WTAW - Interviews

BCS Salvation Army Major David P. Swyers joins The Infomaniacs in the studio to recap the backpack event and discuss the upcoming “Behind the Red Shield” event, along with more, during his appearance on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. 

Members of the Brazos Valley 4H K9 club talk about what's it like to be in 4H and the dog club and how you can join.

City of College Station Public Communications Director Colin Killian and Chief of Staff Ross Brady joined The Infomaniacs in the studio to discuss the proposed tax rate, the capital side of the budget, the legislative engagement plan, and more, during their appearance on Friday, August 14, 2026. 

Brazos Valley Food Bank Executive Director Theresa Mangapora joined The Infomaniacs in the studio to talk about how the Feast of Caring went, her decision to step down after 21 years, upcoming projects, and more, during her appearance on Friday, August 14, 2026. 

City of Bryan Parks And Recreation Department Coordinator Maddie Green and Aquatics Coordinator Hayden Johnson join The Infomaniacs in the studio to talk about upcoming events like the Senior Splash Bash, and more, during their appearance on Thursday, August 13, 2026. 

Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President Joel Bryan joins The Infomaniacs in the studio to discuss Bryan ISD going back to school, the conversation surrounding a tax increase being placed on the November ballot, and more, during his appearance on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. 

Bryan District Public Engagement Specialist for TxDOT Steve Fullhart joins The Infomaniacs in the studio to discuss the I-14 and I-214 projects, along with more, during his appearance on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. 

City of College Station Public Communications Director Colin Killian and Recreation Supervisor for Lick Creek Park Laurie Brown visits with WTAW  to discuss the recent Purple Martin Watch Party, the birds remaining in the area for a few more weeks, upcoming park programs, the wildlife visitors may spot at Lick Creek Park, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs on Friday, August 7, 2026. 

Bryan Fire Department Community Paramedic Program Manager Chris Lamb visits with WTAW to discuss the rising temperatures, how to stay cool, the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke, back-to-school safety, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Thursday, August 6, 2026. 

Brazos County Director of Forensic Science Dr. Jennifer Dierksen visits with WTAW to discuss the upcoming opening of the medical examiner’s office, the facility's ribbon-cutting, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs on Thursday, August 6, 2026. 

College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW to discuss planning for future developments like Harvey District Point, tonight’s public engagement event, internal control allocations, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. 

Bryan Pro Tem Mayor James Edge visits with WTAW to discuss the latest developments surrounding the H-E-B property, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Tuesday, August 4, 2026. 

Tom Turbiville joins The Infomaniacs to talk the latest from the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial.

Theresa Mangapora joins The Infomaniacs to talk Wednesday's Feast of Caring.

Elections are on the way in November and if you're looking to run in the City of Bryan, City Secretary Melissa Brunner has the things you need to know. 

Nate Carr, the Marketing Director for Smith Dairy Queen, visits with WTAW's Jeanette Muenchow to talk about their upcoming Miracle Treat Day fundraiser, benefiting the Children's Miracle Network.

Mayor Bobby Gutierrez stops by the show to talk developments on Movie Bowl and Grill as well as parking in Downtown Bryan and his future plans related to City of Bryan.

Big thanks to Aiden Ross for stopping by the show to talk his career since winning The Voice and his show this fall with MSC Opas. Tickets for this show are on sale right now at mscopas.org.

Move in/Move out is here and time to review the do's and dont's of bulk pickup in College Station.

The Games of Texas are right around the corner and College Station's Gene Ballew joins the show to tell us what to expect.

College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW to discuss the Purple Martin Watch Party, the city's budget hearings, how he will not be running for mayor again, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. 

Today, Neil Sperry joins the show to help out Riley with her backyard grass issues. 

City of College Station Public Communications Director Colin Killian and Mayor Pro Tem William Wright visits with WTAW  to discuss the pros and cons of the budget, density plans for expected population growth, upcoming events, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs on Friday, July 17, 2026. 

Bryan City Councilmember Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW to discuss BTU changes and concerns surrounding solar energy, budget season, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs on Thursday, July 16, 2026. 

Brazos County Commissioner Fred Brown visits with WTAW to discuss the opening of the county's new medical examiner's office, upcoming renovation projects, county-owned property for sale, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Thursday, July 16, 2026. 

Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW to discuss BTU changes, infrastructure updates, A.I. and big data, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. 

Bryan Aquatics Coordinator Hayden Johnson sits down with The Infomaniacs to talk about upcoming events and more. 

College Station Assistant City Manager Jeff Kerstan sits down with The Infomaniacs to discuss the capital budget, proposed budget priorities, the city's population growth, and more. 

College Station Mayor John Nichols sits down with The Infomaniacs to talk about upcoming events, capital budget, property evaluations, and more. 

This podcast is a visit with Albert Ramirez and Shawn Edwards of the Burleson Health Resource Center, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.WTAW News has received more information about grant money coming to two Brazos Valley recipients from the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund. $750,000 dollars is going to Burleson County's health resource center to hire additional people to work in local schools with students and their families. The retired health center director, Albert Ramirez, says the additional people will reduce their reliance on out of town agencies. And the health center's new director, Shawn Edwards, says one of the biggest goals of the additional staff is to help those with substance abuse issues achieve recovery goals.The state opioid grant fund also awarded eight grants to Texas A&M's health science center. Six of the eight grants, totaling almost $4 million dollars, will be spent by the pharmacy college to support communities around the state to address the opioid crisis.Original story, June 26, 2026:The Texas A&M health science center and Burleson County are among the latest recipients of grant money collected through opioid drug settlement agreements with a state agency.A list from the Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council says ten locations of the health science center around the state are getting a combined $5,820,291 for what is described as "treatment and coordination of care" services.Burleson County is getting $749,975 for what is described as "recovery support services".WTAW News has requested specific details about the grant money will be spent.The Texas Opioid Abatement Fund Council, whose activities are administered by the state comptroller's office, was formed according to its website "to ensure that money recovered through the joint efforts of the state and its political subdivisions through a statewide opioid settlement agreement is allocated fairly and spent to remediate the opioid crisis using efficient, cost-effective methods."Click HERE to read and download the statewide list of grant recipients as printed from the Texas Opioid Abatement Council website.The comptroller's office provided WTAW News with the nine locations of the health science center (HSC) grants. The list includes what are described as HSC "presence" in Galveston, Houston, Kingsville, McAllen, Killeen, and services in five "regional healthcare partnerships" (RHP) around the state. They are RHP regions 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20.Click HERE to read and download a map of Texas regional healthcare partnerships (RHP), courtesy of the Texas comptroller's office.

Sgt. Scott Jones of the Bryan police department visits with WTAW's Tucker Young and Will Welch on The Infomaniacs about recruitment efforts.

Brazos County commissioner Chuck Konderla visits with WTAW's Tucker Young and Will Welch on The Infomaniacs July 2, 2026. Topics includes construction project updates and a preview of the developing the budget for the 2027 fiscal year.

This podcast is the dedication program of Brazos County's Liberty Tree which was held July 2, 2026.Brazos County’s Boonville Heritage Park, which is the location of the first county seat, now has a symbol of America’s independence.The local chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and the Brazos County Historical Commission dedicated a live oak as the local Liberty Tree on Thursday morning (July 2).The president of the son’s chapter, Dennis Brunson, shared how the original elm tree that was cut down in 1775 by the British was a symbol of the revolution.The chaplain of the son’s chapter, Rick Dowling, compared the Liberty Tree with the Old Testament story of the Jews creating a memorial after crossing the Jordan River following 40 days in the wilderness.Brazos County judge Duane Peters, who is also a member of the local son’s chapter, accepted the donation of the tree.Also speaking was Mary Helen Shearer, who is registrar of the William Scott Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.Another speaker, Brazos County Historical Commission chairman Henry Mayo, said the tree will be planted later this year when weather conditions are more favorable.Click HERE to read and download the Liberty Tree dedication program, which includes a brief history of the original Liberty Tree.

This podcast is a visit with Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial board vice president and Bryan Broadcasting alum Tom Turbiville and WTAW's Tucker Young and Will Welch on The Infomaniacs July 1, 2026.You are invited to attend the reading of the Declaration of Independence Saturday morning (July 4).The program starts Saturday at 9 a.m. at College Station's Veterans Park, inside the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial (BVVM) at the American Revolution site.Reading the document will be BVVM board vice president and Bryan Broadcasting alum Tom Turbiville and Bryan Broadcasting general manager Ben Downs.After the reading, 56 local officials will be signing what Turbiville describes as a "special document".The number 56 was selected because that's how many signed the Declaration of Independence.

Lina Adams of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about July activities that includes First Friday, fireworks, the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History's annual butterfly release, and the opening weekend of Harvest Fest at Messina Hof winery.

Shane Savage talks about the 23rd Annual Kurten 4th of July Fireworks & Fundraiser.Free admission & parking. Giveaways, hay rides, bounce houses, food trucks, and more.Saturday, July 4th, 2026. Gates at 5pm.

Bryan mayor pro-tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Tucker Young and Will Welch on The Infomaniacs July 1, 2026. Most of the conversation is about Bryan's Midtown Park and the yet to be completed movie/bowling/restaurant building.

This podcast contains the quarterly report by Brazos County chief public defender Nathan Wood to county commissioners on June 23, 2026.Brazos County commissioners received an update at their last meeting (June 23) from the public defender's office. Nathan Wood led off with starting two new specialty divisions, dealing with juvenile offenders and people with mental health issues.Wood also said the new divisions has resulted in creating four vacancies for attorneys in his office. Commissioners were asked to take into consideration, recommendations from an outside consultant regarding salaries of public defender attorneys.Wood reported the public defender's office has 612 active clients and resolved 215 cases during this year's second quarter.

This podcast contains remarks from Brazos County juvenile services director LInda Ricketson at the June 23, 2026 Brazos County commission meeting.Children staying at Brazos County's juvenile detention center for nearly 20 years have been involved with what is called Art for Life, where the word art is an acronym for Art Reaching Teens (ART). Juvenile services director Linda Ricketson told county commissioners at their last meeting (June 23) that this year's project will be a traveling exhibit involving a painting of shoes.22 children are involved in this year's project. They will be joined on July 24th by other children reading poetry during an appearance in downtown Bryan at The Kimbell event center. The painting will also be on display July 25th.

This podcast is a visit with the chairman of the Brazos County Historical Society Henry Mayo and WTAW's Bill Oliver.Brazos County's Boonville Heritage Park is the setting Thursday morning (July 2) for an America 250 event. The chairman of the Brazos County historical commission, Henry Mayo, says the park is one of the sites nationwide to plant a Liberty Tree, a symbol of defiance leading to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.Thursday's participants includes members of the local chapter of the sons of the American Revolution.Thursday morning's program starts at nine.News release from the Brazos County Historical Commission:As part of the ongoing events to American’s 250th anniversary, the Brazos County Historical Commission and the local Independence Chapter #40 of Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) are dedicating a “Liberty Tree” to be planted at Boonville Heritage Park.The public is invited to attend at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2nd. The S.A.R. Color Guard will participate in their Revolution-era, Continental Soldier or Militiamen, uniforms.This Live Oak tree will be part of the S.A.R.’s national project to plant at least 250 Liberty Trees across the United States to commemorate the 250th anniversary of America. Their goal has already been surpassed. The original “Liberty Tree” was an Elm tree which stood in Boston for over 100 years, before it was chopped down by the British troops and loyalists in August 1775. In had been used in many acts of defiance of British rule in the colonies, and had become a symbol of revolt, even more so after its demise.The Brazos County America 250 Committee continues to maintain an online calendar of local events and exhibits this year. The calendar is graciously hosted by the Brazos Valley African American Museum at bvaam.org/a250

This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2026 Bryan city council meeting.A special meeting of the Bryan city council last Friday (June 26) was moved from a conference room to council chambers due to the appearance of 15 BTU solar customers. Those customers are among 814 affected by a council decision made last month, agreeing with a BTU board recommendation to pay less to solar customers who sold their excess electricity to BTU. Four council members attending last Friday's meeting agreed to modify last month's decision. The BTU board's recommendation that was approved by the council last month was based on solar customers not sharing BTU's cost of providing electricity to retail customers.

This podcast contains comments from the June 25, 2026 College Station city council meeting.The College Station city council receives a semi annual update on capital projects.The report at the June 25th council meeting from capital projects director included a sample of some of the 69 active projects.Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 25, 2026 College Station city council meeting.Cain's council report mentioned the following projects:widening Greens Prairie Roada new roundabout on Jones-Butler RoadBarron RoadCapstone Drivenew pavement on Rock Prairie Road Eastnew streets and utilities on Krenek Tap Roadnew streets and utilities on Lincoln Avenuedevelopment of Texas Independence Parkimprovements around Lincoln Recreation Centerpark, streets, and utility improvements around Thomas Parkprogress on fire station #7

This podcast is a visit with Kathy Polzer of the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district and WTAW's Bill Oliver.The Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district (BVGCD) and Brazos County commission are hosting an education meeting for those interested in learning about water supplies in Brazos and Robertson counties.The "Aquifers 101" gathering is Tuesday (June 30) starting at 6 p.m. at the Brazos Center.Kathy Polzer of the groundwater conservation district says they are hearing more questions about water sources in light of proposed data centers, what may be happening in Grimes County, and severe shortages in Corpus Christi.Polzer also said "Maybe up until now we've just kind of taken it for granted that the water is going to come whenever we need it and it's going to be there for us. And so, people have questions (of) all of a sudden we're concerned that it (the water is) not going to be there when we need it."Tuesday's meeting consists of a presentation and a question and answer period.

Visiting on WTAW's The Infomaniacs with Tucker Young, city of College Station principal planner Heather Wade reviews the city's first public meeting about the new Harvey Road corridor study and the city's assistant communications director Bobbie Lehrmann previews the city's July 4th event.

For the 23rd time in 24 years, the Brazos County Historical Commission gets a distinguished service award from the Texas Historical Commission.Chairman Henry Mayo accepted the state award from county judge Duane Peters at this week's (June 23) county commission meeting.Burleson, Washington, and Milam counties were among the 62 counties who also received the state award, which is based on local activities during the preceding year.

The general manager of the private company that operates the Travis Field complex for the city of Bryan, Travis Triola, and marketing coordinator Brady Bell visit with WTAW's Tucker Young on The Infomaniacs June 25, 2026 about upcoming events.

This podcast contains comments from the June 23, 2026 Brazos County commission meeting.Brazos County commissioners respond to a public speaker's request to do more public awareness about risks associated with the migrating New World Screwworm.The request during Tuesday's meeting (June 23) came from local veterinarian Gina Mosavi. Her message was targeted to the owners of domestic animals to be on the lookout for the insect that is affecting the livestock industry.Mosavi's request was taken up at the end of Tuesday's meeting. Commissioner Bentley Nettles and county judge Duane Peters agreed to get an agent from the Brazos County extension office to provide an update and to post links on the county's website to provide information about the insect.Sheriff Wayne Dicky added that his livestock and animal control units are being trained in what to look for. And Dicky said he'll be contacting the health district to offer their assistance.

This podcast contains comments from the June 9, 2026 Bryan city council meeting.Action at the June regular meeting of the Bryan city council included borrowing more than $65 million dollars.More than $36 million is being borrowed for Bryan streets and drainage projects, almost $26 million is going to Bryan's new animal center and Midtown Park projects, and $3 million was borrowed for new fire engines.Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about the Bryan city council approving issuing $65 million dollars in certificates of obligation.The council also approved refinancing almost $11 million dollars inbonds issued by BTU in 2017 that will save $1.5 million dollars in interest and prevent raising base electric rates for the near future.Now retired BTU general manager Gary Miller says paying the debt early will prevent an increase in the base electric rates in the near future.Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about the Bryan city council approving refinancing BTU debt.

This podcast is a visit with Brazos County 85th district court judge Kyle Hawthorne and WTAW's Bill Oliver.On the eve of the United States 250th anniversary, 75 people will gather at the Bush Library and Museum Thursday morning (June 25) to become naturalization citizens. Brazos County district judge Kyle Hawthorne will administer the oath of allegiance as he had done more than 40 times in 12 years.Hawthorne told WTAW News that naturalization ceremonies and adoptions are the two things where 50 percent of the people are not mad at him.The judge says the ceremony in the museum pavilion, where a Marine One helicopter and train engine are located, sends a tingle up his spine.Hawthorne encourages everyone to attend the ceremony, which starts Thursday morning at 10, where "these people (those who are becoming citizens) really get excited about it."And the judge is impressed with the four to five year effort that is made to become eligible to become American citizens.

This podcast contains comments from the June 23, 2026 Brazos County commission meeting.Brazos County commissioners vote four to one to sell to Burleson County, 286 road signs for $100 that are no longer used by the road and bridge department.Commissioner Fred Brown, who voted no, asked why Brazos County wasn't using the signs.County engineer Prathana Banerji said the signs have been in storage for more than ten years because they are out of compliance with state regulations.When Brown asked Banerji why Burleson County wanted the signs if Brazos County could not use them, Banerji told Brown that was a question to ask Burleson County officials.Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement approved at the June 23, 2026 Brazos County commission meeting.