replacement of water and electric meters that will revolutionize efficiency and transparency for residents. Not only does this technology spotlight leaks in real-time, but it also marks Sanger’s commitment to water conservation and its synergistic road improvement efforts with th...
2024-04-2926 min266 ExpressPreserving the Heart of Sanger: A Historical Reflection with Tona Batis and the Sanger Area Historical SocietyEmbark on a historical adventure as we sit down with Tona Batis, the dedicated president of the Sanger Area Historical Society, and uncover the evolution of Sanger, Texas. Our guest brings the past to life, revealing how the Sanger brothers and the Gulf, Colorado, and Santa Fe Railroad were instrumental in transforming the town from a humble cattle stop into a thriving hub of activity. We'll hear how a devastating fire became a catalyst for architectural innovation and delve into the stories of influential figures like Mr. Reddy, who served not only as the postmaster but as a cornerstone...
2024-04-0142 min266 ExpressNavigating Small-Town Leadership: A Candid Conversation with Sanger Mayor Thomas MuirJoin the conversation as Sanger's own Mayor Thomas Muir sits down with John Noblitt for a heartfelt look behind the curtain of small-town governance. With his unique blend of humor and dedication, Mayor Muir unpacks the misconceptions surrounding the mayoral role and shares tales from his time conversing with school kids about civic responsibilities. Peek into the balancing act of immediate community needs versus long-term city vision and the strategy behind managing taxpayer dollars with purpose and care—all part of the day in the life of a mayor who truly embodies the spirit of Sanger, Texas.Ou...
2024-02-2739 min266 ExpressIgniting Educational Excellence: Valerie Foster on Leading the Sanger Education Foundation and Its Impact on CommunityHave you ever met someone whose dedication transformed a volunteering gig into a journey of leadership and impact? That's the story of Valerie Foster, Executive Director of the Sanger Education Foundation, who joined us to unravel the tapestry of her work and the foundation's pivotal role in propelling Sanger ISD's educational programs forward. Valerie's narrative is one of passion and perseverance, guiding us through the meticulous process of awarding scholarships and grants that bolster academic excellence and sustain community initiatives. The foundation's vision is a beacon, shining a light on the importance of private funding and community involvement, ensuring...
2024-02-1317 min266 ExpressBehind the Badge: A Transformational Talk with Police Chief Tyson Cheek on Revamping Sanger's Police ForceDiscover the groundbreaking changes unfolding within Sanger's Police Department as Chief Tyson Cheek takes us behind the badge in this transformative discussion. From tackling staffing shortages with an eye for dedicated talent to implementing a dynamic command structure, Chief Cheek's journey from interim to permanent fixture at the helm provides a rare glimpse into the inner workings of law enforcement. This episode promises insights into the revitalization of community policing, where proactive engagement and educational outreach are just the beginning of forging stronger relationships between officers and residents.Equipping our officers with more than just the standard...
2023-12-2021 min266 ExpressDelving into the Magic of Christmas with Santa ClausPrepare to feel the magic of the holiday season as we welcome the one and only Santa Claus aboard the 266 Express. Today, we're taking a ride into Santa's world, exploring the enchanting North Pole, getting a glimpse into Santa's incredible gift delivery system, and learning about the magic dust that powers it all. You won't believe how he manages to navigate down chimneys without a scratch, or how Rudolph’s red nose guides him through his global gift-giving journey. This is the inside scoop you've been waiting for, straight from the jolly man himself.As our nostalgic jo...
2023-11-3013 min266 ExpressPrincipal Anthony Love on Transforming Lives at Linda Tutte High School: Education, Community Support, and a Groundbreaking Grocery Store ProgramWondering how a school can become a lifeline for a community? Listen as we engage in a heartwarming discussion with Principal Anthony Love of Linda Tutte High School in Sanger, Texas. This alternative school isn't your run-of-the-mill institution, it's a beacon of support for its students and the local community. With unique programs like the Choice Program for at-risk students, the 18+ Program for post-high schoolers, and the Discipline Program for guidance, Linda Tutte extends far beyond just academics. The real highlight though is the Linda Tutte Grocery Store, an innovative initiative developed to not only address mental health but...
2023-11-0122 min266 ExpressExploring the Vibrant Musical Journey of Texas Songwriter Kim EwingMeet the effervescent Kim Ewing, a musical powerhouse from the heart of Texas. Our chat with Kim takes you through her incredible journey, starting from the age of 10, when she first picked up a pen to express herself through lyrics, to the momentous occasion when she strummed her first guitar chords at 21. As she weaves the tale of her life in music, you'd get to hear about her seminal Christian piece, "Could it Be?", which marked the beginning of her inspiring songwriting career. Join us in the nostalgia as she remarks on the forgettable lyrics but the unforgettable title...
2023-11-0104 min266 ExpressUnleashing Creativity in Isolation: A Chat with Musicians Tara Grace and Anthony PraterEver wondered how isolation during a pandemic can be transformed into a journey of self-discovery and creativity? Tune into our conversation with Tara Grace and Anthony Prater, two blooming musicians who have done just that, and more. Tara Grace, a new resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, talks about her creative process during COVID-19 that led to her first ever recording project. Listen on as she shares how she channeled her personal experiences into her songwriting, spinning tales of heartbreak into beautiful melodies. Now meet Anthony Prater, a San Antonio native, who shares his evolution from a t...
2023-11-0112 min