You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

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 cone business, Blake's Snow Shack—approaching its 10th anniversary—has become both a beloved local institution and a powerful platform for changing perceptions.

What makes Blake's story so compelling isn't just his impressive list of accomplishments. It's the philosophy behind them. As his mother Marianne explains, "Blake has Down syndrome, but that's not who he is." This approach—seeing Down syndrome as just a small part of Blake rather than his defining characteristic—guided his parents to raise him with the same expectations as his older brother. When Blake would say "what about me?" wanting to participate like everyone else, his family made sure he had opportunities.

The impact reaches far beyond Sanger. Through the Blake Powering Entrepreneur Scholarship, Blake helps others with Down syndrome start their own businesses. The Blake Powering Act established October as a celebration month for entrepreneurs with disabilities in Texas. But perhaps most importantly, Blake's story challenges fundamental assumptions about support and independence, reminding us that everyone needs and deserves appropriate assistance to thrive.

Visit Blake's Snow Shack at the corner of 5th and Oak in downtown Sanger, follow them on social media, and experience firsthand how a snow cone business is changing lives one scoop at a time.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

What 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 smaller districts.

The conversation reveals how Sanger's bold move to a four-day instructional week has yielded "off the charts" approval from teachers, students, and families alike. This innovation has dramatically improved teacher recruitment and retention, bringing in educators with hundreds of years of combined experience who are choosing Sanger specifically for its forward-thinking approach.

The crown jewel of their transformation is the stunning new 250,000-square-foot high school opening in August 2025. This "pure awesomeness" as Jenny describes it, features specialized spaces for everything from culinary arts to criminal justice, health sciences to fine arts – all designed with extensive community input. Perhaps most impressive is Sanger's commitment to career pathways, offering fifteen different CTE programs when only one is required by the state.

Whether you're a parent considering educational options, an educator looking for inspiration, or a community member interested in how schools evolve to meet future needs, this conversation offers a blueprint for educational excellence built on student-centered decision making and community partnership.

Ready to see what Purple Pride is all about? Discover why families and teachers are making Sanger ISD their destination of choice.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Laura 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 students planning their futures, and adults in their 20s through retirement. Their innovative offerings range from Kids Can Cook classes and puzzle races to aluminum pours and period parties in collaboration with TWU Nursing.

What library school never prepared Klinke for was the significant social work component of modern library service. Staff regularly help patrons in crisis access essential services through partnerships with organizations like Denton County United Way. This personal touch defines Sanger's approach, where staff pride themselves on knowing patrons by name and witnessing families grow over time. Digital resources like Cloud Library and Peterson's career prep materials complement their physical collection, while participation in a six-library consortium allows resource sharing across communities. Anyone – not just Sanger residents – can get a library card and access these valuable resources.

Looking ahead, Klinke dreams of an outreach vehicle to bring library services directly into neighborhoods. Whether through volunteering, joining Friends of the Library, or simply spreading the word about available resources, community members can help support this vision of a library that truly serves everyone from birth through retirement. Visit SangerLibrary.org to discover everything your community living room has to offer!

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Ever 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 dairy, eggs and meats (including bison!) to artisanal crafts, tamales, pasta, cheesecake, and ginger beer. There's something for everyone at this certified Texas farmers market.

The downtown location has been transformative, providing vendors with protection from dust and wind, access to electricity, and improved accessibility. Downtown businesses have embraced the market, reporting increased revenue on market days and supporting its continued growth. Most touching is Amber's revelation that visiting vendors have fallen so in love with Sanger's welcoming community that many are looking to relocate their homes and businesses to the town permanently.

Looking ahead, the market has exciting plans including specialized themed markets, moonlight markets running from 6-10pm, agricultural education events, and potentially a community garden and homesteading classes. The market operates March through November on first and third Saturdays and third Sundays.

Ready to experience this community cornerstone yourself? Visit www.thefarmerswifemarkets.com or follow DS_FarmersMarket on social media for updates. As Amber says, "Come to the farmers market and support your local community. The atmosphere is really great. I feel alive whenever I'm there."

Connect with the Downtown Sanger Farmer's Market:

Facebook: Downtown Sanger Farmers Market 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088718678593

 Instagram: @ds_farmersmarket

https://www.instagram.com/ds_farmersmarket/

 TikTok: @ds_farmersmarket

https://www.tiktok.com/@ds_farmersmarket

 YouTube: @dsfarmersmarket

https://www.youtube.com/@dsfarmersmarket

 Website: www.thefarmerswifemarkets.com

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Dive 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 how every dollar spent recirculates back into Sanger, bolstering local infrastructures, and services. 

Engaging with the Chamber isn't just about membership; it’s about creating a dynamic ecosystem where businesses thrive together. With useful insights on getting involved in the Chamber and maximizing available resources, this episode offers a roadmap to success for both new entrepreneurs and established businesses. Join us as we discuss upcoming events that are essential for networking and community engagement. 

Ready to become part of a community that prioritizes growth and collaboration? Tune in and learn how you can support local businesses and help Sanger flourish! Don't forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review!

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Ever 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 a Crawfish Roll event on Fat Tuesday to introducing live music and line dancing, Uptown Rail Brewery is shaping up to be a vibrant hub for all ages. Their thoughtful renovation of the brewery space—honoring Sanger’s historical essence while incorporating modern design—reflects their commitment to fostering a welcoming community space. You’ll hear about their ambitious plans, like setting up outdoor stages and diverse food truck offerings, all guided by community feedback to ensure there's something for everyone.

In this episode, we also look at the broader theme of community involvement and its essential role in business success. Todd and Vanessa discuss the power of volunteerism and how it helps nurture a sense of belonging. With their low-voltage company, Paxia, they balance multiple ventures while investing in young talent. Their story is a testament to the importance of local support in achieving growth and prosperity. We express our gratitude to the Bensons for their commitment to Sanger's vibrant future and look forward to seeing their continued impact in 2025 and beyond.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Wondering 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 of local history? It's passion and creativity, which were on full display with the creation of a board game that took the community by storm. This episode honors the student's hard work and highlights the importance of community involvement, not just in terms of financial support but also in the invaluable contributions of time and effort from dedicated volunteers. These individuals are the backbone of events like the gala, ensuring they are engaging, successful, and impactful, with initiatives like community lunches further connecting Sanger's leaders with its future generation.

Get ready for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the Education Foundation gala the event of the year. From the golden ticket raffle and unique travel opportunities to exclusive experience-based packages, Valerie gives us a sneak peek into what attendees can expect. This gala is more than just a fundraiser; it's a networking feast where community spirit takes center stage, and connections are made that propel Sanger's growth. We encourage anyone interested in being part of this vibrant atmosphere to secure their tickets fast, as they're selling out quickly. Join us as we celebrate the power of partnership in nurturing a thriving educational environment!

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

Join 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 her trusty laptop, ensuring every child gets a fair shot at making the nice list.

We also take a peek at the quirky holiday traditions of the North Pole, from the idea of a Santa cam to the challenges of keeping the internet running in such a snowy wonderland. Picture Santa maneuvering around foggy weather, sneaking veggies onto his plate, and avoiding chimney mishaps—all while his suit remains spotless thanks to magical laundry soap. As we gear up for "Christmas on the Square," Mrs. Claus wraps up our chat with a heartfelt message about the importance of kindness and family during the holidays. Mark your calendars for December 7th when she'll join us for crafting and storytelling, while Santa poses for photos and creates unforgettable memories for all.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]

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 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 developments cleverly blend into an existing community without causing chaos? Ramey shares her expertise on the importance of comprehensive plans and navigating the complexities of city growth. We tackle the real challenges faced by the engineering sector, the misunderstandings with developers, and the meticulous planning required to ensure utilities and drainage systems do not negatively impact existing properties. This episode offers a fascinating look into the nuanced world of city planning, where careful strategy meets community objectives.

Sanger, a small town with a big heart, takes center stage as Ramey reflects on its unique charm and tight-knit community spirit. Discover the vital role of code enforcement in preserving Sanger's quality of life and how the city prioritizes compliance over citations to maintain high community standards. We celebrate the camaraderie that defines Sanger, inviting you to become part of this welcoming community, where cooperation and support are woven into the town's fabric. Whether you're a resident or just passing through, this episode highlights the developments that promise to enhance Sanger's environment and foster an even stronger sense of togetherness.

You have been listening to The 266 Express, the official podcast of Sanger, TX. IF you have comments or suggestions, please send them to [email protected]