Pflugerville on Fire

Chris Wolff

Our first episode drops August 31! This podcast mini-series will inform you about the initiative to defund the Pflugerville Fire Department. Listen on all major podcasting platforms. Subscribe to get the latest episodes. We have some great guests lined up! 

  1. AUG 4

    Heritage House: Preserving Pflugerville's Roots and Frontier Spirit

    Send us a text What happens when three lifelong Pflugerville residents with over two centuries of combined local knowledge gather in a historic Sears kit home to share stories? Pure magic. In this special heritage edition of Pflugerville on Fire, I sit down with Vernagene Mott, Glenn Schiller, and David Gabert at the beautifully preserved Heritage House Museum. Together, they recall stories of Pflugerville's past, from the legendary 55-game football winning streak that put our small town on the national map to harrowing eyewitness accounts of the 1971 fire that nearly destroyed downtown. The conversation takes us deeper as my guests reveal what it was like growing up speaking German at home, learning English only upon entering school, and how World War II changed the cultural landscape of Pflugerville overnight. You'll hear about government authorities monitoring German-speaking residents, families butchering their own pork and using "every part of the pig except the squeal," and the cultural traditions that shaped our community's identity. The Heritage House itself tells an extraordinary story - built from a Sears catalog kit that arrived by train in 1912, assembled by community members, and now standing as a living museum filled with treasures. Each artifact holds personal meaning for my guests, from the pump organ that entertained generations of children to the morning gown that represented a family's status and to the Main Street bench where townspeople gathered every Saturday. Whether you're a history buff, a longtime resident, or new to Pflugerville, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of our community. Visit the Heritage House yourself on the first Sunday of each month, and consider supporting the Heritage House Partners in their mission to preserve these irreplaceable stories for future generations. After all, as Vernagene wisely notes, "We're leaving a heritage and we are also living legacies."

    34 min
  2. 11/04/2024

    Championing Public Safety with April Griffin, TCESD2 Board Vice President

    Send us a text Discover the compelling journey of service and governance with April Griffin, Vice President of the ESD2 Board of Commissioners. April, who has a rich background in the Air Force and as an attorney for the State of Texas, shares the motivations that catapulted her into community service in Pflugerville. Uncover the intricate challenges the board faced, particularly with the implementation of Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport services after Travis County EMS withdrew. Explore the strategic creation of ESD 17 as a funding lifeline and gain insights into the concerns surrounding the non-elected status of board commissioners. This episode offers a glimpse into the complexities of governance and the relentless pursuit of serving the community effectively. As we conclude this enlightening journey, we reflect on the growth and shared experiences that have enriched both our podcast and community. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our listeners for their unwavering support and invite them to a watch party at Hanover's on November 5th at 7 pm. This gathering will feature a special bonus episode with Chief Ron Moellenberg recounting the historic 1971 fire in downtown Pflugerville, tying perfectly into our community’s rich history. Join us as we continue to foster connections and knowledge sharing, and let's keep the conversation going beyond the podcast. Engage with us, share your thoughts, and be part of this thriving community experience.

    19 min
  3. 10/25/2024

    Evolution of a County, Planning for Future Growth with Jeff Travillion, Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 1

    Send us a text County Commissioner Jeff Travillion of Travis County, Precinct 1, joins us to share his inspiring journey from Mississippi to becoming a dedicated public servant in Texas. With an educational background spanning Jackson State University, Carnegie Mellon, and Harvard, Jeff offers us a glimpse into how his experiences fueled his passion for equity and community development. His story is not just about personal growth; it's a vibrant testament to the power of civic engagement and education as foundational pillars for meaningful change in our communities. As Pflugerville continues to grow rapidly, Jeff emphasizes the critical importance of having skilled and knowledgeable decision-makers to manage infrastructure demands effectively. We explore the pressing challenges faced by Austin-Travis County EMS and the need for resource allocation to keep pace with this growth. By examining the delicate balance between public service motives and profit, Jeff advocates for decisions grounded in facts to ensure the well-being and safety of the community. The conversation is a call to action for transparent city planning and the involvement of individuals with relevant expertise in shaping the future of our cities. With election day on the horizon, our dialogue shifts to the significance of community and the importance of voting against Prop A, which threatens to defund the fire department, by actively participating in early voting and showing up at polling locations. The episode is a rallying cry for civic duty, ending with an invitation to join us at Hanover's Draft House in Pflugerville to unite as a community, regardless of the election outcomes. This gathering is more than just a celebration; it's a testament to the strength and solidarity that comes from supporting each other in our shared civic responsibilities. Don't Defund Pfire Website Link

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Our first episode drops August 31! This podcast mini-series will inform you about the initiative to defund the Pflugerville Fire Department. Listen on all major podcasting platforms. Subscribe to get the latest episodes. We have some great guests lined up!