Join 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 transf...

Picture 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 l...

What 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 ...

What 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-to...

Have 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 shape...

What 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 R...

Step 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 spotligh...

Embark 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...

Join 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...

Have 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...

Discover 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...

Prepare 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...

Meet 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...

Experience the raw and real stories of Adara Kay and Ross Fleming, two seasoned songwriters who have graced the stage of the Old Baller Station Songwriter Festival. Their passion and determination will leave you captivated as they share the highs and lows of their musical journey- from their first nerve-wracking gigs to the refining fires of Middle Tennessee State University. They unravel how they thread their experiences and emotions into compelling lyrics and how their inspirations range...

Ever 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...

Imagine finding your music rhythm while sponging off the dinner plates or spontaneously crafting a melody while taking a stroll. This week, we are thrilled to have Brittany Beckston and Jordan Shepherd, accomplished musicians with intriguing tales. Brittany shares her lifelong love for music and the huge leap she took by moving to Nashville to follow her passion. Jordan takes us on a journey from his bluegrass family roots to creating his unique sound inspired by the likes of Led Zeppelin,...

Ever wished you could peek inside the minds of songwriters and understand what motivates their creativity? Look no further! As your hosts, we invite you on the 266 Express for an intimate chat with the incredibly talented songwriters, Alexandra and Matt. Alexandra, a Dallas-based artist, reveals her journey from an Ohio teenager, crafting songs influenced by the likes of Taylor Swift and Stevie Nicks, to her present-day excitement about her upcoming fifth single. Matt, a native Texan, walks...

Brace yourselves for an exciting journey into the world of musicians Hazy Blues and Jeremy Parsons, who joined us at the Old Bolivar Songwriter Festival in Sanger, Texas. They laid bare their creative processes, from Hazy Blues' evolution from a duo to a four-piece ensemble and their upcoming album release, to Parsons' transition from San Antonio to Nashville, using songwriting as a therapeutic outlet for his unique life experiences. Immerse yourself in their shared and distinct stories that...

Wondering 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...

Ever wondered about the magic that unfolds when a group of individuals join forces to create a song? Get ready to be enchanted as we journey with Michael David Dean, an inspiring songwriter from Austin, Texas. Michael shares his captivating story of musical beginnings, the difficult decision to step away from music to raise a family and work a corporate job, and his eventual triumphant return to the realm of songwriting and performing. This episode not only reveals the man behind the music,...

Ever wondered how punk and metal enthusiasts morph into celebrated songwriters? Unleash the story behind the musical transformation of Tribe and King, and choir aficionado turned songwriter, Ray Kwan Green, in a festival they never dreamt of being part of. Discover their musical journey, from their roots to their current fame, and hear first-hand experiences of their struggles, victories, and the unforgettable experience of singing in an old church, which played a significant role in their...

What do truth, love, and the power of music have in common? They form the backbone of a truly impactful song, or so say our guests for this episode, the renowned songwriters Ron Grimes and Stefan Prigmore. Ron and Stefan are here to share their remarkable journeys in the music industry, and we promise it's a narrative you won't want to pause.  We kick things off at the Old Bolivar Station Songwriter Festival, where Ron and Stefan pull back the curtain on their creative processes and talk...

Get ready to mark your calendars folks! We've got the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Amanda Gibson, giving us an exclusive on the 45th Annual Downtown Sellabration Festival. With an impressive line-up of food trucks, vendors, games, raffles and even a mechanical bull ride, it's promising to be an event to remember. Amanda walks us through how this community-oriented festival has grown and blossomed over the years. We also get an insider's peek into the beneficiaries of this grand...

Did you miss the Old Bolivar Station Songwriter Festival?  Over the next few weeks, we will release interviews with some of our performers.  Listen to their stories about getting into the business and their career climb. This episode features Jacob Muniz & JJ Roberson. Listen to JJ Roberson:  https://www.facebook.com/jjrobersonmusic/ Liston to Jacob Muniz:  https://www.facebook.com/jacob.muniz.7/ You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX.