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This podcast contains comments from the November 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members make an exception in the normally routine approval of pre-qualifying outside companies to provide on-call services.
There was no opposition to Bob Yancy's request to drop one company from the list.
Yancy did not want on the list, the company initially hired to do soil testing at Texas Independence Park where it was later learned the soil would not support the construction of baseball fields.
The council unanimously approved the remaining 72 firms that were pre-qualified in 22 different categories.
Click HERE to read and download additional information from the November 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting before the vote to delete one company from the list of pre-qualified outside companies.
This podcast contains comments from the November 18, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting, chaired by acting county judge Kyle Kacal.
Brazos County commissioners vote three to one to continue using a consultant to manage road projects financed by a voter approved bond issue in November 2022.But the amount of money the consultants is going down as they are managing fewer projects.
The commission majority said the consultant's services will no longer be needed after January of 2027.
County engineer Prathana Banerji says the consulting engineers provide services that are beyond what is available at the county's road and bridge department.
Commissioner Fred Brown, who voted against the contract extension, said a consultant was not needed to work with TxDOT.
Click HERE to read and download the second amendment to the Brazos County contract with Innovative Transportation Services that was approved at the November 18, 2025 county commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the original contract with Innovative Transportation services was signed in 2020.
Click HERE to read and download the first amendment to the contract was signed in 2024.
This podcast is a visit with assistant Brazos County district attorney Jessica Escue and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A Brazos County district judge sentencing a Temple man to prison for evading arrest with a prior conviction resulted in additional criminal charges.
One of the prosecutors at the sentencing hearing, Jessica Escue, says when 24 year old Jeffery Warren reacted to the prison sentence by creating an outburst in the courtroom that included cursing at court staff, resisting arrest, and briefly escaping custody, knocking over furniture and equipment in the courtroom before being forcibly apprehended by bailiffs and investigators with the district attorney's office, and damaging fixtures in the courtroom.
Escue says the following day in the county jail, Warren assaulted a detention officer seriously enough to require hospital treatment. Escue says Warren has been indicted by a grand jury on a charge of assaulting a peace officer.
Escue says the indictment and any charges from the courtroom outburst will be handled by a different Brazos County district judge and another group of prosecutors.
News release from the Brazos County district attorney's office about the sentencing of Jeffery Warren:
On November 13, 2025, Jeffery Warren, 24, was sentenced by District Judge John Brick to five years in prison for the offense of Evading Arrest with a Previous Conviction. Warren’s sentence followed a plea of guilty and a punishment hearing in front of Judge Brick.Warren’s conviction stemmed from an incident on August 27, 2022.
Around 6 pm that night, the College Station Police Department responded to Highway 6 after receiving a call regarding a stolen vehicle out of Killeen, Texas which the owner was able to track via satellite GPS. The owner informed CSPD that the vehicle was travelling northbound on Highway 6 towards College Station.CSPD spotted the vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, the vehicle travelled at a high rate of speed, crossed into the grassy median and then into oncoming traffic on Highway 6. Because of the danger to the community, officers terminated the high-speed pursuit.
Shortly thereafter, Officers located the now wrecked and abandoned vehicle in a nearby neighborhood. Officers set up a perimeter and canvassed the area. After speaking to residents, combing through the area with a K-9 unit and watching Ring Camera footage, officers located the defendant hiding in a nearby creek. His codefendant, the driver of the vehicle, was also located nearby. At the time of this offense, Warren was on probation for felony evading out of Bell County.
After the sentence of five years in prison was announced by Judge Brick, Warren began cursing at court staff, resisted arrest, and briefly escaped custody, knocking over furniture and equipment in the courtroom before being forcibly apprehended by bailiffs and investigators with the District Attorney’s Office. In his efforts to escape, Warren damaged fixtures in the 272nd courtroom. Investigations into additional charges are currently in progress.
Statement from assistant Brazos County district attorneys Jessica Escue and Jordan Jordan: “Every police chase is a dangerous event for law enforcement and innocent civilians. The defendant’s behavior — while on probation for the same offense — requires a strong response to protect our community.”
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about nickels, parking regulations in neighborhoods, responding to informed citizen input, The Big 6 project, Dave & Buster's and Sprouts coming to College Station, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 17, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members at the November 17th meeting were given an update on the education foundation bringing comfort dogs to three elementary schools.
The principal at Kemp-Carver, Alison Boggan introduced June, who is a one year old black Labrador.
Boggan and Kemp-Carver teacher Cara Peters shared the overwhelming response in the two weeks June has been in their building.
The board was told during December, Mochi will be introduced at Neal elementary and Rhys will be introduced at Sul Ross.
This podcast contains comments from the November 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council's second meeting of November was moved to Monday (November 24) due to Thanksgiving.
Purchases approved by the council included new playground equipment at three city parks. Assistant parks and recreation director Gene Ballew explained the process of selecting Castlegate, Merry Oaks, and Southern Oaks parks, which included the results of a public survey. Acquisition and installation of the $600,000 dollars of new equipment is expected to take about five months. Ballew also the council they would be considering similar action at other parks early next year.
Click HERE to read and download information about the parks playground purchase.
The council also approved spending $335,000 dollars for the police department to replace a robot that is used by CSPD's bomb squad. Lieutenant Sean Beatty, who is CSPD's special operations commander, explained the reason for replacing an 18 year old unit.
Click HERE to read and download information about the bomb robot purchase.
Those purchases were part of the consent agenda that the council unanimously approved.
This podcast contains comments from the November 18, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members spent more than 40 minutes at the end of the November regular meeting discussing in private, who will lead the board for the next 12 months.
After the executive session, there was no public discussion before making two votes.
The first was a unanimous vote naming Kim Ege board president and Heather Simmen vice president.
That was followed by a 4-3 vote choosing Heather Wilson as board secretary.
Wilson, who voted for herself, was joined by Ege, Simmen, and Darin Paine. Kimberly McAdams, who voted for herself, was joined by newly elected members Mike Martindale and Chris Field.
This podcast contains comments from the November 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Action at the College Station city council meeting on November 13th included unanimous approval was given to updates in the fire and life safety codes as presented by fire chief Richard Mann.
The chief said the biggest change is adding a section about lithium batteries.
There is also a new requirement for carbon monoxide detectors in every residence that uses natural gas to fuel appliances.
College Station's construction board of adjustments also recommended the changes.
Click HERE to read and download what was approved at the November 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update features partner agency Save Our Streets Ministries.
This podcast contains comments from the November 18, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Monday before Thanksgiving was the start of the projected $17 million dollar renovation of the Brazos County administration building.
The county's project manager, Trevor Lansdown, told commissioners during their November 18th meeting that the current public entrance will be closed, a new sidewalk will be poured leading to a new entrance, what has been an employee parking lot on the north side of the building will be accessible to the public, and affected employees will have access to the parking garage that is between the ad building and the courthouse.
Completion is projected to be in the spring of 2027.
Following Lansdown's update, commissioners voted 3-1 to spend $125,000 dollars to test materials being used in the project.
There was a lengthy conversation following commissioner Fred Brown's opposition to the agreement. The expenditure is part of a multiyear contract that Brown said doesn't show whether this was the best price for the service. That and other comments resulted in responses from commissioner Wanda Watson, county purchasing agent Charles Wendt, and Lansdown.
Click HERE to read and download the materials testing agreement that was approved at the November 18, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the November 18, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD board members take the next step towards admitting out of district students.But the two newest CSISD board members did not vote with the majority on two motions during November's regular meeting.
Former superintendent Mike Martindale voted against changing CSISD's district of innovation (DOI) plan. Martindale disagreed with current superintendent Tim Harkrider, who said his leadership team met state requirements to endorse changing CSISD's district of innovation plan. Martindale said the Texas Education Agency required support from CSISD's DEIC (district education improvement committee) or an equivalent committee.
Chris Field voted against changing the DOI plan because he wanted to know first, how the superintendent would decide who would be admitted. Harkrider said "off the top of my head, grade wise would be nothing below an 85, attendance would be at least 90 and above, (and) three or less referrals with no major infractions."
Click HERE to read and download the change in CSISD's DOI plan to allow out of district students.
In a separate vote, Martindale voted no and Field abstained to change CSISD policy on allowing what is currently planned to recruit kindergarten through sixth grade students.
Click HERE to read and download the change in CSISD policy regarding enrollment of out of district students.
This podcast is a recording of the ceremonial groundbreaking of "The Big 6" expansion of Earl Rudder Freeway on November 20, 2025.
Speakers were Texas department of transportation (TxDOT) Bryan district engineer Chad Bohne, Brazos County state representative Paul Dyson, acting Brazos County judge Kyle Kacal, Bryan city councilman mayor pro-tem James Edge, College Station mayor John Nichols, the executive director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization Dan Rudge, and Shawn West, one of the presidents of Fluor Corporation, which is the general contractor. The emcee was Rusty Surette of KBTX-TV.
College Station Councilman Scott Shafer visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his job at Texas A&M University, The Big 6 expansion project, improving transportation safety on Texas A&M's campus, citizen input, the Northgate District, the former Macy's store, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 13, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
November's quarterly meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents included action and discussion on nine building related projects.
After seven years of planning, construction will start soon on the new home of Texas A&M's meat science and technology center. The $114 million dollar facility will be located on the RELLIS campus. The director of AgriLife Research, Cliff Lamb, said the complex is moving from its present location on Finfeather Road because no land was available in 2018 when they started planning. While substantial completion is expected in February 2028, the complex won't open until the city of Bryan completes a sanitary sewer project that affects the entire RELLIS campus.
Click HERE to read and download background information on the new meat science and technology center.
Approval was also given to a Texas A&M baseball player development center. The $28 million dollar project demolishes the current batting cage and replaces it with a more than 34,000 square foot building. Construction is scheduled to start in December 2025 and be completed in one year.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the new baseball player development center.
Approval was given to proceed with the $20.5 million dollar renovation of the 1041 building on Texas A&M's west campus.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the 1041 building renovation.
Approval was given to proceed with the $9.4 million dollar HVAC replacement at Hart residence hall.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the Hart Hall HVAC replacement.
The regents moved up the start of construction on two buildings to this fiscal year. The west campus learning commons was scheduled to start in fiscal year 2028 and a third building for the Mays Business School was scheduled to start in fiscal year 2027.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the west campus learning commons project.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the Mays Business School building #3 project.
The regents also held a discussion about future plans to add parking on the flagship campus to replace space that is or will be taken for the Aplin Center among other current and future projects. A&M's chief operating officer Peter Lange said there is discussion for a ninth and tenth parking garage. One garage is on the university's capital plan for west campus. And Lange says nine or ten possible sites have been identified for additional parking.
The regents also discussed moving the system's audit office to a new location. Building committee chairman Randy Brooks of San Angelo said they are looking at a vacant A&M building in College Station on Texas near Dominik.
And the A&M system's chief administrative officer, Joseph Duron, presented a new $100 million dollar demolition/deferred maintenance plan where all universities and agencies can apply. The first phase will pay for demolition, beginning with vacant buildings. The second phase will continue with demolition and will address deferred maintenance on a prioritization schedule.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about the demolition/deferred maintenance plan.
Bryan Councilman Paul Torres visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about naming Andrew Nelson as the new city manager, maintenance at Travis Field, improving facilities, working with REV, what he is hearing from constituents, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Commissioner Wanda Watson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the makeup of the current commissioners court, Fred Brown's experience, new development, the new medical examiner's office, citizen input, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 18, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members unanimously decide to spend money from the November 2023 bond issue to build a new central administration office.
The building will be located on property owned by CSISD on Sebesta Road, east of the freeway between Rock Prairie Road and Emerald Parkway.
Board members agreed with the administration's conclusion that "a suitable and cost effective building" could not be found to renovate.
Click HERE to read and download a memo from CSISD facilities director.
The school board's bond counsel agreed that bond money could go towards new construction. And there was no objection from members of the bond steering committee.
Click HERE to read and download the opinion of the CSISD school board's bond counsel.
Board members were told that groundbreaking could take place by August 2026 and the new building could open in January 2028.Once the move is made, the Welsh Avenue complex will be repurposed.
The estimated budget of the new building is $25.4 million dollars. CSISD's website says $31.111 million was budgeted for a buying and renovating an existing building then repurposing the Welsh Avenue complex.
Click HERE to read and download the CSISD website's summary of the 2023 bond issue.
The vote was the last for departing board members Jeff Horak and Joshua Benn.
With little time to spare, a new lighted Christmas tree will make its debut in downtown Bryan Friday evening (November 21) for the annual "Lights On!" event.
Interim city manager Hugh Walker told the city council during their November 11th meeting that the L-E-D tree was arriving the week of the event. And Walker asked for prayers for city employees who would be installing the new tree in front of Mounce Library.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez provided an update on WTAW's The Infomaniacs November 19th that the new tree was in place that he describes as "phenomenal".
A city spokeswoman told WTAW News that the location of the new tree appears to offer more room for the tree and visitors. Its location also helps brighten the walkway for visitors between the downtown Bryan parking garage and Main Street.
"Lights On!" takes place between five and ten p.m. At 6:30, there will be a countdown to lighting another tree at Gloria Sale Park.
The event also includes holiday photo backdrop stations, live entertainment, fun activities hosted by local businesses, and a special appearance by Santa Claus.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about naming Andrew Nelson as new city manager, the new summer baseball team, improvements at Travis Field, Midtown Park, incentives for building on the RELLIS campus, holiday events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the executive director of Brazos County 9-1-1 Patrick Corley and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Tuesday (November 18) began the trial period of artificial intelligence (A.I.) being used in the Brazos County 9-1-1 dispatch center.
Executive director Patrick Corley says A.I. will greet callers to the non-emergency phone number for the city of Bryan and unincorporated areas of Brazos County.
Callers will be asked to give the same information to A.I. as they would to a dispatcher.
Corley says the technology can also detect when the non-emergency call could be an emergency.
Corley says A.I. is being used to reduce the nearly 200,000 non-emergency calls handled by dispatchers last year. That compares with almost 50,000 emergency calls last year.
News release from Brazos County 9-1-1:
The Brazos County 9-1-1 District manages 9-1-1 services in Brazos County and operates the multijurisdictional dispatch center serving police, fire, and EMS agencies in the City of Bryan and Brazos County.
We are pleased to announce the launch of an automated non-emergency triage system in our dispatch center.Developed by Prepared, an Axon company, the platform rapidly connects non-emergency callers to the appropriate resources while preserving critical personnel for urgent emergencies.
Brazos County 9-1-1 has partnered with Prepared for several years to deploy advanced emergency communications technologies, including text messaging, live video streaming, real-time language translation, and call transcription.
In 2024, our dispatch center answered 49,917 emergency calls and processed nearly 200,000 non-emergency calls. This latest enhancement from Prepared will strengthen our ability to respond efficiently and effectively to both emergency and non-emergency needs across the community.
In the coming weeks, callers to the non-emergency line for Bryan and Brazos County, (979) 361-3888, will communicate with an AI assistant capable of dynamically responding to requests in English and Spanish. Issues such as abandoned vehicles, noise complaints, or other matters not requiring an immediate response will be managed by the AI assistant, which will quickly identify the caller’s needs and escalate them to the emergency line when necessary.
Limited real-world testing will begin immediately, with full deployment anticipated later this month.Brazos County 9-1-1 personnel will continuously monitor the non-emergency line to ensure any true emergencies are identified without delay. As always, callers should dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.
This launch follows several months of preparation and testing in a simulated environment to ensure the platform meets the needs of our dispatch center and the community. In close collaboration with Prepared’s customer success team, we have developed and implemented policies that ensure the system performs reliably across a wide range of scenarios.
Prepared, by Axon, is a mission-driven organization committed to improving public safety. While developing an app to help mitigate school emergencies, the team identified significant gaps in the data captured through traditional 9-1-1 processes and set out to address them by creating Prepared. Since its public launch in October 2021, the platform has supported agencies serving more than 90 million people across 49 states.
This podcast contains comments from the November 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council officially moves a new baseball complex to a third location.
At the council's last meeting (November 13), unanimous approval was given to end design and construction contracts for a stadium and three fields at Veterans Park and to proceed with a stadium and eight fields on city owned property behind the Costco store in the Midtown area.
Click HERE to read and download background information about ending the design and construction contracts at Veterans Park.
Veterans Park was chosen after the original location at Texas Independence Park was scrapped due to soil quality issues. The city's chief development officer, Michael Ostrowski, told WTAW News that initial soil tests at Midtown looks good but more tests are being done.
Ostrowski told the city council he expects the Midtown stadium, which will be built on Midtown Drive near an extension of Corporate Parkway, to open in the spring of 2028.
During the same meeting, the council approved a contract to spend up to $194,000 dollars for new signage at the entrances to Veterans Park off Harvey Road and University Drive.
Click HERE to read and download background information about new entrance signage at Veterans Park.
The council also approved at the same meeting, spending up to $151,000 dollars to repair six ballfields at Bachmann Park that were damaged due to other construction activities. Those repairs will be paid by the revenue the city collects from organizations that use the fields.
Click HERE to read and download background information about ballfield repairs at Bachmann Park.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update features partner agency The Prenatal Clinic.
This podcast contains comments from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Two city of College Station road projects now involve eminent domain proceedings.
That follows the city council voting 4-2 during its October 23rd on both projects.
One project involves building a roundabout at Victoria and Creek Meadows Boulevard which also involves relocating a water line and adding a shared use path and drainage.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the eminent domain proceedings for the roundabout at Victoria and Creek Meadows Boulevard.
The other project involves widening the remainder of Greens Prairie Road to four lanes with a center turn lane, shared use paths, and street lights.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the eminent domain proceedings for expanding Greens Prairie Road.
This podcast contains comments from the November 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council votes five to two against a zoning change to build nearly 900 homes on land surrounded by three existing subdivisions.
The land south of Greens Prairie Road near fire station #7 that is under construction is bordered by the Greens Prairie Reserve, Sweetwater, and Woodlake Estates subdivisions.
Homeowners in those adjacent neighborhoods took up most of the 90 minutes during public comments listing their opposition.
Reasons given council members who opposed the rezoning included the proposed development had greater density than the adjacent neighborhoods, there was no guarantee the new homes would remain owner-occupied and supporting the unanimous denial by the planning and zoning commission.
The property is currently zoned rural, which requires larger lots and dimensional standards for single-family homes.
The council majority denied the applicant's request for general suburban zoning that would have reduced lot sizes that would have allowed more homes to be built.
Voting against the rezoning were David White, Melissa McIlhaney, Bob Yancy, Scott Shafer, and John Nichols.
Voting for the motion to change rezoning to a combination of general suburban and restricted suburban were William Wright and Mark Smith.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download maps that were shown at the November 13, 2025 city council meeting of the proposed development from homebuilder D.R. Horton.
This podcast is a recording of the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army Christmas holiday kickoff program that took place November 14, 2025.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army’s annual holiday campaign is underway.
Friday’s Christmas kickoff program (November 14) at Blue Baker restaurant on University begins the adoption of children who will receive gifts through the Angel Tree program and the recruitment of volunteer bell ringers at Red Kettle locations.
Angel Trees are located at various businesses around Bryan and College Station, including Blue Baker’s three locations. The trees will be decorated with paper angels, each representing a local child.
Community members who participate are asked to drop off gifts for their Angel Tree recipient by Saturday, December 13th.Adopting a child and volunteering as a Red Kettle bell ringer can also be done online. Click HERE to be directed to the B/CS Salvation Army website.
And limited-edition Angel Cookies will be available for purchase at all three Blue Baker locations from Friday, November 14th through Sunday November 16th while supplies last. 100 percent of proceeds from cookie sales will directly benefit Angel Tree.
Friday’s kickoff program began with Bryan Broadcasting's Allison Harrell introducing a performance from Texas A&M women's student chorus One-A-Chord.
That was followed by a welcome and prayer from Salvation Army captain Marianne Villanueva.
Speakers, in order of appearance, were College Station mayor John Nichols, Bryan mayor pro tem James Edge, B/CS Salvation Army advisory council chairman Stephen Vincent, a check presentation from the The Women's Club of Bryan/College Station, Blue Baker catering manager president Selena Crites, more from Bryan Broadcasting’s Allison Harrell, Aggie Salvation Army treasurer Josiah Cuttill, Salvation Army captain Luis Villanueva, and Joe Ramirez representing the B/CS chamber of commerce ribbon cutting.
This podcast contains comments from the November 13, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
The Texas A&M system board of regents unanimously amend policies affecting faculty members.
One policy change says no academic course within the system may teach race or gender ideology or topics related to sexual orientation or gender identity, unless the course and its materials are approved in advance by a university president.
Another policy change says faculty members are prohibited from introducing unrelated topics or teaching material inconsistent with the approved syllabus.
Click HERE to read and download the amended A&M system policies 08.01 and 12.01.
Before the votes, regents heard from ten faculty members on the flagship campus, of which eight expressed opposition to the policy changes.
The regents also received 141 letters, of which there was no breakdown of who submitted the letters or the position those people took.
Michael Ostrowski, Chief Development Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about council's decision to deny rezoning land near the new fire station, new baseball fields in Midtown, citizen input, Veterans Park, the former Macy's store, prospecting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 11, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
No one on the Bryan city council expressed opposition to spending as much as $700,000 dollars on deferred maintenance at the Travis Field baseball stadium.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 11, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
This comes as the city resumes control of the stadium on January 1st.
This follows 19 years of control by Infinity Sports Entertainment, the parent company of the Brazos Valley Bombers.
At Tuesday's city council workshop meeting (November 11), acting city manager Hugh Walker presented a list of deferred maintenance items composed of replacing equipment, facility improvements, capital purchases, and operational expenses.
In response to a council question, Walker said the city is not asking Infinity to help pay, saying "we prefer being responsible for those to make sure that we know how it's done."
Among the 21 items listed by Walker, was more than $139,000 dollars for turf replacement, $120,000 to replace netting, $90,000 for shade structures, $70,000 to replace or repair the stadium's party deck, more than $37,000 for painting the stadium, and $30,700 to replace the public address system.Walker also reported the city is projecting at this time, revenue of $103,000 dollars from 14 teams and organizations that plan to play ball at Travis Field baseball stadium during 2026.
Stadium rentals begin in January 2026. Renters includes the new summer league baseball team that will start using the stadium in May 2026.
Walker's report comes the week before the city council has a special meeting with its consultant about the stadium and the rest of the Travis Park baseball complex.
This podcast contains comments from the November 11, 2025 Bryan city council workshop and business meetings.
Conflicting observations of the operations at the Bryan fire department were shared during November's regular meeting of the city council.
During a Tuesday afternoon workshop (November 11), fire chief Richard Guisti provided an update over the four years he has led the department.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 11, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
That was followed by the chief receiving complements and support from six council members.
Then during the council's evening business meeting, remarks were made during the public comment period from representatives of three firefighter organizations.
The 11th district vice president of the international association of firefighters, Michael Glenn, questioned the data the fire chief shared about firefighter response times.
That was followed by criticism of the chief from the president of the Texas state association of firefighters John Riddle and the president of the Bryan firefighters union, Daniel Buford.
Later in the meeting, the council unanimously approved a contract with the firefighters union that is officially known as the "meet and confer agreement".
Click HERE to read and download the Bryan fire department meet and confer agreement that was approved at the November 11, 2025 city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the November 11, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council unanimously votes to approve the hiring of former mayor as city manager.
All seven members commented on the selection during their November 11th meeting.
Nelson, whose first day on the job is November 24th, did not make any comments during the council meeting.
WTAW News has asked for a copy of the council's employment contract with Nelson. A city spokeswoman says that will be sent when it is fully executed.
News release from the city of Bryan:
The Bryan City Council voted Tuesday, Nov. 11, to appoint Andrew Nelson as the next city manager.
Nelson, who stepped down from his role as chief executive officer of Lisam America, Inc., will begin his duties with the City of Bryan on Nov. 24.
“It has been an honor serving my team and customers at Lisam America these past 15 years, but my heart is calling me home to once again serve the City of Bryan,” Nelson said. “I look forward to leading our dedicated staff who serve our community with passion and purpose.”
Nelson founded the U.S. operations for Lisam Systems Group in 2010 and led the company’s growth from a startup to the largest and fastest-growing branch within a 21-country global enterprise. Before that, he founded and served as chief executive officer of TomorrowNow, Inc. from 1998 to 2007, guiding the company from inception to multi-million-dollar annual revenues before its sale to SAP, the world’s largest enterprise software company.
Nelson served as mayor of Bryan from 2016 to 2022, working with the City Council and staff to navigate historic challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri. During his tenure, the city completed the major annexation of the Texas A&M-RELLIS Campus and transformative initiatives such as Travis Bryan Midtown Park, Legends Event Center, Destination Bryan, and infrastructure investments that created long-term improvements without raising the property tax rate.
“Bryan operates like a business in many ways and we take pride in working at the speed of business,” Mayor Bobby Gutierrez said. “Private-sector experience has proven valuable in city leadership. Kean Register, Bryan’s longest-serving city manager, came from that background, and Andrew Nelson brings that same perspective and business mindset. The council and I are confident he will continue that tradition of strategic, forward-looking decisions that keep Bryan efficient, innovative, and positioned for a strong future.”
Nelson grew up in Bryan-College Station and earned a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering, cum laude, from Texas A&M University in 1992. He returned to the Brazos Valley in 2001 and has lived in Bryan for the past 24 years.
He has served in several city and utility leadership roles, including president of the Texas Municipal Power Agency, board member of Bryan Texas Utilities, and as a member of city committees including Strategic Planning, Bryan Business Council, Animal Committee, and Destination Bryan Board.
Deputy City Manager Hugh Walker has been serving as acting city manager since Nov. 3 following Kean Register’s retirement.
This podcast contains comments from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council agrees to look for a promoter to stage events at the Wolf Pen Creek amphitheater.
A draft request for proposal (RFP) form was approved at the council's October 23rd meeting.
The request was made by the city's chief development officer, Michael Ostrowski, drew comments from mayor John Nichols, councilmembers Bob Yancy and Melissa McIlhaney, and city manager Bryan Woods.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The draft RFP calls for a promoter to produce a minimum of six to ten events per calendar year where the promoter would "identify, book, and schedule a diverse range of live entertainment acts, including concerts (all genres), comedy shows, theatrical performances, and other cultural events, suitable for a broad audience."
The promoter would also be responsible for "making significant capital improvements to the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater to enhance the patron experience and increase the venue's capacity and appeal."
Interested promoters are also responsible to "clearly indicate any financial support being sought form the City for the construction of mandatory or optional improvements."
Additionally, the draft RFP says "the promoter shall propose an annual fee to be paid to the City of College Station for the exclusive rights to program the amphitheater" and "propose a revenue-sharing model with the City for ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, and other revenue streams generated from events."
Additional information from the city of College Station blog post summarizing the October 23, 2025 council meeting:
The Council unanimously approved a draft Request for Proposals (RFP) for a live entertainment promoter to manage programming at the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater.
Earlier this year, the City received an unsolicited proposal from a promoter interested in overseeing live entertainment operations at the venue.
Staff prepared the draft RFP to initiate a competitive solicitation process.
The Council is being asked for feedback, comments, and direction regarding the scope, structure, scoring, and language of the draft RFP.
Costs associated with the RFP are not included in the City budget.
After responses are received and evaluated, the potential annual fee, revenue sharing, and capital impact should be considered.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming city council meeting, housing, losing the 7-on-7 tournament to Round Rock, industrial opportunities, the Midtown area, the former Macy's store building, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet that was held November 10, 2025.
The Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet included some items that were not listed in the program.
Those in attendance watched a video of the architect's rendering of the chamber's future home on University Drive. Attendees also heard invitations from chamber president Glen Brewer and new board chairman Zach Etheridge to invest in the project.
Also not in the program, was the announcement of chamber ambassador of the year Andrew Scifres of Guaranty Bank and the Texas chamber executives group recognizing community liaison and former president Royce Hickman for 25 years of service and current membership manager Carrie Archer for ten years.
The banquet also recognized retired state representative John Raney as citizen of the year and volunteer of the year Jason Cornelius as volunteer of the year.
Also speaking was the chamber board's immediate past chairwoman, Karla Castillo of KBTX-TV.
This podcast contains comments from the October 28, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve a reorganization of the information technology (I.T.) department.
In separate votes, there were changes to job descriptions of ten positions and changing the salary range of eight positions.
Acting county judge Kyle Kacal said the votes do not result in any change to the department's fiscal year 2026 budget.
Chief information officer Eric Caldwell responded to commissioner Fred Brown's question about making the personnel changes after approving in September, a $435,000 study on county employee pay and job descriptions.
Caldwell said the timing of the reorganization is due to the move of a supervisor who was the head of over one third of the department's staff to the county's project management office.
The reorganization includes some of the employees getting a pay raise of two steps on the county's salary schedule. Caldwell said those employees were given new leadership roles involving additional responsibilities.
Maggie Gray from United Way of the Brazos Valley visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the increase in 211 calls for food assistance, resources available during the government shutdown, Thanksgiving meals, and more during this week's UWBV update on WTAW.
Kohl Vega, Athletics Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming Jingle Bell Fun Run, winter basketball leagues, Christmas in the Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Lina Adams from Destination Bryan about First Friday, Lights On!, and more upcoming events.
Councilman Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about naming Andrew Nelson as sole finalist for city manager, the city budget, his committees, passing the Bryan ISD bond propositions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Commissioner Fred Brown visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about using local people and businesses, acting County Judge Kyle Kacal, construction projects, the new medical examiner's office, county roads, funding the Brazos Valley Food Bank, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
City of Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about passing the Bryan ISD bond propositions, development at Midtown Park, BTU, the search for open positions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
David Stasny, Bryan ISD Board President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this election's voter turnout, passing all three bond propositions, the timeline for future projects, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 28, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners continue to accept state grant money to help pay for some employees in the district attorney's office.
The unanimous vote to accept the $275,000 grant approved at the October 28th meeting follows similar action on October 14th affecting the county attorney and sheriff's offices.
District Attorney Jarvis Parsons says this helps what describes as a "prevailing crisis" in keeping prosecutors. Parsons says prosecutors make less money than their defense counterparts while having two to three times the case load.
The grant money can be applied to salaries of prosecutors, investigators, and/or victim witness coordinators, and/or to hire additional staff.Parsons says affected employees sign an agreement acknowledging that the additional pay is not a given.
Commissioners were reminded that if and when state grants go away, they will have to decide whether to spend local money to maintain those salary levels.
Click HERE to read and download the state grant agreement approved at the October 28, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County acting county judge Kyle Kacal and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners have scheduled a special meeting for this Thursday morning (November 6), in part to consider additional funding for the Brazos Valley Food Bank after SNAP benefits were suspended.
Acting county judge Kyle Kacal is proposing the food bank receive $25,000 dollars.
Kacal says he has also met with the mayors of Bryan and College Station. And he will be attending a meeting Monday (November 3) organized by the food bank and United Way of the Brazos Valley to address local programs impacted by the federal government shutdown.
Kacal's additional funding request for the food bank follows commissioners approving at its October 14th meeting a yearly stipend of $10,000 dollars to assist low and moderate income residents.
This podcast contains comments from the October 21, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The October regular meeting of the College Station ISD school board included public comments from the president of the band boosters at College Station High School.
Betsy Pickett said they were not notified of budget cuts by the district until after they set their booster budget and student fees.
Pickett also said administrators reversed a decision made October second that would have drastically reduced the amount of money to feed band students at Consolidated and College Station High School going to state competition.
Due to state law, CSISD board members are not allowed to respond to speakers during the public comment period.
WTAW News e-mailed an invitation to CSISD's communications director to respond to Pickett's comments.
This podcast contains comments from the October 20, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members at their last meeting, spent more money from a bond issue approved by voters in 2020.
The board approved the recommendation from deputy superintendent Brian Merrell to award a contract for new signs at eight of BISD's 14 elementary schools to a company that the second lowest price of ten that submitted bids.
Click HERE to read and download the bid tabulation sheet that was presented at the October 20, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
BISD's construction services director Bobby Griffin says the second phase of new signage provides consistency in the elementary buildings.
The $73,970 dollar contract is $50,755 under what was budgeted for indoor and outdoor signs. Eight other bids were above the budgeted amount.
The new signage is for Bonham, Bowen, Branch, Fannin, Henderson, Johnson, Navarro, and Neal elementaries.
Merrell was also asked about the status of a marquee sign outside Fannin. Merrell said that had not happened yet, saying "that's a complicated question". Because Fannin is located in Bryan's historic Eastside district, the marquee sign requires approval of the city's historic landmarks commission.
This podcast contains comments from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council's October 23rd meeting included a 45 minute review of recommendations released in July about the future development in the Northgate district.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Property owners, businessowners, and other interested parties gave the council 50 recommendations, of which 33 would require council action.
Planning and development services director Anthony Armstrong said the goal of latest discussion was taking the next step towards the eventual adoption of implementing a Northgate small area plan.
Armstrong and the city's chief development officer Michael Ostrowski responded to council questions which included what will happen to the city's surface parking lot, public safety issues, maintenance and repairs of city facilities, and an idea from Northgate supporters regarding repair of building facades.
Armstrong concluded the discussion by telling the council he would submit a summary of the October 23rd discussion and that Northgate property owners and building owners will continue to be notified about future meetings.
Click HERE to be directed to the city of College Station's webpage about the Northgate district.
From the city of College Station blog post of the October 23, 2025 city council meeting:
The Council discussed the Northgate Small Area Plan Engagement Report that was presented in July.
Staff initially presented the report on July 10, and the Council asked for time to digest the report and the community’s proposed action items.
Staff put 50 community action items into three categories.
The first consists of items that, in various ways, are already being explored or enacted.
The second includes items that could be classified as components of various engagement efforts, such as the Active Transportation Plan update, that would be incorporated or acted on by staff during a future process.
The last category comprises 33 action items that require Council direction.
Alternatively, staff could continue the Small Area Planning process, analyze the ideas for feasibility and alignment, and generate an implementation plan that the Council could adopt. That would allow future councils, staff, and the community to know the direction and goals for Northgate for the next 10-20 years.
This podcast contains comments from the October 28, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve a cybersecurity protection agreement with Texas A&M.
Click HERE to read and download the agreement that was approved at the October 28, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The county's chief information security officer was asked how the contract to protect 1,000 computers would work when the county has almost 1,100 hundred machines. Kevin Joiner says the contract involves the number of employees who use computers and not the number of devices, as he and other employees have more than one device.
Another commission question was about protecting election data. Joiner said the contract includes computer servers that store election data. But election equipment where votes are cast and tabulated are never connected to the internet.
The county contract follows A&M entering a cybersecurity agreement with College Station ISD in July.
Anthony Armstrong, Planning and Development Services Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his department, community engagement, the Northgate small area plan, middle housing, Midtown, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 28, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners receive an update on multiple economic development agreements at this week's (October 28) meeting.
The report from Brazos County economic development coordinator Kimberly Gonzalez included three agreements associated with future property tax breaks to technology companies that have yet to start construction.
All three employ chapter 312 tax abatement agreements, which Gonzalez used a definition from the state comptroller's office as "an economic development tool available to cities, counties, and special districts to attract new industries and to encourage the retention and development of existing businesses through property tax exemptions or reductions."
Click HERE to read presentation materials from the October 28, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Quoting Gonzalez and presentation materials she shared at the commission meeting, two of the three projects are on the RELLIS campus.
One is the America's Foundry semiconductor and research complex.* This agreement was signed in 2024 * Length of agreement: 10 years (tax year 2026 tax year 2035) * Incentive for tax year 2024: No incentive for tax year 2024 * Abatement for tax year 2026 tax year 2035: 80% of the maintenance and operations rate portion of the real property taxes collected and attributable to the incremental taxable value for 5 years followed by 50% for 5 additional years, totaling ten years of abatement * Required incremental value increase by Dec. 31, 2035: $10 billion * Total new full time job creation by Dec. 31, 2035: 1,800
The other is the RELLIS campus Data and Research Center* This agreement was signed in 2025 * Length of agreement: 10 years (tax year 2029 tax year 2038) * Incentive for tax year 2024: Not applicable until tax year 2029 * Abatement for tax year 2029 tax year 2038: 50% of maintenance and operations rate portion of the real property taxes collected and attributable to the incremental taxable value for 10 years * Total capital investment by Dec. 31, 2038: $700M * Total new full time job creation by Dec. 31, 2038: 100 * Maximum abatement amount: $13M
The third project is the expansion of the Honeywell electronic chemicals plant in north Bryan.* This agreement was signed in 2024 * Length of agreement: 5 years (tax year 2025 tax year 2029) * Incentive for tax year 2024: No incentive for tax year 2024 * Abatement for tax year 2025 tax year 2029: 50% of the maintenance and operations rate portion of the real property taxes collected and attributable to the incremental taxable value for 5 years * Total capital investment by Dec. 31, 2029: $120M * This agreement is contingent on Honeywell receiving 50% of funding from federal and state grants and that funding hasn't been received yet
An x-ray security screening machine in the Brazos County administration building that has not been used for more than a decade is getting a new home.
That's after county commissioners agreed to sell the device it to Burleson County for one dollar.
Before the unanimous vote, Fred Brown suggested the sale should have been conditional on Burleson County agreeing to use Brazos County's medical examiner's office once it opens.
That was followed by Chuck Konderla saying the one dollar sale was a bargain for Brazos County because the x-ray machine would have been expensive to dispose.
Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement that was approved at the October 28, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Valley Food Bank (BVFB) director Theresa Mangapora and WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs program on October 30, 2025.
Mangapora provided an update on how the food bank has dealt with reduced government assistance, an increased demand for food due to the furlough of over 3,000 federal government employees in this area due to the ongoing shutdown, and the upcoming suspension of SNAP benefits.
Mangapora's update follows BVFB receiving an unexpected gift from H-E-B stores of $195,000 dollars.
A post on the BVFB's Facebook page says "this gift is a critical bridge ensuring Brazos Valley Food Bank can keep fighting hunger without interruption."
The BVFB Facebook post also says "Amid the ongoing federal government shutdown (now in its 4th week since Oct. 1), 1 in 6 households in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Madison, Robertson, and Washington Counties are facing hunger."
The food bank also has the following website links to donate, volunteer, and for those needing assistance.
* Donate: bvfb.org/donate-now
* Volunteer: bvfb.org/volunteering
* Need Help? Visit https://www.bvfb.org/get-help
Katie Williams, City Planner, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about updating the comprehensive plan, development near the RELLIS campus, student housing, Midtown Park, development near Miramont, the Oakmont subdivision, a public survey, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Parking problems on narrow College Station streets south and east of the Texas A&M campus generates another city council discussion.A majority of council members at their October 23rd meeting wanted more information on the impact parking problems are having on trash trucks, fire engines, and other large city vehicles.The 70 minute discussion began with a review of a community meeting that took place September 30th and the results of a non scientific survey that generated more than 1,400 responses and more than 900 written comments.Staff also told the council that the topic will return at their first meeting in November for possible action.
Quoting the city's blog post summarizing the discussion:
The Council discussed overnight parking options in residential areas near the Texas A&M campus, specifically Eastgate and Southside.
The Council’s consensus was to further explore the impact of excessive parking on services and public safety.
Engagement efforts featured a well-attended public open house meeting on Sept. 30 and a public survey that received 1,416 responses.
The predominant opinions expressed at the open house concerned emergency and solid waste vehicle access, enforcement of existing laws, and a preference for a permitting system.
The survey was not statistically valid due to non-random sampling. About 4 of 5 opposed the removal of parking.
Almost half the respondents had lived in their residence for less than a year, and about 4 of 5 had lived there for fewer than five years.
Survey respondents indicated that, if overnight parking limitations were adopted, most preferred enforcement between 3-6 a.m.
More than half said they lack sufficient on-site parking, guest parking is routinely needed, and overnight street parking is the norm in Eastgate and Southside.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the October 14, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council approved during an October 14th special what was described as "citizen representatives" to be involved in developing the city's next comprehensive plan.
All but one of the 13 representatives are associated with government bodies.
Committee members includes three council members, three members of the Bryan Business Council, Brazos County's acting county judge, and representatives of the Bryan school board, planning and zoning commission, parks board, TxDOT, and the metropolitan planning organization.
Deputy city manager Joey Dunn says focus groups and public meetings will also be held.
The committee has held its first of five meetings with staff and a consultant hired by the council.
The development of the next comprehensive plan is expected to take 12 months.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the Bryan city council's comprehensive plan committee.
This podcast contains comments from the October 20, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The Bryan ISD school board approves the purchase of a new software program for teachers and administrators to communicate with parents.
Technology director Julea Johnson presented the proposal at the board's October 20th meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the BISD October 20, 2025 school board meeting.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with Lisa Wamsley of United Way of the Brazos Valley partner agency Sonshine Outreach Center of Madisonville and UWBV president Lizette Hawkins.
This podcast contains visits with Pink Alliance board secretary Tracy Paine and the featured speaker at the 22nd annual Pink Alliance Surviving & Thriving luncheon, Heidi Floyd.
The Pink Alliance breast cancer advocacy organization hosted its 22nd Surviving & Thriving breast cancer awareness luncheon on Monday (October 27).
The organization announced launching a new initiative, offering free mammograms on the second Friday of the month starting November 14. Pink Alliance board secretary Tracy Paine said the mammograms will be done from 8 a.m. until noon at Brazos Valley Women's Center.
Paine said in 2024, Pink Alliance gave $128,000 dollars of direct patient services to 80 women and one man who live in the seven county Brazos Valley region.
The Surviving & Thriving luncheon has raised over $1.36 million dollars to serve and support local breast cancer patients and advance breast health and cancer awareness efforts.
This year's keynote speaker was Heidi Floyd of Atlanta, a national advocate who is a two time cancer survivor, a mother of four, and the daughter of a metastatic breast cancer victim.
Floyd was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 36 and underwent chemotherapy while she was pregnant with her fourth child.
A Pink Alliance news release says Floyd is a public speaker and published author who has also served as the “voice of the patient” for Ford, Google, The U.S. Department of Defense, the American Cancer Society, and the Susan G. Komen foundation.
This podcast contains comments from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members agree to visit in a future meeting about possible city assistance to increase mental health services.
Councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney suggested the topic at the end of last Thursday's meeting (October 23).
She said she has been shocked by the reports they receive on the number of suicides
McIlhaney says she is not advocating that the city take a certain course of action.
This podcast contains comments from the October 21, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members will officially decide at its November regular meeting whether to start accepting students who live outside the district.
There was no opposition to the idea that was presented by superintendent Tim Harkrider during the October workshop meeting.
Harkrider's proposal for out of district transfers would be on an application basis where CSISD decides who is accepted, what campuses students would attend, and what is required to remain in the district.
If approved by the CSISD board in November, then administrators will start taking applications in December and January and make decisions next February.
This podcast is a visit with Dean Schneider of the College Station Noon Lions Club and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The College Station Noon Lions Club is holding its 75th anniversary celebration Thursday night (October 30).
A past president who is chairing the 75th anniversary committee, Dean Schneider, says they have worked for one and a half years on the event.
The milestone celebration will showcase the community impact of the club through programs focused on vision, hunger relief, childhood cancer, diabetes awareness, and the environment.
The program includes remarks from Lions International past president Dr. Patti Hill.
Click HERE to be directed to the College Station Noon Lions Club 75th anniversary webpage.
The College Station Noon Lions club was chartered in October 1950 with 26 members.
Current membership is 135.
The club recently received proclamations from the College Station city council and the Brazos County commission.
This podcast contains comments from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The first Friday in November is celebrated as Texas Arbor Day.
Before mayor John Nichols read a proclamation at the last College Station city council meeting, he brought up the removal of trees in the path of the freeway expansion.
After the proclamation, Nichols suggested sycamore trees donated by the Texas A&M forest service would go to the parks and recreation department.In College Station,
Texas Arbor Day will be recognized with a program by the parks department and the Texas A&M Garden Club on Friday, November seventh, at ten a.m. at Richard Carter Park.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation issued at the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the October 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council moves to a third location to build more baseball facilities.
The council at Thursday's meeting (October 23) voted 5-1 to pursue negotiations for a public private partnership with a developer who wants to build a complex on city owned land behind the Costco store in the Midtown district.
The proposal from a local company called Southern Roots includes among other things a 3,800 seat stadium and eight adjacent fields.
Click HERE to read and download the Southern Roots proposal that was made at the October 9, 2025 College Station council meeting.
The council's motion also put a pause on adding a stadium and two fields at Veterans Park, which has been in the design phase.
The Veterans Park location was chosen after the council in 2023 cancelled the construction of ballfields at Texas Independence Park due to soil quality issues.
Another component of the council motion also called for the remaining city owned land in the Midtown Business Park that won't be used for baseball to be preserved for business uses.
The no vote came from David White, who was able to get any support for building a stadium and two additional fields at Veterans Park. Absent from the meeting was Scott Shafer.
White was also the lone vote against rejecting a $3.66 million dollar contract to do drainage work at Veterans Park that would have started preparing the site to build the stadium and two fields.
Click HERE to read and download information about the $3.66 million dollar contract that was rejected.
A statement was read during the meeting from a co-owner of the Brazos Valley Bombers, which has been negotiating with the city to play at the Veterans Park stadium. The statement from Uri Geva, read by city manager Bryan Woods, said "In order to ensure the best long term outcome for stakeholders, the city, its citizens, the youth sports community and the Bombers, we believe that additional time is essential (to develop more fields at Veterans Park). We fully support proceeding with the tributary work at Veterans Park (referring to the $3.66 million dollar contract to prepare the site that was rejected by a 5-1 council vote), as that infrastructure will be necessary regardless of whether the site ultimately supports the current three field plan or a future expanded build. Moving forward with this phase allows city staff and Midtown baseball developers the time needed to deliver an optimal data driven solution without closing the door on a potential 2027 opening at Veterans Park. Should the opportunity to play at either Midtown or Veterans extend to 2028 as previously discussed with city staff, we are confident College Station will explore alternative options including granting support to temporary access to existing 2,000 plus seat facilities in the Aggieland area. We trust our partners at the city of College Station as we plan for a permanent home for the Bombers for decades to come."
This podcast is a visit about the city of College Station's animal control office. Animal control officer Jaina Lara and the city's public communications director Colin Killian visit with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the American Public Power conference, the Nuclear Alliance, development at the RELLIS campus, a potential new datacenter, hiring a new city manager, new development, conversations with Waffle House, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Lizett Hawkins, President/CEO, and Jennifer L'Herault, Manager of Programs and Outreach, about Book Bash events, Ride2Health, Brazos Valley Gives, Pizza for a Purpose, and more.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Danny Morrison from Epicures Catering about the 42nd annual Thanksgiving in the Brazos Valley.
Captain Luis Villanueva visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming Red Kettle season, how to sign up to ring the bell, the after school program, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners hold a workshop to prepare for hiring a consultant that will compose a master plan of county services that will be needed in the next 20 to 25 years.
Following the presentation from the county's project manager Trevor Lansdown, he collected suggestions from each commissioner.
Once a consultant is hired, commissioners told the master plan will take 12 to 18 months to complete.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the October 6, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members spend money from the 2020 bond issue to replace doorknobs with door levers at four elementary schools.
BISD's construction services director Bobby Griffin told board members during their October 6th meeting that they received three bids after approaching 180 potential vendors.
The $156,000 dollar purchase of door levers was to comply with the American With Disabilities Act.
Griffin said the cost was more than $14,000 dollars under the projected budget.
That item took most of the six minutes that the BISD board met in public before spending 90 minutes in executive session discussing undisclosed legal, personnel, and student matters. No action was taken following the executive session.
This podcast contains comments from the October 9, 2025 College Station city council meeting, mayor John Nichols visit with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs on October 15, 2025, and councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney's visit on The Infomaniacs October 17, 2025.
As of October 9th, the College Station city council has held 19 regular meetings so far this year.
While the public portion doesn't start any sooner than six p.m., five of the 19 meetings have gone past midnight and two of the last three have ended just after or just before one a.m.
At the end of the council's October 9th meeting...just before one in the morning...a few minutes was taken discussing what could be done to reduce time.
The discussion was initiated by councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney, who said "I don't really feel that on top of things, especially past midnight."
Mayor John Nichols, who said his goal is to adjourn regular meetings by nine p.m., said he would visit with the city manager about possible options.
Three of this year's 19 College Station council meetings ended before nine p.m., five more ended by 10 p.m., and six ended between 10 and midnight.
The topic was also discussed by the mayor during his October 15th visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs and councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney's visit on The Infomaniacs on October 17th.
According to city of College Station blog posts, here are the times regularly scheduled city council meetings adjourned:
10/9/25 at 12:51 a.m.
9/25/25 at 11:54 p.m.
9/11/25 at 1:03 a.m.
8/28/25 at 9:54 p.m.
8/14/25 at 8:59 p.m.
7/24/25 at 10:07 p.m.
7/10/25 at 11:00 p.m.
6/26/25 at 9:15 p.m.
6/12/25 at 1:50 a.m.
5/22/25 at 8:56 p.m.
5/8/25 at 11:02 p.m.
4/24/25 at 9:13 p.m.
4/10/25 at 10:01 p.m.
3/27/25 at 9:47 p.m.
3/13/25 at 7:01 p.m.
2/27/25 at 12:40 a.m.
2/13/25 at 10:48 p.m.
1/23/25 at 9:49 p.m.
1/9/25 at 12:27 a.m.
This podcast contains comments from the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve contracts that provides a total of $775,000 dollars in state grant money to help pay some employees in the county attorney and sheriff's offices.
The sheriff's office will receive $500,000 dollars and the county attorney's office $275,000 dollars.
It is the first time the agreements were approved by new commissioners Fred Brown and Bentley Nettles.
Brown, who served in the Texas House, reminded everyone that continued state funding is not guaranteed.Nettles, who is a lawyer, hoped the state money will help attract prosecutors to the county attorney's office.
Brazos County county attorney Earl Gray hopes state lawmakers will consider expanding grant money beyond assistant county attorneys, investigators and victim assistance coordinators. Gray says he has eight other employees who are not eligible.
Brazos County sheriff Wayne Dicky, who attended the meeting, passed when asked to speak about the grants.
Click HERE to read and download the $275,000 dollar state grant for the county attorney's office that was approved at the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the $500,000 dollar state grant for the sheriff's office that was approved at the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve contracts with seven organizations that provides services to county residents.
While there was a unanimous vote at Tuesday's meeting (October 14), concerns were expressed by commissioner Fred Brown.
The first year commissioner said "I hate spending taxpayer dollars on things that, if you individually believe in these different things, then give to them. But it shouldn't be the county's responsibility to always open up our piggybank and give to different organizations."
Wanda Watson disagreed, saying these organizations "serve the whole county" and "what they offer to the county also helps us with the growth of the county."
Bentley Nettles pointed out these contracts were not just direct donations, but agreements where these organizations will be reviewed for their performance.
The largest amount of money in the group is Brazos County 9-1-1 receiving $1.4 million dollars. That is followed by the Brazos Transit District at $400,800 dollars.
Commissioners also approved $25,000 dollars for the Salvation Army, $12,000 for the Arts Center of the Brazos Valley, $8,300 to the Brazos County Historical Commission, and $5,000 to the Brazos Valley Thin Blue Line organization.
Click HERE to be directed to the Brazos County website location for details on each contract that was approved at the October 14, 2025 county commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
A Bryan man has filed a second federal lawsuit against Brazos County after the district attorney's office filed two criminal cases on charges of failing to register as a sex offender.
This was discussed during the county commission's September 30th meeting.
The commission's general counsel, Bruce Erratt, says the first lawsuit that sought monetary damages was dismissed.The second federal lawsuit is asking that the DA's office is barred from prosecuting the criminal cases.
Erratt's recommendation to use the same lawyer in the second federal lawsuit was approved.
Click HERE to read and download the agreement that was approved at the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The discussion prior to the unanimous vote focused about the lawyer, who was selected by the Texas Association of Counties, being based in Beaumont and not Brazos County.
Commissioner Bentley Nettles, who is a lawyer, supported using the same lawyer because of their familiarity with both federal lawsuits.
Nettles comments came in response to commissioner Fred Brown wanting a lawyer whose practice is based in Brazos County. Erratt said there are Brazos County lawyers who are qualified to handle federal lawsuits.
The plaintiff in the federal lawsuits, 31 year old Johnathan Arthurton, is awaiting trials on charges of failing to register as a sex offender in 2023 and in 2024. Arthurton is out of jail after posting bonds totaling $110,000 dollars.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County district atttorney Jarvis Parsons and the head of the Brazos County public defenders office Nathan Wood during the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County commission's October 14th meeting was the first where members received regular updates from elected and appointed department heads.
The initial speakers were district attorney Jarvis Parsons and the head of the public defender's office, Nathan Wood.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded October 14 2025.
Monday, October 20, is the first day of early voting for school board candidates in Bryan and College Station ISD and 17 proposed amendments to the Texas constitution.
Voting centers around Brazos County are located at:
Brazos County Election Administrator Office in downtown Bryan
Arena Hall at 2906 Tabor Road in Bryan
Galilee Baptist Church at 804 North Logan in Bryan
College Station Utilities Meeting & Training Facility at 1603 Graham Road
Texas A&M's Memorial Student Center-Room L526
The early voting schedule in Brazos County is:
October 20 – 24 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
October 25 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
October 26 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
October 27 – 31 from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Click HERE to be directed to the brazosvotes.org website.
College Station Councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent proposal of a datacenter, nondisclosure agreements, a proposed baseball complex, locating her company in College Station, the length of city council meetings, citizen engagement, job reviews on city administration, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of Texas A&M interim president Tommy Williams first visit with local reporters on October 16, 2025.
Texas A&M interim president Tommy Williams, finishing his second week in that position, met with local reporters for the first time.
Williams said during the nearly 20 minute visit on Thursday (October 16) that he was surprised when he got a call from the chancellor about the position and Williams saying his only condition was that he was not going to pursue the position on a permanent basis.
Williams was asked four times about what he has heard from students and employees. Williams did not share any examples, saying he wanted to not taint what would be said in upcoming meetings.
Williams was also asked about being the most recent university president or system chancellor in Texas to not come from academia.
A former state lawmaker, Williams was asked about applying his legislative experiences in his new position.
He also responded to a question about continuing Aggie traditions while the makeup of the student population is changing.
There were questions about taking over for Mark Welsh, who resigned following political pressure.
He also addressed questions related to an audit of academic courses and about dropping or modifying courses and course descriptions.
Joel Bryan, Bryan ISD School Board Member, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming bond election, the three different propositions, the tax rate, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Sheriff Wayne Dicky visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about becoming sheriff, ICE, housing criminals from other counties, recruiting jail employees, this year's budget, agriculture related crimes, the "R U OK?" program, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 14, 2025 special meeting of the Bryan city council.
The Bryan city council is working on giving economic development incentives to a third prospect on the RELLIS campus.
During a special meeting on Tuesday (October 14), the council approved establishing another "reinvestment zone", which Todd McDaniel of Bryan's economic development office said would allow the city to negotiate property tax breaks with an undisclosed company.
McDaniel told the council they could consider a tax abatement proposal in December.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the reinvestment zone that was approved at the October 14, 2025 Bryan council special meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance that the Bryan council unanimously approved.
Click HERE to read and download a map showing the location of the affected property.
This podcast contains comments from the October 7, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The cities of Bryan and College Station take another step towards protecting the cities future water supply.A letter signed by the city managers of both cities was sent to the 11 county groundwater management area (GMA 12) that includes both cities.
The letter asks for permission to pump from an underground aquifer at a deeper level to support future demands.
The cities support the proposed plan that was developed by the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district (BVGCD), which covers Brazos and Robertson counties.
Click HERE to read and download the letter provided by the city of College Station that was sent to the manager of GMA 12.
Bryan public works director Jayson Barfknecht tells WTAW News that water from the Simsboro aquifer can currently be pumped from a level of 262 feet. Barfknecht says the proposal calls for pumping from a depth of 330 feet.
Barfknecht says if the depth stays at 262 feet or moves to 220 feet or something shallower, "than we have the potential to face curtailment within our district sooner which could economically impact both Brazos and Robertson County."
The Bryan council unanimously voted for the plan at its October 7th regular meeting.
Council members were told that some if not all of the remaining nine counties in GMA 12 does not support the proposed plan.
This podcast contains comments from the October 9, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The executive director of a College Station retirement community asks the College Station city council to take over a privately owned street that motorists are using as a city street.
Stacey Nehring of the Langford says motorists are using Carroll Fancher Way as a shortcut between the freeway and Midtown Drive.
Nehring says she has tried for a year without success for College Station police to conduct traffic enforcement, install speed limit signs, install stop signs, install speed bumps, or restrict thru access.
Nehring says it's only a matter of time before someone gets seriously injured.
Mayor John Nichols referred Nehring's request to city staff.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about planting new trees, a sewer trunkline, a proposed baseball field complex by Costco, the length of City of College Station council meetings, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve a request to impose a burn ban for unincorporated areas.
Click HERE to read and download the burn ban order approved at the October 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The unanimous vote followed recommendations from the county's four fire chiefs and emergency management coordinator Jason Ware.
The ban will continue through November 13th unless terminated earlier.Ware told commissioners that there were five grass fires in the last week.
Two fires last Saturday (October 11) destroyed one abandoned structure and damaged another.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update highlighted Koll Interiors' "Chair the Good" program.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD communications director Austin Dunson and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station ISD is hosting its first ever school board candidates forum.
CSISD communications director Austin Dunson says those running for the three contested at-large seats are invited to answer questions from representatives of the Texas Association of School Boards and questions submitted by CSISD constituents.
The forum is open to the public, it will be streamed live on CSISD's YouTube channel, and the video will be archived for future viewing.
The candidates forum is Wednesday (October 15) starting at 6 p.m. in the CSISD board meeting room, located in the district's administration building on Welsh Avenue.
Click HERE to be directed to the College Station ISD webpage with information about the 2025 school board election and candidates forum.
This podcast contains comments from the October 9, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
A local businessman's idea of a public private partnership for a $55 to $60 million dollar baseball complex behind the Costco store has interest of the College Station city council.
No official direction was given at Thursday night's (October 9) council meeting.But the developer, the managing partner of College Station based construction company ABA Services, could get an answer in the next 30 days.
Thomas Rodgers provided a 45 minute presentation of the project, which includes included a 3,800 seat stadium, eight adjacent artificial turf fields, and a 20,000 square foot building which will contain a 5,000 square foot gym and 15,000 square feet dedicated mostly to batting cages and pitching lanes.
The complex will also have hotel style lodging, single family casitas and team housing, RV parking, and a 4,000 square foot restaurant.
Click HERE to read and download Thomas Rodgers presentation materials, provided by the city of College Station.
Rodgers wants the city to spend $15 to $20 million dollars and donate or lease 80 acres of land.
Rodgers says if soil tests allows him to build, he could open the stadium and fields in June of 2027. The city's chief development officer and city manager expected it would take more time.
The council has to decide if they pursue the public private partnership, how that will impact a smaller stadium and two additional fields at Veterans Park that are already in the design phase are approaching the point to seek construction bids.
The more than two hour discussion also included the possible impact on the Brazos Valley Bombers baseball team, which is in negotiations with the city to play at the Veterans Park stadium in 2027, and the impact on developing a land use plan for College Station's Midtown area which includes the city owned land where the new complex would be built.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County assistant district attorney Jessica Escue and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County district attorney's office is trying to get a Bryan man to prison as quickly as possible.
This is after a judge on Tuesday (October 7) sentenced 27 year old Joseph Sweed to ten years after a jury convicted him in June for assaulting a detention officer in March of 2024.
Assistant district attorney Jessica Escue says since December 2022, when Sweed was booked at the jail for the 11th time in ten years, he has constantly caused problems.
Escue said Sweed has sexually abusive and threatening behavior against medical staff, jail officers, and other inmates by destroying jail property, manipulating cell doors, setting fires, sexual harassment, and making graphic threats of physical and sexual violence against staff and other inmates.
Escue says Sweed's actions have impacted the safe functioning of the jail and required more time and resources to keep other inmates and staff safe from him.
Online records show Sweed has had 25 criminal cases in Brazos County courts. He faces three more felony trials...one for biting a Bryan police officer in May 2022 and for evading arrest in May 2022 and December 2022.
News release from the Brazos County district attorney's office:
On October 7th, 2025, Judge John Brick sentenced Joseph Sweed to the maximum of 10 years in TDCJ for the offense of Assault of a Public Servant. Sweed was convicted in June of the offense after a jury trial.
On March 3rd, 2024, Sweed was incarcerated in the Brazos County Detention Center for the offenses of Assault on a Peace Officer and Evading Arrest or Detention.
While incarcerated on these charges, Sweed was instructed by officers to return to his cell in the Brazos County Detention Center Special Housing Unit. When Sweed refused, officers attempted to restrain him and place him back in his cell. Sweed responded by punching a jail officer in the face. As a result of this conduct, Sweed was convicted of Assault of a Public Servant by the 272nd District Court jury on June 23, 2025.
A punishment hearing before Judge Brick was held on October 7, 2025. During this hearing, prosecutors presented evidence from multiple jail officers and medical staff that Sweed’s behavior in the Brazos County Detention Center impacted the safe functioning of the jail and required more time and resources to keep other inmates and staff safe from him.
His conduct included sexually abusive and threatening behavior against medical staff, jail officers, and other inmates by, destroying jail property, manipulating cell doors, setting fires, sexual harassment, and making graphic threats of physical and sexual violence against staff and other inmates.
Prosecutors also presented evidence of Sweed’s criminal history, noting that he had an extensive juvenile and adult criminal history, including having served time in both state jail and prison.
While in custody between the jury’s verdict and punishment hearing, Sweed continued his behavior, setting more fires, making more sexual and violent threats.
Bryan Woods, City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last night's council meeting, a potential trolley system between College Station and Bryan, the proposed multipurpose event center at Hensel Park, this week's presentation about a new baseball complex behind the Costco store, non-disclosure agreements, citizen feedback, the former Macy's store building, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 25, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council gets an update on the formation of an economic development master plan.
A 40 page report was part of a 30 minute presentation at the council's September 25th meeting.
Quoting the report, the goal of the master plan is "To prepare a five-year economic development master plan that provides a roadmap for sustainable economic growth and development tailored to the needs and opportunities of College Station."
Click HERE to read and download the report that was presented at the September 25, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Comments from consultant Jennifer Todd-Goynes included a proposed vision statement and four focus areas to accomplish the vision.
The draft vision statement is "College Station will be the nation’s most vibrant university community, a place where businesses thrive, innovation is embraced, and quality of life is unmatched, resulting in sustained prosperity and economic competitiveness."
The first focus area, identity, is defined as "Cultivate university and community synergies to create dynamic districts and authentic places that are attractive to residents, businesses, students, and visitors."
The second focus area, industry, is defined as "Expand a thriving, diverse foundation of talent, businesses and industry to create a diversified tax base and enhance economic opportunity."
The third focus area, innovation, is defined as "Establish College Station as a hub for technology-driven entrepreneurship, research and development, business formation and growth, and wraparound support."
The fourth focus area, ignite, is defined as "Position the City of College Station as a proactive, efficient, and effective economic leader that strategically collaborates with local and regional partners to optimize opportunities."
The report also provided data in areas that included affordable housing and sources of city revenue.
The master plan is projected to be implemented in January 2026.
The council approved spending up to $145,000 dollars for the master plan.
This podcast contains comments from the October 7, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The end of the Bryan city council's October regular meeting was spent honoring city manager Kean Register, who is retiring next month.
Register received a proclamation and all seven council members paid tribute to the longest serving manager in the city's history.
Register was named city manager on a permanent basis in August 2012 and also served as interim city manager from February 2006 through October 2006 and from September 2010 through August 2012.
Register thanked his family, Bryan city employees, and the four mayors and more than 20 councilmembers during his time as manager.
Register’s career with the city of Bryan began in September 2000 with BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) as a group manager overseeing the public power provider’s energy services, customer service, information technology, fiscal services, regulatory affairs, power production and power marketing.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation that was read at the October 7, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
A unanimous Brazos County commission gives the purchasing office additional authority not requiring prior commission approval.
Among other things, the office can approve contracts of up to $100,000 dollars. That was the subject of comments by two commissioners at their last business meeting on September 30th.
Two commissioners believed the additional authority was the result of new state laws.
WTAW News confirmed with county officials that there are no new state laws and that current state codes gave the elected body the option of giving the additional authority.
Fred Brown said "I know there's nothing we can do about it. It gives me pause, the entire thing. This is caused by the legislature. But when you talk about $100,000 dollars that's a lot of flexibility for staff that doesn't have to come to us. Again, there's nothing we can do about it because the legislature put this in place."
Wanda Watson then said "I would believe that the purchasing department, just knowing how good our purchasing department is, there will be some discussion with that. It won't just be blindly decisions being made. We will have some idea of what is coming forward. It's just that we are making sure we adhere with what the new state laws are."
But WTAW News confirmed with county officials that what the commission approved was a request made by the purchasing director based on one section of the Texas government code that was passed in 1987 and another section that was amended in 2011. Both sections gives the county commission the option of giving additional authority to the purchasing director.
Click HERE to read and download Texas government code section 262, which includes sections 262.001 and 262.011 that were cited in the purchasing director's request to county commissioners for signature authority that was approved at the September 30, 2025 commission meeting.
The commission's vote gives the purchasing office to approve the following:
* Contracts under $100,000 including informal quotes, service contracts and change orders/amendments
* Assignments and extensions for contracts equal to or above $100,000
* Credit applications
* Authorizations for use of contingency for all contracts
* Budgeted purchases in any amount on a state or cooperative contract
The request from purchasing director Charles Wendt said "Several routine procedures including assignment (vendor name change) and extensions or renewals of contracts, would reduce the number of agenda items if Court approval is not required, and would greatly reduce the agenda item entry, processing and lag time required."
Wendt also said "The current process for approval of authorizations for use of contingency and credit applications requires the County Judge approval. Given that these are ministerial in nature, require valuable, limited time of the County Judge, and would facilitate communications and coordination with Purchasing, we would like the Court's permission to approve these documents in the future. This would expedite the processing of these often time critical steps."
And Wendt said "The Court will maintain responsibility for contracts, amendments, and change orders with a value of $100,000 or more per the Local Government Code 262.023. Purchasing reserves the right to send any contract to Commissioners' Court in lieu of approval by Purchasing."
Lacey Lively, Communications & Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming household hazardous waste collection event, the newest statue at the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County 85th district court judge Kyle Hawthorne and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County district court's administrative judge is retiring.
85th district court judge Kyle Hawthorne is not running for re-election in 2026.
Hawthorne tells WTAW News he was trying to "sneak out as quietly as possible", adding after he and his family made the decision he told his staff and the other Brazos County judges he "left it at that, for it to spread as it normally would in courthouse gossip."
Hawthorne was first elected in 2014 and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He recalled when he decided to run he thought he would serve three terms.
He said "it was a good time to go (and) let some new eyes get on it".
Hawthorne, who thanked those who voted for him, said being judge has been the most enjoyable experience of his nearly 40 year legal career.
The upcoming vacancy has drawn at least one announced candidate. Assistant Brazos County district attorney Jennifer Hebert leads the juvenile and civil divisions.
This podcast contains comments from the October 7, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
The Bryan city council expresses no objections with the design of a signature playground at Midtown Park.
Construction will take 15 months to complete of the $4.2 million dollar project, which is $300,000 dollars under budget.
A $2 million dollar foundation grant and $2.5 million from the city funds what mayor Bobby Gutierrez said was phase one of the project.
Click HERE to read and download images of the Midtown Park signature playground, courtesy of the city of Bryan.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
New traffic signals are activated in the William Joel Bryan (WJB) Parkway construction zone.
Bryan police officer Seth Waller asks motorists and pedestrians to be aware of traffic signals at WJB and Coulter and new crosswalk signals crossing WJB at Sue Haswell Park.
BPD also posted on social media, a traffic advisory for the intersection of WJB and Villa Maria on Wednesday (October 8). It is expected to take all day to remove old signals and activate new signals.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new playground at Midtown Park, the possibility of trolley service between both cities, datacenters, Amazon's new facility, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 16, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
ollege Station ISD school board members received an update on the district's new technology to monitor school buses, their drivers, and the more than 3,600 students who are passengers.
CSISD transportation director Shannon Calltharp reported at the board's September regular meeting that more than 3,300 parents are using an app that monitors the whereabouts of their students, who are being tracked with a badge.
Calltharp explained a number of safety features that are provided by the app.
One thing the technology does NOT automatically do, is give parents notice of buses that are behind schedule. Calltharp says she manually issues those notices to parents through their app.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the September 16, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the October 3, 2025 special meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
The Texas A&M system has announced who is on the search committee for the next permanent president of the flagship campus.
One of three members of the board of regents on the committee, chairman Bob Albritton of Fort Worth, said last Friday (October 3) during a special board meeting there is no timeline.
Albritton added "We're going to make sure that this next president is the exact right person to lead us forward" and "The most important thing is we get this right and we will take our time and we will get the right input to make sure it's a great decision."
Those on the 16 member committee also includes three members of the president's cabinet, two deans, the chair of the university's staff council, the last speaker of the faculty senate before it was eliminated by state lawmakers, the student body president, former A&M president Elsa Murano, the university's chief community engagement officer, A&M's athletics director, and one department head.
News release from the Texas A&M system issued October 7, 2025:
Chancellor Glenn Hegar today announced a blue-ribbon committee of distinguished leaders to guide the search for the next president of Texas A&M University.
“This is a committee of accomplished leaders who know exactly what makes Texas A&M University special,” Hegar said. “They understand our rich traditions, our mission, and our grit. I’m confident they’ll bring us a leader who will lead Texas A&M with the same passion and purpose that built it.”
The search committee includes some of the most respected voices from across the Aggie community:
• Robert L. Albritton, Board of Regents Chairman
• John W. Bellinger, Regent
• Mike Hernandez, Regent
• Carter Mallory, Student Body President
• Lt. Gen. James W. “Chip” Bierman Jr., USMC (Ret.), Commandant, Corps of Cadets
• Andrew Klein, Professor of Geography
• Fred McClure, Chief Community Engagement Officer
• Elsa A. Murano, Professor, Director of the Borlaug Institute, and President Emerita
• Clint Patterson, University Staff Council, Chair, Office of the Provost
• Joseph P. Pettibon II, Senior Vice President for Strategy and Business Services
• Amy Waer, Dean, Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine
• Susan Ballabina, Executive Vice Chancellor, Texas A&M University System
• Nicholas K. “Nic” Taunton, Executive Vice President and COO of The Association of Former Students
• Trev Alberts, Director of Athletics
• Nate Sharp, Dean, Mays Business School
• Thomas Blasingame, Department Head, Petroleum Engineering
“Choosing the next president of Texas A&M is one of the most important decisions we will make,” Albritton said. “This university has shaped Texas for nearly 150 years and the right leader will set the course to ensure its success over the next 150. We need someone who understands our values and has the vision to lead this great institution into its next era of service, discovery, and impact.”
The next president will inherit a University that continues to set records in research funding, student enrollment, and national rankings. Hegar said the new president must be a leader who can accelerate Texas A&M’s trajectory, while preserving the core values and traditions that define the Aggie spirit.
The committee is expected to begin stakeholder input in the coming weeks. Chancellor Hegar’s recommendation for the position of president will be submitted for approval to the Board of Regents.
“We are starting the search process quickly, yet we will be methodical in our approach to find the right person to lead Texas A&M University as this decision will define how we serve our students, our state, and the world for decades to come,” Hegar said.
This podcast contains comments from the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
October 5-11 is National 4-H Week.
Members of the Brazos County 4-H council and 4-H agents received a proclamation at the September 30th county commission meeting.
4-H council members and agent Ashleigh Sugg introduced themselves before acting county judge Kyle Kacal read the proclamation.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation that was read at the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
There are 720 4-H members in Brazos County. Commissioners learned last month that last year's enrollment of 700 was the sixth largest in Texas.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update features partner agency Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley.
This podcast contains comments from the October 3, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
The Texas A&M system board of regents chooses an interim president at the flagship campus.
Regents chairman Bob Albritton of Fort Worth said it was a unanimous selection to bring on Tommy Williams, who is an Aggie graduate who spent ten years as a state senator representing The Woodlands before working for the system as a lobbyist in Austin and a advisor to Governor Abbott.
Albritton was the only regent making a comment after the board spent nearly two hours in executive session Friday afternoon (October 3).
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System unanimously approved Tommy Williams, a former state senator from The Woodlands and longtime public servant, to serve as interim president of Texas A&M University.
Williams previously held the role of vice chancellor of governmental relations for the Texas A&M System, where he worked to advance System priorities at the state and federal levels. His understanding of higher education policy, leadership experience and ties to the Texas Legislature make him uniquely qualified to guide the university during this transitional period.
Chancellor Glenn Hegar said Williams is a thoughtful leader and a faithful Aggie who graduated from Texas A&M in 1978 with a degree in business administration.
“Tommy Williams has a deep understanding of the mission of Texas A&M and the values that define our university,” Hegar said. “His experience in public service and his commitment to the Aggie community will serve us well as we continue to move forward.”
Williams represented Southeast Texas in the Texas Senate from 2003 to 2013, where he chaired the Senate Finance Committee and played a key role in shaping the state’s budget and education policy. He later joined the A&M System in 2014 and served until his retirement in 2018. He also served as a senior advisor to Gov. Greg Abbott from 2017 to 2019.
“I’m honored to return to Texas A&M in this capacity,” Williams said. “This university means a great deal to me, and I look forward to working with students, faculty, staff and former students to support the continued excellence of this great institution.”
Robert L. Albritton, chairman of the Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, said Williams brings integrity, experience and a deep respect for the traditions of Texas A&M.
“We’re confident in his ability to lead the university with steadiness and purpose while we continue the search for a permanent president,” Albritton said. “Tommy Williams’ respect for the institution, its students, its staff and its faculty along with his understanding of the needs of our state make him the right fit to serve as interim president of our great university.”
The appointment comes as the Texas A&M System Board of Regents continues its search for a permanent president.
This podcast contains comments from the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The value of cybersecurity insurance for Brazos County government was discussed by county commissioners during this week's meeting (September 30)
Commissioner Bentley Nettles had questions of county staff before the unanimous vote to extend cybersecurity insurance coverage until April 1, 2026.
Brazos County's chief information security officer, Kevin Joiner, told Nettles there have attempts to compromise Brazos County's network, but none have been successful.
Brazos County's risk manager, Leslie Contreras, said the insurance is also a protection should county employees click on links that leads to security issues.
This podcast is a visit with a co-owner of The Kimbell cultural event center, Cassidy Barton, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A century old building at the north end of downtown Bryan has been renovated and is reopening.
Co-owners Cassidy Barton and Kristy Petty say in a news release that "The Kimbell Cultural Event Center is a repurposed historic landmark featuring galleries, event & rooftop space, pop-up/vendor areas, and community hospitality zones."
Their mission "is to “Feed Your Soul” by amplifying Bryan’s cultural identity and supporting creative collaboration across the community."
The news release says The Kimbell will have "rotating gallery shows, nonprofit and community programming, flexible event and vendor spaces, and a welcoming visitor hospitality zone—keeping Bryan’s cultural identity visible, accessible, and thriving."
In a visit with WTAW News, Barton said the idea began in 2017 then took off after the pandemic in 2023.
Barton and Petty were assisted by the Bryan city council, which approved an economic development agreement to assist with the cost of the renovation.
Barton says she and Petty hopes "that people who went through the Kimbell Feed store building might still walk in and feel a sense of recognition" with the preservation of clay block walls, concrete floors, and lots and lots of wood.
The October 3rd grand opening is timed with the grand opening of the 20th anniversary of downtown Bryan's First Friday event.
Click HERE to be directed to The Kimbell website.
Ed Spillane, Municipal Court Judge, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the warrant amnesty, increasing court fees, the warrant roundup, speeding tickets, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 2, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council is introduced to this year's representative from Texas A&M's student government association (SGA).
Ainsley Broadwell, class of 2026, is SGA's vice president for municipal affairs.
At the council's September 25th meeting, Broadwell presented three goals...parking, community engagement, and the Northgate district.
Broadwell also responded to a question from councilman David White that student housing is "an issue that plagues a lot of students" where "we're hoping to see more growth to kind of disperse the market so those prices do go down with inventory going up as well."
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from Ainsley Broadwell at the September 25, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners on the day before the start of the new fiscal year (September 30), approve funding agreements with 18 outside organizations.
Budget officer Nina Payne shared the requirements the outside agencies have to meet before they get a check.
Commissioners Bentley Nettles, Chuck Konderla, and Wanda Watson shared their opinions about the accountability the outside agencies have, and the need to assist outside agencies.
Acting county judge Kyle Kacal responded to a question from a public speaker about the commission giving the Greater Brazos Partnership economic development agency $350,000 dollars after the organization expanded into four more counties.
Click HERE to see the list of agencies approved for funding at the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to be directed to the Brazos County webpage where there are attachments containing the funding agreements for each of the 18 agencies.
Lina Adams of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the 20th anniversary of downtown Bryan's First Friday on October 3rd, reminders of Aggie home football game shuttles and the gameday promotion in downtown Bryan, October's songwriter festival, October's Halloweentown event, and recruiting volunteers to become a volunteer ambassador for the city.
Mitchell Isbell, Director of Business Development, Events & Marketing for Legends Event Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming events in October, Trunk or Treat, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Commissioner Chuck Konderla visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a proposed multiuse event center at Hensel Park, new commissioners Bentley Nettles and Fred Brown, acting County Judge Kyle Kacal, the new meeting schedule, his decision to not run for re-election, things he wants to accomplish before he leaves court, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County's auditor for 22 years retired on Tuesday (September 30).
Katie Conner, who had a 30 year career, had a memorable sendoff at the weekly county commission meeting.
About one minute into her remarks, the podium in front of her fell.
That led to multiple teasing by other speakers through the rest of the presentation.
Commissioners approved a resolution, then they gave Conner a standing ovation.
Promoted to county auditor was Conner's first assistant, Marci Turner.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was issued at the September 30, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast is a visit with officer Seth Waller of the Bryan police department and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan police arrest one and officers are looking for others suspected in 18 to 20 burglaries of construction vehicles in September.
BPD also offers tips to reduce your chance of becoming a victim.
Officer Seth Waller says the first thing is to lock vehicles and to take and hide valuables.
Waller also says to document serial numbers and add other identifying markers and record that information.For those with home video systems, Waller says to make sure they are operating.
On Tuesday (September 30), 21 year old Leondray Garrison was arrested in Harris County and transported to the Brazos County jail.
He remains held as of October 1 without bond on warrants from a Brazos County justice of the peace and from Montgomery County.
Bonds on two Bryan police warrants charging Garrison with felony theft totals $60,000 dollars.
And he is held on a Galveston County warrant charging him with unlawful carrying of a weapon. Bond on that charge is $10,000 dollars.
Update September 30, 2025:
Bryan police announce one arrest and the search for other persons of interest in a series of vehicle burglaries and tool thefts.
A BPD news release does not say how investigators identified a Houston man who participated in an undisclosed number of burglaries targeting work vans, work trucks, trailers, and other vehicles used in the construction business.Most of the burglaries involved forced entry.
A 21 year old Houston man was arrested Tuesday (September 30) in Harris County on two warrants charging him for felony theft.
News release from Bryan police issued September 30, 2025:
Over the past several weeks, the Bryan Police Department has responded to multiple incidents of vehicle burglaries and tool thefts.
The suspects have specifically targeted work vans, work trucks, trailers, and other construction-style vehicles.In most cases, forced entry was used to gain access to valuable tools stored inside the vehicles.
Through the investigation conducted by BPD Patrol Officers, Crime Scene Unit, and Criminal Investigations Unit, a suspect was identified.Two warrants for Theft $2,500 - $30,000 were issued for Leondray Garrison of Houston, Texas.
On September 30th, 2025, Leondray Garrison was arrested in Harris County on the active warrants.Garrison and other persons of interests are still currently being investigated in multiple other Burglaries/Thefts in the area.
If you have any information to provide, please contact the Bryan Police Department at 979-209-5375.
Original story September 24, 2025
The Bryan police department goes to social media asking for public assistance to catch those responsible for forced entry vehicle burglaries.
BPD's Facebook page says the suspects are targeting work vans, work trucks, and construction type vehicles between midnight and 7 a.m.
Over the past several weeks, an undisclosed number of victims at undisclosed locations have lost work equipment.Potential victims are asked to document serial numbers, identifying number, and take photos of their property.
Everyone is asked to review home video and provide any video and/or information to BPD that could assist investigators.
Everyone is also asked to report all suspicious activity to 911.
According to Bryan police daily activity reports, there have been a total of 24 vehicle burglary reports between September 1 and September 23.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about overnight parking in residential neighborhoods near campus, how the council deals with non-disclosure agreements, recent citizen feedback and engagement, delaying the construction of the intersection of George Bush Dr. and Wellborn Road, a possible multiuse event center at Hensel Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 29, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
A majority of College Station city council members express support to ask Texas A&M, the city of Bryan, and Brazos County about their interest in a joint public private partnership.
The project would turn Hensel Park into a mixed use development that would have a multipurpose arena that could be the home of Texas A&M men's and women's basketball.The project would also have commercial and residential components.
The idea of the Hensel Park site was revealed by local developer Hunter Goodwin, who recruited an international company with offices in the Dallas suburb of Frisco that is interested in building and managing the project.
An executive vice president of Legends Global, Bill Rhoda, presented what the company does and fielded questions about the company and what could be done in College Station.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from Legends Global during the September 29, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Among those in the audience watching Monday's (September 29) special city council meeting were the mayor of Bryan, Brazos County's acting county judge, and representatives of the university.
The Hensel Park idea is the latest chapter in decades of on again and off again interest in the College Station council building a convention or events center.
This podcast contains comments from the September 25, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members hear about the continuing shortage of affordable homes for sale.
Local realtor Jodi Warner, representing the B-C-S regional association of realtors, reported during last Thursday's meeting (September 25) that there was still a shortage of homes for first time homebuyers.
August 2025 in College Station there were 135 closings, with a median price of $356,750. The median price was 2.2 percent higher from the same month last year. Less than 10 percent of sales involved homes priced under $200,000 dollars. There were 465 active listings, which is up 12.6 percent from the year before. There is 3.9 months of inventory and a home was on the market an average of 54 days.
August 2025 in Bryan the median price was $275,500. And more than half the home sales in Bryan were in the price range between $200,000 and $299,000 dollars.
August 2025 in Snook the median price was $294,800 with a 13 month inventory.
August 2025 in Navasota the median price was $232,000 with an inventory of 8.3 months.
Warner also shared sales information of homes in three College Station neighborhoods.
Pebble Creek neighborhood home sales had a median price of $657,500. The median price is down 1.9 percent from the year before.
Eastgate neighborhood home sales had a median price $641,800. The median price is up 36.5 percent from the year before.
Edelweiss neighborhood home sales had a median price of $355,000. The median price is up 53 percent from the year before.
This podcast contains comments from the September 25, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council is asked to decide where a new state historical marker will be located.
The council's unanimous decision at last Thursday's meeting (September 25) followed inconclusive results when council members were surveyed by the city's chief of staff, Ross Brady.
The location, as recommended by a member of the city's historical commission, will be at city hall's main entrance, opposite the existing building dedication plaque.
A citizen group submitted the marker request in 2022. The Texas State Historical Commission, which has final approval on the language, made that decision earlier this year.
The marker arrived in July, and it will be officially dedicated on October 20th, the day after the city's 87th birthday.
According to a city spokesman, this is the language of the marker:
IN 1831, RICHARD CARTER RECEIVED A GRANT OF 4,428 ACRES IN THE STEPHEN F. AUSTIN COLONY FROM THE MIXICAN GOVERNMENT. CARTER, HIS FAMILY, AND THEIR ENSLAVED PEOPLE WERE THE FIRST TO SETTLE THE LAND NOW WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF COLLEGE STATION.
IN 1871, PIONEER HARVEY MITCHELL WAS INSTRUMENTAL IN GETTING THE STATE’S FIRST PUBLIC INSTITUTION OF HIGHER LEARNING LOCATED IN BRAZOS COUNTY. AFTER THE AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS (LATER TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY) OPENED IN 1876, THE HOUSTON AND TEXAS CENTRAL RAILROAD MADE REGULAR STOPS AT “COLLEGE STATION.” A POST OFFICE WITH THE SAME NAME OPENED IN 1877 WITH HENRY D. PARSONS AS THE FIRST POSTMASTER. THE COMMUNITY GREW ALONG WITH THE SCHOOL. IN AREAS SURROUNDING THE CAMPUS, A SMALL COMMERCIAL AREA BEGAN DEVELOPING IN THE NORTHGATE AREA, PLATTED NEIGHBORHOODS PROVIDED HOUSING AND CHURCH STREET BECAME HOME FOR MANY CONGREGATIONS.
BY A VOTE OF 217 TO 39, THE COMMUNITY INCORPORATED AS THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION IN 1938. THE FIRST ELECTED COUNCIL, A MAYOR AND FIVE ALDERMEN, WERE ALL FACULTY MEMBERS FROM TEXAS A&M. THROUGH THE LEADERSHIP OF TEXAS A&M FACULTY MEMBERS SUCH AS LONGTIME MAYOR ERNEST LANGFORD (1942-1966), AND A&M PRESIDENT EARL RUDDER (1959-1970), THE CITY AND UNIVERSITY GREW SIGNIFICANTLY. COLLEGE STATION CONTINUED TO GAIN NATIONAL PROMINENCE WHEN THE GEORGE H. W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY AND MUSEUM OPENED IN 1997. HISTORICALLY, THE LOCAL ECONOMY HAS BEEN BUOYED BY EDUCATION, HEALTH SERVICES, AGRICULTURE AND INDUSTRY. THE CITY OF COLLEGE STATION HAS FLOURISHED IN ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY, WITH THE POPULATION OF THE CITY NUMBERING 2,184 IN 1940 AND EXCEEDING 120,000 BY 2020.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the September 25, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the September 25, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
A majority of College Station city council members agree with demands from homeowners in the Pebble Creek neighborhood to not widen Pebble Creek Parkway and to not extend the roadway to the south to vehicular traffic.
Nearly 40 Pebble Creek homeowners were part of two hours of public comments at Thursday night’s (September 25) council meeting.
That was followed by a one hour council debate whether to extend Pebble Creek Parkway south to a proposed housing development and on to the Southern Pointe development.
Five of the seven council members agreed if Pebble Creek Parkway is extended, it would be limited only to non-vehicular traffic and to emergency vehicles.
All seven council members quickly agreed to not consider widening the road.
Both changes will require modifying College Station’s comprehensive plan. That process will take months and involve multiple meetings.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from Pebble Creek homeowner Kerry Roper.
Derika Bailey, Larry J. Ringer Library Branch Manager, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about upcoming reading events, the Pumpkin Decorating Contest, what she is reading, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 23, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Construction of Brazos County's medical examiner's office is at least three months behind schedule.
Commissioners at this week's meeting (September 23) unanimously extended the contract with the general contractor by 89 days and at a cost of $168,000 dollars.
The county's project manager, Trevor Lansdown, said it was their fault for letting construction start before having a consultant review design documents.
Click HERE to read and download background information about giving the general contractor an additional 89 days.
Click HERE to read and download the change order giving the general contractor 89 more days.
That was followed by a three to two vote to spend an additional $156,000 dollars to do daily inspections of the construction during the additional 89 day period.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the additional inspections.
Click HERE to read and download the contract amendment to add daily inspections.
Commissioner Fred Brown voted against the county paying the additional inspection charge because he said that should be paid by the general contractor. Joining Brown in voting no was Bentley Nettles.
Allison Kay, Planning Administrator and Historic Preservation Officer, and Barbara Coody, Historic Landmark Commission Member, visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about their roles with the city, the importance of historic preservation, the Holiday Porch Stroll, joining the Historic Landmark Commission, other historic organizations, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 16, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council approves another voluntary annexation.
Land across Highway 21 from the RELLIS campus will be rezoned to accept a data center and commercial businesses.
The rezoning on property bordered by 21, OSR highway, and Fazzino Lane, would prohibit data centers involved in crypto mining.
Katie Williams of the city's planning and development office says multiple studies will have to be done before any construction starts.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez said this could complement a data center under construction on the RELLIS campus and a possible second data center at RELLIS.
The mayor also said this could result in a realignment of the intersection of 21 and OSR.
Click HERE to read and download a summary from the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download details of the voluntary annexation and zoning from the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download the municipal services agreement associated with the voluntary annexation and zoning.
Click HERE to read and download maps and the ordinance associated with the voluntary annexation and zoning.
This podcast contains comments from the September 16, 2025 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Blinn College fall enrollment is so far at its third highest headcount ever. And that's with enrollment continuing for remaining four, eight, and 12 week classes.
That's part of the report given at Blinn trustees September 16th meeting.
Vice chancellor Becky McBride's report repeated the continuing theme of fewer students at the Bryan campus.
As of September 5th, headcount in Bryan is 4,665. That is a decrease of more than 400 from last fall and compares with more than 13,000 in the fall of 2014.
This fall's drop in Bryan is more than offset by increases in Brenham of 370 students and 452 more high school students taking dual credit classes.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the September 16, 2025 Blinn College trustees meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 29, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
November 1 was the target date for Texas A&M's new faculty advisory council.
This body, controlled by the board of regents and the president, was created by a new state law that eliminated A&M's faculty senate.
Among other things, Senate Bill 37 requires the president to appoint the leadership and some members of the new faculty advisory council.
The last speaker of the faculty senate, Andrew Klein, told WTAW News Wednesday (September 24) that "The next step will be to create a university rule that establishes the Faculty Advisory Council in compliance with the System Rule passed by the Regents at their August meeting and Senate Bill 37. Given the current administrative changes, it is unclear when the university will start the process to review the rule. Once the rule passes, new members of the committee would be appointed and elected. But at this point it is unclear when this would occur. So the brief answer is no appointments have been made as the rules establishing the new Council have yet to be established."
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 37.
Click HERE to read and download the Texas A&M system policy complying with SB 37 as passed by the board of regents August 28, 2025.
Click HERE to read and download a DRAFT of Texas A&M rules complying with SB 37.
The former faculty senate met for the last time on August 29th. The senate's final action was unanimous passage of a resolution regarding the transition to the new advisory council.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was approved at the August 29, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Before the resolution, speaker Andrew Klein gave a presentation about the 43 years of the faculty senate's work and looked ahead to the new advisory council.
Click HERE to read and download Andrew Klein's presentation at the August 29, 2025 faculty senate meeting.
WTAW News has e-mail an A&M spokesperson about the process of establishing the faculty advisory council following the resignation of president Mark Welsh.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about annexing land near the RELLIS campus, the possibility of a new datacenter, power generation, the retirement of City Manager Kean Register, hiring a new city manager, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 16, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members learn the newly improved football and track at Consolidated Middle School has been closed to the public and coaches want the same to take place at the remaining middle schools.
Assistant superintendent Josh Symank told board members at their September regular meeting that there's been thousands of dollars in damage has occurred two weeks after the completion of millions of dollars of bond financed improvements.
Symank shared a video of a dirt bike on one of the middle school tracks and photos of damage on new artificial turf from golfers and those walking dogs and going to the bathroom without picking up what their pets leave behind.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the September 16, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the Brazos County commission public hearing on September 19th, 2025 and the commission's September 23rd, 2025 business meeting.
The parent company of St. Joseph Health is planning to spend up to $20.6 million dollars on facilities in Brazos County.
That's according to a document from Common Spirit Health that was approved by county commissioners.
Click HERE to read and download what was approved at the September 23, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
According to IRS regulations, the county commission is required to approve tax exempt bonds even though the county is not exposed to any liability.
A public hearing was held September 19th with no public comments.
The only public speaker before commissioners approved the request at its September 23rd business meeting was St. Joseph vice president of operations Erin Marietta.
At both meetings, commissioner Chuck Konderla asked Common Spirit to increase its local investment.
Commissioners had no questions for Saint Joseph vice president of operations Erin Marietta, who introduced herself.
Common Spirit, which is seeking new bond financing and refinancing existing bonds totaling nearly $1 billion dollars company, has three projects in Brazos County.
There is up to $11.5 million for St. Joseph's hospital in Bryan, up to $8.5 million for the emergency room at St. Joseph's hospital in College Station, and up to $650,000 dollars on St. Joseph's express care clinic in College Station.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver about registering for the annual National Night Out parties.
The first Tuesday night in October is the annual visit by local law enforcement to local neighborhoods.
Registration for National Night Out on October 7 is being promoted by the Bryan and College Station police departments and the Brazos County sheriff's office.
Click HERE to be directed to the Bryan police department's National Night Out registration website.
Click HERE to be directed to the College Station police department's National Night Out registration website.
Click HERE to be directed to the Brazos County sheriff's office National Night Out registration website.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update features partner agency Catholic Charities of Central Texas.
This podcast contains comments from the September 9, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Downtown Bryan is getting new holiday lights and decorations. The new lighting replaces what was installed in the summer of 2018.
A unanimous Bryan city council supported the proposal presented by an outside consultant at September 9th's regular meeting.
The city's general fund will pay for the $69,000 dollar cost of the first phase of the project.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the September 9, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
Consultant Jessica Yakesch said the existing lighted Christmas tree at Sale Park will be moved to in front of city hall.
At Sale Park, there will be a 50 foot tall tree with a light and sound show.The exterior of Carnegie Library will get new decorations.
In front of the Palace Theater there will be a large boot that will have seasonal decorations. Inside the Palace, will be a portable bar called "Tinsel and Tap".
On the side of the Queen Theatre, there will be red, green, and gold uplights along with cascading snowflakes.
There will be string-lit trees lining Main Street along with garland-wrapped lamp posts and branded pole banners.
This podcast is the recording of the groundbreaking program of the new South Brazos County fire department fire station one west of Wellborn on Koppe Bridge Road, following by an interview with the president of the commission governing Brazos County emergency services district (ESD) one Rodger Stout and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County emergency services district (ESD) 1, which operates the South Brazos County fire department, held a groundbreaking Friday morning (September 19) at the site of the new station one located west of Wellborn on Koppe Bridge Road.
The commission governing ESD 1 purchased property that included a metal building. The president of the ESD 1 commission, Rodger Stout, said the won't be many modifications to the existing structure other than interior changes. A second building will be constructed to house four fire vehicles.
Stout said when construction is completed in the winter of 2026, the 15,638 square foot station will have nine dorm rooms, a kitchen, living quarters, a workout room, administrative offices, meeting and training rooms, and operational space and storage.
The new station will include an area to clean and store gear that will be separate from the living quarters and offices. Stout said that is to reduce the risk of cancer that he said is "a huge issue in the fire service."
Chief David Cooper said when opened, he wants residents living in ESD 1 to take advantage of meeting rooms. Cooper also promoted property owners to purchase reflecting address signs and sharing codes to open gates in an effort to reduce response time.
Cooper said the new station 1 on Koppe Bridge Road will be joined by a new station 6 on Walnut Road in the northern part of the district that is scheduled to open this November, and another new ESD 1 station that will be built along Highway 6 near the Peach Creek Road exit. Along with an existing station in Millican, Cooper said this will result in response times in 90 percent of their calls dropping from 20 minutes to 10 minutes.
Stout said the current station one, which is off Wellborn Road inside the city of College Station, will be sold.
College Station Councilman David White visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the resignation of Texas A&M President Mark Welsh, the proposed datacenter, what he wants to see on that land, overoccupancy issues, parking restrictions, and more during his visit on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 18, 2025 special meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
A special meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents took place Thursday (September 18).
The agenda did not include a specific reference to the status of A&M president Mark Welsh. One state representative wants Welsh fired over the handling of a professor who was terminated and the removal of the head of the English department and the removal of the dean of the college of arts and sciences. Following multiple social media posts from Texas House member Brian Harrison of Waxahachie, A&M's student government association posted on their social media a letter supporting Welsh that was sent to the regents and the chancellor.
The meeting agenda did include discussing in private, "personnel matters relating to appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline or dismissal of an officer or employee, or to hear complaints or charges against an officer or employee" "including presidents and/or chief executive officers of A&M system institutions"; A&M system office executive level employees; employees reporting directly to the board; and all other employees of the A&M system offices and institutions".
After the regents first executive session, which lasted 28 minutes, approval was given to officially name the Aplin Center, where construction has just started. The building's namesake, Arch Aplin III, is also named for A&M's new department of hospitality, hotel management, and tourism in the college of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the department of marketing in the Mays Business School.
Regents also authorized leasing ground at the RELLIS campus to an unidentified party, the board finalized the appointment of Dr. Christopher Maynard as the next president of A&M International in Laredo and named as sole finalist for president at the system's new university in Victoria, Christian E. Hardigree, J.D.
Regents also approved changing the system's mission statement, which was read by chairman Bob Albritton of Ft. Worth: The Texas A&M university system, leading Texas serving the nation by building strong leaders of character and creating economic opportunities through world class education, cutting edge research, and impactful public service."
After taking action, where there were unanimous votes with no discussion, the regents entered a second executive session. Regents emerged from a 42 minute executive session by adjourning the meeting without further comment.
News release from the Texas A&M system naming a sole finalist for the A&M-Victoria campus:
Regents today named Christian E. Hardigree, J.D. as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University–Victoria.
“Victoria is an important part of our System’s future,” said Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton. “Christian Hardigree brings a builder’s mindset — growing programs, aligning with workforce needs, and delivering for students and communities. She’s exactly the kind of leader who can help Texas A&M-Victoria thrive along the Coastal Bend and Crossroads.”
Hardigree currently serves as Regional Chancellor of the University of South Florida St. Petersburg campus, where she is a member of the OneUSF executive team overseeing academic programs, operations and a $130 million campus and capital improvement portfolio.A seasoned higher-education leader and attorney, she has previously served as founding dean of the School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University of Denver and founding director of the Michael A. Leven School of Culinary Sustainability & Hospitality at Kennesaw State University. She holds a Juris Doctor from Mercer University and a B.S. (cum laude) from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, and she is a Fulbright Scholar (2024).
“Christian has led complex organizations, raised resources and translated strategy into results. I’m confident she’ll partner with local employers and educators to deliver high-value degrees that open doors for Texas families,” said Chancellor Glenn Hegar.
In accordance with Texas law, the Board of Regents may consider final action on the appointment no sooner than 21 days after naming a sole finalist.
"I am deeply honored to be selected as the sole finalist for president of Texas A&M University–Victoria. This is a pivotal moment for the university, and I am inspired by its mission to advance academic excellence, foster student success and serve as a catalyst for opportunity and economic growth across South Texas,” Hardigree said. “I look forward to working with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners to elevate the university's visibility, strengthen its impact, and build a vibrant future together.”
News release from the Texas A&M system finalizing the appointment of the next president at Texas A&M International University:
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents today voted to appoint Dr. Christopher Maynard as President of Texas A&M International University in Laredo.
“Dr. Maynard is ready to lead Texas A&M International University into a period of smart growth and greater impact,” Board Chairman Robert L. Albritton said. “Dr. Maynard’s track record of elevating student success and forging high-value partnerships will create new opportunities for both students and the region.”
Chancellor Glenn Hegar praised the appointment and the university’s momentum.“Texas A&M International University changes lives and strengthens Texas every day by educating first-generation students, fueling international commerce and serving a dynamic border economy,” Hegar said. “Dr. Maynard knows how to align strong academic programs with employer demand, grow research that matters locally and globally and build partnerships that open doors for students. I am grateful to Regents Mike Hernandez and John Bellinger and the search advisory committee for their work and to Interim President Juan Castillo for his steady leadership during this transition.”
Under Texas law, regents must name a sole finalist at least 21 days prior to taking final action. Dr. Maynard was named sole finalist on August 28, 2025.
Dr. Maynard currently serves as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Houston–Clear Lake, which enrolls more than 8,000 students. He previously served in academic leadership roles at Sam Houston State University and the University of North Alabama and is a past president of the Texas Council of Chief Academic Officers.
At UH–Clear Lake he led successful accreditation reaffirmation, helped more than double sponsored-research funding and launched collaborations such as the Houston Spaceport Consortium for Research, Education and Workforce.
A tenured professor of history, Dr. Maynard holds a Ph.D. and M.A. from Louisiana State University and a B.A., magna cum laude, from Lee University. His book, Out of the Shadow: George H.W. Bush and the End of the Cold War, was published by Texas A&M University Press.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about construction near the new H-E-B site, parking in Downtown Bryan, Amazon coming to Bryan, the retirement of City Manager Kean Register, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Commissioner Bentley Nettles visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about changing the meeting schedule, his first nine months on the job, improving transparency, the new Director of Forensic Services, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 16, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Parents of elementary students in College Station ISD now know where their children will be going to school next year.
While the vote at Tuesday night's (September 16) meeting was unanimous, there was a 30 minute discussion after board member Kimberly McAdams withdrew a motion to table the vote until October.
McAdams was also unsuccessful in attempting to keep 35 students from being moved from South Knoll to River Bend because they would not follow the rest of River Bend students to Pecan Trail Intermediate.
Most board members told McAdams that the affected elementary students will be fine with parental support.
And most board members joined Harkrider in wanting to make the decision.
Board members also said parents wanted a decision.
The CSISD board's vote included a grandfathering provision for affected elementary students and their siblings. The superintendent said parents of affected children will have 30 days to make a decision.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the September 16, 2025 CSISD board meeting.
Click HERE to be directed to the CSISD website for more information about new elementary school boundaries.
No changes are being made to CSISD intermediate, middle, and high school boundaries.
News release from College Station ISD:
The College Station ISD Board of Trustees approved new elementary school attendance boundaries during its regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 16. The updated boundaries will take effect with the start of the 2026-27 school year.
The decision follows an extensive review process aimed at balancing enrollment across campuses and planning for future growth. CSISD began the process in March, working with a professional demographer to study current and projected enrollment, campus capacities and community growth patterns.
In June, the district presented three preliminary boundary plans to the Board. Following that presentation, CSISD opened an online feedback portal for parents, staff and community members to submit questions and comments. Over the summer, the Board received updates through formal presentations that summarized community feedback, addressed clarifications and incorporated revisions.
On Sept. 8, the district hosted a community forum to give families and stakeholders an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and provide in-person feedback. Throughout the entire boundary adjustment process, CSISD received about 2,000 individual comments through its website, email, phone calls and meetings.
The final proposal, known as Plan 7, was revised following the community forum and presented to the Board on Sept. 16. Trustees voted unanimously to adopt the plan for the 2026-27 school year.
To ease the transition, the district will implement grandfathering procedures for K-3 students to remain at their current elementary campus if families choose. In addition, siblings of students in kindergarten through third grade may also be grandfathered if they enroll while the older sibling is still attending the same school. Families choosing this option should note that bus transportation will not be provided for grandfathered students. More information and grandfathering interest forms will be sent to elementary families in the coming weeks.
This podcast contains comments from the September 8, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council's regular September meeting included a report from councilman Ray Arrington that only one street sign correctly identified Martin Luther King, Jr.
City manager Kean Register told Arrington said staff was aware of signs that did not include Junior.
As of September 17th, sign replacements were underway replacing M L King Street with Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about last week's city council meeting, how to better the process of real estate deals involving the city, the Midtown Area, datacenters and cell towers, high occupancy in neighborhoods, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Police Officer David Simmons discusses Tuesday morning's murder-suicide at a local College Station carwash and washateria.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update featured Texas A&M University's Kim Fox discussing the 2025 State Employee Charitable Campaign.
Spokeswoman Kathleen Sanderson visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about volunteer opportunities, donations, and more during her monthly update on The Infomaniacs.
Joel Bryan, Bryan ISD School Board Member, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the 2025 bond package, the three separate bond propositions, what they include, why the are important, misconceptions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 27, 2025 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents committee on academic and student affairs (CASA).
October 2025 marks two years since Texas A&M's president announced an citizenship and service initiative.
At the August meeting of the A&M system board of regents committee on academic and student affairs (CASA), Mark Welsh said the intent is to graduate not just great Aggies but great citizens.
Welsh and the person he hired to administer the initiative, Kim Field, presented an update to the regents and also responded to questions.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials.
Jennifer Prochazka, Assistant City Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the council's decision to reject a land sale for a proposed datacenter, neighborhood parking, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 9, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners spent time at the end of this week's regular meeting (September 9) the life of former county judge Al Jones, who died September 4th at the age of 94.
Commissioner Chuck Konderla said after he was the victim of a hit and run crash 30 years ago, Jones assisted him with contacting police.
Then acting county judge Kyle Kacal brought up his first visit with Jones, which was shortly after Kacal and his wife were married.
That was followed by Kacal asking for a moment of silence.
A graveside service with full military honors for Al Jones is Saturday, September 13 at 10 a.m. at College Station cemetery on Texas Avenue.
This podcast contains comments from the August 27, 2025 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents committee on student and academic affairs (CASA).
The Texas A&M system board of regents receive an explanation for problems experienced earlier this year by prospective Aggie students.
The chairman of the regents committee on academic and student affairs, Sam Torn, said the issue was with A&M's admissions app.
A&M associate vice president Chris Reed said the prospective students who applied the earliest were not penalized due to troubles with the university's app.
Reed said messages are going out to prospects and their parents with an apology for what Torn described as A&M's "screw up".
This podcast contains comments from the September 9, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
September 11, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of what is now Central Church at Boonville and Elmo Weedon Roads.
Bryan mayor Bobby Guiterrez read a proclamation at Tuesday's (September 9) city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation that was read at the September 9, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Accepting the proclamation and delivering the invocation at the beginning of the council meeting was lead pastor Phillip Bethancourt.
The proclamation says the first 22 months of the new congregation met in the Brazos County courthouse.
What began as College Avenue Baptist Church later became Central Baptist Church and then Central Church.
The congregation has met at four locations and Bethancourt is the church's 12th pastor.
Ellen Fuller from Wreaths Across America visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Patriot Day ceremonies, the veterans section at the Bryan City Cemetery, the dedication of Columbaria and Veterans of Brazos Valley Memorial section markers, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez and WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
Bryan's mayor tells WTAW News that two more economic development projects are coming to the Texas Triangle Park complex in north Bryan.
Bobby Gutierrez says Axis Pipe and Tube is doing a $100 million dollar expansion and Amazon is building a 93,000 square foot warehouse and distribution center that is supposed to open in time to make deliveries this holiday season.
Those projects are in addition to the construction of CertainTeed's new roofing complex and Brown Oak Masterbrick manufacturing plant.
During a visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, Gutierrez says the Axis and Brown Oak projects are in part in response to federal tariffs.
News release from the city of Bryan and Brazos County about the new Amazon center:
City of Bryan and Brazos County Announce New Amazon Delivery Station in Bryan
Amazon announced plans to expand its investment in Texas by opening a new delivery station in Bryan. This new facility will be approximately 93,000 square feet, located along Mumford Road. Construction is currently underway, with more details will be shared in the future.
“This last-mile facility will allow us to better serve customers in Bryan and the surrounding area,” said Jessica Breaux, senior manager of economic development for Amazon. “We’re grateful for our partnership with the City of Bryan and Brazos County. We look forward to sharing more details about this facility in the future.”
The new delivery station will help power the last mile of Amazon’s fulfillment process by enabling fast, everyday delivery directly to customers’ doorsteps. Packages are transported to delivery stations from Amazon fulfillment and sortation centers, where employees then process customer packages for last-mile delivery.
“We are honored that Amazon chose Bryan for its newest delivery station,” said Mayor Bobby Gutierrez. “This expansion means our residents will enjoy expedited delivery options, and it brings positive economic benefits to our community. It shows that Bryan continues to be a place where businesses want to invest and grow.”
“Brazos County is growing and having a company like Amazon locate a delivery station here is proof of our continued growth,” said Acting County Judge Kyle Kacal. “The benefits of this will be seen by our residents in receiving faster service as well as employment opportunities from Amazon. Brazos County and the City of Bryan are committed to continually working together on bringing reputable businesses to the county.”
Since 2010, Amazon has created 89,000 full- and part-time jobs in Texas and invested more than $70 billion across the state, including infrastructure and compensation to employees. These investments have contributed an additional $81 billion to the Texas economy and have helped create more than 171,000 indirect jobs on top of Amazon’s direct hires — from jobs in construction and logistics to professional services.
This podcast is Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez's visit with Chelsea Reber on WTAW's The Infomaniacs about the retirement of city manager Kean Register.
The longest serving Bryan city manager has announced his retirement.
Kean Register, who was named city manager on a permanent basis in August 2012, will retire November 3rd.
Register also served as interim city manager from February 2006 through October 2006 and from September 2010 through August 2012.
Register's career with the city of Bryan began in September 2000 with BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) as a group manager overseeing the public power provider's energy services, customer service, information technology, fiscal services, regulatory affairs, power production and power marketing.
News release from the city of Bryan:
Kean Register, city manager of Bryan, Texas, has announced his retirement effective Nov. 3, concluding a distinguished career in public service that spans over 25 years with the City of Bryan. With the city’s best interest in mind, Register moved up his initial retirement date of March 2026 to allow a smoother transition for the next city manager in front of a budget season.
Register has served as city manager since 2010, following an earlier tenure as interim city manager in 2006. During his leadership, Bryan experienced historic growth, financial stability, and major community developments.
“I have been honored to serve the residents, employees, and elected officials of Bryan,” said Register. “The city’s success is a direct reflection of the incredible dedication of our staff, city council members, and mayors over the years. Bryan’s employees always find a way to get the job done.”
Legacy of Leadership
Under Register’s tenure, the City of Bryan achieved a number of significant milestones, said Mayor Bobby Gutierrez, pointing toward the city’s strong financial position, major developments, and steady economic and social growth.
“As a city, we are on sound footing financially and maintaining strong community growth, thanks to Kean’s stewardship,” said Gutierrez. “He’s a special leader who has been a tremendous asset for our community.
Since taking the reins as city manager in 2010, the City of Bryan has:
• Returned to Fiscal Soundness: The city has maintained a stable tax rate that has not increased in over 15 years, and has resulted in several tax rate reductions. The city strengthened its finances by turning a negative $500,000 fund balance in 2010 into a policy-driven 100-day reserve, a standard it continues to meet today that contributes to Bryan’s excellent bond ratings. Bryan also significantly reduced its retirement debt and Other Post-Employment Benefit (OPEB) obligations.
• Attracted Economic Development: Register has overseen transformative projects including Axis Pipe and Tube, Amazon, Certainteed, Travis Bryan Midtown Park, Legends Event Center, Topgolf, Texas A&M - RELLIS Campus, and the proposed development of a $13 billion semiconductor chip manufacturing facility.
• Expanded Housing & Growth: Register guided significant increases in homebuilding and neighborhood development to meet Bryan’s expanding population. One special highlight is the substantial increase in the city’s annual residential building permits.
• Improved Public Service & Employees Programs: During his tenure, Register worked closely with the city council to support employee benefits, professional development, and operational excellence.
Despite a positive economic and community story, Register said his most difficult moments of his service occurred during times of loss noting the line-of-duty deaths of four city employees: BTU employee Dennis Mowbray in 2010, firefighters Eric Wallace and Greg Pickard in 2013, BTU Transmission employee Earle Robinson in 2014. Additionally, in the 2013 fire, firefighters Ricky Mantey and Mitch Moran sustained life-threatening burns but survived and continue to serve the community.
“Nothing compares to the heartbreak of losing employees in the line of duty,” Register said. “Those moments are the toughest any city manager can face.”
Gratitude
Register expressed deep appreciation for his family, city leaders, and staff, while thanking his wife, Vita, and sons, Dustin Paul and Justin, for their patience, love, and understanding during his many long absences; the mayors and city council members, whom he described as each doing “the best in their own unique way” and always working tirelessly for the good of the city; and the employees and direct reports who, he said, form “a remarkable team that makes Bryan a great place to live, work, and play.”
He added he has always been amazed by the countless hours city council members dedicate, often without personal gain and with more criticism than thanks, yet always putting the city first.
Looking Ahead
Following retirement, Register plans to remain active in the Bryan community, spend time with family, enjoy traveling, and embrace whatever opportunities the next stage of life presents.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about new development projects and expansions, the movie-bowl-grille complex at Midtown Park, upcoming Christmas events, the Corridor Beautification Partnership, Bryan ISD bond propositions, personnel news, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 9, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners unanimously adopt the budget and property tax rate for the 2026 fiscal year.The tax rate will be the same as this year, which is less than what was first proposed.
Some commissioners were caught off guard by acting county judge Kyle Kacal, who made the motion to keep the tax rate the same.
The commission's discussion before the budget vote included Fred Brown proposing that next year, "we need to start weaning" non profit agencies off of receiving county money. Commissioner Wanda Watson supported county assistance as recipients continue fundraising.
News release from Brazos County:
Following months of meetings with department heads and residents, the Brazos County commissioners court today adopted a budget and tax rate.The budget for the county for fiscal year 2026 is set at $548,257,939. This includes investments for public safety and roadway infrastructure. It protects core services, honors previous obligations, and preserves the ability to serve the public effectively and efficiently.
Regarding the 2025 tax rate, acting County Judge Kyle Kacal made a motion and commissioners unanimously voted to keep the tax rate at $0.419700/ $100 valuation, the same as the 2024 tax rate. The rate had been proposed at $0.423059/$100 valuation.
“The commissioners and I are all taxpayers and are watching out for your interests and well as our own,” said acting County Judge Kyle Kacal. “The tax rate is staying flat. We’re doing our best and you’re helping us get there. We have to look at numbers going through to the 2030 budget. I would hate to put commissioners Nettles and Brown in a position to have to go to the voters for a tax increase in the future just to keep the county running.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update features partner agency Twin City Mission.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners unanimously agree to spend $435,000 dollars to hire a consultant to review employee pay and job descriptions.
Click HERE to read and download the agreement that was approved at the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
A 62 page proposal was adopted at the August 26th meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the proposal that was approved at the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Another county document say the study will begin in mid-October and is projected to be finished in March 2026.
Click HERE to read and download the timeline for the study.
The unanimous vote followed commissioners Bentley Nettles and Chuck Konderla voting against seeking proposals at the May 6th meeting.
After the vote, Brazos County human resources director Jennifer Salazar thanked the commission, saying Brazos County's human resources director told commissioners that the study is "a tremendous statement about the value you place on our employees" and their decision "reflects a balanced and responsible approach to taxpayer funds, investing wisely in a one time project that will provide lasting benefits."
This podcast contains comments from the August 28, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council supports the idea of replacing 13 year old "wayfinding" signs directing motorists to local attractions.
During a discussion at the council's August 28th meeting, there was a difference of opinion about new signage.
Some wanted to keep current uniformity of the sign format that is shared with the city of Bryan and Texas A&M, where the only difference is the color of the star at the top of the sign.Others want College Station to have unique branding.
There was no disagreement to the idea of reusing as much as the sign infrastructure as possible to reduce the cost.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 28, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the September 3, 2025 Brazos County commission workshop meeting.
A second ask to grow a future Brazos County government office building and parking garage results in a county commission workshop.
The workshop was held ahead of a commission vote on September 9 to add $10 million dollars to the "101 building".
Still in the design phase, commissioners have been asked to add a fourth floor to the office building and a third floor to the adjacent parking garage.A skywalk over Texas Avenue will connect the new complex, on the site of the former Bryan ISD administration building, to the courthouse.
Commissioners were told the addition would accommodate the future hiring of 19 people that will work for one of the four departments that will use the new building, the precinct four justice of the peace, the precinct four constable, adult probation, and public defender's offices.
Most of the 60 minute workshop discussion focused on repurposing the courthouse and the current adult probation building. That includes moving the district attorney's office to the current adult probation building and moving the 472nd district court to what is now the precinct four J.P. and constable offices on the fourth floor of the courthouse.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the September 3, 2025 Brazos County commission workshop meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve extending a contract with consultants to resume an update on regulating new residential subdivisions outside of city limits.
The unanimous vote to spend another $166,800 dollars will finish multiple updates and corrections that were brought up in October 2024.
Commissioners were told this is the first update to Brazos County subdivision regulations in a decade.
Commissioner Bentley Nettles said the update in part is the result of state lawmakers restricting cities control in extraterritorial jurisdictions and annexation, which has resulted in more homes being built outside of city limits.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 28, 2025 business meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
The first quarterly business meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents with Glenn Hegar as chancellor included a couple of departures from his predecessors.
During the chancellor's report, Hegar elected to not give highlights of what's happening at system universities and agencies, explaining "it really wouldn't do justice for all of the things that we do. I think to actually truly give an update of all the things that we have done over the course of the last year or even the last few days or the last month, I mean I would have to sit up here today, tomorrow, most of next week. I mean it's a remarkable list of things that we do."
Hegar pointed out the regents meeting was taking place during his 59th day on the job, where he has visited all system universities and agencies.
Hegar also applauded the system's response to July 4th flooding in the hill country.
Then Hegar excused himself for a time to be with his daughter who was getting her Aggie ring sized.
Hegar returned to the meeting in time to be asked to comment on the regents hiring a new president of the A&M International campus, an interim president at the system's new university in Victoria, and the selection of the system's new general counsel. Hegar told regents chairman Bob Albritton of Ft. Worth "I think we move forward."
Laurie Brown, Recreation Supervisor at the Gary Halter Nature Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about College Station's Bird City designation, birding events and programs, upcoming birding classes, window safety for birds, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Christopher Jagge, media liason for the Brazos County Farmers' Market, about their relocation to Midtown Park in Bryan.
This podcast contains comments from the August 12, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
Action at the August Bryan city council meeting included the next steps for growing the city's water supply.
The council approved contracts totaling more than $16 million dollars to drill four wells near Lake Bryan.
Public works director Jayson Barfknecht said the wells have to be ready for operation in three years to comply with grandfathered regulations from the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district.
Dr. Barfknecht explained two different companies are drilling two wells apiece had to do with the last minute rush of permits submitted to the groundwater district.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the contract to drill water wells 20 and 21.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the contract to drill water wells 22 and 23.
City manager Kean Register added that in the same area, the city of College Station and Texas A&M have groundwater rights to drill one well each.
At the same meeting, the Bryan council approved spending up to $580,000 dollars for groundwater rights and a one acre well site on acreage between Mumford Road and Lake Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the agreement buying additional groundwater rights.
This podcast is a visit with Lina Adams of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver previewing activities in September 2025.
Bea Saba, Director of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about Library Card Sign Up Month and how to sign up for a local library card, the current Author Series, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Acting Judge Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about decreased property tax revenue, building roads in the county, updating subdivision regulations, the new complex across from the courthouse, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 28, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents research committee meeting.
Last week's meetings of the Texas A&M system board of regents included the second meeting of the regents new research committee.
The system's research vice chancellor Joe Elabd said during the 2024 fiscal year, Texas A&M generated $1.4 billion dollars in research expenditures as part of its "research one" status and five of the system's regional universities who have a "research two" status combined for $177 million in research expenditures.
Committee chairman John Bellinger of San Antonio said there is going to be more R-1 and R-2 universities in the system.
Bellinger also said "we don't want to go backwards in College Station (at the A&M flagship)", adding "College Station gives us the brand, gives us the mark of excellence. And we have to have that to be able to proliferate research throughout the other campuses."
Regents board chairman Bob Albritton of Ft. Worth said "there is a lot more that we can accomplish and I think there are things we are leaving on the table that we should not be leaving on the table".
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 28, 2025 board of regents research committee meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 28, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The time school zones are in effect in College Station have been extended.
The city council approved the request by College Station ISD because the school board decided to extend the school day by ten minutes.
The city's senior traffic engineer, Randell Smith, said the request was made after it was noticed the after school speed zone ended while parents were still waiting in line to pick up their children.
Smith said there was no cost to reprogram school zone flashing signals. The cost to change signs where there are no signals was $1,480 dollars.
Click HERE to read and download what was approved at the August 28, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about tax rates, impact fees, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
The new President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, Lizett Hawkins, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Central Appraisal District chief appraiser Dana Horton and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The development of fiscal year 2026 budgets by the Brazos County commission and the College Station and Bryan city councils has included the surprise of resetting proposed tax rates due to reduced valuation numbers coming from the Brazos Central appraisal district (BCAD).
Chief appraiser Dana Horton says the larger amount of decreased values is the result of resolving more lawsuits filed by the owners of mostly commercial properties.
She estimates 80 percent of those property owners are fighting how the appraisal district determined equity in the valuation process.
Horton says the increase in cases being resolved follows moving those lawsuits to the 472nd district court that was created in November 2023.
Horton says BCAD is still working through 300 active lawsuits, and she expects the number of lawsuits to continue increasing.
The chief appraiser says she has met with representatives of the elected bodies and she will be notifying them of the status of future appeals.
There is also an increase in appeals of residential properties, from around 10,000 a few years ago to 18,000 last year to 22,500 this year. Horton says most of the residential appeals are resolved at the informal hearing level.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting from district extension agent Eric Zimmerman and new Brazos County 4-H agent Antoinette Morris.
Brazos County commissioners were introduced to a new 4-H agent at their August 26th meeting.
Antoinette Morris is a Texas A&M graduate who interned at the Brazos and Harris County extension offices.
The district extension agent that serves Brazos County, Eric Zimmerman, told commissioners a search is underway for a second 4-H agent for Brazos County.
Zimmerman also said last year, Brazos County had the sixth largest 4-H enrollment in Texas with 700 members.
This podcast is a visit with Molly Watson of the Brazos Valley Gives fundraiser and WTAW's Scott DeLucia during the September 2, 2025 The Infomaniacs show.
The registration deadline is approaching for non profits to participate in the annual Brazos Valley Gives fundraising event.
The seventh annual fundraiser sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley is a month long coordinated event that last year generated almost $1.3 million dollars for 198 agencies.
Click HERE for more information.
News release from the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley:
The Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley’s 7th annual Brazos Valley Gives is officially set for Tuesday, October 21, 2025 when nonprofits from throughout the 7-county region will engage donors to “give where you live.
”Registration is now open for all Brazos Valley 501(c)(3) nonprofits to register to participate in Brazos Valley Gives --- brazosvalleygives.org.
The deadline to register is Friday, September 5. Nonprofits pay a $150 registration fee; nonprofits that have an endowment at the Community Foundation are eligible for a discounted fee of $50.
This registration fee is used for administrative-related giving day expenses to include the marketing/promotion of the event regionally.
Register at brazosvalleygives.org.
Brazos Valley Gives is a month-long community giving effort that culminates in 18 hours of online giving on the third Tuesday of October.
Giving together as one community to raise money and awareness for local nonprofits.
Nonprofits are an important part of our community and provide important quality of life needs throughout the Brazos Valley.
Brazos Valley Gives provides citizens and businesses an easy platform to support the mission and “good works” of local nonprofits that serve the Brazos Valley.
Nonprofits from throughout the 7-county Brazos Valley region are invited to participate.
Brazos Valley Gives empowers individual donors and business leaders to come together to support causes close to their hearts.
This day of giving where you live is championed by the Community Foundation, and all donations pass through directly to the donor’s charity(ies) of choice.
This year’s goal for Brazos Valley Gives is $1M+ with 200 nonprofits participating!
Last year, donors rallied to raise $1,285,814 to support the good works of 198 nonprofits.
Over the past 6 years, the Community Foundation’s Annual Brazos Valley Gives Day has raised more than $6M for 320 nonprofits, including over $284,000 in sponsorship prizes.
Let’s all join as we strengthen nonprofits, empower donors and build community throughout the Brazos Valley.
This podcast contains comments from the August 29, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
College Station voters could be considering in as soon as the November 2027 election, a $65 to $80 million dollar bond issue to build a recreation center.
A majority of College Station council members at Thursday's meeting (August 28) were in favor of finalizing a location and what would a center offer.The consensus followed a review of 250 pages of consultant's reports on the project.
The consultants recommended three locations...Wolf Pen Creek, the former Macy's store that is owned by the city, and Central Park. The consultant said the reason College Station's Midtown area was not considered as a site was because a YMCA study showed that location was favored by less than 40 percent of those who were surveyed.
The consultants price tag was based on a center that included athletic and fitness space, indoor swimming, and program space.
To recover 98 percent of more than $3 million dollars of annual operating costs, consultants say there would have to be more than 6,400 annual members paying between $24 and $77 dollars a month...with the rate depending on the member's age and whether they live in College Station.
Click HERE to read and download part one of the consultant's detailed report about a proposed College Station recreation center.
Click HERE to read and download part two of the consultant's detailed report about a proposed College Station recreation center.
Click HERE to read and download part three of the consultant's detailed report about a proposed College Station recreation center.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 28, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 28, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents building committee meeting.
The Texas A&M system board of regents approves proceeding with the flagship campus's new home of the university's visitors center, prospective student center, and new academic programs.
Funding for the $250 million dollar Aplin Center included a $50 million dollar gift in June 2022 from Arch Aplin III, the founder of Buc-ee's convenience stores.
Construction will start in September and is slated to open in February 2028.
The three story building on the former site of parking lot 100 at John Kimbrough and Olsen will house A&M's food and nutrition sciences, retail, and hospitality programs.
Click HERE To read and download background information about the Aplin Center.
Colin Killian, Director of Public Communications, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recreation center study, the Amazon drone facility, approving the budget and proposed tax rate, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Six months of attempts by new Brazos County commissioner Fred Brown to end the county's use of Diners Club credit cards is over.
At Tuesday's commission meeting (August 26), a unanimous vote was made to use a credit card that pays Brazos County a rebate based on the total amount of charges and how quickly the county makes card payments.
Brazos County will be part of a credit card account established by the state comptroller's office.
Click HERE to read and download the agreement approved at the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Doug Vance, Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Coalition on Suicide Prevention, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
This podcast contains comments from the August 19, 2025 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Blinn College trustees again set a property tax rate that requires paying a penalty to the state because the rate is under the minimum of five cents.
The rate of 4.38 cents was approved at a special meeting Tuesday (August 26) by a five to one vote.Voting no was Richard O'Malley. Not present for the vote was Dennis Crowson.
During the trustees regular meeting on August 19, vice chancellor Clem Burton said Blinn paid an $870,000 dollar penalty in fiscal year 2024 and a $560,000 dollar penalty in FY 2025. Executive vice chancellor Leighton Schubert said the expected penalty for FY 2026 would be $570,000.
Burton also told trustees the tax rate for FY 26 also reflected a state mandated tuition freeze and the legislature looking at reducing the amount of state funding of community colleges.
Blinn's tax rate, which applies only to property owners in Washington County, is the lowest among the state's 50 community colleges.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 26, 2025 Blinn College trustees special meeting.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County commission meetings on August 19 and August 26, 2025.
In 2019, the Texas Transportation Commission approved Brazos County's application to create a regional mobility authority (RMA) that focuses on local transportation projects.
At the August 19th county commission meeting, opponents to the east loop highway project called for the RMA to go away.
That was followed by commissioners voting three to two to continue sharing in paying for the RMA's required financial audit.
No one on the commissioners court explained their vote, which was approved by acting county judge Kyle Kacal and commissioners Bentley Nettles and Wanda Watson. Voting no were Chuck Konderla and Fred Brown.Brazos County shares in the cost of the RMA audit with the cities of College Station and Bryan and with Texas A&M.
The RMA's new chief presiding officer, Karl Mooney, was not present at the August 19th meeting. But Mooney, a retired College Station mayor and council member, spoke during public comments the following week.Mooney apologized for not attending the August 19th meeting. Then he shared about current and upcoming actions by the RMA board.
Click HERE to read and download the RMA agreement that was approved at the August 19, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 27, 2025 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents committee on academic and student affairs.
The start of the new academic year at the Texas A&M system's 12 universities coincides with a board of regents study into student discipline.
The regents committee on academic and student affairs (CASA) launched the study with a 45 minute discussion at their August 27th meeting in College Station.
Speakers included the system's lead attorney dealing with student affairs Jerry Brown, the director of Texas A&M's director of student community standards Douglas Bell, and the director of A&M's Aggie Honor System Office Blair Alvarado.
Seven of the nine regents had questions and comments, in particular about due process rights of students.
The chairman of the regents CASA, Sam Torn of Houston, said this issue will be studied during the entire academic year.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials during the August 27, 2025 board of regents CASA meeting.
Jose Castro, Bryan's Municipal Court Juvenile Case Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about trends in juvenile cases, Teen Court, the Youth Advisory Commission, how to sign up, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The design of a Brazos County office complex and parking garage across Texas Avenue from the courthouse is on hold.
That's after county staff asked commissioners to consider adding a fourth floor to the office building and a larger parking area.
Commissioners at Tuesday's meeting (August 26) tabled the request until their September 9th meeting.
The proposed $10 million dollar addition is part of the county's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget.
The county's project manager, Trevor Lansdown, was asked to provide information about what would be located on the fourth floor and why there is not enough room in current county buildings to accommodate a growing number of employees.
Commissioner Fred Brown said "timing wise this could not be at a worse time when we're struggling with where the tax rate is going to be. But yet we want to spent $10 million dollars on a fourth floor of a building that we're not even sure that we need a fourth floor."Brown was referring to the commission proposing a property tax rate increase of more than three cents, which is the subject of a public hearing on September 9th.
Lansdown said it would be less expensive to add the space to a project is still in the design phase as opposed to needing another building in the future.
Lansdown also said there is no space to move county offices in an emergency, citing an air conditioning failure in the building that houses the elections office and the county's employee health clinic. Lansdown said the clinic is closed and employees in the elections office is working in the non-air conditioned building.
Click HERE to read and download background information on the proposed expansion of the "101 North Texas" office complex.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast also corrects the amount of the increase in the property tax rate proposed by Brazos County commissioners associated with their fiscal year 2026 budget.
Brazos County commissioners propose a property tax rate increase of one third of one cent.
Commissioners cited two factors before the unanimous vote at Tuesday's (August 26) meeting.
One was making up for lost valuation by property owners making successful appeals of valuations set by the Brazos Central Appraisal District.
Commissioners also blamed more restrictions from state lawmakers.
The proposal calls for the Brazos County property tax rate going from .419700 to .423059.
A public hearing was scheduled for September 9th at 8:30 a.m.
Click HERE to be directed to the Brazos County website with more information about the proposed tax rate and the proposed fiscal year 2026 budget.
News release from Brazos County:
Brazos County commissioners proposed a new tax rate today for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. While the No New Revenue rate was preferable among taxpayers and commissioners, recent changes in the Texas legislature have left counties and municipalities across the state working to salvage their budgets and causing Brazos County commissioners to propose the Voter Approval Rate of .423059 per $100 valuation as the ceiling for future discussion.
Senate Bill 10 was proposed to reduce the amount of increase to property tax revenue by cities and counties from 3.5% to 2.5%. However, the House yesterday proposed setting that limit at 1%, with an exception for public safety costs. In addition to the news from the legislature, commissioners also must consider current litigation between taxpayers and the Brazos Central Appraisal District.“
After the current 2024 tax rate was set, $128-million came off the appraised values,” said First Assistant County Auditor Marci Turner. “As of right now, an additional $1.4-billion of appraised property value for prior years is in litigation. We know not all of that will be removed, but we estimate an eight-percent loss, resulting in an additional $112-million coming off the current appraised values.”
As the tax rate is set to cover the proposed budget, losing that much each year presents a challenge. Throughout the budget process, County departments asked for items of necessity to continue providing excellent service to residents of Brazos County, making this a no-frills budget.
Acting County Judge Kyle Kacal said, “Considering the current litigation with the Brazos Central Appraisal District and the potential property tax rate cap coming from the state legislature, proposing the Voter Approval Rate is the only fiscally responsible action I could vote for to be a good steward of Brazos County tax dollars.
The No New Revenue rate, while appealing in the moment, would drain the County’s unbudgeted and uncommitted General Fund balance within two to three years and would force a tax hike in the near future just to keep the County’s services at current levels.”
On September 9, 2025, Brazos County commissioners will hold public hearings at 8:30am to discuss the proposed budget and 9:15am to discuss the proposed tax rate. The budget and tax rate will be adopted the same day during the regular commissioners court meeting at 10:00am.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the proposed budget and tax rate, development at Midtown Park, expanding Legends Event Center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is an interview with the city of Bryan's director of development services Martin Zimmerman and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
An apartment complex in Bryan being considered for closure due to unsafe living conditions gets a reprieve.
A hearing before the city's building standards commission on Monday (August 25) was continued until October 27.
The city's director of development services, Martin Zimmerman, says that was to comply with state law after finding out the Canyon Village complex on Finfeather has a new owner.
Zimmerman also says due to sewer backup issues, all units in the 48 year old complex have utility holds to prevent new tenants from moving in.
The city started receiving complaints in February of 2020, with a tenant reporting the sewer backup in January of 2023.
Click HERE to read and download the city of Bryan's staff report about conditions at the Canyon Village apartment complex.
This podcast contains comments from the August 19, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members decide not to change the district's grievance policy.
Chief of staff Sara Goolsby told board members at their August regular meeting that the district had the option to not comply with a new state law.
Senate Bill 12 gives parents 60 days to file a grievance instead of 15 and allows parents to contact the central office without confronting the campus administration.
Board members wanted to keep the shorter grievance period and to start the grievance process at the campus level.
Click HERE to read and download a memo summarizing the CSISD board's decision at their August 19, 2025 meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 19, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
For the first time in ten years, rental prices are going up at the Brazos Center.
Recommendations from Brazos Center manager Joanna Spencer were unanimously approved at the August 19th county commission meeting.
Spencer says the prices on contracts already signed for future events will be honored.
New prices will begin in 2026, with another increase planned in 2029 and again in 2032.
Spencer says the increase is to generate revenue to pay for operating expenses.
Spencer says the Brazos Center will be priced similar to community centers and will remain well below other venues.
Click HERE to read and download what was approved at the August 19, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 19, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
In 2022, Brazos County commissioners created a public defender's office to represent adults who cannot afford a lawyer.A state grant helped pay for the initial staff of ten people.
Commissioners at this week's meeting (August 19) accepted more state grant money to continue paying a share of keeping the original staff, and to establish new divisions dealing with juveniles, those with mental health issues, and address appeals.
The four to one vote expanding the public defender's office followed one hour of discussion. Most of that involved adding the juvenile division.
Brazos County currently contracts for indigent juvenile court cases with a private legal firm that is owned by Patrick Gendron. Gendron and Brazos County's chief public defender, Nathan Wood, disagreed on the effectiveness of the current contract and the need for the new division. And Brazos County district judge David Hilburn said there will always be a need for the county to provide private attorneys to represent juveniles who cannot afford a lawyer.
Brazos County district court administrative judge Kyle Hawthorne shared his experience representing indigent clients in addressing the need for more defense attorneys that in part can be provided by an expanded public defender's office.
Click HERE to read and download the grant that extends partial funding of the original positions of the Brazos County public defender's office.
Click HERE to read and download the grant that adds funding for the new juvenile and appellate divisions of the Brazos County public defender's office.
Click HERE to read and download the grant that adds funding for the new mental health appellate division of the Brazos County public defender's office.
This podcast contains comments from the August 19, 2025 Blinn College board of trustees meeting.
On the eve of the new academic year starting at Blinn College, board of trustees members are given an update on the impact of new state laws and procedures.
Executive vice chancellor Leighton Schubert said during the August regular meeting of the trustees that almost all fulltime faculty members who have taught remotely are required to return to campus. And locations have been found for an undisclosed number of returning faculty members.
Schubert also brought up rules by the Texas coordinating board of higher education that reduces the amount of state money going to Blinn and the remaining 49 community colleges.
Chancellor Mary Hensley, who described state funding of community colleges as a "revolving number", said that has resulted in being "extremely conservative" with Blinn's finances.
Schubert also says Blinn administrators have also been working on complying with the new state law where trustees for the first time controls the activity of what used to be an independent faculty senate.
College Station Fire Chief Richard Mann visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the students returning, the amount of equipment dispatched for a car accident, planning for a new fire station, fire truck manufacturers, challenges of vertical development, hiring and recruiting more firefighters, eating at the firehouse, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 19, 2025 College Station ISD school board.
College Station ISD school board members adopt a new policy to comply with a new state law regulating the operation of school libraries.
The unanimous vote at the August CSISD board meeting included not creating a library advisory committee.
The new state law requires the advisory committee if the CSISD board receives a petition from at least 50 parents.
According to a memo given to CSISD board members, complying with Senate Bill 13 without a library advisory committee "allows librarians to determine collections but provides for public viewing, parent notifications of student checkouts and now requires board approval of all purchases."
Click HERE to read and download the school library memo given to CSISD board members.
Click HERE to read and download the school library policy approved at the August 19, 2025 CSISD board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 13 that was passed during the 2025 legislative session.
Bryan Councilman Kevin Boriskie visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about progress on the budget, tax rates, the success of Legends Event Center, Midtown Lake, Downtown Bryan gameday shuttles, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about passing the redistricting plan, other states' plans for redistricting, remaining business in the second special session, added agenda items, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 12, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
The August workshop meeting of the Bryan city council included a staff presentation about a proposed promotion associated with the city's sponsorship of free shuttle bus service between downtown Bryan and Texas A&M home football games.
Deputy city manager Joey Dunn said the "Gameday on Main" concept could be expanded to all A&M games as well as other times for visitors to take advantage of downtown Bryan businesses.
The promotion could also include adding video screens and additional seating in the city's Palace Theater and involve other downtown businesses.
No action was taken and no council members voiced opposition to the idea.
Click HERE to read and downtown presentation materials from the August 12, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
This podcast is a visit with the executive director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization Dan Rudge and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
More than $2 million dollars given by the Texas department of transportation (TxDOT) to the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO) will be spent on two projects in the twin cities.
MPO executive director Dan Rudge says the organization's policy board approved a shared use path along East 29th Street from Carter Creek Parkway to Autumn Circle.
The other project is improving the intersection of George Bush and Timber and Bizzell.
Construction in Bryan is projected to start in May 2026 and in College Station as early as April of 2027.
Rudge said the cities are providing a 20 percent financial match.
Click HERE to read and download details of the East 29th Street project.
Click HERE to read and download the East 29th Street timeline.
Click HERE to read and download information about the intersection project at George Bush and Timber/Bizzell.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the proposed tax rate, other budget items, an upcoming report on the recreation center study, development in the midtown area, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Debbie Albert of the Texas A&M system Transportation Institute and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Before the Texas A&M football season opens, traffic patterns before and after home games have been reviewed.
Debbie Albert at the Texas A&M Transportation Institute listed the following gameday traffic changes during a presentation this month at the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization's policy board meeting:
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Bizzell & University: Postgame - Create dual right turns to help get traffic out of the Polo Rd area of campus
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Bizzell & George Bush Drive: Postgame – limit the amount of westbound traffic through the intersection to help provide space for people leaving University Center Garage
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Coke/Throckmorton/ Dexter & Bush: Postgame – prioritize traffic flow off campus by limiting vehicles coming onto campus
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FM 2818 Traffic Signals: Pre and Postgame – City of College Station will operate the signals through their signal system rather than officers at the intersections.
Creates smoother, coordinated traffic flow. Use cameras to monitor traffic. -
Penberthy widening (2 lanes in each direction): Pre and Postgame – use new pavement and contraflow lanes to help load and unload parking lots around Reed Arena
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Other campus construction projects: Pre and Postgame – traffic flows are unchanged, plans updated for specific barricade/sign placement, if necessary
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SH 105 east & SH 6 - Navasota: Expect pavement rehabilitation and left turn lane project completion prior to football season. Dual southbound lefts will be restored. Monitoring progress and will coordinate with TxDOT as necessary.
Albert also listed these tips:
• Choose parking that exits in the direction you want to go
• Make sure your parking pass is in your phone wallet
• If you are using your campus parking permit, update your permit barcode screenshot
• Give yourself plenty of time to get on campus
• Follow the signs and officer directions
• Sometimes the fastest way home is not the shortest distance
• Remember to pack your patience
• Downtown Bryan shuttle is an excellent option
Click HERE to read and download Debbie Albert's presentation materials at the August 2025 BCS/MPO policy board meeting.Click below to hear Debbie Albert's visit with WTAW'
THis podcast contains comments from the August 18, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council will take public comments August 28th about setting the proposed property tax rate for the 2026 fiscal year budget at the highest level without requiring a public vote.
The council can lower the rate but can not increase it.What received council consensus at their August 14th meeting is slightly less than last year, but two and a half cents higher than city staff's original recommendation.
During a special meeting of the council on August 12th, members were told Tuesday tgat the city's original property valuation had dropped by more than one BILLION dollars due to successful appeals.
On the 14th, fiscal services director Mary Ellen Leonard said there is still a significant amount of pending appeals to be finalized. That could further reduce College Station's valuation by another $1.8 to $2.2 billion dollars.
Leonard also told the council the city wide valuation number will be lowered another $200 million dollars due to a recently discovered state law that exempts the first $125,000 dollars of personal property.
Click HERE to read presentation materials from the August 14, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to be directed to a city of College Station video blog with more information about the proposed fiscal year 2026 tax rate.
Kathleen Sanderson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about changes to this year's tutoring program, how kids can participate, the Salvation Army's clothing closet, other outreach programs, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Councilman William Wright visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about his kids going back to school, repealing the overoccupancy ordinance, the proposed property tax rate, a future convention center, the Wolf Pen Creek area, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 12, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
The Bryan city council receives its third annual report from the operators of the city owned Legends Events Center.
General manager Jamie Cox says since opening in December of 2022, there have been 635,000 users.
Councilmembers were also told there have been 79 special events, 279 meetings and parties, almost 10,000 sports practices, and more than 850 games.
The director of the Destination Bryan tourism office, John Friebele, says in less than three years that Legends has generated an estimated economic impact of $30 million dollars and the city has collected more than $631,000 dollars in taxes.
Cox said Legends has almost met its capacity for using courts. That was followed by Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez brought up the possibility of adding courts "if it makes sense" and if it can generate revenue.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 12, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
This podcast contains two interviews...with Brazos County juvenile services volunteer and mentor coordinator Cornelius Gray and with the CEO of the Arts Center of the Brazos Valley, Leslie Bowlin.
Since 2008, the Arts Center of the Brazos Valley (ACBV) has led a summertime arts project involving teenagers who are residents at the Brazos County juvenile services center.This summer's project was painting murals on skateboard ramps at Brian Bachmann Park in College Station.
Juvenile services volunteer and mentor coordinator Cornelius Gray has administered the project the last six years. He says 13 children between the ages from 14 to 16 spent two days a week for eight weeks at the park. He says for the children, this "definitely gives them a sense of pride knowing that they were part of creating art work in the community."
Arts Center CEO Leslie Bowlin, who started with the agency just as last year's project was being completed, said for "kids having a hard time expressing themselves", "this sorta gives them another outlet and they can go look at a mural and say Wow I wonder what the artist was thinking or what does this mean or how do I see it."
Bowlin hopes to expand the A.R.T (Art Reaching Teens) for Life program to the rest of ACBV's seven county service area.
News release from the Arts Center of the Brazos Valley:
This summer, a group of teens, led by artist LeAnn Hale of Purple Turtle Art Studio, brightened up the Brian Bachmann Community Park with a series of Roy Lichtenstein-inspired murals in the G. Hysmith Skate Park.
A.R.T. (Art Reaching Teens) for Life began in 2008 and is a hands-on, artist-mentored initiative that provides youth in juvenile services the foundation for making better life choices and an opportunity to give back to the community through public art. Projects require patience, teamwork, and time, culminating in a physical representation of their dedication.
A.R.T. for Life is organized by The Arts Center of Brazos Valley. This program is made possible through generous support from Brazos County, Brazos County Juvenile Service Department, Texas Commission on the Arts, and the City of College Station.
Those interested in supporting the program should contact info@acbv.org or call (979) 696-2787. More information about A.R.T. for Life may be found at https://www.acbv.org/a-r-t-for-life/.
This podcast contains comments from the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The annual report from the landfill agency co owned by the cities of College Station and Bryan to the College Station city council included updates on multiple projects.
The deputy director of the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA) brought up the expanding drilling of wells at Twin Oaks landfill by a third party energy company that captures landfill gas and converts it to natural gas. Samantha Best said that will generate almost $3 million dollars in revenue this year. Next year's projected revenue is $1 million due to uncertainty about the price following changes in federal policies.
Since beginning operation in December 2022, the Twin Oaks Renewables Gas Plant has sequestered enough carbon to offset 306,897 acres of U.S. forest, offset the equivalent of carbon dioxide emissions from 703,469 barrels of oil and 34,187,952 gallons of gasoline, and has produced enough energy to heat 8,908 homes.Best also brought up the permitting process that continues to expand Twin Oaks landfill.
She was also asked about possible uses for the former Rock Prairie Road landfill that closed in 2014. Best says they have to monitor the site for another 19 years and the options on what can go on the top of what she called "a waste mass" are very limited. She said buildings can not be constructed due to unstable soil and methane gas.Also at the Rock Prairie landfill,
Best says BVSWMA has saved $700,000 dollars so far by planting a specialized grass that consumes a contaminated liquid called leachate from the closed dump instead of transporting it to a disposal site. And there are planning to plant that grass on more of the closed property.
And Best reminded the council that the next household hazardous waste collection event is Saturday, October 18 from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Texas A&M university services building on Harvey Road east of Veterans Park.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the August 14, 2025 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate.
Monday (August 11) WAS the final regular meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate after more than 40 years as an independent body.
Faculty senates at public universities around Texas lost their independence as the result of legislation passed during the regular session.
Senate Bill 37 was supported by all lawmakers representing the Brazos Valley.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 37 from the 2025 session of the Texas Legislature.
Speaker Andrew Klein says the future of the faculty's involvement in shared governance with the university administration won't be known until the board of regents meets at the end of August.
Klein says there are some changes that can be easily made due to what state lawmakers passed during the regular session.
Klein thanked members of the faculty senate's executive committee and university administrators for their support during this transition.
Lacey Lively, Bryan’s Communications & Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about fall activities, the Parks and Recreation Department, Aggie Football Game Day shuttles, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 12, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
In June of 2024, the Bryan city council voted six to one against rezoning land at Copperfield and Boonville for a $67 million dollar luxury apartment complex.
Tuesday night (August 12), the council approved the rezoning by a six to one margin.
The vote came after more than two hours of comments from 15 public speakers, 13 who opposed the project, along with detailed presentations from three representatives of the development.
The land at the northwest corner of Copperfield and Boonville was formerly zoned for townhomes.
Opponents wanted retail. The applicants said that land will never become retail because of the cost to deal with two creeks and the location is too close to the H-E-B that is being built at Boonville and Briarcrest, which will bring additional retail.
Opponents also brought up the 400 unit complex would add many students at Sam Houston elementary school. The applicants projected the complex, with 226 one bedroom units would add a maximum of 35 students. Additionally, the complex will have "no jungle gyms" or any amenities for families.
Applicants also brought up the apartment complex was part of the original plan of Don Adam, the creator of the Miramont and Oakmont subdivisions and who purchased Copperfield decades ago.
The rezoning was approved by everyone but James Edge, who also voted against rezoning last year.
Ray Arrington repeated his vote from last year to approve the project.
Changing their vote from last year were Bobby Gutierrez, Paul Torres, Jared Salvato, Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, and Kevin Boriskie.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the rezoning.
Click HERE to read and download additional information from the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read materials from the apartment developer, provided by the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download e-mails from neighborhood residents, provided by the city of Bryan.
This podcast contains comments from the August 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council is told there is $144 million dollars available to borrow for capital projects.
Councilmembers spent 60 minutes during a special meeting Tuesday (August 12) sharing their opinion about the future of 14 projects.
That was followed by 30 minutes of discussing those preferences with city manager Bryan Woods.
Woods takeaway at the end of the 90 minute exchange was "as far as we need, I think we've (city staff) got it. We'll take a shot at it, and if it's good you guys (the council) can adjust it. If it's not, then we'll go back and do something different."
Four of the 14 projects were given priority status during a council budget workshop in July. They were baseball fields at Veterans Park, Texas Independence Park, a new public works complex, and a local music statue.
The remaining ten projects are not included in the city's reserved fund balance account. They are Wolf Pen Creek, the Northgate area, extending Balcones Drive, infrastructure in College Station's Midtown area, Hensel Park, streets, drainage, other unidentified general obligation bond projects, the proposed recreation center, and the proposed convention center.
Click HERE to read and download more information from the city of College Station.
This podcast is a visit with the executive director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization Dan Rudge and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Two studies were given the green light last week by the policy board of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO).
MPO executive director Dan Rudge says in the 2026 fiscal year, a consultant will be hired to do what Rudge describes as prioritizing vulnerable road grade separations along University between Texas and Agronomy Road as part of a complete streets plan that also includes the South College/College Avenue corridor.
In the 2027 fiscal year, there will be a research plan with the Brazos Transit District about the future of public transportation in Brazos County.
The studies are part of the MPO's Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). This document identifies major transportation planning related activities that will be undertaken within the Bryan/College Station area. The UPWP is updated every two years and covers the next two fiscal years, with the fiscal year beginning October 1st.
Click HERE to read and download the UPWP document composed by the BCS MPO.
Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs August 13, 2025.
Topics includes development of the 2026 fiscal year Bryan city budget.
This podcast contains comments from the August 7, 2025 special meeting of the College Station ISD school board.
A new state law affecting the operation of public school libraries was discussed during a special meeting of the College Station ISD school board by members, administrators, and three parents who spoke during a public comment period.
The CSISD board will consider action to comply with Senate Bill 13 at regularly scheduled monthly meeting on August 19.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 13 from the regular session of the 2025 state legislature.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider described SB 13 "was written to create discord in communities, and take rights away from librarians and others of what's going on to create a controversy about library books that's a figment of their (state lawmakers) imagination."
Requirements in SB 13, which was approved by all state lawmakers representing the Brazos Valley, required public schools to give parents access to everything that is available in their children's school libraries and to be notified when their children check out any library materials.
School boards have to wait 30 days before a district can make a purchase or accept a donation of library materials.
All decisions associated with library materials now have to be made by the board. Parents can appeal board decisions. And until the board rules on an appeal, that item is not available.
School boards have the option to create a school library advisory committee (SLAC) or be forced to create the committee by a qualifying petition of parents. Harkrider told board members that they are not bound by SLAC decisions.
If a SLAC is not formed, state law requires the board to ensure that the district's procedures for adding or removing library materials comply with existing state laws.
This podcast contains comments from the August 4, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
No one on the Bryan ISD school board continues to express any opposition about a possible $397 million dollar bond issue election this November.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 4, 2025 Bryan ISD board meeting.
During the BISD board's August 4th meeting, one concern was state mandated ballot language saying that the bond issue would result in a property tax rate increase.BISD's new chief financial officer Norma Friddle repeated the state required language was required because the bond issue, which would not increase the tax rate, would not decrease the tax rate.
BISD voters will be asked to approve three propositions, which is broken down to comply with state law. There is $4 million for technology, $67 million for athletics, and $325 million in other projects.
August 18th is the last day the BISD board can call for an election.
Click HERE to be directed to the Bryan ISD 2025 bond steering committee webpage.
This podcast contains comments during the August 7, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting from CSISD's facilities director Paul Buckner.
College Station ISD school board members approve adding $345,400 dollars to the contract to replace the roof at Consolidated High School.
CSISD facilities director Paul Buckner says this is to remove the portion of the existing roof in the area of electrical and heating and air conditioning equipment, which was not part of the original contract.
Buckner also told the board that the worst part of the project, the noise and debris caused by tearing off the existing roof, will be over by the time classes for the new school year starts on Wednesday (August 13).
That brings the total cost of the project to almost $7.3 million dollars.
Funding for the contract addition comes from the voter approved bond issue in November 2023.
Click HERE to read and download the memo associated with this contract addition.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County district attorney Jarvis Parsons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
After a hiatus of a couple of years, the Brazos County district attorney's office has brought back their citizens prosecutor academy.
The academy meets on nine Tuesday nights starting September 9th.
A partial list of what participants will learn includes:
• The Role of the Grand Jury
• The Ethical Role of the Prosecutor
• Criminal Trial Process
• Domestic Violence
• Crimes Against Children
• Local Gangs
• Capital Murder
Registration and more information is available by sending an e-mail to mcarter@brazoscountytx.gov or calling Melissa Carter at 979-361-4320.
This podcast contains comments from the August 7, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members unanimously agree with administration recommendations on how to comply with new state laws.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider said during Thursday's (August 7) special meeting of the CSISD board that there's never been so much coming out of a regular legislative session that gave public schools eight weeks to implement.
Harkrider and CSISD's director of student services Crissy Hester both said the district has had to make decisions on some subjects without the guidance of the Texas Education Agency because they have not finalized how to implement some of the new state laws.
Board members unanimously adopted a board policy that complies with the state's new ban on students not having access to personal electronic devices during the school day, and making changes to CSISD's student code of conduct that incorporates new state laws.
Harkrider and Hester referred to new state laws changing in school and out of school suspension, reporting child abuse, and requiring written parental permission for their children to participate in school clubs.
Click HERE to be directed to the College Station ISD website for more information about the policy banning students from using personal electronic devices during the school day that was approved at the August 7, 2025 CSISD board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the 2025-2026 CSISD student code of conduct. The CSISD board at the August 7, 2025 special meeting approved adding to this document, banning student personal laptops for access during the school day.
City of College Station chief of staff Ross Brady visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs August 8, 2025. Topics includes the responsibilities of the city's chief of staff, monitoring what is happening in the state legislature, and the city's proposed fiscal year 2026 budget.
This podcast contains comments from the August 4, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members approve changes in its student code of conduct that reflects new state laws.
Administrators shared those changes before the board's unanimous vote at Monday's (August 4) board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download a summary that was presented at the August 4, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the updated student code of conduct that was approved by the BISD board.
The new state laws includes changes in student discipline.Out of school suspension may not exceed three days.In school suspension (ISS) is no longer subject to any time limit. However, the principal/appropriate administrator shall review the ISS placement of a student at least once every 10 school days to evaluate the educational progress of the student and to determine if continued ISS is appropriate.
The punishment has increased for students who are caught for a first time offense of possessing an electronic cigarette. State law says administrators can either place the student in a disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) or place the student on in school suspension for a minimum of ten days.
Parents of students placed in BISD's DAEP or who are expelled may request a behavioral agreement. That could result in reducing the disciplinary term, but not the placement type. And any reduction is at the discretion of the administration and requires full compliance.
And the amended student code adds the new state law banning students from having cell phones and other electronic devices turned on and on their person during the school day. Consequences for the first offense is the student receives a warning and a staff member issues a discipline referral. For the student's second and third offense, the phone or other device is taken from the student, the student can pick up the device after school, and the student receives a discipline referral. For the student's fourth and fifth offense, the device is taken, a parent can pick up the device after school, and the student receives a discipline referral. The sixth offense adds the consequence of the student completing after school detention. The seventh offense adds the student going to in school suspension. Subsequent violations are subject to the student code of conduct for repeated offenses.
The new state law banning students using electronic devices during the school day does not apply to employees. Presentation materials at Monday's BISD board meeting says unacceptable use of devices by employees includes personal messaging, calls, or browsing during instruction, usage that distracts from supervision, instruction, or student engagement, and filming or photographing students without parent consent unless it is aligned with district media guidelines.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a possible quorum on Friday, options to continue to special session, ongoing discussions in Austin, redistricting, THC regulations, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Zyreshia Jackson, Community & Economic Development Specialist, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about an arts and culture development grant, who should apply, how to apply, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the executive director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization, Dan Rudge, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver on August 6, 2025.
One of Brazos County's governmental boards dealing with transportation issues has a rare meeting where there are public speakers.
The policy board of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO) heard Wednesday (August 6) from four opponents of the east loop highway who want the project removed from the MPO's major thoroughfare plan.
MPO executive director Dan Rudge says once a board member asks to place the request on a future agenda, that starts a process that takes about one year to complete.
Rudge says federal law prohibits consideration of removing one project. Federal law requires a county wide study, which will be the first for the MPO since 2017.
Over the next year, Rudge says there will be public hearings to provide additional comments.
This podcast contains comments from the July 29, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
More time is taken than usual by Brazos County commissioners addressing what in the past has been a routine agenda item.
During the commission's July 29th meeting, a public speaker asked why the commission would consider a developer's incomplete subdivision plat application.
County engineer Prathana Banerji, who receives those applications, told commissioners that she had all the required documentation to support a completed application.
Acting county judge Kyle Kacal told Banerji that "all the I's need to be dotted, all the T's need to be crossed, all the boxes need to be checked. And it needs to be clear for the citizens to see in our conquest to be transparent and open."
Commissioner Wanda Watson suggested to Banerji that she tell future applicants "because this (application) is incomplete, I cannot submit it to the (commission) agenda (and) it's going to be delayed. That is a carrot or an encouragement for that person to complete the application."
That led to a unanimous vote to delay action at the July 29th meeting.
The plat application, which was completed, was unanimously approved at the commission's August 5th meeting without comment.
This podcast contains comments from the August 5, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
A tribute to a 54 year Brazos County employee who recently died was part of this week's (August 5) Brazos County commission business meeting.
Ruth McLeod spent most of her career as an elections employee in the county clerk's office.
Before retiring, commissioners in 2017 named the elections office building for Mrs. McLeod, who died last week at the age of 92.
County clerk Karen McQueen said McLeod worked for six county judges and 25 county commissioners between June 1, 1966 and September 30, 2020.
McQueen described McLeod as "a pillar" and "a treasure" in Brazos County "who loved elections" and wanted to be the first to proofread election returns "because she liked to get the printout to see who was winning and who losing before anybody else".
The photo associated with this podcast is Ruth McLeod with Brazos County judge Duane Peters from the September 26, 2017 county commission meeting where the elections office building was named for Mrs. McLeod.
This podcast contains comments from the August 5, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners adopted a resolution at this week's meeting (August 5) to name the training room at the juvenile detention center for a 32 year employee who recently died.
The resolution for Joel Hein, who retired as deputy director of community services, said in part that he "forged many relationships with this community and loved working with those community partners such as the Reality Education for Driver’s Program (RED), the Art for Life Program, the Federal Prison Let’s Talk Program, and many volunteers, mentors and interns".
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was adopted and read at the August 5, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast is a visit with WTAW listener Greg Janda and WTAW's Bill Oliver recorded August 4, 2025.
WTAW listeners riding their horses last Saturday (August 2) wanted to thank a group of motorcyclists for their courtesy.
Greg Janda said as he and his wife were riding along Old Reliance Road between Bryan and south of Kurten, they heard the rumble of the approaching motorcycles.
Janda said one of the motorcyclists tapped their horn to alert the rest of the group.
Then the motorcyclists passed the horses without hardly making a sound.
Janda said the motorcyclists actions was "absolutely awesome (and) that's the type of kind of motorcyclist guys that I know of. They're great guys."
This podcast contains comments from the July 29, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Parking lot repairs are coming to the Brazos Center.
Brazos County commissioners unanimously approved the request to solicit bids from outside companies after commissioner Fred Brown questioned why county employees were not doing the repairs.
County engineer Prathana Banerji said they have the people and the expertise. But they don't have the equipment for repaving.
A public speaker who also questioned why the county was hiring an outside firm also brought up developing the fiscal year 2026 county budget. Acting county judge Kyle Kacal said "all departments will be under review and looking to do the county's business economically as the will of this court."
In addition to seeking bids, commissioners also named the committee that will review the bids.
Theresa Mangapora, Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Food Bank, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the 32nd annual Feast of Caring fundraising event.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about House democrats choosing to leave the state, House Speaker Dustin Burrows, his work during the special session, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 29, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Following floods in the Hill Country and while we are still in hurricane season, came reminders from Brazos County's emergency management coordinator.
Jason Ware emphasized in a presentation at the last county commission meeting (July 29) to sign up for emergency notifications and not turning off those notifications.
Ware also stressed making and practicing evacuation plans from their homes, something that commissioner Chuck Konderla said his family did and used when there was a fire at their home.
Acting county judge Kyle Kacal, who retired from the legislature last year, said state lawmakers are working to improve emergency notifications.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 29, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the July 14, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
In November 2024, the governor issued an executive order banning state agencies, including state universities, from doing business with five countries and a politician he described as "foreign adversaries".
At the July meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate, members hear the results of a committee that developed how to carry out what is nicknamed G-A 48.
Click HERE to read and download executive order G-A 48.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 14, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
A&M compliance officer Jason Boyle said he is not personally optimistic of any changes being made to the ban applying to China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba and the Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro.
Boyle also said one obstacle in finalizing the university's policy was getting consistency with other A&M system agencies.
Seven areas that are covered in G-A 48 are:
* Certification that vendors are not listed on an adversaries list
* No personnel can accept gifts from a foreign adversary entity or travel for TAMU purposes to a foreign adversary country
* Applicants must attest they are not connected to a foreign adversary
* Notification of personal travel to a country on the foreign adversary list
* Ensuring personnel that have access to critical infrastructure can maintain security and do not have criminal history or connections to foreign adversaries
* The reporting of foreign gift and contract disclosures to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
* The prohibition of faculty and employees taking part in recruitment programs from foreign adversary nations
Tommy Schilling, Code Enforcement Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the restructuring of the department, enforcement changes, trash collection, trash can violations, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members approve spending $178,000 dollars a year for cybersecurity services with the Texas A&M system.
Board members were told services will provide 24/7 coverage at an additional cost of $5,000 dollars compared with the district's current software.
The interlocal agreement that was approved at the board's July meeting also provides incident detection and response by the A&M system and security awareness training.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download a memo associated with the agreement.
Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement that was approved at the July 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council takes action on a pair of items related to Veterans Park.One unanimous vote supported an updated master plan.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about the Veterans Park master plan approved at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The other unanimous vote supported the design for three more baseball fields.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about the additional baseball fields approved at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The new fields are supposed to be completed in 2027.
And the project includes adding 290 parking spaces to the more than 1,500 spaces that are currently available.
Lina Adams of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the August First Friday activities, the first free shuttle bus opportunity to and from a Texas A&M home football game, and registering for the downtown Bryan lighted Christmas parade.
Brad Stafford, Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about preparing for the Games of Texas, facilities being used, visiting athletes, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Acting Brazos County Judge Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about terminating the east loop highway design contract, improving communication with citizens, monitoring the legislative special session, working with the cities of Bryan and College Station, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about a new H-E-B store, development around the city, the Brazos County Commission’s decision to terminate the east loop highway project, the format of council meetings, College Station’s plan for a convention center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 29, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners terminate the design contract for the loop highway to the east of Bryan and College Station.
This follows months of public comments from opponents who live in and near the path of the highway.
Commissioner Chuck Konderla's motion was not only to terminate the design contract, but to permanently abandon the project.
Konderla also said his motion was not politically motivated because he is not running for re-election next year.
18 public speakers who all opposed the east loop spoke for almost one hour before the commission's unanimous vote.
Some of the public speakers said cancelling the design contract was only a first step. Still to be done, is to remove the east loop from the list approved by the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization. The MPO's website as of July 29 did not have a posted agenda for its next policy board meeting. The policy board is composed of representatives of Brazos County, the College Station and Bryan city councils, Texas A&M, the Brazos Transit District, and the Texas Department of Transportation. As of Tuesday, there is no future agenda for the MPO policy board's next meeting.
None of the members Brazos County commission who unanimously approved terminating the design contract and permanently abandon the east loop project were on the governing body at the time it was included in a November 2022 bond issue.
Before adjourning, acting county judge Kyle Kacal said "thank you to everybody for the decorum (and) the ability to work together. And I want to thank all our constables and sheriff's department for being here to help with the crowd. It was unexpected, but (it was) a very smooth show today and thank you all for being here."
This podcast contains comments from the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council awarded an $849,000 dollar design contract at its last meeting as part of a nearly $6 million dollar budget to build and replace sidewalks and shared use paths.
Capital projects director Jennifer Cain said the city's bicycle, pedestrian, and greenways advisory committee was involved in determining the locations.
Those locations includes shared use paths being extended along Bee Creek and Spring Creek and sidewalk extensions are coming around College Station ISD schools and the Texas A&M campus.
Click HERE to read and download maps of the locations of the future sidewalks and shared use paths that were approved at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download additional information that was approved at the July 24, 2025 College Station council meeting.
Before the unanimous vote, councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney said she wanted to do something about existing mailboxes next to shared use paths and sidewalks. Cain said that she can contact the postal service.
Staff was also asked for new and improving lighting at various locations.
This podcast contains comments from the July 21, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members hear a second time from representatives of the committee that is promoting a $397 million dollar bond issue in this November's election.
The BISD board has until August 18th to call the bond election, which supporters say will not increase the property tax rate.
The last BISD board meeting, on July 21st, included 20 speakers providing details of 36 projects.
Five of the speakers were not district employees. Four were parents and one was a member of the 2025 graduating class at Rudder High School.They are part of a 50 member committee who met 13 times dating back to March.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 21, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The proposal includes $89 million dollars going to BISD athletics facilities and more than $42 million going to BISD career and technical education programs.$63 million would go to projects at Bryan High School, another $63 million would rebuild Bryan Collegiate High School, and there is $31 million for projects at Rudder.
The list includes $144 million for what is described as lifecycle and priority maintenance items that includes replacing roofs, heating and air conditioning, and other repairs to the interior of Bryan ISD buildings.
If you add all the numbers in this story, the total is over $397 million. That is because some numbers are used more than once. Refer to the attached document for specific information.
This podcast contains comments from the July 15, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
A proposal to change public comment rules during Brazos County commission meetings was defeated in a divided vote.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed changes that were not approved at the July 15, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Acting county judge Kyle Kacal summarized the changes. The proposal included reducing the amount of time per person from four to three minutes. There would have been a maximum of 30 minutes per topic, divided evenly between proponents and opponents of the item. He also wanted in writing; the current practice of public speakers being recognized before beginning their comments. Disruptive behavior such as physical and verbal outbursts would not be tolerated. The only time applause would have been allowed according to Kacal, was when "the court recognizes an individual and/or group with a proclamation, resolution, or for other meritorious action."
Kacal and the commissioners then heard from nine speakers for 35 minutes, who were all opposed to the changes.
Supporting Kacal's proposed changes was Wanda Watson.Voting no were Fred Brown and Chuck Konderla.
Bentley Nettles, who was participating via Zoom, abstained because he said he did not hear the comments of four of the nine public speakers who were opposed to the proposed changes.
Later in the meeting, Brown and Kacal invited in person visits from constituents.
Brown said it took six weeks after he took office to be contacted by someone who he thought was a constituent, and it turned out to be a woman from Grimes County wanting someone to pick up a dead dog. Brown added, "I sit up there in my office, and I look at my phone thinking maybe somebody will call me. And then I watch the door and I'm thinking maybe someone will come in and talk to me."
Kacal echoed Brown, saying he has an open door policy and he prefers meeting in person instead of by e-mail or text.
This podcast contains comments from the July 10, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council approves the annual spending of federal money targeting low and moderate income residents.
The council's unanimous vote of a 169 page document at their July 24th meeting on how to spend $4 million dollars follows a public hearing that took place at the July 10th council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 10, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download pages 1-75 what was approved at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download pages 76-116 of what was approved at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download pages 117-140 of what was approved at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download pages 141-169 of what was approved at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
During the July 10th meeting, Raney Whitwell of the city's planning and development office said the number one need the last five years was transportation. That was reflected in continued funding of the United Way of the Brazos Valley's ride share program getting residents to and from medical appointments.
Whitwell said $2.1 million is going to housing programs. That includes increasing down payment assistance for eight to ten households wanting to buy a home to $810,000 dollars, along with $734,000 to acquire and repair three homes to rent to low and moderate income residents, and a new intergenerational house sharing program would receive $86,000 dollars to pay administration costs.
More than $1 million dollars would be spent on public facilities in low to moderate income neighborhoods. Most of that is the $759,000 cost to build and staff a splash pad at Lincoln Recreation Center. Another $280,000 will build a sidewalk in front of Consolidated High School along Welsh, along with $69,000 for an emergency generator and flood warning system, and $20,000 for public library drop boxes outside the Lincoln center and the Meyer senior center.
This podcast contains comments from the July 15, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County historical commission has two new members.
Before county commissioners voted on the nominees, commissioner Fred Brown called for applying for a share of $100 million dollars through a new program from the state legislature for courthouse renovations.
Brown said since "we have the ugliest courthouse in all of the world, I would hope that we would apply for $10 million dollars to do something with that monstrosity."
After Brown's comments, the commission unanimously approved the nominations of Daniel Castillo and Clint Williams to serve on the county's historical commission.
This podcast contains comments from the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
A majority of College Station city council members are still interested in building a convention center complex.
That followed a 90 minute discussion at Thursday night's meeting (July 24) that included a second report from two outside consultants who say the construction cost is $505.6 million dollars, it will be operated at a deficit, but the deficit will be more than offset by tax revenue and visitor spending.
Click HERE to read and download the consultant's presentation materials that were shared at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The convention center has an exhibit hall, two ballrooms, and an undisclosed number of meeting rooms. That would be connected with a hotel that is 18 stories tall and has 400 rooms. The complex would be surrounded by a parking garage holding 400 vehicles and surface parking for 600 vehicles.
A specific location was not selected. Instead, there were five areas. The top three are along University between South College and Tarrow. The other areas are the former Macy's store building and surrounding parking that is owned by the city and College Station's Midtown district. It should also be noted the cost does not include the cost of buying land.
The consultant and some council members said the project is contingent on partnerships assisting with the financing. Possible contributors that were mentioned included Texas A&M, the city of Bryan, and Brazos County. The consultant also shared possible state financial sources and what has been done in cities located outside of Texas.
The consultant's report projected revenue and expenses of a convention center-hotel complex to have a net loss ranging from $1.8 million dollars in the first year to $3.5 million in the 30th year. Not included in the expenses, is whatever debt the city has to pay for financing the project.
The consultant also projected the city receiving tax revenue and additional revenue from visitors as the result of the complex, starting at $34 million dollars the first year the complex was open to $128 million dollars in the 30th year.
Council members and city management say they are waiting for the consultants to provide detailed data that went into the 22 page presentation that was shared at the council meeting.
The council's next discussion on this topic could be as soon as 30 days from now.
Jennifer Nations, College Station's Water Resource Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Smart Irrigation Month, how to schedule an irrigation check-up, smart irrigation system rebates, low water landscaping, irrigation reminder emails, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 21, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
A Bryan ISD school board policy was amended this week to reflect a new state law banning students from having cell phones and other personal devices turned on and on their person during the school day.
Click HERE to read the amended Bryan ISD board policy on communications devices that was approved at the board's July 21, 2025 meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the BISD board's July 21, 2025 meeting.
Click HERE to read a Bryan ISD news release.
On August 4th, the BISD board will amend the district's student code of conduct, which will add consequences for students who violate the new state law.
This podcast contains comments from the July 15, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners did not have a business meeting this week.
The July 22nd meeting was cancelled to allow members to attend a meeting in Waco with their colleagues from north and east Texas.
Last week (July 15), the business included commissioners extending a contract with an outside company that hires temporary employees.
Commissioners did not respond to two challenges to the contract made by a regular public speaker.
Cynde Wiley questioned if there was a less expensive alternative to spending 32 percent above the wage to recruit temporary employees for the expo complex and the elections office.
Wiley also questioned in the recruitment of temporary election workers if those applicants were vetted.
Brazos County purchasing agent Charles Wendt said the original contract was the winning bid, which is done to get the market conditions possible, and more information is available on the website where the county solicits bids.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the July 15, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE To read and download the contract that was approved at the July 15, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Rachael Altman and Suellen Dunn from the Carnegie History Center visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about how the history center was established, genealogy services offered, tours, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit recorded July 23, 2025 with Dr. Sean Collins of Texas A&M's veterinary medicine college, who performed surgery on Reveille X, the first lady of Aggieland and A&M's official mascot.
The official mascot of Texas A&M is out of the public spotlight until this fall.
Reveille X is recovering from successful surgery. Her right eye was removed due to glaucoma with signs of abnormal tissue.
Her surgeon, Dr. Sean Collins at A&M's veterinary medical college, said the benefit to Miss Rev is not being in pain because she did not have functional vision in that eye before it was removed.
President Mark Welsh posted on his website that Reveille X will return to all her favorite activities, which includes cheering on the Aggies and keeping campus squirrels in line.
Reveille X has been serving A and M since April of 2021.
Statement issued by Texas A&M president Mark Welsh on July 23, 2025:
I need to update the Aggie Family on our beloved mascot and First Lady of Aggieland, Reveille X. Under the watchful eye of her Mascot Corporals, it came to our attention that Miss Rev has been experiencing some discomfort and cloudiness in her right eye. Sadly, the issue has progressed and during a recent check-up, she was diagnosed with glaucoma. At the recommendation of our world-class veterinarians at the Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, Miss Rev underwent surgery earlier today to relieve any discomfort. During surgery, the veterinary team discovered signs of abnormal tissue, and out of an abundance of caution, removed her eye. The tissue was sent to an ocular pathologist for evaluation, which is standard practice.
I’m grateful to report that Miss Rev has come through the surgery successfully, has been discharged and is resting comfortably. Our priority is her health and well-being, and we are blessed to have access to the remarkably talented and caring Texas A&M veterinary team who will continue to monitor Miss Rev on her road to recovery. She will take a brief hiatus from engagements as she fully recovers. According to her veterinary team, we can expect Miss Rev to be back to enjoying all her favorite activities — cruising on Rev Force One, attending classes, cheering on the Aggies and keeping our campus squirrels in line — this fall.
This podcast is an edited visit with Brazos Valley Bombers co-owner Uri Geva's visit on The Zone's Louie Belina Show that aired July 22, 2025.
Thursday night (July 24) begins the final regular season home stand for the Brazos Valley Bombers baseball team in Bryan.
Team co-owner Uri Geva shared on The Zone's Louie Belina Show that this year's operations could not have gone any smoother.
Geva also said the Bombers have at least one home game in the TCL playoffs, which is next Wednesday (July 30).
The final homestand includes a "Striking Out Cancer" promotion on Thursday, while Friday continues a 19 year tradition of fireworks along with a bobblehead giveaway for the first 200 through the gate, and the chance to own a Bombers custom jersey for Saturday's "Miracle Night" and for Sunday's "Princess Night" supporting Scotty's House child advocacy center.
Another event taking place at Saturday's Bombers game is recognizing the second anniversary of the death of a former Bombers pitcher from cancer. The family of College Station native Casey Whitmer set up a foundation to collect money for family members needing assistance with non medical expenses. Click HERE to be directed to the Full Count Casey Whitmer Foundation Facebook page for more information.
As the Bombers start their final homestand in Bryan, Thursday night's College Station city council agenda includes a letter of intent between the Bombers and the city that spells out the negotiation process to reach an agreement for the team to start playing home games at Veterans Park in 2027.
Click HERE to read and download the letter of intent to be considered at the July 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County congressman Michael McCaul at the beginning of the first hearing on July 22, 2025 of a homeland security committee task force on security issues facing future national special events.
Congress launches a new task force to increase security for upcoming special events around the country.
The chairman of the task force that is part of the homeland security committee is Brazos County congressman Michael McCaul.During the first task force hearing on Tuesday (July 22),
McCaul brought up next year's soccer World Cup in multiple cities, the 2026 celebration of the United States 250th birthday, and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
McCaul said one clear lesson from past attacks, is the need for strong intelligence sharing from federal agencies to local and state law enforcement. He added that intelligence sharing will be aided by money that was part of federal legislation that was recently signed by the president.
McCaul said the task force will review lessons learned from past security failures, citing what he described as vehicular terrorism on New Year's Day in New Orleans and gunfire at last year's Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County commissioner Chuck Konderla and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Further development of a proposed highway to the east of Bryan and College Station might be coming to an end.
County commissioner Chuck Konderla, who represents most of the route of the proposed east loop, has placed on next Tuesday's agenda (July 29), terminating the contract with the design firm for the project.
Konderla told WTAW News that he has enough information that shows the loop...which was part of a bond issue approved by voters in 2022, would not make a significant impact on reducing traffic on other highways.
Konderla also said not knowing when or if the highway would be built was not fair to affected property owners.
Konderla says the design firm has been paid $4 million dollars out of an $11 million dollar contract. He wants to spend the remaining $7 million dollars from that contract on other road bond projects.
A Brazos County news release says acting county judge Kyle Kacal also supports terminating the design contract.
Click HERE to read and download a May 27, 2025 update on the Brazos County road bond projects that voters approved in November 2022.
News release from Brazos County:
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Brazos County commissioners court will consider the possible termination of a contract with Quiddity Engineering LLC to study and design a loop on the eastern side of the county.
Following months of listening to constituents and pouring over materials and information presented by Quiddity, Precinct 2 Commissioner Chuck Konderla submitted a written request to have this item placed on the agenda.
“I remain uneasy about how few residents understood the Inner East Loop was part of the bond the previous court included on Prop A in the November 2022 election. It has weighed heavy on my heart this study has caused so much pain for so many people worried about their homes and their land,” Konderla said. “As there is conflicting data on when or if an Inner East Loop would be needed, I cannot, in good conscience, continue a project that could tie up taxpayers’ property.”
Acting County Judge Kyle Kacal also has a long history with the eastern side of Brazos County and has spent quite a bit of time in his newly appointed role studying this project.“
I am in a unique position of approaching this with a fresh perspective, and the information we have gained from Quiddity has been critical,” he said. “I want to be very clear, Quiddity has performed every assignment and executed this contract with the utmost professionalism. This possible action is in no way a reflection on the Quiddity team and the great work they have done.”
Kacal continued, “None of the current commissioners were in office when the previous court voted to include an Inner East Loop study on the TRIP 22 bond proposition, but it was the responsibility of this court to carry out the process. It has since become clear that there is not a current purpose for the County to continue a study for a road the County would neither construct nor maintain.”
Commissioners will discuss and consider this matter during their regular meeting next Tuesday at 10:00 a.m.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about last week's budget workshop, new fire engines, this week's council meeting agenda, the convention and recreation center feasibility studies, the Texas legislature's special session, students returning, the Brazos Valley Bombers, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 10, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
For the first time since 2019, the College Station city council approves a future voluntary annexation agreement.
The agreement that was approved at the council's July 10th meeting is with the developer of more than 90 single family homes on 50 acres in an area generally bordered by Arrington Road, Nantucket Drive, and Midsommer Lane.
The annexation will allow the developer to connect the homes to College Station's wastewater system. The neighborhood will also receive other city services.
There were no comments by the developer prior to the council's unanimous vote.
The only council comment came from mayor John Nichols, who said "I think this has been well discussed" and "between staff and your (the developer's) organization I think you very well worked out all the details so I think we're (the council is) comfortable."
Click HERE to read and download background information from the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 10, 2025 College Station council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the July 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD administrators get school board approval to create four more advisory committees.
Unanimous votes were made at July's board meeting to form a community advisory committee, a committee that works with CSISD bilingual students and their families, another to work with parents of CSISD special education students, and formalize a committee which began last spring that involves parents of students in CSISD's gifted and talented program.
Click HERE to read and download the memo associated with the committees.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shown at the July 15, 2025 College Station ISD board meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County district attorney Jarvis Parsons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A Brazos County district court jury has sentenced Larry Bollin to a life prison term for murdering a co-worker in April 2021.
Monday's decision (July 21) concluded a six day trial.The 31 year old Iola man is scheduled to be tried in Grimes County next month on a charge of wounding a DPS trooper following the workplace shooting.
News release from the Brazos County district attorney's office:
On July 21, 2025, a Brazos County jury sentenced Larry Bollin to Life in prison and a $10,000 fine for the murder of Timothy Smith. The jury previously found Bollin guilty of murder on Friday, July 18th.
On April 8, 2021, Bollin went to work at Kent Moore Cabinets with a handgun concealed in his lunch cooler. After the afternoon work break, Bollin pulled his handgun from his cooler and fired multiple shots directly at Smith without provocation or warning. He then fired at least 20 shots in various directions. During the continuation of the violence, Bollin shot Walter Vega, Juan Ordonez, Isidoro Leal, and Juan Uribe. Nathan Whited then attempted to bravely intervene to stop the shooting, asking Bollin why he shot the individuals in the warehouse. The defendant responded to Whited “I’ll show you why”. Bollin then reloaded his firearm and shot Whited multiple times, sending Whited to the hospital. Bollin then fled the scene and shot Whited in the back as he lay on the floor defenseless.
After fleeing from Kent Moore cabinets, Bollin returned to his home in Iola. While at his home, Trooper (now Sgt.) Juan Tovar approached Bollin’s home in an effort to apprehend him. Bollin then took aim and shot Trooper Tovar with a rifle as Trooper Tovar retreated in his patrol vehicle. Sgt. Tovar was shot in the left eye and lost his eye as a result.
The jury also heard from the mothers of Nathan Whited and Juan Ordonez, as well as the wife of Juan Uribe concerning how their relatives have suffered physically since the shooting.
The District Attorney’s Office would like to thank all of the victims in this case and their families for their patience and support throughout this trial process. The District Attorney’s Office would also like to thank Bryan PD, DPS, and the many other agencies that responded and worked to apprehend Bollin for their bravery and dedication.
Statement from district attorney Jarvis Parsons and assistant district attorney Jennifer Hebert: “Brazos County was changed forever by this Defendant’s actions. The jury protected us all today, when they sentenced Larry Bollin to life.”
This podcast contains comments from the July 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
When voters in College Station ISD approved a bond issue in November 2023, that included more than $31 million dollars to move the district's central office.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider told board members during their July meeting that three attempts have failed to buy an existing building.
Harkrider says behind the scenes, they are working on the planning and programming of a new central office and what would become of the existing building.
The superintendent said he plans to reactivate CSISD's long term planning next spring.
The status of the central office came up as CSISD board members awarded a $570,000 dollar contract to repair the roof and windows at the current central office building.
Click HERE to read and download the memo regarding roof and window repairs at the current CSISD central office building.
College Station Councilman Mark Smith visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this week's budget workshop meeting, funding for the Arts Center of the Brazos Valley and the Brazos County Health District, the Brazos Valley Bombers, Wolf Pen Creek Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
In February of 2024, the Bryan city council created a committee to study how to improve customer parking in the downtown area.
The committee's latest report was presented during the council's July regular meeting.
There was no council opposition to getting feedback on committee recommendations from downtown stakeholders (business owners, employees, and residents) and visitors to the downtown area.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 8, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
Those recommendations included keeping free on-street parking and looking into buying technology to read license plates to catch violators of exceeding time limits, changing enforcement where what is now a criminal offense becomes a civil offense, and hiring an outside company to issue tickets and collect fines.
New signage since the committee began its work, directing motorists to city owned parking lots, was brought up with helping on-street parking pressures.
This podcast contains comments from the July 14, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
July's meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate was the next to last under its original composition.
After more than 40 years as an independent organization, Senate Bill 37 (SB 37) takes effect September 1st, placing the faculty senate under the control of the board of regents and the university president.
Click HERE to read and download a copy of Senate Bill 37, which addresses the "review of curriculum and certain degree and certificate programs, a faculty council or senate, training for members of the governing board, and the establishment, powers, and duties of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board Office of the Ombudsman."
Current senate speaker Andrew Klein told members "Regardless of what happens to the senate or your choice to participate in it, I hope everyone finds ways to continue your service to Texas A&M as faculty and students in ways that you find personally and professionally."
SB 37 calls for a maximum membership of 60. The current body has 122 members. Klein says "any exceptions to going over 60 will have to be based on the workload and productivity of the senate as we have exhibited over the past years." And he added "there is a recognition that as the largest university in Texas, if any institution should be allowed to have a senate larger than 60 it should be us."
SB 37 requires the president appointing one member from each college or school and the rest appointed by faculty members. As for members appointed by the president, Klein said "In all honesty, conversations with the administration on this topic have been very positive. They appreciate the need for faculty input into individuals who would be good senators. And our president has continued to emphasize strong communication and collaboration as the administration continues to engage with the senate into helping develop that process."
And instead of the leadership being determined by senate members, the president will name the presiding officer, associate presiding officer, and senate secretary.
Bryan Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about law background, the city budget, a beautification effort in her district, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 16, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County expo complex on Leonard Road is getting $11 million dollars of repairs and upgrades.
County commissioners at Tuesday's meeting (July 15) unanimously awarded a $10 million dollar construction contract that includes replacing roofs and floors at the exhibit hall and ballroom, parking lot repairs and new lighting, improvements where RV's park, and replacing various mechanical systems.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the construction agreement.
Click HERE to read and download the construction agreement.
Two other contracts related to the expo project were approved by 4-1 votes.One was awarding an $850,000 dollar architect's contract.
The other was spending $198,000 dollars with a company under a master services agreement with the county that does building "commissioning" services.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the architect's agreement.
Click HERE to read and download the architect's agreement.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the "commissioning" contract.
Click HERE to read and download a letter from the vendor providing the "commissioning" services.
Purchasing manager Charles Wendt told Fred Brown, who voted no, that both were required by state code and the city of Bryan.
Brown also voted against the "commissioning" contract because he wanted to go out for bids to see if the county could save money. Wendt said the county has several master service agreements in an effort to be more efficient.
Commissioners then unanimously approved budget amendments to cover the costs of all three contracts.
Click HERE to read and download the budget amendments that were approved.
Not shared at the meeting, was the timeline for the construction projects.
This podcast contains comments from the July 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Public school districts around Texas have or are in the process of developing policies to comply with a new state law banning students from using cell phones and related devices during the school day.
College Station ISD administrators told school board members at their July meeting that they will vote on a policy just before the start of the new school year.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider says the proposed policy will allow students to store those devices in their backpacks and purses.
Students can not carry the devices on their person, and they must be turned off during the school day.
Students who violate the ban will face disciplinary action, again as required by state law.
The superintendent says one of his biggest concerns is when a student doesn't hand over their phone.
Harkrider also expects a reduction in the number of student altercations and an increase in student academic performance.
This podcast contains comments from the July 10, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
A part of the process the College Station city council uses in developing their yearly budget is hearing funding requests from outside agencies.
Representatives of ten organizations made their pitches and responded to questions during the council's July 10th meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the city of College Station.
The conversations also provided some background into agency operations.
Brazos County chief appraiser Dana Horton said increased funding is the result of an increase of valuation protests from what used to be 7,500 to 10,000 a year to more than 22,000.
Arts Center of the Brazos Valley CEO Leslie Bowlin said they have not had an increase in funding "in quite some time", while the city's population and the number of visitors have increased. The Wednesday after making the budget request, the council voted to not increase funding for the 2026 fiscal year.
Aggieland Humane Society is preparing for its 15th year of providing animal control services for College Station. Executive director Katrina Ross says a proposed $45,000 dollar budget increase for operations is due to, among other things, adding a veterinarian and more support staff and a 22 percent increase in maintaining buildings.
The director of Keep Brazos Beautiful, Brooke Arellano, said the lion's share of volunteer assistance last year was the collection of 2.25 tons of trash, which is included in reports to state and national organizations that qualifies them to apply for "very large grants".
A vice president at the Brazos Transit District was asked if they were open to changes in providing services in College Station. Jo Marlow pointed to their new committee composed of representatives from College Station, Bryan, Brazos County, Texas A&M, and the Texas Department of Transportation.
The director of the Brazos County health district, Santos Navarette, says he is waiting for decisions on possible federal funding cuts as the result of the new federal budget. That follows elimination of a $354,000 federal grant in April. The Wednesday after the budget request, the city council voted to approve a $100,000 dollar increase, subject to the same increase being approved by the Bryan city council and the Brazos County commission because of health district bylaws.
The board chairman of the local economic development agency, Spencer Clements of the Greater Brazos Partnership, brought up the name of College Station's largest private employer, FUJIFILM Technologies, has dropped DIOSYNTH.
Also participating were representatives of the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce, Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley, and the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Brazos Valley Bombers, the agreement with the new summer baseball team, Travis Field, parking in Downtown Bryan, Phillips Event Center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 10, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
From January through April, a 70 member committee studied possible changes in the greater Northgate district, which is north of University between Texas and Wellborn.
The study followed last January's vote by the College Station city council to reject an offer to sell the city's Northgate district surface parking lot.
The committee drafted more than 50 possible action items from the 82 page report for future consideration.
A review of the report was discussed during last Thursday's College Station city council meeting (July 10) for about one hour.
The council also heard from a representative of landowners and businessowners.
Courtney Phillips of the Dixie Chicken said the experience and the communication were incredible.Phillips also called on the council to do a second study focusing only on the entertainment district.
The council was also asked to change zoning regulations to protect the character of the entertainment district.The report that was discussed also includes Century Square, Northpoint Crossing, and Hensel Park.
Click HERE to read and download the greater Northgate district report.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 10, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the July 10, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
After Texas A&M students return for the fall semester, they and residents within one mile of the campus will be among those who will be asked about possible parking restrictions in residential neighborhoods.
That follows a College Station city council discussion that includes a parking ban between two and five a.m.
Assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka said more than once that the intent of possible restrictions is not to get around a new state law eliminating College Station's housing ordinance against overoccupancy.
Prochazka also said the idea of issuing permits to homeowners who could park in front of their homes would be a burden to administer and difficult to enforce.
Five of the seven council members supported a parking ban on residential streets within one mile of the A&M campus between two and five a.m.
City staff will also collect opinions about paid parking on football game days and special events.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 10, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments of the ceremonial dedication of two new College Station fire department engines on July 15, 2025.
Two new College Station fire engines were ceremonially dedicated into service Tuesday morning (July 15).
The "pushing-in" event is a throwback to when firefighters had to push wagons with water tanks back into garages following fire calls.
One of the new engines is at station two on Rio Grande and the other is at station five on Fitch.
News release from the College Station fire department:
The College Station Fire Department proudly announces the acquisition of two new state-of-the-art fire engines, demonstrating its commitment to protecting this community and improving emergency response capabilities.
These new engines are replacing engines the department has responded in for 16 years. These fire engines represent a significant investment in the safety and well-being of the residents and visitors of College Station.
Equipped with modern technology and equipment, the new engines will enable our firefighters and paramedics to respond safely and effectively to emergencies.
Key features and facts about the new fire engine include:* These are all-hazards engines that will respond to fires, EMS calls, specialty rescues, and haz-mat emergencies. * These engines replace 2009 models and are expected to serve this community as frontline response units for the next 15 years. * Each engine is expected to respond to over 25,000 calls during its service life. * The engine for Station 2 carries a 750 gallon water tank and a 1,500 gallon-per-minute pump capable of delivering water or firefighting foam. This engine carries additional technical rescue equipment. * The engine for Station 5 carries a 1000 gallon water tank and a 1,500 gallon-per-minute pump capable of delivering water or firefighting foam. This engine carries additional wildland firefighting equipment.
This podcast is a visit with the general manager of the Wellborn special utility district, Campbell Young, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The more than 10,000 customers in the Wellborn special utility district (WSUD) are invited to find out about proposed rate increases at Tuesday night's (July 15) board meeting.
General manager Campbell Young says the proposal will be posted on the district's website after the meeting and the board will vote next month.
Young says the revenue will go towards paying for the pipeline to bring treated water to the district from Robertson County.
Young says the pipelines will bring water that will replace most of what is being purchased from the cities of Bryan and College Station.
The WSUD board meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the district office on Victoria Avenue in College Station.
The agenda also includes awarding a construction contract to build the new wells and appoint a new committee addressing the district's impact fee policy.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 and June 12, 2025 College Station city council meetings.
College Station city council members receive updates on its capital improvement and drainage projects.
Updates in the capital improvements project presentation included the widening of Rock Prairie Road East, the rehabilitation of Krenek Tap Road and Lincoln Avenue, the three new water wells, the rehabilitation of the McColloch area utilities, Bee Creek sewer lines, the Bachmann Park senior and Little League buildings, the Central Park Operations Shop, improvements at Thomas Park and the Lincoln Recreation Center, Texas Independence Park, the new ballfields at Veterans Park, Fire Station #7, and the sidewalks on Foster Avenue.
The progress of capital projects in College Station can be monitored with an interactive map at cstx.gov/cip.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about capital improvement projects from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The council reviewed the City’s drainage maintenance standards and possible projects along Bee Creek.
Bee Creek flooding has generated public comments to the council and staff from homeowners in the Emerald Forest neighborhood.
The proposed College Station city budget for fiscal year 2026 includes $740,000 dollars for drainage improvements along Bee Creek.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about drainage projects from the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Dr. Daniel Oney, Research Director at the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about office space and new development in the College Station-Bryan metro area.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
July marks 14 years since a landfill was closed on Rock Prairie Road east of the freeway.
College Station mayor John Nichols said during the council's June 26th meeting that the undeveloped part of the property, where the landfill proper was not built, is being considered as a possible site for a new public works complex.
Nichols said the Brazos Valley solid waste management agency gave permission to allow the city to conduct soil tests.
The mayor's comments were made as the council learned that design work is 90 percent complete on rebuilding Rock Prairie Road between Fitch and Town Lake, which is the section that includes the former landfill.
The current design calls for a three lane road with shared use paths and a separated bike lane.
Capital projects director Jennifer Cain said it was possible to make that section a four lane road by taking out the bike lane.
Cain also said that decision could be considered after a recommended traffic study, which would be done if the council proceeds with building the public works complex at that location.
This podcast contains comments from the July 9, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Tuesday's Bryan city council meeting was the first opportunity for members to speak about a regular public speaker, Patrick Giammalva, who passed away on June 21st.
Giammalva spoke at council meetings for eight years, which began before any current member took office.
He also ran for Bryan mayor in 2019 and Bryan council in 2022 and 2024.
Original story, June 26 2025:
A three time candidate for the Bryan city council who ran following his opposition for moving the municipal golf course and turning that land into Midtown Park has died.
Patrick Giammalva was a regular public speaker during council meetings the last eight years.He ran for Bryan mayor in 2019 and Bryan council in 2022 and 2024.
During his last appearance at a regular meeting on June 4, Giammalva began by telling the council "Y'all are doing a great job."That was followed by saying "You know, my goal for the last ten years was to clean up my neighborhood, which is Midtown Park now and the lake, Williamson Park, and Astin Park."
Giammalva then asked the council to use two water wells at Midtown Park to create a lazy river and a splashpad.
The obituary notice from Hillier Funeral Home said Giammalva was a skilled carpenter by trade and also had a talent for remodeling homes and working with his hands.
Click below to hear Patrick Giammalva's comments at the end of the June 4, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Listen to "Death of Bryan city council candidate and a regular speaker at council meetings Patrick Giammalva" on Spreaker.
This podcast is from the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce leadership luncheon on July 9, 2025.
Chamber president Glen Brewer introduces the luncheon's featured speaker, Ben Keating.
The luncheon, sponsored by the Leadership Brazos alumni association, is the kickoff for those who are interested in applying for the next class of the Leadership Brazos program. Applications from the chamber are due August 1.
Click HERE for more information about the Leadership Brazos program and how to apply.
This podcast contains comments from the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce leadership luncheon on July 9, 2025.
Chamber president Glen Brewer is the emcee, and he introduces the following:
* The presentation of the Royce Hickman leadership scholarship (which includes the photo attached to this podcast)
* A Leadership Brazos program overview
* An overview of the Leadership Brazos Alumni Association
Lacey Lively, Bryan's Communications & Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board, upcoming city events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is College Station mayor John Nichols visit with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs July 9, 2025.
Topics include the proposed city budget for the 2026 fiscal year, taxes, general fund money, future projects, a possible agreement with the Brazos Valley Bombers, and new baseball fields at Veterans Park.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Assistant public works director Pete Caler said this was the first time that there was no local residency requirement to bid on this contract. That resulted in the city receiving six proposals.
The provider for the last ten years, Bryan based Green Teams, submitted a bid that was $216,000 dollars higher.
Green Teams owner Tucker Gallagher told the council he hoped their track record would count more.
Caler said 50 percent of the weight given to a bid was based on recommendations and qualifications and 35 percent was based on price.
Mayor John Nichols, who was part of the six to one vote, said he "could not bring himself to throw out" the low bid, then complemented staff when they "accomplished what you wanted to by opening up the bidding process to see if there is anybody who can do these specifications at less cost."
The lone no vote came from David White, saying he wanted to rebid the contract with a local residency requirement.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the July 8, 2025 Bryan city council meeting. Councilwoman and attorney Marca Ewers-Shurtleff questioned deputy city manager Joey Dunn and the owner of the Ventura Sports Group, Mark Schuster.
The Bryan city council unanimously approves a rental agreement for Travis Field baseball stadium where another summer collegiate baseball team will start playing next year.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials during the July 8, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The vote followed councilwoman and attorney Marca Ewers-Shurtleff questioning deputy city manager Joey Dunn and the owner of South Carolina based Ventura Sports Group, Mark Schuster.
The council's rental agreement gives the city rental income and a share of ballgame revenue. This replaces an 18 year exclusive use agreement with the Brazos Valley Bombers where the city paid utilities and received no revenue.
After the council meeting, Bombers founder and co-owner Uri Geva said the team will play next year's home games at three or four venues and in 2027 will play in College Station.
Original story, July 3 2025:
A second summer collegiate baseball team could be coming to the twin cities in 2026.
The Bryan city council will consider at their next meeting (July 8), a three year contract with Mid America League Baseball (MALB).
A city news release says the league, which is part of South Carolina based Ventura Sports, approached the city after the Brazos Valley Bombers announced its intent to move to College Station.
The proposed contract calls for the city to receive $32,000 dollars a year, or $1,000 dollars for each home game at Travis Field. The city news release pointed out the Bombers were never required to pay rent or utilities during its 19 seasons.
The proposed contract also calls for the city to receive a share of revenue from concessions, sponsorships, advertising, and broadcasting rights.
MALB's website shows this year's teams are in the Longview suburb of White Oak, Texarkana, Sherman, Abilene, Fort Smith Arkansas, and Joplin Missouri.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed contract between the Bryan city council and Mid America League Baseball.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the city of Bryan.News release from the city of Bryan:
The Bryan City Council will consider a proposed rental agreement at its July 8 meeting that, if approved, brings a new Mid America League Baseball (MALB) franchise to Travis Major Field beginning in 2026.Ventura Sports Group approached the City of Bryan with the proposal after the Brazos Valley Bombers announced plans to relocate to a new stadium in College Station.
The proposed agreement includes a three-year term starting in 2026, with an annual rental fee of $32,000 and a share of net revenue from advertising, sponsorships, concessions and broadcasting rights. Home games will be scheduled each year from May 20 through Aug. 15, with schedules provided to the city by Nov. 15.
The agreement also consents to Ventura’s required independent league exclusivity clause. This clause prevents other independent league teams from using the facility but does not apply to amateur baseball and softball events, such as little leagues, high school teams or other similar groups.
The Brazos Valley Bombers have played at Travis Major Field under an exclusive facility use agreement with Infinity Sports Entertainment. That agreement expires Dec. 31, 2025. During the 18 years of that agreement, Infinity has not been required to pay rent or utilities, as the City of Bryan has covered those costs.
Travis Major Field, also known as Edible Field, is owned by the City of Bryan and is located in Travis Bryan Midtown Park. City staff will assume responsibility for managing and operating Travis Major Field beginning in January 2026. This responsibility includes scheduling rentals and maintaining the facility.The proposed agreement with Ventura allows the city to secure a new baseball tenant for the next several years, drawing regional teams from Texas, Arkansas and Missouri.
The city views this opportunity as a business decision that supports the long-term vision for Midtown Park and maximizes the public investment in the facility, while providing citizens another quality-of-life activity.
The city has invested significantly in the development of Midtown Park and is focused on ensuring public facilities are used in a way that brings the greatest value to residents.
This podcast contains comments from the July 7, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The proposed College Station city budget for the 2026 fiscal year was presented to city council members at a special meeting on Monday (July 7).
Click HERE to read and download a summary of the FY 26 budget from the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download the 185 page FY 26 budget document from the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials made during the July 7, 2025 College Station city council special meeting.
The proposal calls for a five percent decrease in the property tax rate, which would offset an estimated four and a half percent increase in residential property values.
No rate increase is proposed for College Station electric, water, or wastewater customers.
There is a proposed five percent rate increase for College Station solid waste customers, which works out to an average of $2.97 a month.
Fiscal services director Mary Ellen Leonard says more than 20 percent of the city's general fund revenue comes from sales taxes. Next year's sales tax estimate is a one percent increase because the city won't have two big one time events that happened this year...Texas A&M football hosting Texas and a large sales tax audit payment the city received from the state.
The proposal includes six more police officers and four more patrol vehicles and one more person in the planning and development office.
Staffing also reflects a reorganization with eliminating the community services office where two vacant positions will not be filled.
And as previously announced, there are 12 more firefighters to staff the new seventh fire station, which will initially be funded by federal grant money.
After Monday's 90 minute meeting, the council agreed to hold a budget workshop on July 16 and a public hearing on July 24. A tax rate public hearing and budget adoption are scheduled for August 28. The fiscal year begins October 1.
Multiple fire departments were south of Kurten Monday night (July 7) at the scene of a fire at a crude oil off loading terminal.
Brazos County emergency management coordinator Jason Ware said there was an evacuation of a half mile around the site of fires in the cab of a semi and four crude oil tanks next to the semi.
Ware said firefighters kept a full load of 6,700 gallons of crude oil from getting out of the semi tanker.
An employee at the crude oil off loading terminal was flown from the scene with undisclosed injuries.
Initial response was from Brazos County fire districts two and three.
Ware said mutual aid was provided by the precinct four, South Brazos County, College Station, and Bryan fire departments, the Brazos County sheriff's and emergency management offices, the Texas department of public safety and the Texas division of emergency management.
This podcast contains comments from the July 8, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Retired state representative Kyle Kacal of College Station was sworn in Tuesday (July 8) as acting Brazos County Judge.
After 85th district court judge Kyle Hawthorne administered two oaths, Kacal took his seat and said "what an honor that has been bestowed on me by Judge (Duane) Peters and his family. I want to say that I will continue and hope you will keep them in your prayers as he (Peters) recovers" from undisclosed health issues.
Kacal also said "this is an acting appointment that I take very seriously and will dedicate all the time necessary."
Kacal then told the four commissioners "I can't tell you what an honor it is to serve with these four individuals to my right and left. Commissioners, you have all been duly elected to this county that we all call home and love, and it is our duty to do what's best for this incredible county that we live in."
Before moving into the rest of the day's agenda, Kacal said "the public's engagement makes the county operate better. And as long as we are able to engage in civil debate, we can all together do what's best for Brazos County. And as I look out there (towards the audience), I see a lot of folks that love Brazos County and this state and this country as much as the five of us. And we are excited to work alongside of you."
Amber Mastrobattista, Pride Community Center Board Member, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about upcoming workshops hosted by Aggie Allies and Pride Community Center's upcoming fundraising gala.
This podcast contains comments from the July 1, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners hear about upcoming changes in how elections are conducted.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock reviewed at this week's meeting (July 1), the impact of state lawmakers enacting Senate Bill 2753, which she says "will fundamentally change the timeline that Texas has used since 1987."
Hancock says voting will begin voting 12 days before election day (a Wednesday), and voting will continue through election day. "Here in Brazos County we will open our 5 early voting locations, being open for 2 weekends including Saturday and Sunday, with Sunday hours being increased from 6 to 9, then we open the other 23 location for election day."
"By voting through the weekend", Hancock said SB 2753 "will increase overtime pay for election workers and comp hours for my staff" and she is "concerned about fatigue for those workers (because) the median age for an election worker in 79." Hancock said election workers who "in the past would have Saturday, Sunday and Monday to rest and prepare for election day", "there will be no break for them", raising the concern of losing election day workers.
Hancock also said there will be an increased cost because she will have to move the early voting ballot board from the elections office because early voting will be taking place in that building. The additional cost includes the state requirement that any time the early voting board meets, that has to be live streamed.
And another consequence of SB 2753 is that there will be no early results on election night. Since the equipment from early voting will be deployed through election day the only results released at 7:00 p.m. on election night will be ballot by mail results.
Hancock also said the final version of SB 2753 does not include eliminating voting centers, which allows Brazos County voters to continue voting at any location.
County commissioners were also given an update on a federal executive order regarding elections. Hancock said she is waiting for the Texas secretary of state's office, which is waiting for federal agencies, to finalize changes mandated by the order.
The executive order also addresses voting systems should not be used where the vote is contained in a bar code or a Q-R code. Hancock said more than once that the manufacturer of Brazos County's voting system does not use that technology.
This podcast contains comments during the June 26, 2025 College Station city council from parks and recreation director Kelsey Heiden.
The College Station city council receives annual review of operations in the city's parks and recreation department.
Director Kelsey Heiden says they recently finished an inspection of all 56 parks in College Station.
She said data is being collected for the department's first master plan update in five years by surveying residents at city parks and department events.
Heiden also said the council will be asked to make what she calls re-investments in College Station's parks, paid for by a new $2.5 million dollar account.
There was also an update on projects paid for by a November 2022 bond issue. Heiden highlighted the first month of activity at Anderson Park, where the $1.7 million dollar project drew 7,500 visitors to pickleball and multi-use courts and fields.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the July 1, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
In 2017, new air conditioning was part of Brazos County's conversion of the former tax office building across the street from the courthouse to the new elections office and employee health clinic.
This week (July 1), county commissioners approved spending $230,000 dollars to replace equipment and inspect the building's climate control system to determine if there are any additional problems.
Chuck Konderla called the expense a "band-aid" to return air conditioning at the start of sustained summertime heat.
Fred Brown, who was part of a unanimous vote, was not happy with buying the same type of air conditioning system.
The parts and labor cost is $190,000 dollars.
Another $40,000 is being spent on "commissioning", which the county's project manager Trevor Lansdown says involves hiring a third party to inspect the work of those installing the replacement parts.
The commissioning contract also calls for inspecting the rest of the building's mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to identify any other issues related to operating the air conditioning system.
Background information about the purchase said the air conditioning system required recharging compressors with refrigerant on a bi-weekly basis.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the air conditioning proposal that was approved at the July 1, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the budget amendment that was approved at the July 1, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Lina Adams of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about downtown Bryan's First Friday activities being rescheduled to July 11th due to the July 4th holiday.
She also previews the July 4th fireworks and drone show on the RELLIS campus where the agency and WTAW are co-sponsors.
Meagan Brown, Division Manager of Customer Solutions at BTU, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about Lake Bryan, power consumption numbers, takeaways from the legislative session, power sources, future challenges, BTU's 2026 budget, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council approves rezoning land at Old Wellborn Road and Graham Road North for the future construction of an outdoor entertainment venue.
Documents provided by the developer shows what is nicknamed "The Range" will have a driving range, eight pickleball courts and a courtyard with 12 cornhole stations.
Mayor John Nichols, who was part of the council's unanimous vote, said "We wish them good luck on the project and we're excited about you bringing another experiential opportunity to the city".
No information was presented as to when construction might begin.
Staff planner Bekha Blasingame said one opponent to the project was concerned about lighting and drainage. Blasingame said those issues will be addressed as the developer submits their preliminary plan, the final plat, and the site plan.
Click HERE to read and download the developer's conceptual drawings for "The Range".
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials provided by the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download the rezoning information that was approved at the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 17, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners have entered a dispute among property owners in a subdivision west of Easterwood Airport.
Twice during June, homeowners in Oak Hills were able to stop the owner of an adjacent RV park from replatting property that he owns in the subdivision.
During the commission's June 17th meeting, general counsel Bruce Erratt said the RV park owner met the county's subdivision requirements for the replatting.
Erratt said opposition from the homeowners was a private matter between the Oak Hills homeowners association and the RV park owner that could be addressed in district court.
Multiple homeowners disagreed with Erratt's opinion and said if the replatting was approved, this would allow the park owner to proceed.
Commissioner Chuck Konderla received support from Wanda Watson and Fred Brown to delay action until after a meeting between the RV park owner and the Oak Hills HOA. County judge Duane Peters and commissioner Bentley Nettles did not attend the June 17th meeting.
This was the second attempt by the RV park owner to replat the property. His first request was denied during the commission's June 3rd meeting by commissioners Konderla, Watson, and Brown.
The owner was not present at either commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the map of the proposed replatting that was part of the June 17, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download minutes of the June 17, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting on this subject.
Click HERE to read and download minutes of the June 3, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting on this subject.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent legislative session, water rights, using local companies, Texas A&M's new chancellor, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The process of drilling more water wells continues in Bryan and College Station.
The College Station city council at its last meeting (June 26) awarded a $3.5 million dollar contract for the next phase of drilling three more water wells.
This portion of an overall $69 million dollar project involves clearing land and building internal access roads and the concrete pads where the wells will be built.
Assistant water services director Steven Maldonado said the wells, which will be running before August of 2028, will provide water on high demand days.
Click HERE to read and download background information related to the College Station city council awarding a contract at its June 26, 2025 meeting.
The process in Bryan is slower. That's after the city council at a special meeting last week (June 24) without public comment rejected three bids for drilling two more wells. Background information with the agenda item did not say why staff recommended rejecting bids.
Another round of bidding is underway with a deadline of July 10th. If the council awards a bid, construction is scheduled to start at the end of August with a targeted completion of October of 2026.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the Bryan city council's June 24, 2025 meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 Texas board of criminal justice meeting in Bryan.
June's meeting of the state prison board in Bryan included a presentation from the parole division of the Texas department of criminal justice.
Bryan district parole officer Shawn Noorlun introduced parolee Matthew Kelley of Caldwell.
The chairman of the state prison board, Eric Nichols of Austin, thanked Kelley "for having the courage to come forward and tell your very important story".
The photo from this podcast shows (L-R) Matthew Kelley and Shawn Noorlun.
This podcast is a visit with the organizer of the Kurten fireworks show and community fundraiser Shane Savage and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The 22nd annual Kurten fourth of July fireworks show and fundraiser is the second year a Bryan area businessowner is in charge of the event.
Shane Savage says this year, they invested in higher grade fireworks and more activities that precede the fireworks show.
Last year, Savage said he distributed around $15,000 dollars to non profit agencies that was collected from a portion of food and vendor sales. He expects to generate more money this year to a different group of non profits.
There is no admission for Friday's event, which starts at 5 p.m. next to the Kurten community center.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 Texas board of criminal justice meeting that was held in Bryan.
The board controlling the state prison system held its June meeting in Bryan.
Action items included moving ahead with adding air conditioning 12,000 inmate beds at ten prisons.
The list includes $8.4 million dollars for air conditioning inmate cells at the Luther Unit in Grimes County.
Board members were told that when those additions are done, that will bring air conditioning to more than 62,000 beds, or 43 percent of the state's inmate population.
$90 million dollars of air conditioning that was approved by the board comes from the 2023 legislative session.
Board members were told lawmakers appropriated more money during the recently completed session that will air condition another 18,000 beds.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members are told that state law does not allow pet ashes in city cemetery columbariums.
The update during the council's June 26th meeting came two weeks after a woman asked the council to reinterpret the city ordinance.
On June 14th, Lisa Burton wanted to place in her mother's columbarium, the ashes of her late mother's cat.
City attorney Adam Falco said state law restricts municipal cemeteries to human remains.
Mayor John Nichols turned down councilman David White's request to revisit the request, citing the city attorney's opinion.
Nichols also said he hoped city staff will work with Burton "to encourage her to find an appropriate way to honor her mother. And I think that will be possible."
The mayor also said staff had contacted Burton with the legal opinion. Burton told WTAW News her only contact with city staff was the day after she made the request. Burton said she learned of the legal opinion last Friday (June 27) when she contacted councilman White.
This podcast contains comments from interim Brazos County Judge and retired state representative Kyle Kacal, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver on June 29, 2025.
Brazos County judge Duane Peters, who will miss his fifth consecutive meeting Tuesday (July 1) due to undisclosed health issues, has appointed someone to serve in his absence.
Getting the call last Saturday (June 28) was retired state representative Kyle Kacal.
Kacal told WTAW News he is "glad to help a gentleman and a statesman that I truly believe in (to) help continue his legacy."
Kacal also he did not hesitate to say yes to Peters request, "not when a good man asks you to step up and I am (a) proud citizen of Brazos County and this is our home and glad to serve when the opportunity is there."
He agreed with the observation that his role is to "do what's right for the citizens of Brazos County. I believe the commissioners court is in very capable hands with four outstanding commissioners. And I look forward to working with them to make Brazos County a better place to live."
Kacal will joined Fred Brown as retired state lawmakers on the commissioners court.
A statement released by Brazos County says Peters "is confident he (Kacal) will do an excellent job in his absence."Peters continues to ask for privacy and he appreciates the prayers during his recovery.
Brazos County general counsel Bruce Erratt says the appointment is until the judge returns or the end of the term, whichever occurs first.
Erratt also says the county has to get bonds issued for Kacal before he is sworn in into office. That means Kacal will not be chairing Tuesday's (July 1) meeting.
Statement released by Brazos County from county judge Duane Peters:
On Sunday, June 29, 2025, Brazos County Judge Duane Peters appointed former Texas State Representative Kyle Kacal as Brazos County Judge, to serve during his absence while he recovers from health issues.
This appointment is considered temporary and will continue until Judge Peters returns.
Judge Peters is delighted that Former Representative Kacal has agreed to serve the citizens of Brazos County in this capacity and is confident he will do an excellent job in his absence.
Judge Peters and his family also appreciate the concern and prayers during this time of recovery and, although he expects to be back at work in the near future, he does ask for continued privacy during this time.
Statement released by Brazos County from Kyle Kacal:
“I am humbled and appreciative of Judge Peters’ request for me to serve as County Judge in his absence.
He is a longtime, highly respected friend and I do not take this appointment lightly.
Once my bond is approved by Commissioners Court and I am sworn-in to office, I will begin official duties as County Judge.
Until then, I’m meeting with elected officials and department heads to gather as much information as possible.
I am a public servant honored to answer a call to serve the residents of Brazos County once again and will do so as long as I am needed.”
This podcast contains comments from the June 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council supports the initial concept from staff to add amenities at Wolf Pen Creek Park.
The presentation from parks and recreation director Kelsey Heiden included amphitheater seating, a shaded area behind the seating, a pavilion/shelter area, an updated restroom, a dedicated area for food trucks with electricity, a water feature such as a splashpad, and a designated entry that could serve as a ticket gate.
Still to be determined are the costs and the possible sources of city funding.
The 40 minute conversation also included an undisclosed private party proposing a partnership with city management and some council members to hold events and provide funding.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 24, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County sheriff's and all four constable offices are getting $18 million dollars of new technology.
That's the cost of a ten year contract that was unanimously approved at this week's (June 24) county commission meeting.
The purchase includes tasers, in car and body cameras, drones, accessories, training, and replacing the county law enforcement's records management system.
Commissioner Fred Brown shared his displeasure with being given a short time to consider the 144 page contract before the manufacturer increased the price.
There was no hesitation in the purchase from commissioners Bentley Nettles and Wanda Watson.
Not present at the meeting were county judge Duane Peters and commissioner Chuck Konderla.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the June 24, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shown by sheriff's lieutenant Garrett House at the commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting and the June 24, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
A settlement has been reached in a lawsuit that reduces the amount of water being exported out of Brazos and Robertson counties.
In June 2024, the Texas A&M system, joined later by the cities of College Station and Bryan and Brazos County, filed the suit after the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district (BVGCD) granted water export permits to a group of landowners.
The settlement agreement was unanimously approved Tuesday (June 24) by the Bryan city council and by a six to one vote of the BVGCD board.
The College Station city council unanimously approved the agreement on Thursday (June 26).
According to the settlement agreement that was provided to WTAW News by the city of College Station, "the parties mediated their disputes" earlier this month.
Click HERE to read and download the settlement agreement that was approved at the June 26, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
WTAW News was also provided a summary of the agreement by BVGCD general manager Alan Day.
Click HERE to read and download the BVGCD summary of the settlement agreement.
The settlement reduces the amount of water that can be exported from 100,000 acre feet per year to 50,000 acre feet per year (AFY). The new limit will be phased in over a 14 year period. The cap that is in place until January 1, 2034 is 23,000 AFY. Between January 1, 2024 and January 1, 2039, the cap is 39,000 AFY.
College Station city attorney Adam Falco said during Thursday's council meeting that the company exporting the water will pay more than $180 million dollars over a 30 year period to cover the costs of local users drilling deeper wells to access the underground aquifers.
College Station councilman Mark Smith said the settlement "was the best possible outcome that we could get. The fact that we got a cap and they're paying an export fee which will help pay for the mitigation of the impact of their drilling, these are all good things (and) these are great outcomes."
At Tuesday's Bryan council meeting, councilman James Edge said "I know the options that we've had as a city have been limited. And unfortunately none of those options are optimum." "The settlement that's been proposed has been the best option probably that we could negotiate. I feel like moving forward, in an effort to try and preserve water for our future citizens that is necessary that we limit the damage moving forward and hopefully at some point the legislature will come through and deal with the law in order to protect cities like Bryan and College Station in the future."
At the BVGCD board meeting, there were no comments before the board vote.
As of June 27, no action has been taken by the Brazos County commission or the Texas A&M system board of regents.
Kelsey Heiden, Parks and Recreation Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about improving Wolf Pen Creek Park, the annual report given to council this week, Texas Independence Park, city swimming pools, the recreation feasibility study, the "I Heart America" celebration, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 4, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
A three time candidate for the Bryan city council who ran following his opposition for moving the municipal golf course and turning that land into Midtown Park has died.
Patrick Giammalva was a regular public speaker during council meetings the last eight years.
He ran for Bryan mayor in 2019 and Bryan council in 2022 and 2024.
During his last appearance at a regular meeting on June 4, Giammalva began by telling the council "Y'all are doing a great job."
That was followed by saying "You know, my goal for the last ten years was to clean up my neighborhood, which is Midtown Park now and the lake, Williamson Park, and Astin Park."
Giammalva then asked the council to use two water wells at Midtown Park to create a lazy river and a splashpad.
The obituary notice from Hillier Funeral Home said Giammalva was a skilled carpenter by trade and also had a talent for remodeling homes and working with his hands.
Bryan Firefighter Chris Lamb visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about summer weather, firework safety, heat safety, hydration advice, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Thursday, June 26, 2025.
This podcast contains comments from the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Concerts could be coming to the Northgate promenade.
That's after the College Station city council approved an agreement giving money to the Arts Center of the Brazos Valley if ACBV is successful in receiving a grant that the city is not eligible to apply for.
Assistant tourism director Jeremiah Cook said general fund money would be used as a match to stage concerts to improve the quality of life for College Station residents.
If the grant is awarded, Cook says city staff would join the Arts Center in bringing seven to ten concerts a year to the promenade for three years.
The grant, which has a maximum of $40,000 a year, would be matched by the city.
Click HERE to read and download the agreement that was approved at the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the June 12, 2025 College Station council meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the proposed water agreement with the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District, a report on Wolf Pen Creek, the upcoming city council agenda, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 17, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
For the fourth time, Brazos County commissioners are being asked to replace a 14 year old telephone system.
Chief information officer Eric Caldwell told WTAW News that there are more than 1,100 phone numbers that the public can call. And Caldwell told commissioners that there six remaining lines that could be assigned before they would have to combine or eliminate some numbers to reapply.
Caldwell also told commissioners that technical support for the current system will end December 31.
And there are complaints about the current system not taking care of jury notification notices when potential jurors call to learn whether to report.
Caldwell said during his update on June 17 that he was planning to make a formal request on July 1.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 17, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council agrees to pursue a state grant that if awarded, would pay for 80 percent of doing a study of potential pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements in the Northgate district.
Public works director Emily Fisher said the grant addresses one of the concerns of a citizens group that has been studying future development of the district since March.
The boundary in the grant application currently is north of University between Wellborn and South College. Councilman Scott Shafer and mayor John Nichols brought up expanding the study area from South College to Texas.
City staff projects the cost of the study for the smaller area could be as much as $325,000 dollars.
The grant, if awarded, would require the city to cover 20 percent of the cost plus any overruns.
And the city council is scheduled to receive an update on the Northgate citizen's group study July 10th.
Click HERE to read and download the background information and the resolution that was approved at the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 17, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members and administrators starts the process of changing campus boundaries of elementary, intermediate, and middle school campuses.
CSISD chief financial officer Heather Wilson reported at Tuesday's meeting (June 17) that some campus buildings have too many students, others are well below capacity, and some campuses need to be more balanced in the percentage of economically disadvantaged students. Those conditions are laid out in a CSISD board policy.
Wilson emphasized high school boundaries in CSISD will not change.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider said there will be an online survey to collect comments.
Survey results will be reviewed by the board later this summer. And a final decision will come no later than November to implement the new boundaries for the 2026-27 school year.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 17, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 17, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
At the end of March, 150 volunteers with the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce gathered information about the local economy from representatives of 679 businesses and manufacturers.
Results of this year's chamber day survey were shared at this week's Brazos County commission meeting.
Chamber president Glen Brewer said almost two-thirds of those who were contacted expected business to improve this year.
Brewer also said cuts in federal funding led to more pessimistic expectations by health and social service agencies.
40 percent of local employers plan on adding staff this year, while 54 percent plan on keeping the same number and four percent plan on fewer employees. 46 percent of those surveyed rate the quality of qualified employees as good and 38 percent were rated as fair.
Survey results were also presented about the quality of life outside the workplace, the quality of safety around respondent's neighborhoods, and how many surveys came from historically underutilized businesses (HUB).
Click HERE to read and download survey results that were prevented at the June 17, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 16, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD employees on the district's health insurance are again discouraged to no use freestanding emergency room clinics.
The subject was brought up during Monday night's (June 16) school board meeting.
During the public hearing on the 2025-26 school year budget, board members and administrators talked about the $1 million line item to cover charges from out of network freestanding emergency room clinics.
This podcast contains comments from board members and administrators about this issue.
Bryan Councilman Ray Arrington visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his accomplishments during his time on council, keeping his district relevant, attracting growth, engaging with his constituents, the committees he serves on, Juneteenth, townhall meetings, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is the Texas A&M system's retirement reception program for chancellor John Sharp that was held June 18, 2025.
Below is the order of the speakers and the time on the recording each person starts their remarks.
* Emcee was Texas A&M system's Stephanie Bjune.
* (1:09) Soon to retire system deputy chancellor and chief financial officer Billy Hamilton
* (8:36) System general counsel Ray Bonilla
* (12:36) Retired system vice chancellor of marketing and communications Laylan Copelin
* (18:42) Commanding general of the Army Futures Command James Rainey
* (23:18) Congressman Michael McCaul
* (30:06) Linda McCaul, wife of congressman Michael McCaul
* (35:15) Chancellor John Sharp
* (50:40) Billy Hamilton finishing the program by leading a champagne toast to John Sharp.
Texas A&M system employees hosted a retirement reception for chancellor John Sharp Wednesday afternoon (June 18).
The reception program included Sharp being presented one of the nation’s highest military honors for civilians, the U.S. Army’s meritorious public service medal. The medal was presented by the commanding general of the Army Futures Command, General James Rainey.
Other speakers included Sharp, his deputy chancellor and chief financial officer Billy Hamilton, his general counsel Ray Bonilla, his vice chancellor of marketing and communications Laylan Copelin, and Linda McCaul, the wife of Michael McCaul.
News release from the Texas A&M system regarding the presentation of the U.S. Army's meritorious public service medal:
As he wraps up his 14-year tenure as chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, John Sharp is receiving one of the nation’s highest military honors for civilians: the U.S. Army’s Meritorious Public Service Medal.
The award was given to Sharp on Wednesday by Gen. James E. Rainey, Commanding General of Army Futures Command (AFC), during a retirement reception. Sharp’s last day as chancellor is June 30.
The Medal recognizes Sharp for his leadership in creating Texas A&M-RELLIS and devoting much of its innovative research capabilities to developing next-generation technologies for national defense.
Rainey said the relationship between AFC and the Texas A&M System is as important as any relationship that AFC has with any U.S. university. Rainey recalled his first meeting with Sharp, confessing to being nervous because of its importance of the partnership.
“The Chancellor put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘The answer is yes. What’s your question? You and your organization have embodied that,” Rainey said. “Thank you for everything you’ve done, sir.’
At Sharp’s direction, the System forged an agreement with AFC on July 31, 2019, which led to construction of the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) that opened three years later.
Headquartered in Austin, the AFC draws on research from U.S. universities, national laboratories and the private sector to help modernize the U.S. Army. BCDC is a central hub for testing and evaluation of that research because of its unique combination of physical facilities, secure-cyber capabilities and research expertise.
At Wednesday’s event, Sharp thanked Rainey for his service to the nation and recalled their meeting the same way.
“One of the great traditions of Texas A&M is preparing soldiers, airmen and sailors to serve the United States,” Sharp said. “Our university system is built on patriotism and dedication to this country, and it is our great honor to do whatever the Army Futures Command asks of us.”
The medal is awarded exclusively to civilians who have provided outstanding service to the Army, its mission, troops, veterans and their families. Other widely known recipients include actor Gary Sinise, comedian Stephen Colbert and Bud Selig, former commissioner of Major League Baseball.
The Army’s citation certificate reads:
To Chancellor John S. Sharp. For meritorious service as the Chancellor for the Texas A&M University System. Chancellor Sharp spearheaded a vital partnership between the Texas A&M University System and the United States Army Futures Command, significantly advancing national defense capabilities. His leadership was instrumental in establishing the RELLIS Campus as a defense innovation hub, including the unique Ballistic Aero-Optics and Materials Range for testing advanced weaponry. Chancellor Sharp’s extraordinary performance, professionalism, and dedication to duty are in keeping with the finest traditions of public service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Texas A&M University System, the United States Army Futures Command, and the United States Army.
This podcast contains comments from the June 17, 2025 Blinn College board of trustees meeting.
Records are not available for the last time that Blinn College's largest campus by enrollment was not in Bryan. But that was the case during the spring semester.
Headcount in Bryan was 3,980. Ten years ago, Bryan enrollment was more than 12,000.
Blinn's largest spring enrollment was the number of online students at 4,236. After Bryan, the third largest presence was the RELLIS campus location at 3,523.
By percentage, the number of high school students taking dual credit classes showed the largest increase compared with the year before at 19.65 percent. That was followed by RELLIS at 12.30 percent. By comparison, headcount at the Bryan campus fell 15.82 percent compared with the spring 2024 semester.
Vice chancellor Becky McBride repeated at June's board of trustees meeting, what she has said for years about the impact of more students going to four year universities.
McBride said one Blinn program now at the RELLIS campus is returning to Bryan, to make more room for students at RELLIS affiliated with one of the Texas A&M system alliance of regional universities.
McBride also shared continuing recruitment efforts. One focus is bringing back former Blinn students. McBride said former students have received a combined one million e-mails and 3,000 text messages.
Blinn's district wide enrollment for the spring 2025 semester was 16,076. That's 125 more students compared with a year ago and is within 1,000 students of a record high that was set in 2020, just before the start of the pandemic.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the June 17, 2025 Blinn College board of trustees meeting.
Bryan Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the water rights lawsuit, Texas water law, existing water well production, development at Midtown Park, the city budget, Bryan ISD, upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Almost three hours of last Thursday's College Station city council meeting was a discussion about what they could do to make housing more affordable.
No decisions were made, as the council also recognizes the continuing work by a citizen committee on that subject.
Much of the time was devoted to whether impact fees to help pay for infrastructure in new developments should be reduced or waived.
Councilmembers were told the combination of impact fees, building permits, and parkland dedication fees account for up to four percent of the total sales price of a 1,450 to 1,550 square foot home in College Station.
The council was told in College Station, there are more than 1,100 housing units supported by tax credits or federal programs. And 41 households have received a combined $1.3 million dollars in down payment assistance.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials that were shown during the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County's interest income during the first quarter of the 2025 calendar year was $4,245,341.42.
That amount drew the attention of a speaker during the public comment portion of the county commission's May 27th meeting.
Responding to a question of how the interest income will be spent, county auditor Katie Conner says generally the income is credited to the department where the principal is located.
The county's first quarter 2025 investment report also showed during the fourth quarter of calendar year 2024, interest income was $3,864,561.70.
Click HERE to read and download the Brazos County investment report for the first quarter of calendar year 2025.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M associate provost of faculty advocacy Claire Katz at the June 9, 2025 A&M faculty senate meeting.
October 2024 began the work of the first person at Texas A&M to take on the new role of Associate Provost of Faculty Advocacy.
Dr. Claire Katz shared her first eight months on the job at the June meeting of the A&M faculty senate.
Katz, who joined the A&M faculty in 2006, says she has visited with some of the university's more than 4,000 faculty members. That includes visiting most of A&M remote campus locations.
Her general observations included assisting faculty members understand how the university works and supporting for and by deans, department heads, and other faculty administrators.
Katz also said she is not a lawyer, she is not a therapist, and she is not a magician who can solve all problems.
She also said she has had to tell faculty members to be careful about what they tell her. That's because there are circumstances where is required to report those conversations for possible consequences.
Click HERE to read and download Claire Katz's presentation materials at the June 9, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
State Representative Paul Dyson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his first legislative session, the committees he serves on, his response to Bryan ISD board member David Stasny's comments about public school funding, impact fees, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The penalty for College Station residents who leave out their trash containers near the street too long is changing.
The city council voted five to one at their last meeting (June 12) to support a staff recommendation to impose a fee of $25.50 that is added to a customer's utility bill.
Councilman David White, who said he has been late moving his trash containers away from the curb, voted no because he wanted a workshop discussion on the ramifications of adding the fee.
The council's vote also reflected extending the time for a customer to move containers away from curbs from 12 to 24 hours.
The civil fine is already in place in the Northgate district, where customers have until nine a.m. to move their trash containers.
The new fee replaces residential customers facing going to municipal court for taking too long to move containers away from curbs.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance that was approved at the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 10, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
There will be a fourth year that Brazos County commissioners hire someone to write grant applications.
The contract is part of the budget that was approved before two new commissioners were elected last November.
One of the new commissioners, Fred Brown, questioned how $48,000 dollars was spent during the first year before being part of a unanimous vote during the commission's last meeting (June 10).
County auditor Katie Conner gave some examples of what the grant writer has done.
Then the grant writer told commissioner Chuck Konderla he has generated almost $3.8 million dollars, with more applications being considered.
Staff told commissioners that they plan to request the expenditure again for the next county budget.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the June 10, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the original contract.
This podcast contains comments from the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The lone speaker during the public comment portion of last Thursday's College Station city council meeting (June 12) asked that the city cemetery ordinance be re-interpreted.
Lisa Burton wants to place in her mother's columbarium, the ashes of her late mother's cat.
Burton says while the city ordinance says "cemeteries are set apart for the interment of human remains", she says the ordinance can be interpreted to say columbariums are not restricted to only the internment of human remains...that the phrase "set apart" does not mean "restricted to".
Burton said friends told her to add the cat's ashes without notifying city officials, but Burton said "that's not the way I believe things should be done."
She also told the council that "the city can not make me a promise beyond 100 percent that there are not animal/pet ashes already with their owners in any of the cemeteries here."
Five and a half hours after Burton's comments, just before the council ended its public business at midnight, councilman David White asked for more information about the city cemetery ordinance with the possibility of discussing this at a future workshop.
Click HERE to read and download the city of College Station ordinance regarding cemeteries, as taken from the city website on June 12, 2025.
Spokeswoman Kathleen Sanderson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a school supplies drive, work the ministry team is doing this summer, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 12, 2025 College Station city council and the June 10, 2025 Brazos County commisson meetings.
The College Station city council and the Brazos County commission agree to give more time for FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies to complete an expansion of their pharmaceutical complex in the biocorridor.
Amendments to economic development agreements increase the value of the project from $300 to $330 million dollars.
Originally scheduled to be completed in January 2025, FUJI now has until the end of 2028 to finish the 138,000 square foot addition for the manufacturing of vaccines and gene therapies.
The agreement calls on FUJI adding 150 employees earning an average annual salary of $80,000 dollars.
In exchange, FUJI will receive during a ten year period, property tax refunds from College Station and Brazos County of a maximum $4,881,903 dollars.
Click HERE to read and download the amended agreement approved at the June 10, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the amended agreement approved at the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 12, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer of the City of College Station, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about areas that he covers, trash collection, the deal with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, planning the future budget, new water wells and addressing water issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Allison Harrell of Bryan Broadcasting Events and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
You're invited to this Saturday's (June 14) Brazos Valley Family Expo.
There is no admission charge to take advantage of more than 60 booths highlighting family focused services, shopping, and community resources.
The event, at The Brazos Center in Bryan from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., also includes a children's play area, fun and interactive performances, and free face painting.
Food trucks will also be onsite serving lunch, snacks, and sweet treats for purchase.
News release from Bryan Broadcasting Events:
The Brazos Valley Family Expo, presented by Metronet and organized by Bryan Broadcasting Events, is back and bigger than ever!
Join us Saturday, June 14th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Brazos Center, 3232 Briarcrest Drive, in Bryan.
This free, family-friendly event features a full day of fun and discovery for all ages.
What to Expect:
The Brazos Valley Family Expo will showcase over 60 booths highlighting family-focused services, shopping, and community resources.
Families can enjoy a lively KidsZone play area, fun and interactive performances, and free face painting provided by College Station ISD Art Club students.
Onsite food trucks will also be serving up lunch, snacks, and sweet treats for purchase.
Whether you're discovering local businesses, finding new activities for your kids, or just looking for a fun way to spend a summer day, the Brazos Valley Family Expo is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community.
Admission is free for all ages, and free parking is available at The Brazos Center.
Allison Harrell with Bryan Broadcasting Events says “The response to last year’s inaugural Brazos Valley Family Expo was incredible, and we’re thrilled to bring it back for another year”. “It’s a great way to connect local families with businesses, resources, and activities they’ll love—all at one fun, free event.”
This podcast contains comments from the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners continue to negotiate with two companies over issues in the expansion of the juvenile detention center that began in 2018.
Formal action was taken to extend what is called a "tolling agreement", which county judge Duane Peters and the commission's general counsel Bruce Erratt says allow talks to continue without any of the parties filing a lawsuit.
Negotiations over mechanical, plumbing, and electrical issues began in December 2023. Erratt said what began as a three page list of issues is now about half of one page.
The agreement to continue was extended to the end of this year.
Erratt pointed out this has nothing to do with toll roads.
Click HERE to read and download the extension that was approved at the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 4, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting from the executive director of the Destination Bryan tourism office, John Friebele.
Each June, the director of the Destination Bryan tourism office gives an update to the city council.
Executive director John Friebele noted the upcoming fifth anniversary of the agency, which oversees 18 events, is a partner with more than 40 other events, and keeps a lists of more than 540 events each year.
During the 2024 fiscal year, there were 4.8 million visitors to Bryan, generating direct spending of $184.7 million dollars and creating 2,200 tourism related jobs.
Friebele says hotel revenue has increased almost $28 million dollars since the pandemic. That takes into account, an increase of almost 68,000 nights spent in Bryan hotels and an increase of more than 37,000 nights in Bryan short term rentals.
Friebele also addressed efforts to increase the collection of hotel occupancy tax revenue from the owners of short term rentals, which was estimated at around 40 percent.
The report also included what the office is doing in marketing and advertising, business development and sales, and community engagement efforts.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the June 4, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
Maddie Green, Recreation Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Walk with a Doc program, senior socials, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his overall feelings about this legislative session, property taxes, school funding, water rights, the likeliness of a special session, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 10, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve a request to hire an outside legal firm in a federal lawsuit filed by an inmate at the county jail.
The commission's general counsel, Bruce Erratt, said the inmate claims he is wrongfully being held on a parole violation.
Erratt said hiring an outside firm saves the time and travel of sending a county employee to and from federal court in Houston.
The inmate, 59 year old Richard Stepp of Bryan, has been held since September of 2023.
Jail records show this is the 21st time Stepp has been in the Brazos County jail since September of 1987.
Brazos County district court records show Stepp is scheduled for a jury trial in August on a charge of possessing a controlled substance.
Click HERE to read and download information about the legal firm that was hired at the June 10, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 4, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council at its June meeting, awarded a $7.1 million dollar construction contract to rebuild Mumford Road north of FM 2818 and add a traffic signal at that intersection.
What is now a narrow rural roadway will become a 38 foot wide street with a center turning lane that will serve new and future manufacturing facilities.
Project funding includes a federal grant and a split of the remainder from the city and the Bryan/Brazos County economic development foundation.
The contract price is more than $1.2 million under the original cost estimate of $8.4 million.
The contract also calls for construction to be completed in 400 days.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and public works director Jayson Barfknecht says in the future, Mumford Road could be rebuilt north to Louis Mikulin Road and south of FM 2818 to Highway 21.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the project.
This podcast contains comments from the June 9, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting from senate speaker Andrew Klein.
The Texas A&M faculty senate meets for the first time since the Texas legislature sent to the governor, a bill that ends the independence of the organization.
Senate Bill 37, which is at the governor's desk as of June 11,, gives the board of regents policy control of the faculty senate, and members are appointed by the president as well as faculty members.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 37 as sent to the governor.
New faculty senate speaker Andrew Klein listed some of the accomplishments of the body during its 42 years as a stand alone body.
Klein said moving forward, "I will do my best to ensure the senate's appropriate role on curricular matters continues. None of us today know what it's going to look like come the fall."
He also said he is encouraging everyone "to respect the opinions of our colleagues, including those who may choose to not participate in the senate anymore because of the changes."
Klein said faculty, like A&M students, "change is difficult for Aggies. But we're going to be able to adapt to this change because the other thing is that Aggies persevere. So, this body is going to persevere through the changes that are going to be coming."
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about impact fees, housing density, a master plan steering committee, increasing bicyclist and pedestrian traffic, considering the extension of an economic development agreement that gives FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies more time on an expansion, Thursday night's council meeting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 3, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
For the fifth consecutive year, the Bryan city council agrees to pay a private company to provide school crossing guards at 20 sites around Bryan ISD.
The unanimous vote at the June 4th meeting came after councilman Ray Arrington questioned city manager Kean Register about the status of a decision made three years ago to start transferring that cost to the school district.
Register and mayor Bobby Gutierrez said they are working with BISD officials.
Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, who is a member of the city-BISD joint committee, said the city's contribution helps the district deal with funding shortfalls from the state.
The Bryan police department selected the company that was awarded the $198,000 dollar contract.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the June 4, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the June 4, 2025 council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the June 3, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners pause on pursuing the construction of a new central warehouse and office building.
Three commissioners attending the June 3rd meeting accepted staff recommendations to not solicit proposals from potential architects and construction managers for the complex that would be built on county owned land south of downtown Bryan off Finfeather Road on Ashford Hills Drive.
Commissioner Fred Brown said he was glad to see this go away because money had not been budgeted for the construction. The commission's chief of staff, Ed Bull, said commissioners will be asked to approve construction funding in next year's budget.
Bull said the decision was made to place a priority at this time on remodeling the county's administration and road and bridge buildings.
This podcast contains comments from the May 29, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
The May meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents was the last one of the academic year for the one member who does not get to vote.
But the student regent for the 2024-2025 academic year says his input was welcomed.
Cage Sawyers of Van Alstyne, north of Dallas, thanked the board for allowing him to contribute.
Sawyers, who graduated last month from the Texas A&M law school, said his A&M story goes back to 2003 when at five years old he attended an Aggie football game.
Sawyers says during visits at 11 system universities, students wanted the system to embrace Hispanics, go all in on rural Texas, and do more tangible things to prepare graduates for the workforce.
The student regent is appointed by the governor to represent 165,000 attending A&M system universities.
The student regent for the 2025-2026 year is Prairie View A&M student Jaquavous Doucette of Fort Worth.
And the governor appointed a Texas A&M student, Lisa Cantu of Mission, to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
This podcast contains comments from the June 2, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting and the June 6, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Bryan and College Station ISD school board members and administrators continue their criticism of state lawmakers for not giving enough money to public education.
At the Bryan ISD board meeting last Monday (June 2), the district's departing chief financial officer Kevin Beesaw said "It's going to be difficult with this bill as passed to get much better than last year. There's going to be some major cuts." Beesaw also said "you're going to have to start looking at schools, programs, class sizes", adding "We've already done some of those tweaks and things, but we maybe have to start looking at more drastic" things. BISD's incoming chief financial officer, Norma Friddle, said "The thing we're all shocked in every single school district is the amount of people excluded from the compensation package." Friddle said state funded pay raises left out among others, teachers with less than three years experience and all registered nurses and certified counselors.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 2, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
During a special meeting of the CSISD board last Friday (June 6), board members shared their opinion that the governor and a majority of lawmakers favor private schools. Joshua Benn said "The governor has become a master at the concept of lies, damn lies, and statistics." Darin Paine added "What our governor pushed and what these legislators have done has not favored public education. And I think it's a complete disservice and a disgrace to try and present it as such."
There was no opposition among CSISD board members to what superintendent Tim Harkrider recommended was an aggressive pay raise to retain employees, and to give comparable pay raises to CSISD employees were who state lawmakers left out during the recently completed legislative session.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 6, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the May 29, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
The third phase of renovating Texas A&M's Heldenfels building was approved at the last board of regents meeting.
The A&M system's chief facilities officer, Brett McCully, the $12 million dollar project on the fourth floor will provide 12 labs, a help desk, and some office space for multiple departments.
Construction will take place this summer and fall, with substantial completion scheduled for next January.
Click HERE to read and download what was approved at the May 29, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
This podcast includes comments from the June 3, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners decide to postpone a vote to extend a contract with its consultant that is managing the bond issue for road projects that voters approved in November 2022.
Before three commissioners attending Tuesday's meeting (June 3) made that decision, new commissioner Fred Brown said he was ready to vote against the extension because he has not seen the original contract and he is opposed to the east loop highway that is one of the bond projects.
Brown was not present at the commission's May 27th meeting when the consulting company owner presented an update on seven projects, one of which was the east loop.
Seven public speakers who oppose the east loop also spoke against the contract extension.
County engineer Prathana Banerji asked for the contract extension. She said the consultant was hired because county staff does not have the expertise to work on bond funded projects associated with the Texas department of transportation...which includes the future widening of Harvey Road and Leonard Road.
Brown agreed with Chuck Konderla's request to table a decision. Also voting to table was Wanda Watson.
Click HERE to read and download the contract extension that was tabled at the June 3, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast is a visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia and state representative Trey Wharton, whose district includes Brazos, Walker, Madison, Robertson, Grimes, and Washington counties.
This podcast is an interview with Patrick McIntyre of the College Station Utilities electric division and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
This podcast contains comments from the June 4, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council hears a proposal to remove sections of the Texas Avenue median.
Public works director Jayson Barfknecht says the proposal, which was developed in talks with the district engineer of the Texas department of transportation (TxDOT) office in Bryan, targets seven locations.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 4, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Barfknecht said he is now working with a consultant hired by the city to confirm the locations can have medians removed without negatively impacting traffic.
Barfknecht also says the consultant has been asked to determine if a median crossing Texas at the intersection of Brookside and Garden Acres can be removed without adding traffic signals.
The other proposed locations are Texas at Hensel, the intersection with Broadmoor and North Avenue, and the intersections with Mary Lake, Wayside, Dodge, and 32nd Street.
The proposal comes at a time when TxDOT is preparing to do the fourth phase of the median project, which involves landscaping on the medians. That drew concerns from two councilmembers. Jared Salvato wondered if landscaping could survive in the medians. And Marca Ewers-Shurtleff said the city is under pressure to conserve water due to the proposal to export water outside the Brazos Valley.
The fifth and final phase of the median project is scheduled to start in 2027. That includes turnarounds at intersections called loons and a shared use path. Barfknecht said TxDOT is still acquiring right of way.
And a member of a citizen group opposed to medians, Karen Hall, told councilmembers that she was very encouraged by the update.
Destination Bryan tourism office public relations and communications manager Lina Adams visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about events in June 2025 and an invitation to visit the destinationbryan.com website to learn about what is taking place this summer.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's city council meeting, the Kimbell Feed Building in Downtown Bryan, development at Midtown Park, the future use of Edible Field, incentives the city could offer, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the signing of HB 2 and funding public education, his legislation waiting for the governor's signature, impact fees, STAAR tests, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners give the green light to accept proposals from construction companies interested in what is projected to be a $17 million dollar remodeling and renovation of the administration building.
Audience members asked two questions before the unanimous vote during the May 27th meeting.
The commission's project director, Trevor Lansdown, says this is taking care of space needs that are different from the new office building being built across Texas Avenue from the courthouse.
The project, which has taken one year to design, will add a second floor in the rarely used former church sanctuary.The exterior will be replaced to stop water entering the building, which has led to environmental concerns.
County judge Duane Peters and the commission's general counsel, Bruce Erratt, responded to a question of why no citizens were on the committee that will recommend a construction company. Peters said those who are on the review committee are affected by the project. Erratt says citizens are added from time to time.
Jeanelle Johnson, Emergency Management Coordinator, and Bryan Firefighter Chris Lamb visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about hurricane season preparedness, creating an evacuation plan, preparing for sheltering in place during an emergency, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jan Porter, A&M Garden Club President, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about National Garden Week, their local displays, upcoming events, and more.
This podcast contains comments during the May 20, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting from assistant superintendent Josh Symank.
On the Tuesday before Memorial Day (May 20), the College Station ISD school board received an update on construction projects around the district.
This web story does not include construction at high school stadiums in CSISD, which was the subject of a prior story.
Comments from assistant superintendent Josh Symank included wanting to be aggressive as possible to complete new construction and repairs faster than scheduled. One obstacle has been stormy weather, which Symank said he hopes for no rain for the rest of the district's construction schedule.
Symank also brought up two unexpected delays. Renovating the baseball field at Consolidated High School has included the discovery and removal of buried light poles. And swarms of bees had to be removed from College Station High School's baseball and softball fields.
As construction starts on the second phase of CSISD's career and technology center, Symank has been approached by coaches and athletic administrators about adding a cross country course in a bid to host a district competition.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 20, 2025 CSISD board meeting.
Anne Black, Executive Director of OPAS, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about OPAS Season 53.
This podcast contains comments from the May 29, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents business meeting from chairman Bob Albritton.
In March 1996, the Texas A&M and the University of Texas systems created an investment corporation that goes by the acronym UTIMCO.
For the first time, the A&M system will be getting its full share of revenue from The University of Texas/Texas A&M Investment Management Company.
That's according to A&M system board of regents chairman Bob Albritton from comments he made at their May 29, 2025 business meeting.
Albritton says that means an additional $200 million dollars for the A&M system.
The revenue comes from the UTIMCO permanent university fund, which is based on oil and gas production on system land in west Texas.
Albritton said the regents finance committee will discuss what to do with the additional money.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Sheree Boegner, Interim President/CEO, and Kat Gammon, Vice President Community Impact, about this year's Community Impact Grants.
Theresa Mangapora, BVFB Executive Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the fight against Summer Hunger, how you can help, visiting the Food Bank, and so much more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 29, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents business meeting.
The May 29, 2025 business meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents was the first since the governor reappointed two members, named one new member, and reorganized board leadership.
For the first time in at least 15 years, board members publicly expressed their goals and expectations for the next two years.
About 30 minutes was taken by the board's new chairman, Bob Albritton of Fort Worth, the board's new vice chair, Jay Graham of Houston, newly appointed regent Kelley Sullivan Georgiades of Galveston, and the chairs of the regents five committees.
The committee chairs who shared their priorities were committee on student and academic affairs Sam Torn of Houston, building committee chair Randy Brooks of San Angelo, finance committee chairman David Baggett of Houston, audit committee chairman Mike Hernandez of Fort Worth, and the chairman of the new committee on research John Bellinger of San Antonio.
Jeremiah Cook, Assistant Director of Tourism, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about tourism statistics, summer sports events, a need for volunteers, a new brand book, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the most important legislation he is monitoring, Operation Safe Shield, the end of the session, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Seven highway projects associated with Brazos County voters passing a bond issue in November 2022 were part of an update at this week's commission meeting (May 27).
Click HERE to read and download the 38 page report that was presented at the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Most of John Polster's presentation dealt with the future east loop highway. He said the current proposed alignment would affect two homes and 81 parcels of land. Polster said they are considering options to reduce the amount of land that will be needed. One idea being considered is to reduce the speed limit from 70 miles per hour, which would reduce the amount of land needed when the highway curves.
Polster's report also included the future widening of two existing highways to four lanes plus shared use paths.
For Leonard Road between Highway 47 and FM 2818, Polster said they and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) are working to limit medians to near intersections.
Progress also continues towards designing the widening Harvey Road from east of the freeway at Associates Avenue to Boonville Road.
The bond issue also included a financial contribution towards the construction of the future interchange at Wellborn Road and George Bush Drive. Polster said TxDOT expects to award the construction contract in early 2026.
The bond issue is also helping pay to rebuild the interchange of Highways 47 and 21 by the RELLIS campus. Polster said there has been minimal concern and no pushback as they are nearing 60 percent completion of the schematic design.
Without providing details, Polster also brought up future improvements to William D. Fitch from Arrington Road to the freeway and widening FM 2818 from FM 60 north to Highway 6.
Polster's presentation following public comments from nine opponents to the future east loop highway, who have been asking county commissioners for months to stop that project.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the last days of the session, bills that are still being worked on, legislation he worked on during his freshman campaign, how to go about changing the governor's mind before he signs legislation, impact fees, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Meagan Brown, Division Manager of Customer Solutions at BTU, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about planning for demand based on weather, summer predictions, BTU's new location, payment options, the Power Share program, Lake Bryan, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners decline a $500,000 grant from the Texas General Land Office (GLO).
The grant, requiring no local match, was to pay for a drainage project on three streets in the Benchley community.
County staff told commissioners that road and bridge employees can start next week replacing culverts and repaving streets. The county's cost of materials was estimated at $50,000 dollars.
County engineer Prathana Banerji said this was basically an "everyday bread and butter type work that our guys are familiar doing".
Commissioners were told the time it takes to comply with GLO grant requirements would delay the start of the project by one year.
Purchasing manager Charles Wendt said "if we go through the grant processes and the solicitations that we have to do, we cannot use any existing contracts for engineering, surveying, geotech, materials testing, stuff like that".
According to county documents, the county is also out $37,000 dollars that was spent last year to hire a grant administrator who submitted the application to the GLO.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the GLO contract that was declined at the May 27, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about impact fees, legislation that would impact the city's housing occupancy ordinance, the possible relocation of the Brazos Valley Bombers, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about wrapping up the legislative session, renaming part of SH 6, de-annexation, legislation that could impact College Station's housing occupancy ordinance, higher education legislation, tort reform, funding for Easterwood Airport, water issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 27, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council approves rezoning for a residential and commercial development across Highway 21 north of the RELLIS campus.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the project that was approved at the May 20, 2025 Bryan council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the additional information from the city of Bryan about the project.
Developer Luke Marvel, who worked on The Barracks in College Station, has been pursuing council approval since July 2024.
Marvel, who compared this project to the Oakmont subdivision on Bryan's east side, agreed with city council and staff modifications regarding building standards and amenities in the residential portion of the project.
The commercial and retail portion of the project will be closest to Highway 21, followed by an area of townhomes, condos, and apartments. Farthest away from the highway will be single family and townhomes.
At the same meeting, the council without comment approved buying water rights from the Wellborn special utility district to serve the new development. The developer will reimburse the city for the $258,000 dollar cost.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the water rights contract that was approved at the May 20, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the water rights agreement that was approved at the May 20, 2025 Bryan council meeting.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Sheree Boegner, the interim President and CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley.
This podcast contains comments from the May 19, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
School hours are changing at most Bryan ISD campuses.Bryan ISD school board members at their last meeting (May 19) expressed no opposition to the administration's recommendation.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the BISD board's May 19, 2025 meeting.
BISD's new start and end times vary, depending if it is an elementary, intermediate, middle school, or high school campus. Times will not change at Bryan Collegiate and M.C. Harris.
Associate superintendent Barbara
Ybarra emphasized that there is no change to the time that campuses will open.
Ybarra also said the changes were supported by various stakeholder groups...including parents who met with the superintendent.
BISD's interim operations director Patrick Corbett said the changes were the result of giving more time for bussing students to elementary and high schools.
Corbett also said there will be efforts at some campuses to improve loading buses after school.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M's President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about graduation numbers, the future of the Qatar campus, bills that could impact higher education, the Board of Regents, recent survey results, the new chancellor, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is the 2025 Memorial Day program at College Station's Veterans Park.
The program was hosted by Aggieland American Legion Post 1938, College Station VFW post 12221, Marine Corps League Brazos Valley Detachment #1391, and the local chapter of Wreaths Across America.
The emcee was Legion commander Roy May Jr., Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, Texas A&M class of 2015 will give opening remarks. May served in the 82nd Airborne and deployed to Iraq. He was also a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard” which guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Also presenting comments were Roger Martinez of the Marine Corps League, Heather Huhnke of the VFW post, and the state commander for the Texas American Legion, Tom Marty of College Station, and Ellen Fuller of Wreaths Across America.
The Brazos Valley Chorale performed The National Anthem.
The keynote speaker was Roy May, Sr., Texas A&M class of 1966 and Retired U.S. Army Colonel who served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. May Sr. served in the 82nd Airborne, earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, and was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and the Legion of Merit. He taught American History and Management at the U.S. Military Academy, LeTourneau University in Houston, and at Texas A&M.
The program concluded with the laying of a wreath at the monument replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
This podcast contains comments from the May 20, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council's May meeting included a proclamation for the 100th anniversary of Martin's BBQ.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation issued at the May 20, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Accepting the proclamation were Steve and Betty Kapchinskie.
Grandson Steve Kapchinskie said the business opened as a 1925 version of a convenience store, where customers could fuel their vehicles and get groceries along with their barbecue
The land was purchased in 1924, the year before the fourth generation business opened.
Martin's present building on South College opened in 1939.
This podcast is a visit with the commander of Aggieland American Legion Post #1938 Roy May Jr. and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This year's local observance of Memorial Day will be at Veterans Park near the Never Forget garden.This is the first patriotic event for the American Legion's new post in College Station.
The first commander of Aggieland legion post 1938 is Roy May Jr. His father is the Memorial Day program's featured speaker.
May said other organizations involved in the Memorial Day program are the VFW, the Marine Corps League, Wreaths Across America, and other veterans service organizations.
Monday's program, which starts at 11, will be followed by a time of socializing that includes a free lunch.
The Aggieland legion, which received its charter earlier this year, meets on the third Sunday of the month at 4 p.m. at College Station fire station #6 at University and Tarrow.
News release from Aggieland American Legion Post 1938:
Aggieland American Legion Post 1938 and the Marine Corps League Brazos Valley Detachment #1391 will host a Memorial Day Ceremony at 11:00 am on Monday, May 26 at the Never Forget Garden at Veterans Park and Athletic Complex in College Station Texas as a solemn remembrance to honor America’s fallen heroes.
Post 1938 Commander Roy May Jr., Retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, Class of ’15 will give opening remarks. May served in the 82nd Airborne and deployed to Iraq. He was also a member of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard” which guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Keynote Speaker is Roy May, Sr., Class of ’66 and Retired U.S. Army Colonel who served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. May Sr. served in the 82nd Airborne, earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, and was awarded 2 Purple Hearts and the Legion of Merit. He taught American History and Management at the U.S. Military Academy, LeTourneau University in Houston, and Texas A & M University.
The Brazos Valley Chorale will perform The National Anthem, and the ceremony will conclude with the laying of a wreath at the monument replica of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The observance of Memorial Day preserves the important purpose of a solemn commemoration to ensure the sacrifices of America’s fallen heroes, and their families are never forgotten.
The public is welcome to attend the ceremony, and all veterans and their families are especially encouraged to attend. Hotdogs and lawn games will follow the ceremony.
This is the first patriotic event for Aggieland Post 1938 which was just formed this year. The Charter members of the Post chose the number 1938, the year in which the City of College Station was incorporated.
Emily Fisher, Director of Public Works, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the street maintenance plan, Public Works Week, traffic signals, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the final stretch of the legislative session, public school funding, his legislation that has made it to the Governor's desk, water rights, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 20, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting from assistant superintendent Josh Symank and four members of the CSISD board.
The College Station ISD school board awards a nearly $27 million dollar contract for stadium repairs, replacements, and additions at Consolidated and College Station High Schools.
Click HERE to read and download the memo associated with the contract that was approved at the May 20, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The contract, which comes just over a year after voters approved a bond issue for the project, is $3.5 million dollars under budget.
The base bid at both stadiums replaces artificial turf, resurfaces tracks, replaces video and scoreboards, and adds seating.
Above what was promoted before the May 2024 bond election, there will be additional improvements at the CSHS press box. At Consolidated, additional improvements includes a complete replacement of bleachers, a new roof on the fieldhouse, a sidewalk to access tennis courts, and new electrical services and heating/air conditioning controls.
The ten month construction period starts after the completion of the next football season.
There were no comments from parents or other boosters who lobbied for the stadium improvements that led the May 2024 bond election.
This podcast contains comments from the May 13, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Since February, one of the new members of the Brazos County commission has questioned the type of credit cards that are used by county employees.
The latest conversation initiated by Fred Brown took place during the commission's May 13th meeting.
Brown asked purchasing agent Charles Wendt about converting to a card that offers rewards. Wendt said options are being investigated to provide the best deal.
Brown also repeated his desire for the county to stop issuing Diners Club cards. Wendt repeated county employees have not had issues in using those cards to cover travel related expenses.
The conversation preceded Brown and the rest of the commission approving a request to issue Diners Club cards to two sheriff's office investigators.
Derika Bailey, Larry J. Ringer Library Branch Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what she is reading, the summer reading program, upcoming events, summer activities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the end of the session, negotiations about public school funding, the budget, what the rest of his week looks like, impact fees, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 20, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The College Station ISD school board decides to add ten minutes to the end of the school day starting this August.
The six to one vote at Tuesday's meeting (May 20) followed more than 35 minutes of comments about the timing of the decision and the potential impact on elementary school students.
The reason for the additional time is to align the class periods at Consolidated and College Station High Schools in order for students from both campuses to take classes when phase two of CSISD's career and technical education center opens in August of 2026.
As for the impact on CSISD elementary campuses, the board majority said it will be up to administrators and teachers to decide what's best for their students.
The additional ten minutes per class day works out to four more days during the academic year. Superintendent Tim Harkrider said teachers will have those four additional days for planning and workdays. Harkrider also said teachers will continue to work on a 187 day contract.
Click HERE to read and download the new 2025-2026 calendar that was approved at the May 20, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the memo associated with the new calendar that was approved at the May 20, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
News release from College Station ISD:
The College Station ISD Board of Trustees approved an amended academic calendar for the 2025-26 school year during its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 20.
The updated calendar converts four regular instructional days to teacher workdays/student holidays:* Aug. 29, 2025 * Nov. 21, 2025 * March 6, 2026 * April 2, 2026
These days were originally regular school days in the approved 2025-26 calendar.
The district is able to designate these days as teacher workdays/student holidays by adding 10 minutes to the end of each school day.
The addition of 10 minutes per school day provides an extra 1,750 instructional minutes, or the equivalent of 3.97 days, bringing the total number of instructional minutes to 77,350, well above the TEA-required 75,600.
The adjustment to the school day allows for A&M Consolidated High School and College Station High School to align bell schedules to maximize student access to the district’s Career and Technical Education Center.
Updated school end times for the 2025-26 school year are as follows:* Elementary School: 7:40 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. * Intermediate School: 8:25 a.m. – 4 p.m. * Middle School: 8:25 a.m. – 4 p.m. * High School: 8:25 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the senate's version of public school funding, the comments from the College Station ISD superintendent, the future of the STAAR test, the possibility of a special session, the Texas Lottery, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 8, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The three newest members of the College Station city council heard their first annual update of local street conditions.
Public works director Emily Fisher explained how street conditions are determined.According to the methodology the city uses, Fisher said the city-wide overall condition is excellent.
Fisher also explained the funding sources of more than $10 million dollars that was spent in the last year to maintain 368 miles of city streets.
The mileage does not include streets that are state highways, which include Texas Avenue and Harvey Mitchell Parkway.She also reviewed projects that are planned through the 2028 fiscal year.
And Fisher issued an invitation to attend the city's third annual street maintenance open house. On Wednesday, May 28, from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at city hall, public works staff will answer questions and take feedback about College Station streets.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 8, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the May 8, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Blue signs around Bryan/College Station directing motorists to local attractions have been in place since 2012.
College Station councilman William Wright wondered at the end of the last meeting about the value of the current wayfinding signs.
Mayor John Nichols and city manager Bryan Woods brought up options for the council to consider.
The signs were a project of the former convention and visitors bureau, of which the city of College Station was a member, before it was eliminated in May 2020 after the College Station council decided to create its own tourism office.
This podcast contains comments from the floor of the Texas Senate on May 19, 2025.
Those wanting to build a high speed passenger train through the Brazos Valley between Houston and Dallas will face more requirements as part of state legislation that is waiting for the governor's consideration.
That's after the state senate on Monday (May 20) passed House bill 2003 by a 22 to nine margin.
Presenting the legislation was senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham. On the senate floor, Kolkhorst asked "Who owns the project? At this point, no one's really is even certain."
Kolkhorst also said "With operations halted, it is nearly impossible for east Texas landowners, many of whom have received these eminent domain notices, to ascertain the true status of the project."
Also voting for HB 2003 was Charles Schwertner of Georgetown. The districts served by Kolkhorst and Schwertner includes part of the proposed route of the Texas Central project that began in 2013.
HB 2003 was passed by the House on April 25th by a vote of 127 to nothing. The yes votes includes Trey Wharton of Huntsville and Angelia Orr of Itasca, whose districts also include part of the proposed route.
Click HERE to read and download House Bill 2003.
The legislation, if the governor agrees, requires Texas Central to disclose on the Texas department of transportation website:* (1) The proposed method of financing of the construction or acquisition of the project, including: (A) the extent to which funds for financing are currently available; and (B) for any securities to be issued: (i) the approximate terms of sale and total fixed charges of the securities; (ii) whether the securities issued will be underwritten by industries to be served by the proposed line; and (iii) an explanation of how the fixed charges will be met; * (2) a recent balance sheet; * (3) a present value determination of the full costs of the proposal; * (4) if construction is proposed, the costs for each year of the construction; * (5) a proposed schedule for completion of the project, including timeline for permitting, funding, and land acquisition; * (6) ridership projections and methodology; * (7) the proposed route; * (8) an organization chart of the entity ’s management and staff; and * (9) disclosure of any current or planned foreign investment in the project.
This podcast contains comments from the May 6 and May 13, 2025 Brazos County commission meetings.
May meetings of the Brazos County commission have included proclamations for law enforcement and corrections officers and nurses.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation for National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation for National Correctional Officers and Employees Week.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation for National Nurses Recognition Week.
This podcast contains comments from the May 8, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
A new public pool inspection ordinance is in effect in College Station.
This is after the College Station city council approved the regulations at its May 8th meeting.
The inspections, requested and to be conducted by the Brazos County health district (BCHD), affects new pools and the estimated 250 in operation by homeowners associations, apartment complexes, and hotels.
The health district's request to inspect public pools in Bryan was turned down by those council members in February.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance that was approved at the May 8, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
On this week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update, WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, UWBV President/CEO, and Houston Carson from Lions Pride Sports.
This podcast includes comments from city of College Station communications director Colin Killian's May 16, 2025 visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs and comments from the May 8, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
You are invited to three upcoming events hosted by the city of College Station.
Monday (May 19) evening is the unveiling of the city's new pictorial history book.
The 160 page, hardbound coffee-table style book that was composed by city employees includes more than 200 images.
The public unveiling, which is from 6-8 p.m. at the Visit College Station building on Texas Avenue near city hall, includes refreshments, giveaways, children's activities, and what the city previews is "fun photo opportunities".
The price of the book is $40. For those unable to attend the unveiling, the book can be purchased at the city visitors center starting Tuesday (May 20).
On Tuesday and Wednesday (May 20-21), there will be ribbon cuttings of three parks projects that were funded by voter approved bond issues in November 2022.
Tuesday morning at 10 is the ribbon-cutting for the Anderson Park pickleball and multi-use courts. The $1.7 million dollar addition includes four pickleball courts, two multi-use courts (futsal, bike polo, roller hockey), full LED lighting, and an addition to the parking lot.
Wednesday morning at 10:30 at Bee Creek Park is the ribbon-cutting for the redeveloped tennis courts at Bee Creek and Central Parks. The $1.7 million dollar project features four courts at Bee Creek Park, two courts at Beachy Central Park, new LED lighting, court accessories, bench seating, slab replacement, surfacing and striping of courts, perimeter fencing, and drinking fountains.
College Station Councilman Scott Shafer visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background, his role at Texas A&M University, Midtown development, the former Macy's store building, the possibility of a recreation center and a convention center, the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, impact fees, Hensel Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the legislative deadline, how the House Speaker handled this session, insurance legislation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Monica Martinez and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
There is a new purpose for Bryan ISD's former warehouse near Bonham and Sadberry schools.
It is the new collection and distribution location for the volunteer "Teacher Closet" project.
Director Monica Martinez, who is a fulltime teacher, says supplies are given to a variety of school employees who show their ID badge.
In addition to teachers, supplies have been given to custodians, paraprofessionals, principals, and aides.
Martinez says 350 recipients the last two and a half years have come to their original location, which were three donated storage units.
Recipients have come from not only Bryan and College Station, but from rural schools like Snook and Mumford to as far away as Tomball and San Antonio.
Martinez says everyone is invited to a chamber of commerce ribbon cutting at the new location Saturday morning (May 17) from 10 a.m. until noon. Donations will be accepted and distribution to school employees will be done during the reception.
The range of donated supplies includes permanent markers, pencils, pencil sharpeners, glue, lined paper, construction paper, card stock, notebooks, composition notebooks, clipboards, calendars, bulletin boards, and bulletin board decorations.
Bryan Councilman James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his trip to Washington D.C., his past trips while working for former Congressman Bill Flores, current politics, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislation deadlines, impact fees, medical marijuana, eliminating the STAAR Test, public school funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 12, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
This is the first summer break that employees at Texas A&M and other state agencies are banned from professional work in countries that the governor has listed in an executive order (GA-48) as "foreign adversaries".
There were no university administrators at Monday's faculty senate meeting (May 12) to address concerns from faculty who wanted to visit family in targeted countries.
A university spokesperson tells WTAW News that "Following guidance from The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M University has taken steps to ensure full compliance with GA-48, “Hardening State Government Against Foreign Threats.” We are in the process of finalizing our implementation plan by the end of the month and will have it fully enacted by July 1. As one piece of this effort, employees report their personal travel to certain foreign countries through a secure, online system and confirm their planned compliance with the order. More comprehensive information will be shared as that implementation plan is finalized."
At the faculty senate meeting, assistant instructional professor David Bapst said the governor's ban includes countries that he knows of A&M faculty have family, such as China, Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.
Bapst said one colleague told him that they were surprised about the university's compliance requirements. According to Bapst, employees must certify that they "will not participate in any university agency activity, access university agency software platform or networks, nor travel with any university agency related data, equipment, or property."
Bapst says that means not checking among other things, university e-mail accounts and/or making Zoom calls, for as long as three months, as affected employees are not getting paid during the summer break.
This podcast contains comments from the May 13, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The week after Brazos County judge Duane Peters finished the May 6th commission meeting responding to opponents of the future east loop highway, then adjourning the meeting, the May 13th meeting began with opponents responding to Peters statement.
The county judge was not present to hear the more than 40 minutes of comments from ten speakers.
Click HERE to be directed to the Brazos County YouTube archived video of the May 13, 2025 meeting. Public comments begin at the 8:20 mark of the archived video.
Click HERE to be directed to the "No East Loop" YouTube video that the organization says is a rebuttal to the county judge's statement.
At the end of Tuesday's meeting, the audience applauded commissioner Fred Brown's call for a public hearing.
According to information presented at the county's May 6th public meeting updating the work of the commission's consultant, the comment period on the east loop highway ends May 23rd. Comments can be sent by e-mail to BrazosInnerLoopEast@quiddity.com.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 6, 2025 east loop public meeting.
Click HERE to be directed to Brazos County's website about the east loop highway.
Original story, May 7, 2025:
Brazos County judge Duane Peters brought up at the end of Tuesday's meeting (May 6), what he called "false accusations" from opponents of the future highway to the east of College Station and Bryan.
Peters used a slide presentation to show the commission brought up the loop in July of 2022, which was followed by the November 2022 bond election where 67 percent of voters approved Proposition A, which included money for the loop and six other highway projects.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 6, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Peters said the election results "were a clear mandate of the people", and "it's the responsibility of this court to respect the will of the people."
Peters also said "It's not my position to say I'm going to overturn the election that was duly done by the citizens of Brazos County", adding "that would be totally inappropriate for this court or me to say we're going to toss out what you told us to do and do something totally different. Sorry."
After Peters said no to someone's request to speak, the meeting was adjourned.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his trip to Washington D.C., budget discussions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about insurance legislation, water rights, this session compared to past sessions, STAAR testing, medical marijuana, school funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is with the director of the Health For All medical clinic, Liz Dickey, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Health For All medical clinic in Bryan, which opened in 1987 to serve uninsured patients, has had to send lab tests to a third party for processing.That changes this week with the donation of 15 testing machines.
Health For All director Liz Dickey tells WTAW News that "this is a game changer".
Dickey said test results will be available in 15 minutes while patients are still at the clinic. Without their own testing equipment, results come back in 24 to 48 hours. That requires patients to return for further treatment.
Dickey says this also benefits the clinic's volunteer medical providers, who order an estimated 30,000 tests a year.
A grant from the international health organization Heart to Heart also provides staff training, mentoring, technical support, and 12 months of supplies.
News release from Heart to Heart International:
Heart to Heart International (HHI) announced today a point-of-care lab will be installed at Health For All in Bryan, Texas.
The HHI lab program aims to improve patient outcomes by implementing timely and accurate treatment protocols. Many Americans delay medical care due to cost and transportation barriers. HHI addresses these challenges by installing point-of-care laboratories in clinics allowing for quick, on-the-spot testing and results, enhancing diagnoses and patient outcomes. This testing is especially crucial for diagnosing and managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
Health For All Executive Director Liz Dickey stated: “This new point-of-care lab will allow us to diagnose and treat patients more quickly and effectively—right here on site. For our uninsured patients, this means faster answers, fewer barriers, and better health outcomes. We’re so grateful to Heart to Heart International for helping us bring this level of care to our community."
HHI Senior Vice President of Programs Tenagashaw (Tena) Tiruneh had this to say: “This partnership embodies our commitment to the goals of our laboratory program and supports our mission of improving access to equitable healthcare in medically under-resourced communities.”
HHI with support from BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) will equip this health center with modern lab equipment, staff training, mentoring, technical support, and supplies and reagents for the first 12 months. All installed equipment becomes the clinic’s permanent property.
With the installation of a point-of-care lab at a free health clinic, patients don’t have to make additional arrangements for transportation or pay extra fees for lab testing. This approach effectively reduces barriers! Provides frequent testing at a patient’s health clinic promoting a higher level of engagement between the patients and their healthcare providers. and increases the likelihood of patients following clinical and treatment advice. Lab tests performed at the time of clinic visits allow for more efficient workflow processes, expeditious decision-making and a better treatment plan. Immediate availability of results allows patients to be treated and on their way to recovery.
HHI Director of the Laboratory Program Heidi Schutz added: “Heart to Heart International is excited for this opportunity to partner with Health for All as we continue to break down barriers to equitable access to healthcare in under-resourced communities by installing point-of-care laboratories in free and charitable clinics. With our POC Lab Program, Health for All will gain the instrumentation, reagents and supplies, training, and mentoring needed to enable them in providing rapid, accurate laboratory results to aid in diagnosis and treatment decisions for their patients all within the same visit.”
To learn more about HHI's Laboratory Program, visit: Point of Care Laboratories - Support Heart to Heart International. For additional programs aimed at improving health access locally and globally please visit: hearttoheart.org
Heart to Heart International is a nonprofit international health organization with its headquarters in Lenexa, Kansas. Since its inception in 1992, HHI has delivered medical aid and supplies worth $3.2 billion to more than 130 countries, including within the United States. HHI responds to natural disasters both domestically and internationally by supplying medical relief and mobilizing volunteers. The organization is a 4-star Charity Navigator charity, a BBB Accredited charity and is on the "Philanthropy 400." To learn more, visit hearttoheart.org.
This podcast contains comments from the May 5, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
After seven meetings of a nearly 50 member committee of the Bryan ISD school board, the focus of the body has moved from strategic planning into promoting a future bond election.
BISD deputy superintendent Brian Merrell reported the transition at the last school board meeting (May 5).
This Thursday (May 15) is the last regularly scheduled committee meeting. But Merrell said the group would continue into June if needed.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 5, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the May 6, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
In November 2023, Brazos County commissioners approved the $850,000 dollar purchase of land in Bryan off Finfeather Road west of Midtown Park for the future construction of a warehouse storage building.
At the last commission meeting (May 6), four members, including two new members who were not part of the land purchase...agreed to table action towards designing and construction of the building at the end of Ashford Hills Drive.
One of the new members, Fred Brown, initiated the discussion by opposing a $715,000 dollar architect's contract before knowing if they will have the required money for construction. The county's purchasing director, Charles Wendt, said the reason for hiring an architect now was after failed attempts to reach a construction cost without an architect's design.
Brown received support from county judge Duane Peters and commissioners Bentley Nettles and Chuck Konderla to first hold a workshop.
The county's construction project manager, Trevor Lansdown, said he did not see an issue in the very short term of continuing to store election records in temporary climate-controlled spaces.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Tanner Williams from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas.
This podcast is a visit with the executive director of RED-C Apostolate, Dennis Macha, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Friday (May 9) right before noon, an 18 foot box trailer that was double locked was stolen from the parking lot at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in College Station.
The trailer belongs to RED-C Apostolate, where executive director Dennis Macha said they were preparing to play soccer games when the trailer was left unattended for a brief period.
Surveillance video shows a SUV driving into the parking lot and leaving with the trailer.
Macha said the thieves attached the trailer after breaking two locks.
The trailer has signage that includes what RED-C stands for...Religious Education for the Domestic Church.
Macha says the theft won't slow them down in their mission to serve families and their faith.
The trailer contained about $6,000 dollars of equipment, including a riding mower.
More information, including photos of the trailer and contact information if you see the trailer, is on the Victory Sports Facebook page.
This podcast is a visit with L.R. Heffernan of the city of Bryan's parks and recreation department and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For the eighth time, College Station, Bryan, and Texas A&M is hosting the Texas Amateur Athletic Foundation's (TAAF) summer games.
From July 31st through August 3rd, an estimated 20,000 visitors will watch as many as 8,000 athletes.
L.R. Heffernan with the city of Bryan's parks and recreation department says local residents, from children to seniors, are invited to register to participate in a variety of events.
And anyone 16 and older are invited to be a volunteer at any of 12 venues.
News release from the city of Bryan:
The 2025 Summer Games of Texas will return to premier venues across Bryan and College Station for the eighth time in its history, from July 31 to Aug. 3.
The annual athletic festival is managed by the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF) and will be hosted by the cities of Bryan and College Station, along with Texas A&M University, for the next two summers.
Previous host years include 1988, 1994, 2000, 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019.Thousands of athletes, coaches, and spectators will be in town for the Olympic-style festival; providing a significant economic boost and strengthening the community’s reputation as a top destination for sports tourism.
Since its founding in San Antonio in 1986, the Games of Texas has steadily expanded, attracting more than 20,000 visitors, making it the largest amateur sporting event in Texas.
TAAF has been recognized as an Official State Games Program participant by the U.S. Olympic Committee since 1991.Texans of all ages and skill levels can compete in this Olympic-style festival.
This summer’s schedule will feature the Opening Ceremonies at Wolf Pen Creek Park and the following competitions:
- Archery · Live Oak Archery
- Boxing · Hilton College Station Hotel & Conference Center
- Esports · Legends Event Center
- Golf · The City Course at Phillips Event Center
- Judo · Texas A&M Physical Education Activity Program (PEAP) Building
- Pickleball · Legends Event Center
- Sand Volleyball · Legends Event Center
- Soccer · Veterans Park and Athletic Complex
- Swimming · Bryan Aquatic Center
- Tennis · George P. Mitchell Tennis Center at Texas A&M University
- Track & Field · E.B. Cushing Stadium at Texas A&M University
- Ultimate Frisbee · Bryan Regional Athletic Complex
Compete: Visit taaf.com/GamesOfTexas to register as a competitor. Some eligibility restrictions apply and registration deadlines vary by sport.
Volunteer: Help is needed to assist with track and field events. Those interested must be at least 16 years old and can sign up for one slot per day. Volunteers will receive free food, refreshments, and an official Games of Texas shirt. To sign up, fill out this form by Friday, July 18.
Taitelyn Morris-Wise, Neighborhood and Community Services Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about her role, education citizens on the role of local government, citizen programs, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the home stretch of the legislative sessions, bills he is working on, voting yes to legislation that will allow some election workers to carry concealed guns, public school funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 8, 2025 public hearing of the Texas House land and resource management committee.
Members of a Texas House committee heard Thursday (May 8) from opposing members of the College Station city council about proposed legislation to put a moratorium on new impact fees. That is what cities charge developers for a portion of the cost of new streets and other infrastructure.
Click HERE to read and download House Bill 5489 as of May 8, 2025.
The author of House Bill 5489, Paul Dyson of Bryan, told members of the land and resource management committee that his proposed moratorium would represent an active study to see if housing prices will drop. Dyson did not say how cities would make up the lost revenue.
Speakers who supported HB 5489 included College Station councilman Bob Yancy.
Speakers who opposed HB 5489 included College Station mayor John Nichols and councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney.
No action was taken by the House land and resource management committee.
Committee chairman Gary Gates, a Fort Bend County real estate businessowner, said impact fees are a tax which "is done in a different way that really circumvents all the work the legislature has done to try to limit rising local property taxes." Gates also said "what they (cities) should do is equally be raising and going to the voters for a tax increase if they feel the need for city services".
Hunter Van Etten, Recreation Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Camp HERO, Neal Recreation Center Summer Camp, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the remainder of the legislative session, hearing the nuclear verdict bill, his bill about impact fees, public school funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 5, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members continue discussing inaction by state lawmakers regarding public school funding.
Monday's discussion (May 5) about state funding as part of attempting to develop a budget for the 2025-26 school year came two days after the governor signed legislation giving state money to private schools.
That led BISD board member Ruthie Waller to say "Our devoted teachers and staff, everybody that works in the district, we're one of the only careers that signs a contract and has no idea what they're going to be making."
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 5, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw said the state senate is talking about not giving as much money compared to what passed the house.Beesaw said Senate Bill 26 does not give state money to teachers with zero to two years experience, and does not give state money to staff members such as instructional aides, bus drivers, custodians, and food service employees..."all of those kinds of things that are necessary to run schools."
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine says "we have begged the lawmakers" to consider base state funding on enrollment instead of average daily attendance. Carrabine says with BISD's current average daily attendance rate at 94 percent, providing state funding based on enrollment would give the district an additional $7 million dollars. By comparison, Beesaw said state funding of charter schools is based on enrollment and he does not expect state funding of private schools to be based on average daily attendance.
Administrators also told BISD board members that due to no action at the state level, and in consultation with the Texas Association of School Boards, there is not enough information at this time to make any recommendations regarding compensation or possible retention stipends for the 2025-2026 school year.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about his visit to Army Futures Command in Austin, water rights, the William Joel Bryan Parkway project delay, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the final stretch of the session, work the House still has to accomplish, the budget conference committee, property taxes, school funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 24, 2025 meeting of the state prison board (officially known as the Texas board of criminal justice).
The April meeting of the Texas prison board included a presentation on what staff is doing to reduce the amount of contraband getting to inmates.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 24, 2025 state prison board meeting.
Prison board chairman Eric Nichols of Austin, a former federal and state prosecutor, says addressing what he said is "the scourge, the scourge, the scourge of contraband that affects our system" "is kind of a whack-a-mole aspect of this process. In other words, cutting off one source of supply only to see those who want to inject this crud into our system find another way of getting it in."
The state prison system's inspector general, Lance Coleman, says prices that inmates are paying are rising.Coleman said prepaid cell phones that retail for $49 dollars are being purchased by inmates for $1,000 dollars. Prices inside prisons for androids and iPhones are $3,500 dollars.A carton of menthol cigarettes that retails for $116 goes for $2,500 dollars.A $15 dollar vape pen goes for $500 on the inside, and a prescription pill that retails between $1 and $3 each goes for $50 to $80 apiece inside a prison.
Coleman also shared the results of investigations at two prisons, one of which led to the arrest of a prison employee. That led the prison board's vice chair, former state district judge and former Dallas County district attorney Faith Johnson to tell Coleman to "arrest as many people as possible" "because we don't want it (contraband) and we want them to stop it, and we will no longer tolerate it. It's been going long enough. And we do not agree with it. And we want them prosecuted. And you got our permission to continue to do what you're doing."
On this week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update, Peggi Ondrasek is joined by Rhonda Watson and Madison Little of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley.
Kohl Vega, Athletics Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about youth summer camps, adult leagues, renting fields, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about passing Operation Safe Shield, using AI in political advertising, public school funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Lina Adams of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the May First Friday activities in downtown Bryan and the May 16th pre-party for the Troubadour Festival at the Palace Theater in downtown Bryan.
This podcast comments from the April 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting and the April 30, 2025 visit with mayor John Nichols and WTAW's Chelsea Reber on The Infomaniacs.
The College Station city council agrees with staff recommendations to form committees to assist with two capital projects.
One of the eight member groups will assist with the design of three new ballfields at Veterans Park.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about the baseball field committee.
The second committee will assist with the second phase of a study on the possibility of building a recreation center.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about the committee assisting with the study of possibly building a recreation center.
Mitchell Isbell, Director of Business Development, Events & Marketing for Legends Event Center, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about summer programming, sports camps, basketball tournaments, the Texas A&M Coaches Night, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about questioning Brian Harrison's legislation in a committee hearing, using AI in political advertising, a nuclear verdict bill, public school funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about possible options for neighborhood parking, two new committees, the Citizens University Program, National Bike Month, a citizens survey, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about his bill addressing insurance rate hikes, the creation of a Texas DOGE, increasing the homestead exemption for disabled and older Texans, renaming the Gulf of Mexico, the Texas Women’s Privacy Act, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Adam Drake of the Brazos Valley Live Music Association and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos Valley Live Music Association (BVLMA) is a new nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and promoting live music in Bryan, College Station, and surrounding communities.
The association says it aims to foster a vibrant, sustainable live music scene in the heart of Texas through events, advocacy, and artist support.
Spokesman Adam Drake says they want to hear from all performers in all music genres and all venues that are located in the region.
The association's first event, titled "Music in the Moonlight", is taking place the evening of May 15th at Lake Walk in Bryan.
Click HERE to be directed to the BVLMA website.
This podcast contains comments from U.S. agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins and secretary of health and human services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on April 29, 2025 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Phenotyping Greenhouse. The secretaries also visited Texas A&M's Beef Center.
The photo with this podcast shows the secretaries in one of the greenhouses with a faculty member of Texas A&M's department of soil and crop sciences, Dr. Seth Murray.
Comments from College Station Mayor John Nichols and College Station Fire Department Chief Richard Mann.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M University's President, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the legal status of several international students, a quick-look assessment for the Corps of Cadets, Texas A&M 2040, Disaster Day, the Citizenship and Service Initiative, filling leadership role vacancies, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 21, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The Bryan ISD education foundation has launched scholarship opportunities for some BISD educators to become certified teachers.
Foundation director Sarah Braden told school board members at its last meeting (April 21) about the opportunity for paraprofessionals and district of innovation teachers to have their entire certification program fully funded.
Additionally, the BISD foundation will select two paras who will receive $20,000 dollars to cover tuition and fees to complete their undergraduate degrees in education.
Braden says these are the largest gifts ever made by the foundation.
This podcast contains comments from the April 22, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Another step is taken towards the construction of Brazos County’s new office complex across Texas Avenue from the courthouse.
A $92,000 dollar contract to test soil was unanimously approved after commissioner Fred Brown questioned testing soil on the site of the former Bryan ISD administration building, which was originally a bank.
While Brown thought the soil could handle a new building to replace the former structure which was originally a bank and later the Bryan ISD administration building, Brazos County’s construction manager, Trevor Lansdown, said testing was required by those designing and building the complex.
Commissioners were also told completing the testing was time sensitive to the rest of the project.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the April 22, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the agenda background information from the April 22, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
On this week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update, Maggie Gray is joined by John Paci from Catholic Charities of Central Texas.
This podcast is a visit with Sarah Reed, who is one of the participants in the Texas 150 Multiple Sclerosis fundraising bicycle ride that will finish at Kyle Field.
More than 70 teams of bicyclists will return to Kyle Field Sunday (April 27) to finish their annual fundraiser for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
This year's fundraising goal for the 5,000 bicyclists who are participating is $10.75 million dollars.
College Station mayor John Nichols, who included the Texas MS 150 as part of a council proclamation for National Bike Month at Thursday night's meeting (April 24), said this is the world's largest fundraising cycling series and the largest MS fundraising event in the country.
WTAW News visited with Sarah Reed of Austin, who learned she has MS after competing on the Florida State track team. This will be her third Texas ride. She said the reaction she gets when arriving at Kyle Field "is the most exhilarating feeling I have ever experienced."
This podcast includes comments from the April 21, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
One component of a Bryan ISD committee studying whether to recommend a future bond issue, is the district's demographic information.
The first such report in six years was released during Monday's (April 21) BISD board meeting.
Kris Pool projected district wide, enrollment in the next ten years to be somewhere between 800 fewer students to 2,000 more students. BISD's current headcount is about 16,000.
Pool said two campuses are expected to exceed capacity in the decade. Bryan High could reach 102 percent and Houston elementary could reach 113 percent. Pool said other districts don't realign campus boundaries to adjust enrollment until headcount reaches 120 percent of a building's capacity.
Pool also said 15 percent of children who live in BISD attends school somewhere else. The current estimate of 2,500 does not include children who are home schooled.
Pool also reported during the last five years, BISD has lost 123 students. Gaining the most students during that time was College Station with 378.That's followed by Franklin with 219, Caldwell with 215, Snook with 123, and Navasota with 100.
Demographer Susan Cates reported that more than 11,000 single family homes are estimated to be built in BISD during the next ten years. But many of those homes will be purchased by retirees and not by families with children.
Cates also said they are also monitoring the possibility of manufactured home communities being created outside of the Bryan city limits to provide workforce housing.
Click HERE to read and download the demographer's report that was presented at the April 21, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the April 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Thursday's (April 25) College Station city council meeting included almost one hour of discussion on how to address housing overoccupancy by implementing parking restrictions.
A council majority agreed to consider an overnight ban on street parking in affected neighborhoods.
The council was given a list of other options that includes issuing permits for street parking and additional restrictions on parking in the front and/or backyards of homes in targeted neighborhoods.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 24, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about birding, progress on fire station 7, pickleball and futsal courts at Anderson Park, new tennis courts, project budgets, committee studies, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his time on the floor this week, Operation Safe Shield, school vouchers, insurance issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 22, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting, where proclamations were issued for the 35th anniversary of Brazos County master gardeners and 20th anniversary of Brazos Valley master naturalists.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation to Brazos County Master Gardeners.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation to Brazos Valley Master Naturalists.
This podcast is a visit with the general manager of the Wellborn special utility (water) district, Campbell Young, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Wellborn water district has more than 10,000 customers in Brazos and Robertson counties that includes residents of College Station and Bryan.
The district's website says since 2018, the district has been working on a long term expansion project.
General manager Campbell Young tells WTAW News that the project is at the point where the water district board and management is holding a town hall meeting to provide an update.
The town hall is Saturday morning (April 26) from 9 until 11 a.m. at the Wellborn community center.
Young says the event is designed to be both educational and interactive, with time for questions, discussion, and community feedback.
The district has been waiting for approval from the Texas commission on environmental quality and the Texas water development board.
The project includes a new wellfield, a large pump station, ground storage tanks, and a 30 inch transmission pipeline.
The first phase includes two wells that will double the Wellborn district's current production capacity and eliminate the reliance on water purchased from the cities.
Facilities will be sized to accommodate growth out to 2040. Emergency generators will be included for each well and pump station, which will allows operating without interruption during power outages.
This podcast contains comments from the April 22, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents building committee meeting.
Before the Texas A&M system board of regents holds their next regularly scheduled business meeting in May, members of the building committee met this week (April 22) in College Station.Six projects were reviewed involving the flagship campus.
Vice chancellor of business affairs Phillip Ray brought up widening Penberthy Road on west campus and adding a shared use path for pedestrians and bicyclists. Ray said the system is keeping tabs because of the impact this will have on other projects.
There was also a review of proposed renovations on the main campus of the Heldenfels fourth floor instructional lab, and exterior restoration of the Academic Building.
The other proposals are at A&M branch locations.
The regents new chairman, Bob Albritton of Fort Worth, brought up strategic planning whether a future sea turtle research facility planned in Galveston should be at A&M-Corpus Christi.
Another proposal in Galveston involves campus facility improvements.
And the committee decided to table a fourth building at the A&M branch in McAllen. Albritton said the $53 million dollar proposal includes a student commons area to end the practice of students studying in their cars. But Albritton wanted to know how the rest of the project, that would create research space for AgriLife, fits with the system's other campuses in south Texas. Albritton brought up the A&M system's upcoming acquisition of the Victoria campus from the University of Houston system and the A&M-Corpus Christi and A&M-Kingsvile campuses.
The building committee also reviewed a proposal for a new residence hall at Tarleton State, a workforce development center for TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service) in Corpus Christi, a new TEEX complex in San Antonio, modifying the TDEM (Texas Division of Emergency Management) warehouse in Fort Worth, a new athletics complex at A&M-Texarkana, and returning an office building at East Texas A&M to a residence hall.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 22, 2025 Texas A&M system board of regents building committee meeting.
Amanda Kile, Tourism Event Coordinator for Destination Bryan, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Downtown Bryan Street & Art Fair which was postponed due to weather and will be held Sunday, April 27, 2025.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his proposed legislation about setting a moratorium on impact fees, bills he is laying out this week, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about Plug and Play, wastewater infrastructure, new development in Downtown Bryan and Midtown Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
This podcast contains comments from the April 21, 2025 Brazos County IGC meeting, the April 22, 2025 A&M system board of regents building committee meeting, and the April 23, 2025 visit with Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
Activity at the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus was a subject at four meetings this week.
System vice chancellor of research Joe Elabd shared at Monday's Brazos County intergovernmental committee (IGC) meeting (April 21) information about the future construction of small nuclear power plants at RELLIS. Elabd said the power plants could create 5,000 permanent private sector jobs. That does not count construction jobs.
Elabd also said the system on Thursday (April 24) is dedicating its Ballistic Aero-Optics and Materials facility. Nicknamed "BAM", the system says it is the nation’s biggest and most advanced enclosed range for testing hypersonic flight, lasers and other technologies with military applications. A system news release says U.S. scientists and engineering researchers will begin using the BAM for experimental testing in the race against China and Russia to develop the world’s most advanced laser and hypersonic weapons technology, including the types of materials that can withstand hypervelocity impacts. Testing will also have applications for space exploration and other civilian advancements.
On Tuesday (April 22), leaders with the system and the flagship university gathered with officials from Bryan and College Station and the Greater Brazos Partnership economic development agency for an event recognizing their relationship with a national company, Plug and Play, which has been hired to recruit aerospace and defense companies to RELLIS and the surrounding area. Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez said during a visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that Plug and Play will be recruiting private industry that can take advantage of the RELLIS presence of the Army Futures Command and the Bush Combat and Development Center among other facilities.
Also on Tuesday, the A&M system board of regents approved the purchase of more than 867 acres of land to expand the RELLIS campus along Goodson Bend Road. Dr. Elabd told the IGC attendees that the land "will help us meet the demand" for future private sector partners.
After the vote, during a separate meeting of the regents building committee, a question was asked if the new land is the site for the new RELLIS water tower. The system's chief facilities officer, Brett McCully, said the water tower will be built on existing land as part of the system's semiconductor research institute. Dr. Elabd told the IGC the semiconductor research institute is expected to open in the first quarter of 2028.
A member of the regents building committee also asked about the status of a privately owned data center that is being built on the RELLIS campus. A system administrator said "the data center is moving forward".
More information about the data center was provided at a Bryan city council special meeting on Tuesday (April 22). The council amended its economic incentive agreement with the data center owner. Over a ten year period, the city will receive $23 million dollars and will give up $13 million in property tax breaks on the center's second building. The agreement calls for the construction of a 230,000 square foot building that will eventually employ 100.
Click HERE to read and download background information on the tax abatement agreement that was approved at the April 22, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the tax abatement agreement that was approved at the April 22, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the April 22, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Public speakers at Tuesday's meeting (April 22) of the Brazos County commission asked for assistance with a community garden and controlling feral cats.
Because the requests were not part of the meeting agenda, by state law commissioners were not able to respond.
The community garden request came from a third year doctoral student at Texas A&M who was also a probation officer for 26 years. Stephanie Smith said she has the support of the judge who supervises Brazos County's specialty drug court to allow court participants to supervise a proposed garden on county owned land south of downtown Bryan along South College.
Sabrina Brown asked commissioners to work with the city of Bryan to develop a trap, neuter, and release program to control the population of feral cats. Brown also said there is a petition drive on the Reddit websites for Bryan and College Station.
This podcast contains comments from the April 21, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Three years ago...as the pandemic came to an end...the Bryan ISD school board spent almost $800,000 dollars with a company that specializes in managing student behavior.
A summary of what has been done and some of the results of the behavior plan were shared at Monday night's (April 21) board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 21, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
School leadership director Linda Montoya said student attendance has increased each year, student office referrals dropped 42 percent the last three years, out of classroom referrals have gone down 49 percent compared to this time last year, and student out of placement referrals fell 32 percent since May of 2023.
The report, which also included measures being taken against bullying, was part of a board discussion of a silent protest outside the administration building two weeks ago calling for action against students who bully classmates. School board president David Stasny said federal law prohibits public release of student disciplinary action. Deputy superintendent Brian Merrell was among central office administrators who recommended parents and community members use BISD's "Be Safe" app to report bullying and other incidents.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about school vouchers, the Texas Lottery, making gambling legal, the impeachment process of the attorney general, the budget, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 14, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M has 6,000 students who are registered with the disability services center as requiring special accommodations.
Director Kristie Orr told faculty senate members at this month's meeting that a west campus building is being remodeled to add student testing spaces.What was formerly an open access computer lab on the first floor of the business library and collaborative comments, will have two private rooms and three large areas that will seat 123 students.
Testing space in the student services building holds 96, requiring at times to do testing in conference rooms and even space in the memorial student center.
Orr also explained a new responsibility for some faculty members, that of being a liaison between affected students and the center's case workers who each monitor between 500 and 600 students. She said the liaison is something that came from A&M's president.
And the center is moving to a new data management system on or around May 16.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials that were used at the April 14, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Orr and faculty senate speaker Angie Hill Price also responded to questions regarding an increase in the number of failing students who are asking for accommodations the closer it gets to finals week.
This podcast contains comments from the April 15, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
A March hail storm damaged 29 vehicles owned by Brazos County.County commissioners at their April 15th meeting, approved a budget amendment transferring $130,000 dollars that in part will cover insurance deductibles.
Estimated damages per vehicle ranged from $2,000 to more than $11,000 dollars.
Click HERE to read and download the budget amendment that was approved at the April 15, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Before the unanimous vote, commissioner Fred Brown said the county could avoid paying $1,000 dollar deductibles on each vehicle.
The county's insurance risk manager, Leslie Contreras, said the deductible is based on the county's policy, which includes deductibles.
Contreras also said the county pays the repair bills, then sends claims to their insurance carrier to be reimbursed minus the deductible.
She says that keeps the county's insurance premiums from increasing.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Kyle Salmon and JJ Ramirez from Save Our Streets Ministries.
College Station Councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her decision to run for city council, her experience so far on council, the former Macy's store building, the no-more-than-four unrelated housing ordinance, code enforcement, impact fees, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members will consider at their May meeting, adding ten minutes to the class day.
The proposal that was made by administrators at the board's April workshop meeting.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider said the recommendation was made in part to allow students from Consolidated and College Station High Schools to take classes together at CSISD's new career and technology education (CTE) center. Phase two of the complex is projected to be completed for the start of the 2026-2027 school year. Phase two includes space for ag mechanics, auto tech, construction, cosmetology, welding, a multipurpose arena, and offices.
Ten additional minutes per day equals four additional days over the course of a school year.
Harkrider's proposal to turn those four days into teacher planning and work days will also be considered at the May board meeting.
The superintendent also asked the board to consider in May, amending the calendar for the 2025-26 school year to add the ten minutes.
This podcast contains comments from the April 7, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
For the second consecutive year, the Bryan ISD school district's food service fund has too much money.
Instead of return excess funds to the state, BISD school board members agreed at its April 7th meeting to spend $361,000 dollars on new equipment.
The district's retired food service director, Sundy Fryrear, said most of the money will go toward replacing equipment at the Johnson elementary kitchen.
That includes replacing fire suppression and exhaust systems that are original to when Johnson was built in 1974 and replacing its more than 30 year old serving line.
The purchase also includes at Bryan High School, a reach-in freezer and a heated cabinet and at Houston elementary, replacing a food steamer.
Bryan City Councilman Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the decision to not implement impact fees, widening streets, concerns about the legislature, Midtown Park, a possible new operator for Travis Field, upcoming city events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about school voucher legislation, government overstep, the upcoming agenda after Easter, President Trump's call, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County commissioner Wanda Watson during the April 15, 2025 commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioner Wanda Watson disclosed at the end of Tuesday's meeting (April 15) that there was a private gathering last Friday of stakeholders in the county's new office complex that will be built across Texas Avenue from the courthouse.
The complex includes what Watson calls "The 101 (one-oh-one) Building", a skywalk over Texas Avenue connecting that building to the courthouse, and an employee parking garage.
The new office building would become home to the precinct four justice of the peace and constable offices, adult probation, and the public defender’s office.
Watson, who said she attended the meeting because the complex is in her precinct, was joined by the county's construction project manager, representatives of the future occupants, the county's I-T, budget, and other departments that will be involved in servicing the office building, "the contractors, the geological folks, the engineering folks, (and) the design folks".
Watson said the meeting provided the opportunity to share what everyone wanted "in terms of a building so that everybody was on the same page."
In March, commissioners awarded a $50 million dollar construction contract and a $4.5 million dollar architect’s contract.
This podcast contains comments from the April 15, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The photo with this podcast is Rock Prairie elementary school principal Jeff Durand addressing the board.
College Station ISD (CSISD) school board members at Tuesday's meeting (April 15) without discussion, unanimously approved the superintendent's recommendations for administrator contracts for the next two years.
That was after ten public speakers asked the board to reconsider the decision to reassign the principal at Rock Prairie elementary.
Also speaking was the principal who will be removed, Jeff Durand, and one of his children.
Durand said among other things that "I'd like to hope that a small outcome from all of this is that everybody begins to understand just how difficult the role of a campus administrator is." He also said "I sincerely hope that this interest in the well being of our campus and district continues long after this evening." He also said "it's time to focus all this energy and concern away from my future and towards the future of all of our schools in this district, moving forward as best as we can." He concluded by saying "We have just about five weeks left in this year and I would like to be able guide my campus through those weeks with as much joy as I can muster and as much support as I have witnessed recently. The students and the staff deserves no less."
Board president Jeff Horak said after the public speakers that "I'd like to acknowledge the community's interest and concern regarding the recent leadership decisions within the district. We feel it is important to provide the clarity about the expectations of our campus leaders and (the) process by which these kinds of decisions are made. While the board of trustees does not take action on these kinds of personnel decisions, we are made aware of the personnel matters including any concerns or actions being taken by district administration to support, coach and evaluate campus leaders. Throughout the support process campus leaders are made aware of expectations and potential outcomes. The intent of this process is to provide ample opportunity to continue in their role to be successful in leading their school community. As a district we hold our leaders to a high standard. And when the standards are not met we have a responsibility to take action that prioritizes success of students, staff, and campuses."
There was a total of 16 public speakers. Five others criticized CSISD central office administrators of making changes that added to the workload of teachers and accused the central office administrators of retaliating against teachers who spoke out.
The public speakers received cheers and applause from a standing room only crowd. The remarks were watched by more than 400 viewers on CSISD's YouTube channel.
The only board comments came from the president. There was no response from CSISD employees.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about SB 1567, See-Click-Fix, code enforcement, testifying in Austin, impact fees, upcoming city events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about voting against SB 1567, the budget, getting rid of the Texas Lottery, school vouchers, pulling funding from the bullet train, impact fees, e-verify, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast includes comments from the April 8, 2025 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Almost three months after Blinn College opened their new Bryan campus administration and support services building, trustees move forward with another $100 million dollars in construction projects.
Trustees voted 4-3 to approve selected the administration's recommendation for construction manager at risk (CMAR) for a nearly $30 million dollar sports complex on the Brenham campus, consisting of a fieldhouse, a soccer field, a softball field, a football practice field, space for intramurals, and parking.
The trustee's newest member, retired Blinn facilities director Richard O'Malley, failed in his attempt to delay a vote until getting more information about the process of reviewing nine proposals.
Joining O'Malley were retired Blinn vice president Dennis Crowson and Diane Kettler.
Voting for the administration's recommendation were chairman Jim Kolkhorst, vice chair Allison Bentke, secretary Randy Wells, and Rebecca Ehlert.
The location of the sports complex is south of the Brenham campus, behind car dealerships on the north side of Highway 290. Crowson questioned why public access is through a Blinn apartment complex instead of entering off of 290. Blinn's current facilities director Mark Feldhake said that could be part of a traffic impact analysis that has yet to be done.
Click HERE to read and download background information about Blinn's future athletic complex in Brenham.
And a unanimous vote to select the construction manager at risk for a $68 million dollar building near Waller came after administrators fielded questions about why the first building at their newest branch campus was about academics instead of focusing on workforce training. Executive vice chancellor Leighton Schubert said Blinn is experiencing a high demand for workforce training at employer's sites.
Click HERE to read and download background information about Blinn's academic building project near Waller.
This podcast is a visit from Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A shoutout is given to Bryan ISD security and Bryan police for handling a suspicious situation outside Bonham elementary school.
BPD officer Seth Waller said last Thursday (April 10), the BISD security employee noticed a car circling around Bonham's parking lot several times while school was in session.
Waller said the security employee approached the driver, got him to stop, and got the keys from the driver.
Suspecting the driver was under the influence, Waller said the security employee notified Bonham administrators, who in turn contacted two BPD school resource officers who responded from neighboring Sadberry Intermediate.
Waller said the driver "didn't have anybody at the school (Bonham), really didn't know where he was at this time, kind of disoriented (and) agitated, kinda all those things that we (police) see coming with an impaired driver at 8:45 in the morning."
Waller praised the security officer "from observing the vehicle (and) knowing something wasn't right, protecting the kids, (and) protecting the building from an impaired driver (from) driving into the building (and/or) trying to escape or flee police".
The driver, a 52 year old man from Houston, was arrested for DWI.
Waller says if anyone sees erratic behavior from a driver to call 9-1-1.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Lynn Yeager from The Prenatal Clinic.
This podcast is a visit with the director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization, Dan Rudge, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County has a new source of money for alternative transportation projects.
The director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO), Dan Rudge, says non-profits and others who don't normally apply for grants can also apply for a piece of $2.8 million dollars for transportation projects that don't involve building roads.
The application period begins April 17.
Recipients would be responsible for paying for their project, then receive a reimbursement for 80 percent of the cost.
Rudge says the list of possible projects includes educational items, sidewalks, and shared use paths.
Click HERE to be directed to the B/CS MPO website for more information.
Ross Brady, Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his role, impact fees, other legislation in Austin that they are monitoring, extraterritorial jurisdiction regulations, a new College Station history book, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his preparation for budget day, impact fees, the timeline for legislation, next week's agenda, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Zyreshia Jackson, Community & Economic Development Specialist, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's upcoming open house, summer programs, job opportunities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 8, 2025 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Blinn College trustees agree to freeze tuition and fee rates for the 2025 fall semester.
The unanimous vote at Tuesday's meeting (April 8) follows the recommendation of executive vice chancellor and former state representative Leighton Schubert.
Schubert brought up following the governor's order that four year universities freeze their tuition rates.
Blinn trustees will decide on tuition and fees for the remainder of the 2025-26 academic year after the end of the current legislative session.
The trustees vote also took into account, Blinn taking in $5.3 million dollars in unexpected revenue this fiscal year and proposed revenue for the next fiscal year based on this year's enrollment.
News release from Blinn College:
The Blinn College District Board of Trustees maintained tuition and general fee rates for the fall 2025 semester and authorized key facility improvements across multiple campuses during its regular meeting on Tuesday.
Fall 2025 tuition and fee rates will remain unchanged from the current academic year. Tuition was set at $64 per semester credit hour for in-district students from Blinn’s taxing district, which includes only Washington County residents. Out-of-district Texas residents will pay $123 per credit hour, and out-of-state students will pay $279 per credit hour.
Additionally, trustees held the general fee steady at $80 per credit hour.
Trustees also approved maintaining the current rates for student housing, food services, and all course, lab, and auxiliary fees.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislation regarding personal injury attorneys and claims, CenterPoint Energy, the House budget, the Senate's upcoming agenda, Ken Paxton running against John Cornyn, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County assistant district attorney Jessica Escue and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County district attorney's office took action to prevent a federal prison from releasing a convict before he started serving a 75 year sentence for shooting a Bryan man.
47 year old Justin Byrd of Plantersville was convicted by a Brazos County jury in 2020 of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that took place in 2017.
Assistant DA Jessica Escue said it was the first time she encountered federal prosecutors choosing to have Byrd complete his federal sentence before starting the sentence for the Brazos County aggravated assault.
Escue said the feds would not transfer Byrd to a state prison, nor would the state prison system pick up the federal inmate.
Escue said the judge in the Brazos County case agreed to issue a bench warrant that allowed county officials to pick up Byrd before the end of his federal sentence and transport him to the Brazos County jail. The bench warrant will also allow county officials to transport Byrd to a state prison.
This podcast contains comments from the April 7, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members approve replacing the artificial turf at Merrill Green Stadium.
The unanimous vote at Monday's meeting (April 7) awarded a nearly $700,000 dollar contract that will be paid by remaining funds from the 2014 and 2019 bond issues.
BISD athletic director Derrick Rush said administrators are still pursuing naming rights to offset the cost of the project.
Rush said the project will start in June and will be completed in July.The new turf replaces what was installed in 2016.
Rush says the life of the existing turf was shortened by the volume of games and events that are held at the stadium.
Rush also said the three companies that submitted proposals did tests that showed the current surface failed a "softness" factor that figures into the safety of football players.
Administrators also studied returning to a natural grass field. Rush said natural grass was too expensive to maintain and would limit use.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Amy Faulkner from Voices for Children.
Brazos County Commissioner Bentley Nettles visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about increasing community engagement, understanding the county's relationship with the cities, projected growth, government efficiency, getting things done, key performance indicators, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff's deputy Nathan Dennis and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Since October 2023, the Brazos County sheriff's office has offered a service where homebound residents get a regularly scheduled phone call from a volunteer checking on their well being.
Deputy Nathan Dennis says the "R-U-OK" program is now available for those 55 and older along with other homebound residents.
Dennis says for many residents and even some volunteers, this is their regular opportunity to visit with anyone.
The deputy also says this afford security for out of town relatives who are not able to regularly visit their parents and grandparents.
Local residents are also invited to become a volunteer to place the regularly scheduled phone calls from the sheriff's office.
For more information, call the sheriff's office at 979-775-7865 (RUOK) or send an e-mail to RUOK@brazoscountytx.gov.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police officer David Simmons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station police spent part of Friday morning (April 4) dealing with a man who was arrested after barricading himself in a woman's fourplex unit off Southwest Parkway between Anderson and Bee Creek.
CSPD officer David Simmons says the man broke into the fourplex and threatened the woman with a knife.
The woman was able to escape after the man fell asleep.
Simmons says officers responded to multiple 9-1-1 calls around 6:45 a.m. That included officers who were wrapping up the night shift and those coming on the day shift.
The CSPD presence included the department's SWAT and hostage negotiation teams and the K-9 and drone units.
After contact could not be made with the man, officers entered the fourplex unit and found him inside a kitchen sink cabinet.
Caroline Ask, Solid Waste Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about pool maintenance, the upcoming Household and Hazardous Waste Collection event, what is and is not accepted, move in and move out, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the bills he laid out this week, insurance legislation, the state budget, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about events that includes the first ever baby shower for a bison that was born Wednesday (April 3).
This is part of a first ever bison baby shower that is being held April 12 at Lucky B Bison Ranch in Bryan.
Other topics includes a preview of April's First Friday in downtown Bryan, rescheduling the downtown Bryan street and art fair to April 27, and a review of the second Big Barn Dance songwriter and music festival.
This podcast contains comments from the March 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Hotel occupancy tax (HOT) money was approved at the last College Station city council meeting (March 27) to continue a financial contribution to the Texas 4-H roundup that will be held this summer at Texas A&M university.
The council's unanimous vote awarding the $50,000 dollar grant did not include David White. He abstained because he is the president of the Texas 4-H foundation.
It was pointed out that the grant did not go to the foundation, but to Texas A&M AgriLife. City manager Bryan Woods also shared the process of how HOT grants are awarded.
Before the vote, White provided some details of the roundup and thanked past councils for financially supporting the event.
White also pointed out the economic impact the 3,000 participants has on local tourism during the middle of the week.
White also introduced 4-H representatives in the audience and had a Brazos County 4-H member, Carson Dodd, who is on the state 4-H council, share the 4-H pledge and the "four H's" of 4-H, which are head, heart, hands, and health.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the March 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Seth Waller, City of Bryan Police Department PIO, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Blue Bunny Egg Hunt event, the summer junior citizen police academy class, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about House action this week, bills he has laid out, impact fees, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 2, 2025 Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization policy board meeting.
Off and on since 2018, there have been studies about improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing University to and from the Texas A&M campus.
The latest ideas were presented at Wednesday's meeting (April 2) of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization, or MPO.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 2, 2025 B/CS MPO meeting.
Presenting the report to the MPO, was Debbie Albert of the Texas A&M system's transportation institute.The study, funded by the Texas department of transportation, is considered a starting point.
The study calls for pedestrians going over University at Polo Road and Century Square, under University at Spence Street, under University at Nagle and Ireland Streets, and over University at College Main and Boyett.
The MPO's policy board also discussed separating pedestrians from vehicles at University and South College and at University and Agronomy Road.
After Albert's presentation, the MPO policy board gave the green light for their executive director to pursue a MPO study to prioritize which intersections should be modified along University between Texas Avenue and Agronomy Road, funding sources for at least $183 million dollars of construction, and how to do community engagement.
The MPO study would also look into pedestrian safety improvements along South College between University and Villa Maria.
The MPO study is projected to start this October and take one year to complete.
This podcast contains comments from the April 1, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Water management in Brazos and Robertson counties is done by the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district (BVGCD).
The district's general manager, Alan Day, presented a report to Brazos County commissioners Tuesday (April 1) of the district's activity from last year and what's ahead this year and beyond.
Click HERE to read and download Alan Day's presentation materials at the April 1, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
In the two counties, there are more than 7,300 water wells that have been registered or have permits. Day said landowners in Brazos and Robertson counties need to register their wells if they want to be protected from new wells.
Day also said at some point, water is going to be more expensive in Brazos and Robertson counties and there will be a cap on the amount of water that is available.That was part of the message related to the BVGCD board and Day working on plans for water consumption in the year 2080 which he called desired future conditions (DFC).
Day updated Brazos County commissioners on the status of three lawsuits involving water rights. On the calendar first, is a water rights lawsuit filed against BVGCD by the Texas A&M system. Day said that trial starts April 30th in Brazos County district court.
The report also included the district's educational efforts and changing the fee collection where it will take place in the current fiscal year instead of being late one year.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about testifying in Austin about overoccupancy, impact fees, the Brazos County Health District, the Northgate walking tour, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about THC products, insurance bills, the legislative session process, a first responders network, growing the film industry, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Alison Prince, Director of Development at Scotty's House.
This podcast contains comments from the March 17, 2025 senate committee hearing, the March 27, 2025 house committee hearing, and the March 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Two state legislative committees hold hearings on a bill that would take away College Station's ordinance limiting the number of unrelated occupants living together.
Senate Bill 1567 and House Bill 2797, which applies only to university towns, would limit the number of occupants regardless of relationship based on the size of bedrooms and meeting health and safety standards.
Another section of SB 1567 would prohibit university towns from requiring a property manager to hand over a lease to determine the number of unrelated occupants.
The senate's local government committee unanimously passed SB 1567, while the house land and resource management committee has not voted as of March 28 on HB 2797.
Click HERE to read and download SB 1567 as passed by the senate local government committee on March 25, 2025.
The legislative committee hearings were reviewed during Thursday's College Station city council meeting.
Councilman David White said he would "encourage people to watch it (the hearings) because there were some just false statements that were made regarding our city."
Councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney said "It is shocking to me that we can have a state senator take gross misinformation presented from multiple sources and without verification move straight to vilification."
The senate bill was written by Texas A&M graduate Paul Bettencourt of Houston. He brought up during the senate committee hearing, vehicles being tracked outside homes suspected of violating College Station's unrelated occupant ordinance. While Bettencourt said the tracking was done by the city of College Station, that activity has been conducted by a group of residents known as the College Station Association of Neighborhoods (CSAN).
The house bill was written by a former Texas A&M student government speaker. Cody Vasut of Angleton said during the house committee hearing that College Station's ordinance "discriminate(s), most acutely against college students" and it "restricts private property rights." Vasut says the ordinance "is indefensible" and is "un-American".
This podcast contains comments from the March 24, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting and from BISD superintendent Ginger Carrabine's visit March 26, 2025 on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
A new Bryan ISD strategic planning committee has started collecting and reviewing data that could lead to a future bond election.
A preview was given during Monday's BISD board meeting (March 24) by district administrators.
Additional information was provided Wednesday (March 26) by superintendent Ginger Carrabine during her visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
The committee of nearly 90 people is scheduled to meet weekly through May 15th.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the March 24, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Brazos County Judge Duane Peters visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his role and how it has changed over the years, the new office complex project, the skywalk over Texas Avenue, the new commissioners, the possibility of a "DOGE" in the county, the Downtown Bryan parking garage, the inner loop project, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about working through bills, government overreach, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Christine Leal, Long Range Planning Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's comprehensive plan evaluation, public input, the impact of Texas A&M University, upcoming public meetings, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 24, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members spent more than one hour at Monday night's meeting dealing with state tests and state finances.
Those conversations continued the long running belief by board members and administrators who believe that state lawmakers have created a false narrative of public schools in order to give state money to private schools.
Board members reviewing the local results of the latest state assessment, which remains tied in in a lawsuit, noting the same of the test has stayed the same but the composition has changed multiple times and it is not required by private schools.
There was also a review of proposed state funding for private school vouchers, also known as educational savings accounts, and how that would mean more money for BISD if the same formula was provided to public school districts.
Board members were told if state lawmakers don't through with additional funding by June, it will impact every building in BISD.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the March 24, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Brad Stafford, Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about receiving the Texas City Management Association’s (TCMA) 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award, the future of Travis Field, city parks, a new parks subcommittee, accessible playgrounds, turf renovations at BRAC, playground equipment at Tanglewood Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about being out on the floor, impact fees, feedback about the DOGE committee in the House, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the CTE programs in Bryan ISD, medians on Texas Avenue, water and energy legislation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Ginger Carrabine, Bryan ISD Superintendent, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about an upcoming showcase, a new long-range planning committee, growth in the district, the expansion of CTE, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about passing the budget, the foundation school program, school testing, teacher pay, a proposed ban on THC products, legislation to allow law enforcement to help ICE, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver about to spot a scam and how to deal with suspected scammers.
The visit comes after a 79 year old Bryan woman lost $55,100 to a phone scammer.
Waller says none of the money that was taken has been recovered.
The BPD arrest report says the man was able to convince the woman that her son was arrested and needed money to pay lawyers and for bonds.
Three times on the same day in February, the woman gave different ride share drivers $18,500, $14,600, and $22,000 dollars.
The victim said the suspect called the next day wanting more money. That's when she realized it was a scam.
Because the victim was given information about the ride share drivers, investigators found the drivers.
The drivers reported giving the money that was in boxes to the suspect in the same parking lot of a Houston Walmart neighborhood market.
32 year old Manuel Paredes, who was charged with felony theft involving an elderly victim, is jailed as of March 25th in lieu of a $150,000 dollar bond.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M University's President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about The Big Event, being recognized as innovative, space research, monitoring legislation, the impact of a new chancellor, the new commandant, the search for open positions, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Kat Gammon from UWBV and Ron Crozier from Twin City Mission in this week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update.
This podcast is with city of Bryan deputy city manager Joey Dunn and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
You may see in downtown Bryan, what might appear on first glance to be a parking meter.City officials announced last Friday (March 21) the deployment of what are called "safety sticks".
Deputy city manager Joey Dunn says the solar powered and wireless devices will be there for 30 days.
The city will not be issuing tickets.
The data that is collected will be reviewed by members of a city committee that was created in February of 2024 to recommend possible changes to improve parking for downtown residents, businesses, and visitors.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan police department is advising motorists of the city's first intersection involving a median that no longer allows a right turn on a red light.
Officer Seth Waller says the first location is by the post office, affecting motorists making a right turn from Nash to William Joel Bryan (WJB) towards the freeway.
Waller says that's because WJB traffic headed towards downtown can make a U-turn at Nash.
Waller says officers have been issuing warnings. Speaking on March 20, 2025, Waller said officers will start issuing tickets in about a week or so.
This podcast contains some of the comments from Texas A&M faculty athletic representative Paul Batista at the March 17, 2025 faculty senate meeting.
Batista's report included student-athlete academic performance, the financial condition of the athletic department, and the impact of a proposed settlement in the federal lawsuit over paying student-athletes.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the March 17, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
College Station Councilman David White visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background, following in his father's footsteps, the fire department helping enforce the no-more-than-four ordinance, impact fees, affordable housing, the former Macy's store building, his first townhall meeting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's water caucus, water issues, insurance bills that were filed, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Councilman Paul Torres visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about legislation he is monitoring, progress at Midtown Park, concerns he is hearing from his constituents, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about recent committee hearings, his proposed legislation to put a moratorium on impact fees, his take on a bill that would get rid of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, water bills, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 18, 2025 College Station ISD school board workshop meeting.
Before spring break, students and parents at Consolidated High School were informed about changes in parking due to construction starting next week on a $39 million dollar expansion and renovation.
The reaction to those changes were brought up during the March workshop meeting of the College Station ISD school board.
Assistant superintendent Josh Symank said multiple options were considered before deciding to move 96 student and 47 faculty spaces where the construction company will have its base of operations.
Symank thanked Grace Bible Church Southwood campus for agreeing to a memorandum of understanding. For the use of 185 spaces, CSISD is paying one dollar and the district striped the church's entire parking lot.
Board president and Consolidated graduate Jeff Horak said "It's just a change in your routine. And if we look at it that way, it's the growing pains of what we're doing. And I get it, it's frustrating. But it's just a change in the routine and it becomes a new routine and then you'll go back to your old routine."
Another board member who is a Consolidated graduate, Heather Simmen, said when she was in school "I didn't have a painted parking spot and I'm okay. And I know I'm probably going to make some parents mad by saying that, that are super upset. But if this is the biggest hurdle that they have to face they're going to be okay. There's plenty of parking over there. I manage to find a parking spot every day."
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the March 18, 2025 College Station ISD school board workshop meeting.
Click HERE to read and download a memo about the Consolidated High School construction contract that was approved at the March 18, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Greater Northgate Small Area Plan, Glen Hegar being named sole finalist for the next Texas A&M University System Chancellor, impact fees, the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about his recent trip to Bryan/College Station, legislation he filed before the deadline, the Lieutenant Governor's legislative priorities, updates from the Business and Commerce committee, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station's senior traffic engineer Randell Smith and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Left turn options at one College Station intersection is modified to reduce crashes.
This applies to the flashing yellow light for those making a left turn from Texas Avenue to Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
The city of College Station's senior traffic engineer, Randell Smith, says the option is only available on weekdays during the peak periods of the morning and afternoon commute.
Smith said the change was made in mid-December. That followed 57 crashes between 2020 and 2024 involving vehicles making left turns. 38 of those collisions were during off-peak hours.
Since the change, Smith said there has been one crash, which took place during peak hours.
There are no plans to return the flashing yellow signal to a 24/7 schedule.
And there are no plans at this time to extend the modification to other College Station intersections. That could happen in the future as crash data continues.
In Bryan, a WTAW listener informed us that motorists on Villa Maria making a left turn to Wellborn no longer have a yellow flashing arrow. A city of Bryan spokeswoman tells WTAW News that the change was made "to protect the left turn movement to prevent left turn attempts from trying to find gaps in opposing traffic and to better protect crossing pedestrians. The location has numerous unique sight distance challenges with the vertical road curves approaching the underpass that make the intersection challenging." And at this time, no other locations in Bryan are being changed.
Jenni Owolo, Executive Director of BCS Together, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about "Project 3609".
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, United Way of the Brazos Valley President/CEO, and Lisa Wambley from Son-Shine Outreach Center.
Spokeswoman Kathleen Sanderson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about their new fine arts program for kids, the upcoming Doing the Most Good luncheon, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 11, 2025 Brazos County commisson meeting.
The two newest members of the Brazos County commission say they did not get information on two contracts totaling $54.5 million dollars.
That resulted in a vote to delay action on the contracts for an architect and a construction manager at risk for the Brazos County's new office complex across Texas Avenue from the courthouse.
Commissioner Bentley Nettles, who made the motion to delay the vote, said "what I didn't see in the documents before me was a study of the office space and a justification why we needed the additional office space. So if that's out there, if you all can just get that to me, that'll probably be fine. And that's why I didn't want to vote today, because quite frankly without that information, I'm afraid I'd have to vote no (against awarding the contracts)."
Nettles was not swayed after county judge Duane Peters shared how the complex would address current and future space requirements.
Nettles brought up that this isn't the first time that county staff has not provided him with information on a project that began before he was elected last November. Nettles told county judge Duane Peters "this is a frustration I've had, and you (Peters) and I have discussed this and so have I and the (commission's) chief of staff about needing to get the information so I can make the decision."
Commissioner Fred Brown, who began January 1 with Nettles, added "the issue here is the fact that Bentley and I come in as new commissioners, and we're asked to vote on a $50 million dollar project that we haven't been brought up to speed on", and "somebody needs to talk to us about it because that's a big big amount of money."
Both Nettles and Brown emphasized they are not against the project, which includes an office building to house the public defenders and adult probation offices and the precinct four constable and justice of the peace offices. The project also includes a skywalk over Texas Avenue connecting the new building to the courthouse and a parking garage.
Nettles and Brown were joined by Peters and commissioner Chuck Konderla to bring back the contracts at the next meeting. Wanda Watson did not vote for the delay. She chose to abstain.
This podcast is a visit with Amy Raines of the George H.W. Bush presidential library and museum and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
Upcoming events at the George H.W. Bush presidential library and museum includes a film and panel discussion on the 35th anniversary of Bush signing the Americans With Disabilities (ADA) act.
Marketing and communications director Amy Raines says there is no admission charge for the March 18th event, but a RSVP is required by going to the library and museum's website.
Raines also promotes the annual Easter celebration on April 12 and previews the annual summer film series.
Click HERE for more information about the upcoming events and to register to see the ADA film and panel discussion.
College Station City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about government efficiency and effectiveness, results of the annual audit, the Northgate area plan, what he's watching for in Austin, the possibility of a convention center, the recent report from the fire department, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the corrections committee, crime and prison legislation, filing and reviewing bills, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Makenzie Kubacak, Youth Services Librarian at the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Brazos Valley Children's Literacy Festival and other upcoming events during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Glenn Hegar being named sole finalist for the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, the Make Texas Healthy bill, the session's progress, the budget, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his recent hearings, issues with squatters, business legislation, meeting with Governor Abbott, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Lauren Brown, who is assisting with the fundraising effort to assist the family of a Bryan police detective whose wife is hospitalized and whose younger son was killed in a March 3rd head on crash.
A fundraising effort is underway to assist a Bryan police detective whose wife is hospitalized and whose younger son was killed in a head on crash.
Family friend Lauren Brown says early support has been overwhelming to assist Frank and Allysa Beardsley and their older son.
Allysa remains hospitalized, and the younger son Easton, also known as "Boogie", was killed in the March 3rd crash.
Brown says donations can be dropped off at the Bryan police department's front desk.
And BPD's Facebook page has details of a wristband fundraiser.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his recent travels, energy, the CHIPS Act, the Northgate district, Glenn Hegar being named sole finalist for the next Texas A&M University System chancellor, construction of William J. Bryan Parkway, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 11, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve a burn ban at Tuesday's meeting (March 11).
The 30 day ban can be cancelled early if it rains. County judge Duane Peters noted "a lot of times that happens, if we pass one (burn ban) we get the rain in the next day or two, so it would be a good thing."
The commission's unanimous vote follows a report from emergency management coordinator Jason Ware that the drought index is on the high side in the north and east portions of the county.
Ware also said two of the four county's rural fire chiefs asked for the ban, one supports it, and one asked to continue monitoring conditions.
Commissioners were also told there were no wildfires in Brazos County the prior seven days, something Ware attributed to last week's request to not do outdoor burning.
The burn ban applies in Brazos County outside of city limits.
Click HERE to read and download the burn ban approved at the March 11, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the March 4, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County residents who have requested copies of 100,000 pages of records from the November 2024 election will not have to spend as much money to get that information.
That’s because county commissioners agree to buy software to remove names of 92,000 voters.
Commissioners were told the price for the public to get that information using the software will be around $40 dollars.
If elections office workers had to manually remove the names, several citizens requesting that information were looking at a “very conservative” cost of $750 dollars.
The commission’s general counsel, Bruce Erratt, says the removal of the names and other information is required by the attorney general’s and the secretary of state’s offices.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock said citizens requested cast vote records, or CVR’s, which reflect the selections a voter made on their ballot.
The software purchase, costing $12,875 dollars, will allow the public to have access to CVR’s and ballots within 60 days.
Click HERE to read and download the Brazos County document justifying the purchase of the software.
Click HERE to read and download the document received by Brazos County from the company selling the software.
Click HERE to read and download the amended contract for Brazos County to purchase the additional software.
This podcast contains interviews with College Station fire department captain Stuart Marrs and the chef at Harvey Washbangers restaurant and laundromat Michael Lair.
A 25 year business in College Station is gone following a fire.
College Station firefighters responded around 5:30 Monday morning (March 10) to Harvey Washbangers, a combination restaurant and laundromat off Texas between Harvey and Holleman.
Captain Stuart Marrs says there were no casualties and investigators are looking for a cause.
Marrs says the firefighters who arrived saw the roof had collapsed and the exterior walls had bowed out and collapsed.
There was no fire damage to businesses next to Washbangers. Marrs says that is because there is a ten foot gap between the buildings and water was sprayed in the gap to keep heat from the fire away from the other building.
Marrs says neighborhood residents may have noticed a drop in water pressure due to all the fire hydrants that were being used.
Washbangers chef Michael Lair, whose father owns the business, said his phone has been blowing up from concerned customers.
Lair says his primary concern is for the 35 employees who are out of work. He said "If there is anybody that is looking to hire people, I have great people."
Four hours after the firefighters arrived, Lair also said "this community is incredible" and "I know God's in charge and He's got a plan for this. I have no idea what it is but we'll figure that out when we get there."
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Kat Gammon from United Way of the Brazos Valley and Rebekah Nobles from Easter Seals of Greater Houston.
This podcast contains comments from the March 4, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are asked to consider a policy calling for the live removal of honeybee colonies.
Chris Barnes, who with his wife have 60 honeybee colonies around Brazos County, was among public speakers at this week's commission meeting (March 4).
Barnes, who referred to the insects as "livestock", said since last June there has been the loss of 1.25 million colonies, with some producers losing nearly everything.
He asked for live removal instead of contacting a pest control company or county employees destroying colonies.
Barnes said there would be one exception, and that is when bees are attacking someone.
Because Barnes spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, by state law commissioners were not allowed to respond.
The website of the Brazos Valley Beekeepers Association includes how to contact someone who does live removals. The organization also has a meeting scheduled for the evening of March 18th at Bryan High School.
This podcast is with the chairman of the Brazos County Historical Commission, Henry Mayo, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The grounds of what is now the federal women's prison in Bryan was established in 1899 as Allen Academy.
Tomorrow (Saturday, March 8), the Brazos County historical commission will dedicate a marker that replaces one that was installed in 1978 but disappeared in 2014.
Commission chairman Henry Mayo says only the title of the marker has changed, which reflects the site of Allen's military academy that began during World War One.
The public is invited to the dedication program, which starts at 1 p.m.
The location of the program is 1000 E. 22nd Street in Bryan.
The program hosts are the Brazos County Historical Commission and the Allen Military Academy alumni/cadets group AMA Remembered.
Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about water tasting, fixing leaks, making coffee, rebates, landscaping, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his week in Austin, the Texas insurance industry, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver. The conversation includes a preview of the March 2025 First Friday in downtown Bryan, the return of the Big Barn Dance festival March 27-29, and a look ahead to April's downtown Bryan street and art festival on April 5.
Jeanelle Johnson, City of Bryan Emergency Management Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her background, her role, the next SKYWARN training, the STEAR program, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about committee hearings, orphan wells, judicial pay, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members get a consultant's report that says there is enough business for a convention center with a connected hotel of 275 to 400 rooms.
The hotel would be part of a complex that is recommended to have an exhibit hall, an event floor, two ballrooms, and meeting rooms.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shown during the February 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting by the council's consultant.
A unanimous council agreed at its last meeting (February 27) to pay the consultant to get a cost estimate, funding sources, and determine possible sites.Site selection was part of the council's 50 minute discussion.
The consultant's report stated "Texas A&M event space is hard to market to outside groups".
That's despite a 2013 preferred access agreement the city signed with the Texas A&M system, where the city is supposed to get discounted rates on meeting facilities in exchange for the city giving $14 million dollars in hotel occupancy tax money towards the expansion of Kyle Field.
The council also heard from the developer of College Station's Midtown neighborhood. James Murr made a pitch to host and help pay for building the hotel.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shown by James Murr at the February 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
As for revenue sources of what mayor John Nichols estimated to be a $250 million dollar project, councilman Bob Yancy said he had a letter of support from departing Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp.
Yancy also suggested approaching the city of Bryan and the local school districts for financial support.
The consultant's recommendations followed 20 meetings with stakeholders, contact with 12 associations, event planners, and user groups, and contact with two regional convention centers.
The council, which spent $40,000 dollars for the report that was given at their February 27th meeting, was told it would cost another $40,000 for the additional information.
This podcast contains comments from a March 4, 2025 Brazos County commission public hearing.
Brazos County commissioners hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would declare county owned land near Millican as the only place where a landfill could be located.
County judge Duane Peters repeated that the intent of the ordinance is to prevent a private landfill to be built anywhere else without anyone's knowledge.
That was confirmed by an attorney hired by the commission. Eric McGee says he knows of at least 50 other counties that have taken the same action.
There were four public speakers, all from the Millican area. One was in support, two had questions, and one was concerned their property values would drop as the result of the designation.
Commissioners plan to take a vote on the proposed ordinance next Tuesday (March 11).
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about keeping chickens in your backyard, a future recreation center and convention center, staff research, the Amazon drones, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
For the first time since Texas A&M turned over fire protection services to the city of College Station, the university will pay the city a share of those costs.
That's after the city council approved a five year agreement at their last meeting.
Fire chief Richard Mann was congratulated for leading the negotiations.
The agreement calls for A&M to pay no more than $750,000 dollars in year one, and no more than $1.5 million in the fifth year.
Mann said the city took over fire services from A&M in 1971.
Click HERE to read and download the agreement that was approved at the February 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County emergency management coordinator Jason Ware during the March 4, 2025 county commission meeting.
Brazos County's emergency management director told county commissioners that Tuesday morning rainfall (March 4) was not enough to reduce the risk of wildfires.
Jason Ware is also asking landowners outside of city limits to not conduct outdoor burning. That's due to an elevated fire danger with the prediction of high winds.
Ware said last weekend, Brazos County firefighters responded to seven fires. Most were unattended controlled burns that threatened structures.
As of Tuesday morning, Ware said three of the county's fire chiefs wanted a burn ban and the fourth would support it. A possible burn ban will be added to the agenda for next Tuesday's (March 11) commission meeting agenda.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, United Way of the Brazos Valley President/CEO, and Jonathan Mitchell from Adult & Teen Challenge Brazos Valley.
This podcast contains comments from the February 27, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Another generation of College Station city council members are educated about the decades old problem of more than four unrelated residents living under the same roof.
Takeaways from a two and a half hour discussion at Thursday's council meeting (February 27) included staff being directed to increase enforcement efforts and investigate options for parking restrictions in affected neighborhoods.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the group "Occupancy Enforcement Alliance".
A council majority believes some Texas A&M students are violating the Aggie Code of Honor by knowingly violating the ordinance. That was based in part on an affected homeowner telling the council she overheard a group of students and their presumed parents laugh about the overoccupancy ordinance.
There was also discussion about proposed state legislation that would do away with most of a city's power to regulate overoccupancy.
Councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney said the staff of the author of Senate Bill 1567 thought cities were entering homes "counting toothbrushes", while local residents "think we're not doing enough".
Mayor John Nichols was also interested in prosecuting owners of rental properties who violate the portion of the city's rental registration agreement that says they will abide by occupancy limits.
This podcast contains the reading of a resolution adopted by the Texas A&M system board of regents banning drag shows at the system's 11 universities. Reading the resolution is the regents executive director, Vickie Spillers.
A special meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents on Friday (February 28) led to adopting a resolution banning drag shows at all 11 universities.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was adopted by the Texas A&M system board of regents on February 28, 2025.
The resolution acknowledges an executive order from the president and a directive from the governor supporting the president's order.
The resolution also acknowledges the system and its universities "receive significant federal funding" and on campus drag shows "may be considered promotion of gender ideology in violation of the Executive Order and the Governor’s directive".
There were no comments from any regents members before their unanimous vote.
This podcast contains comments from the February 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Presentations at the February 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting included 2024 calendar year activity at the police department.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the February 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Police chief Billy Couch reported making his goal for the second straight year of officers responding to the most urgent calls...involving lights and sirens...within six minutes.
There were 4,000 fewer calls for service compared with 2023, despite an increasing population. Couch said it was hard to give a reason for the decline.
The number of aggravated assaults went up from 97 to 118. Couch said that number went up in part due to gang activity that also contributed to thefts of guns from unlocked vehicles, homes and apartments.
Among other statistics, Couch said the one of eight categories that increased in 2024 over 2023 was the number of patrol officer initiated "focus calls".
In the Northgate bar district last year, Couch said there were 631 arrests and diverting at least an equal number from being taken to jail.And out of CSPD's 24,000 traffic stops last year, Couch said more than 60 percent of drivers received a warning.
The chief also talked about the second year of CSPD using drones. Currently, the department has 11 drones that are used in a variety of functions.
As for staffing, Couch said 24 officers are currently in training and a consultant says CSPD could use another 14. The chief added he is happy with the staffing of 9-1-1 dispatchers following pay increases approved by the council.
Jeremiah Cook, Assistant Director of Tourism with Visit College Station, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about record breaking numbers from 2024, his presentation to city council, a convention center feasibility study, the new tourism committee, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his committee meetings, education legislation, how is staff members help him, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Senator John Cornyn's conference call with Texas reporters on February 27, 2025 included comments on the federal budget, the request for the federal government to reimburse Texas for border protection expenses, participating in a closed door meeting with Elon Musk about the department of government efficiency (the photo associated with this podcast is from that meeting), and the president's new tariffs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 18, 2025 meeting of the College Station ISD school board.
Personnel actions at February's College Station ISD board meeting included firing two teachers.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider said both teachers abandoned their contracts.
Harkrider said both teachers "did not give us any grounds to hire anybody else. They surprised campus administration and walked out the door."
The superintendent confirmed neither person got really sick or had a spouse move out of town.
Harkrider said this marked a philosophical change in CSISD, adding is the first time they have asked the board to fire teachers before the end of the school year.
This podcast contains comments from the Feburary 18, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The February 18th meeting of the Brazos County commission meeting included unanimous votes on four items that included comments and questions from newly elected commissioners Fred Brown and Bentley Nettles.
Commissioner Brown chuckled about the request to issue a Diners Club credit card to a county employee, saying he had not seen that card since the 1980's. Purchasing agent Charles Wendt said the card was still being accepted and that they are looking into other credit card companies.
Commissioner Nettles was told the county did not have the ability to garnish the wages of an undisclosed number of retired county employees who did not reimburse the county for health insurance premiums totaling a combined $783 dollars.
Commissioner Brown, who is a retired car dealership owner, explained that the dealer that the commission approved for a new pickup truck to replace one that was totaled, had contracts with all state agencies and was able to make money on selling law enforcement vehicles at cost by the light bars it installed on those vehicles.
And commissioner Brown asked the purchasing agent for an explanation about why a 2020 contract was still in effect. This was in reference to the commission approving pest control services returning to a building that was slated for demolition but will continue to be occupied.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about visiting with representative from Texas universities, higher education funding, the state of the judiciary, bail reform, ERCOT, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jamie Cox, General Manager of Legends Event Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about adjustments they have made in the first two years of operation, homeschool programs using the facility, non-athletic events, sand volleyball, summer camps, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 18, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Comments from newly elected Brazos County commissioners Bentley Nettles and Fred Brown figure into two decisions involving future repairs at the Brazos County Expo complex.
Nettles received no opposition to adding to the committee that will review proposals from architects and construction managers at risk, a member of the Brazos Valley Fair Board and a representative of the agriculture community.
And there was no opposition to Brown's request to discuss how to increase revenue at the Expo complex, where he says the county is losing $1.2 million dollars a year.
This podcast with the sports editor at The Eagle, Robert Cessna, and WTAW's Bill Oliver, was recorded on February 25, 2025. That's his 50th anniversary with the Bryan-based newspaper.
Bryan Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Mayor Bobby Gutierrez's trip to Washington D.C., new development, housing and commercial development on the west side of the city, upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County State Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the budget articles he is overseeing, protecting the border, bitcoin, educational funding, the Texas A&M University System's search for a new chancellor, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Candilyn McLean, Program Manager for the Brazos Valley Clean Up Challenge, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M's President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the impact of President Trump's executive orders, President Welsh's connections with the government, the new At Ease podcast episode, Aggies in the state legislature, updates on open positions, The Big Event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 4, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
A divided Brazos County commission approves moving ahead with soliciting proposals from companies interested in doing an employee compensation and benefits study.
The three to two vote was followed by comments from all five members of the commissioners court and several staff members.
Human resources director Jennifer Salazar said the study would involve more than pay and benefits. It would include reviewing job classifications and other HR items.
Commissioners Chuck Konderla and Wanda Watson supported the county moving away from pay raises based on longevity to raises based on performance.
County judge Duane Peters reminded members that elected officials have authority to determine raises of their employees.
Newly elected commissioners Fred Brown and Bentley Nettles voted against the study in part because of raises approved in recent years by past commissions to make those positions more competitive.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Liz Dickey from Health For All.
This podcast contains comments from the February 20, 2025 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Spring enrollment at Blinn College, with registration continuing for remaining four and eight week classes, is expected to exceed last spring.
An update during February's meeting of Blinn's board of trustees shows 15,822 students. That's compared with 15,953 in 2024, 15,685 in 2023, and 15,167 in 2022.
Compared with 2024's final spring numbers, 2025 spring enrollment is already higher at the RELLIS campus and the number of high school students taking dual credit classes.
Trustees and administrators were pleased with the number of Waller High School students who are enrolled, which is Blinn's newest location. In a related item, trustees awarded a contract to design Blinn's first academic building in Waller. Currently, Blinn is using space at Waller High School and Waller Middle School.
On the Bryan campus, where in 2015 there were more than 12,000 students, so far this spring the number is 3,982.
Vice chancellor Becky McBride said 36 public universities, including Texas A&M, have increased the number of freshman students.Since A&M has put a freeze on undergraduate enrollment for the next five to seven years, McBride says they have strategies to recruit students who are not admitted to A&M.With registration continuing for remaining spring classes,
Blinn has 3,966 online students, 3,540 at RELLIS, 2,631 high school students, 1,509 at the home campus in Brenham, and about 200 at other locations.
Blinn trustees also received final enrollment numbers from the Christmas break minimester. That showed 2,152 students, which is 24 more compared to the year before.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the February 20, 2024 Blinn College trustees meeting.
College Station Councilman William Wright visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new legislative subcommittee, improving or redesigning the Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheatre, being a Texas film city, future federal grants, the former Macy's store building, real estate decisions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about education legislation, school funding, STAAR testing, his committee assignments, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 18, 2025 College Station ISD school board meeting.
February's meeting of the College Station ISD school board included the first discussion of developing the budget for the 2025-2026 school year.
Comments from superintendent Tim Harkrider included correcting the governor on how much state money CSISD receives. Harkrider said CSISD receives an average of $10,400 dollars per student, not $15,300 as the governor recently said. Harkrider said he would welcome the higher number, which would provide CSISD an additional $65 million dollars.
Dr. Harkrider also said administrators are considering applications for out of district transfers to generate more state money. He pointed out this would require parents to apply to register their children. If approved, those students would be assigned to a specific campus.
Associated with the idea of out of district transfers, is the consideration of changing campus boundaries of CSISD elementary, intermediate, and middle schools. Harkrider said administrators would be meeting with demographers starting in March. Any recommendations to change boundaries would come to the board this October or November. Any changes would not take effect until the 2026-2027 school year. And Harkrider emphasized they are not considering changing CSISD high school boundaries.
Bryan Councilman Kevin Boriskie visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new reinvestment zone at RELLIS, attracting new companies, the possibility of a chip facility, the impact of DOGE's cuts, annexing the Stella Ranch development, housing trends, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his committee assignments, bills he is working on, the school voucher plan, College Station ISD Superintendent Tim Harkrider's comments about school funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 18, 2025 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
A divided Bryan city council decides to not consider a Brazos County health district (BCHD) request to enact an ordinance regulating public swimming pools.
A proposed ordinance drafted by the health district was discussed at Tuesday's (February 18) council workshop meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the BCHD proposed swimming pool ordinance, which was provided to WTAW News by the city of Bryan.
No one from the health district attended the meeting. Councilman Paul Torres said he was asked by an unidentified representative of the health district to present the request.
Torres, Ray Arrington, and James Edge were interested in hearing from health district representatives.
Edge, who represents the city on the BCHD board, said the board discussed the ordinance at length several times. Edge said public safety and public health is a responsibility of the city and the county. He also said "We don't have the answers to the specifics to allow us to act on this at this time.
"One of four councilmembers who did not want a health district presentation, Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, said "based on the brief amount of information we have", "if an industry has been self-regulated and that has been successful, I don't understand why the government needs to insert themselves."
Shurtleff pointed out what she described as "troubling language" in the ordinance (Section 2.2a) that "The regulatory authority may, without warning, notice, or hearing suspend any permit to operate a public swimming pool or spa". She considered that as "a lot of overreach here that I'm very uncomfortable with".Shurtleff added that "I still like that old adage 'The scariest words in the English language is we're from the government and we're here to help.'"Councilman Jared
Salvato said he was opposed to the city getting involved in what was considered a county matter. He also questioned why BCHD did not include private swimming pools in their proposed ordinance. And Salvato said "the court of public opinion is far superior than any government oversight. In the world we live in today with social media" "if a commercial pool operator is not taking care of their equipment or sanitary issues, they'll be out of business quicker than any type of regulatory business".
Salvato also asked Torres, who Salvato identified as a health district employee, for more information regarding five cases of pool related water borne illnesses that were identified by the health district. Shurtleff added "we're not sure with any kind of clarity if those have been traced to one pool, multiple pools".
When Torres brought up Salvato's swim school business, Salvato told Torres "It's not just my business, it's everybody that has a business related to this." "We've been around (the city) since 1871 and we have five cases of what could possibly be a water borne illness. I don't understand the budget constraints that the county might have to go out hire new CPO's and then they're talking about fees that are going to be assessed for all these different companies (public pool owners) when they're already self-monitoring."
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez added "This is a current time where we're trying to do away with as much regulation. If the county health department wants to do this, why do we have to be involved?" Torres said "What I understand is the ordinance is to be able to enforce the ones that are not doing it properly, the ones that are not taking care of their pools and actually having the correct pH, the correct facilities".
Shurtleff, Salvato, and mayor Bobby Gutierrez were joined by councilman Kevin Boriskie and city manager Kean Register in opposing the proposed ordinance.
Register, who expected the proposed ordinance would also apply to city pools, said "We take the cleanliness of our pools very important because there are two things that loom over our head with pools. One is a lawsuit if someone gets sick because of it. And two is the bad PR (public relations) that we're going to get for the same reason. So those two things keep us on top of our act."
The council was told out of 22 health districts in the state, Brazos County is one of four that does not regulate public pools.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about conversations on TexAgs about the city's purchase of the former Macy's store building and future plans for the property during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Winter Storm Uri in 2021, Texas' future for energy, SB 21 regarding bitcoin, SB 26 which establishes pay raises for teachers, the House's committee assignments, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Texas A&M employees are invited to complete an online "engagement survey".
Vice president Joe Pettibon told members of the A&M faculty senate that the survey is an extension of the president's strategic plan.
Three goals that were shared with the faculty senate about the survey were to (1) evaluate and analyze employee engagement as well as the degree to which faculty and staff feel enabled to perform their roles with the university, (2) leverage survey results to create targeted action plans in areas identified as opportunities for growth, and (3) enhance faculty and staff engagement and empower them to perform their roles more effectively.
While the survey is being administered by a outside consultant hired by the university, Pettibon address concerns that some might not participate for fear of retribution.
The survey, which is expected to take 15 to 20 minutes to complete, will have approximately 70 questions on a Likert scale and up to four open ended questions.
The survey is available through February 28 to employees hired on or before January 15th who are faculty at Texas A&M, Texas A&M at Galveston, and Texas A&M Health Science Center (regardless of funding source) and staff who have a Texas A&M, Texas A&M at Galveston, and Texas A&M Health Science Center adloc.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the February 10, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
A&M president Mark Welsh posted on his website January 24, a message that included this survey. Welsh wrote: "In February, we will be initiating an employee engagement survey led through our Division of Planning, Assessment and Strategy in partnership with an external consultant, Korn Ferry. Using questions benchmarked against peer institutions in higher education, yet tailored to our university community and what it has to offer, this is an opportunity for you to provide candid, confidential feedback. I want to hear from you on what’s working well and what’s not working as well. Employees are the backbone of Texas A&M, and we want to make sure this is a place where you feel valued."
This podcast contains comments from the February 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council directs staff to act as quickly as possible to resolve health and safety issues at two apartment complexes.
Key City Capital was identified as the owner of The Dominik and Holleman Oaks apartments.
The College Station council was told Key City since June 2022 has been issued a combined 230 summons regarding apartment conditions. Key City has paid fines totaling $20,668 and owes the city another $28,385.
The summons and fines are for leaking raw sewage at The Dominik and not making repairs to a fire damaged building at Holleman Oaks.
The council and staff also identified Key City as the owner of the Canyon Village apartments in Bryan, where notice was given that water was going to be cut off until a past due bill of $18,000 dollars was paid last week.
The Dominik and Holleman Oaks were singled out during a staff presentation about code compliance issues at older College Station multi-family structures.
No representatives of the ownership of The Dominik and Holleman Oaks apartment complexes were at the College Station council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the February 13, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the February 4, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Administrators at the Brazos Transit District (BTD) respond to complaints from recent Brazos County commission meetings.
After meeting in private with two commissioners, vice president Jo Marlow showed photos during the commission's February 4th meeting of large buses where there were enough on board that some riders were standing.
BTD's deputy CEO, Wendy Weedon, says the average life span of a large diesel bus is 12 years, versus five years for a smaller bus that is gasoline powered.
Weedon said the only difference in the cost of operating a large diesel bus versus a smaller bus that is powered by a gasoline engine, is paying more for the driver of the large bus because they are required to have a commercial license.
Weedon said the larger buses were needed to accommodate riders using mobility devices.
In response to a question about spending BTD money on ride sharing, Weedon says she has seen local ride sharing companies charge as much as $200 dollars during large events.
County commissioners were also given presentation materials about BTD's transition in Brazos County as a large urban transit provider as determined by the federal government. That resulted in county commissioners and the city councils in College Station and Bryan to split the cost to make up the reduction in federal funding.
Commissioners were also told about the transition of the county taking ownership of the Roy Kelly parking garage located south of the courthouse.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials that were shown at the February 4, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
College Station assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about code violations at some older apartment complexes, the progress of studying the future development in the Northgate district, a discussion of the city purchasing and selling property, the takeaways from presentations to the city council from the police chief and the fire chief, and an update on the revised development of the city's Texas Independence Park.
State representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville, whose district includes a portion of Brazos County, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his assignments to the House insurance and corrections committees.
This podcast contains comments from the January 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Nearly $1 million dollars will be spent to design improvements at College Station's Thomas Park.
An amended contract approved by the city council included two timetables.
Capital projects director Jennifer Cain they are coordinating the park design with the ongoing reconstruction of Lincoln Avenue.
Cain also said they are also coordinating park improvements with the future reconstruction of streets bordering the park.
Voters in November 2022 approved $3 million dollars of bond money. Another $1.9 million was previously budgeted in the city's parks capital fund.
After the design contract, almost $4 million dollars remains to build what is currently estimated to be $6 million dollars of park improvements.
Councilmembers were told they have the options of phasing the improvements and/or using additional funding sources.
Click HERE to read and download what was approved at the January 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the January 23, 2025 College Station city council meeting.
Zyreshia Jackson with the city of Bryan's community development office visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs about public participation as the city develops its next community development plan serving low and moderate income residents.
According to a city of Bryan news release, the 2025-29 Consolidated Plan will guide the allocation of federal funds for housing, community development, and services.
Learn about the plan and share your feedback at one of two upcoming public meetings.
The first public meeting is Tuesday, February 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Clara B. Mounce Public Library. A presentation will kick off the meeting, with light refreshments available.
The second public meeting is Thursday, February 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Neal Recreation Center.
Residents can also provide feedback through an online survey that continues through March 7. Visit bryantx.gov/ConsolidatedPlan to learn more and to take the survey.
This podcast is state representative Paul Dyson's visit with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
After the visit, the Texas House speaker announced committee assignments. Dyson was named to the energy resources and the judiciary and civil jurisprudence committees.
This podcast is a visit with Baylor Scott & White Health College Station region president Jason Jennings and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Baylor Scott & White Health (BSW) opens its new medical plaza building in College Station.
The new building is home to a variety of comprehensive medical services that includes a sleep center, outpatient rehabilitation services, a laboratory, an ambulatory surgery center, pulmonary medicine, infectious diseases, nephrology, allergy/immunology, ophthalmology, optometry and neurosurgery.
The three story building reflects BSW's College Station experiencing a nearly 30% increase in hospital and clinic visits, over a 10% rise in deliveries and more than 8% increase in emergency room visits over the past five years.
This podcast contains comments from the February 4, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
For the first time, Brazos County has a policy covering the operation of more than 1,200 security cameras installed at more than 100 county buildings.
Commissioners unanimously adopted a ten page document that was developed over the last eight months by an employee committee.
Click HERE to read and download the security camera policy that was approved at the February 4, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The county's risk manager, Leslie Contreras, says the purpose of the security cameras is to deter violence and property damage and is not meant to monitor county employees.
Contreras said 250 county employees have had access to control the cameras. Those employees will have to reapply and the committee will review those applications to recommend who will have access and at what level of access.
Also answering commission questions were the commission's general counsel Bruce Erratt and county budget officer Nina Payne.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the local delegation's trip to Austin, how Trump's administration could impact RELLIS, the Bryan Business Council, public meetings about the city's comprehensive plan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about visiting with the local delegation, education issues, Senate-passed legislation, rising insurance costs, what he wants to do with the rainy day fund, voting issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 10, 2025 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M faculty senate members hear how university officials are dealing with President Trump's actions affecting higher education.
Both the university's chief academic officer, provost Alan Sams, and the university's federal relations director, Michael Hardy, said they are not expecting any reversal of decisions made by officials in the Trump administration.
That includes reducing a reimbursement rate from National Institute of Health grants from 52.5 to 15 percent, something that is the subject of a lawsuit filed by attorney generals in 22 states. Texas is not part of that lawsuit.
University officials are also gathering information about the Trump administration's decision to shut down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), actions involving Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and an executive order involving DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).
Sams, Hardy, and faculty senate speaker Angie Hill Price all asked faculty members to share information they receive with the university community as a whole.
Sherri Echols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a new veterans resource fair and claims clinic.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with UWBV President/CEO Peggi Ondrasek and Carl Orozco from Bryan-College Station Habitat for Humanity.
Municipal Judge Ed Spillane visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the semi-annual warrant amnesty, the following warrant roundup, how to look yourself up, an expunction clinic, a community living class, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton of Huntsville (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's flag football game, his takeaways from Governor Abbott's state of the state address, committee assignments, his staff's responsibilities, school vouchers, online sports betting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
At Thursday's Texas A&M System Board of Regents meeting, Texas A&M Athletics Director Trev Alberts presented a new player development center as part of the Blue Bell Park renovation.
Micah Turner, General Manger of the Phillips Event Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about reopening the event center, the restaurant, meeting rooms, the golf course, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's flag football game, immigration policies, his takeaways from Governor Abbott's state of the state address, school voucher legislation, committee assignments, online sports betting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Caden Jones, Special Events Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this month's First Friday in Downtown Bryan and more during his visit on WTAW.
This podcast contains comments from the January 14, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council is considering a developer's proposal to build what would be the first residential and retail project near the RELLIS campus.
The proposal calls for retail along Highway 21. Behind that would be multi-family housing. And behind that would be single family homes.
The council at January's meeting tabled a rezoning request for up to 90 days.
Jared Salvato, who made the motion that was unanimously approved, said he could not make an educated decision about the proposed master planned community due the lack of details in writing.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez asked the developer for something similar to what was done by developers of east Bryan's Oakmont community.
Salvato, Gutierrez, and councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff were among those bringing up that this is the first development of its kind in the RELLIS area, and the council wanted to set the standard that will be followed by others.
Click HERE to read and download a summary of the request from the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download the city of Bryan's staff report.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the January 14, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about he's watching during the legislative session, groundwater issues, the Northgate small area plan public meetings, housing, the possibility of creating a finance zone, parking, a new designation, a grant for Texas Independence Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about insurance prices, energy issues, school choice, property taxes, online sports gambling, finance workshops, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jim Rollins, Site Coordinator for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the free tax preparation and e-filing service for Brazos Valley residents.
Four nuclear reactor companies are coming to the RELLIS campus to build small modular reactors, also known as SMRs. Hear the Texas A&M Univeristy System news conference.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Motorists who regularly drive FM 1179 in Brazos County between Boonville Road and Easterling Drive are encouraged to complete a survey on current plans to improve that portion of the highway.
The city of Bryan is promoting an online survey that is available until February 28th.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez is interested in collecting as many opinions as possible.
Results of the city survey will be incorporated in the city's response to the Texas department of transportation (TxDOT), which is in charge of the project.
TxDOT is proposing a four lane highway with a center median and dedicated left turn lanes at selected locations, roundabouts at the intersection with Coyote Run Road and the intersection with Merka and Steep Hollow Roads.
Click HERE to be directed to the city of Bryan's survey about the FM 1179 project.
News release from the city of Bryan:
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Bryan District is developing plans to widen FM 1179 from Easterling Drive to FM 158 (Boonville Road) in order to enhance safety, reduce congestion, and modernize the roadway configuration to current design standards.
The total length of the project is approximately 3.6 miles and 39 acres of proposed right-of-way would be required.
FM 1179 is owned and managed by TxDOT, not the City of Bryan.
The proposed project includes:
Widening the existing two-lane roadway to four lanes, with two lanes in each direction separated by raised medians with dedicated left-turn lanes at selected intersections.
Constructing roundabouts at the Coyote Run Road and Merka Road/Steep Hollow Road intersections.
Providing pedestrian and bicycle accommodations within the project limits, including the construction of a shared-use path — a wide sidewalk that can be used by both pedestrians and cyclists.
Adjusting the roadway alignment to current design standards.Additional information:
Fact Sheet
Exhibit Boards
TxDOT’s 1179 Widening Project Webpage
TxDOT has asked the city for written support of this project, and we want to hear from you. If you are a frequent traveler on FM 1179, please provide your input by completing the online survey by Friday, Feb. 28.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Blake Jennings, Founder/President of OnRamp.
This podcast is a recording from the January 22, 2025 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference.
Those attending the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference heard about the impact of the president's proposal to increase tariffs.
Economist Lori Taylor, who is a department head at Texas A&M's Bush school, expects "substantial increases" in the price of a new vehicle. She recommended buying a new vehicle in the next month to avoid higher prices caused by the increased cost of components that are imported to manufacture vehicles.
Taylor also said the increased tariffs vary. For instance, the tariff on cotton shirts is different than silk shirts, the tariff on cotton suits is different than wool suits, and the tariff on men's golf shoes is five percent while the tariff on women's golf shoes is 10 percent.
Taylor showed a slide in her presentation stating if increased tariffs are implemented, the impact in the Brazos Valley includes:
* A sharp increase in prices for tradeable goods
* The Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts to fight the inflationary impact
* There will be slower economic growth
* Job losses in import consuming industries
* A net overall loss in jobs
* And an ambiguous impact on sales tax revenue
Speakers include Mary Hensley, Chancellor, Jim Kolkhorst, Chair Blinn Board of Trustees, State Representatives Paul Dyson and Trey Wharton, Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez, College Station Mayor John Nichols, and Kenny Lawson, Chair Bryan Campus Advisory Committee.
Jennifer Cain, College Station's Capital Projects Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her recent update at the city council meeting, water issues, the new fire station, Thomas Park, the online capital projects map, Rock Prairie construction, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his last week during the legislative session, a bill he submitted, school vouchers, the number of school districts in his district, receiving committee assignments next week, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station city councilman Bob Yancy and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A College Station councilman is investigating repurposing the city owned Macy's store located at Post Oak Mall for indoor pickleball.
Bob Yancy told WTAW News people have reached out to him and he has determined there is room for 20 pickleball courts without making major renovations.
Yancy said this would address a shortage of courts in College Station and Bryan.
He also said this would increase customer traffic at mall, adding "I just believe that it's unfair to the other businesses, the tenants at the mall for us (the city) to leave it (the former Macy's building) empty in an open ended manner."
Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about faulty election equipment elsewhere in the state, election integrity, and more.
Derika Bailey, Branch Manager of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about Black History Month events, the AARP Tax-Aide program, obtaining a library card, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about how his days are spent, the House Speaker, next week's agenda, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the ribbon cutting for BTU's new administration building, city departments moving to the former BTU building, water rights, the homestead exemption, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Scotty's House, school vouchers, the repercussions of Trump's announcement about freezing spending, how he wants to use the rainy day fund, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Amy Raines, Marketing and Communications Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about February events, exhibits that are coming to a close, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for the Texas A&M University President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new podcast, her presentation at this month's Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference, the President's decisions after two recent studies, adding student housing, funding for additional faculty and staff, Aggieland Saturday, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO for United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Raquel Masco from the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living.
Spokeswoman Kathleen Sanderson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about volunteering for their tutoring program, what children can expect from the program, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M president's chief of staff, Susan Ballabina, during the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on January 22, 2025.
Those attending the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference heard some of the decisions made by Texas A&M's president from his capacity and student experience studies.
An overview given by the president's chief of staff, Susan Ballabina, included the previously announced freeze on undergraduate enrollment is expected to last between five and seven years. There will also be a ten year enrollment forecast.
Dr. Ballabina said the president wants to add to on-campus housing, at least 2,500 beds.
Ballabina says initiatives involving A&M's west campus includes setting new class times and doing a comprehensive master plan.
Another initiative is improving mobility and safety around the flagship campus, which includes the purchase of eight of ten new buses.
Click HERE to be directed to the Texas A&M president's website, which includes links to access additional information.
Click HERE to be read and download president Mark Welsh's statement that was issued January 23, 2025:
As you know, the demand for a Texas A&M University degree continues to grow. In fact, our student body has grown more than 30% over the last 10 years, which is more than double the average of all other public universities in the state. This massive growth is due in large part to the outstanding student education and experience that our amazing faculty and staff provide to our exceptional students. Collectively, we absorbed much of the impact of this growth over the last 10 years, but as I’ve said before, we cannot continue to do that.
We must right-size our university in the near-term to ensure we maintain an incredible education and experience for our students over the long-term.In the spring and summer of 2024, we conducted two studies – the Student Experience and the Capacity Studies – to help us better understand the impact of our growth and to ensure that when our students leave Texas A&M, they look back as fondly on their experience here as the generations before them.
The Capacity Study Committee reviewed the current infrastructure, teaching capacities and staffing levels to identify the current and future enrollment capacity on the main campus, as well as any near-term adjustments required to better serve the entire university community.
The Student Experience Study Committee documented the current student experience to establish the standard necessary to offer the nation’s #1 student experience.
I’m grateful to the committee members for their extensive work and to all of you who took time to share your input on the initial recommendations several months ago. The committee adjusted their recommendations based on your feedback, and I spent the last few weeks of December and early January discussing the final recommendations with university leadership.
Today, I’m pleased to share the final reports and my decisions resulting from both the Student Experience Study and Capacity Study. As expected, there was natural overlap within the two studies, and we will move forward implementing recommendations from both to position Texas A&M for continued leadership in higher education for decades to come. A comprehensive list of all decisions for both reports, prioritized by deadline, can also be found here.There are several decisions I want to explicitly highlight from both studies:
Enrollment:We plan to pause undergraduate growth on the main campus over the next five to seven years, while allowing graduate, online and locations outside Bryan-College Station to continue to grow at modest rates. Pausing enrollment growth on main campus (keeping the total number of new undergraduates each year to 15,000) for a period of time will give us time to build the infrastructure and capacity we need now and in the future. We will also develop a 10-year enrollment forecast to plan further into the future. I plan to discuss our recommended plans for enrollment with The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents in the near future.
Mobility:University growth has resulted in transit- and parking-related issues for faculty, staff and students. To help address this issue, we will acquire an additional 8-10 new buses, consider later class start times on West Campus and engage with the local community and transportation agencies on safe connections to campus.We will develop a plan to separate pedestrian traffic from wheeled devices (bikes and personal electric vehicles) on major sidewalks across campus, enhance existing regulations on use of sidewalks, improve enforcement of rules and continue efforts to raise awareness of expectations on shared use of campus sidewalks and thoroughfares.Infrastructure:We will develop proposals for related infrastructure updates and new facilities including additional classroom, research, office and dining spaces.
Faculty/Staff Support:We will assess new faculty lines and project required funding over the next five years and will invest up to $3 million annually for new faculty salaries and benefits over that five-year period.We will also take a close look at high-demand services to ensure appropriate funding. These include, but are not limited to, Disability Resources, Career Center, Student Life and Academic Success Center, and Academic Advising.
Student Support and Experience:Considering 30% of our students’ academic home is now on West Campus, improvements to infrastructure and amenities are vital. We will create a West Campus development plan that includes additional on-campus housing, dining, recreational spaces, study spaces, parking, classroom spaces and faculty offices.
Additionally, given that our current on-campus housing capacity is 20% of our undergraduate student body, we will develop a plan to add a minimum of 2,500 additional beds in on-campus housing.We will review the academic calendar and decompress the period between semesters to allow orientation and onboarding for new students to be done in the best way possible.
We will develop more robust policies and processes for the adoption of course materials, homework systems, learning management tools and other course resources that students must pay for above required tuition and fees, including a review and potential phase out of the distance education differential tuition for undergraduates.
By prioritizing these recommendations, we will be stronger in delivering against our land-grant mission. It will take all of us focusing, prioritizing and being diligent in the decisions we make every day as we roll out these plans and efforts.
Thank you again for your active engagement in these studies. We are collectively shaping the future of Texas A&M University, and your insights are essential as we move forward.
As always, reach out to me at president@tamu.edu with any questions or thoughts you may have.
Pat McIntyre, College Station Utilities Energy Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent cold weather, how to save energy during the winter months, home solar panels, working with BTU, the upcoming Home and Garden Expo, and more during his visit on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Trey Wharton (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background and experience, fighting for rural issues, his first week during the legislative session, his visit with House Speaker Dustin Burrows, his committee preferences, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the city of Bryan's animal services supervisor Ashley Bishop and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
One Bryan resident files 13 complaints alleging the abuse of a dog. That's followed by international criticism directed at the city of Bryan.The city of Bryan issued a response on its social media and website on Wednesday (January 22).
The city's animal services supervisor Ashley Bishop says the owners of the 75 pound dog named "Blue" have done everything required by state and local law.Bishop also says the owners have done everything city officials have asked.
The city response also addressed what was described as "misinformation". Bishop says claims that Blue was being choked by a seat belt are not true. Animal control assisted the dog's owners to untangle Blue's collar from the dog's tether.
Bishop says the Bryan animal center has fielded calls from around the state, around the country, and from Canada about Blue.
Click HERE to be directed to the statement issued on the city of Bryan's website that was posted January 22, 2025:
The City of Bryan takes the safety and well-being of all animals in our community very seriously. We deeply understand the concerns raised about the recent social media post regarding a dog named “Blue,” and we share your passion for ensuring that all animals in Bryan are treated with care, respect, and compassion.
Since August 2023, our Animal Services team has visited the property 13 times to assess the dog’s condition, provide resources, and work with the owner to ensure compliance with Texas state law and City of Bryan ordinances. Each visit confirmed that the dog had access to food, water, and shelter as required by law.
To further enhance the dog’s comfort, a kennel was provided to allow “Blue” to be kept indoors during inclement weather—providing resources is a step we regularly take to support pet owners in improving their animals’ living conditions. Our Animal Control team believes in education before citations and throughout this process, the dog’s owner has been cooperative and responsive to our team’s recommendations.
We want to address some misinformation surrounding this situation. For example, claims that a seatbelt was used as a collar and was so tight that it was causing choking are inaccurate. Our findings confirm that the dog’s collar became entangled with his tether which was changed out, and in the video, you can see the dog’s owner actively assisting City of Bryan Animal Control to safely release the dog.
While it’s natural to feel concerned when seeing such a video, it’s important to remember that initial reports may not always capture the full story. Raising concerns is vital to protecting animals, but we encourage everyone to approach such situations with compassion and a commitment to understanding the facts.
We are all on the same page when it comes to animal welfare and we want to reassure you that we are not turning a blind eye to this situation or any other animal welfare issue.
Our team will continue to monitor this situation and respond promptly to all concerns. It is also important to note that Animal Services is bound by state and local laws, which require specific conditions to be met before further action can be taken. At this time, those conditions have not been met.
We also encourage respectful dialogue and responsible actions. Sharing personal addresses or suggesting illegal activities, such as stealing animals, can escalate tensions and potentially harm the very animals we all want to protect.
To report concerns responsibly or for further questions, please contact us directly at 979-361-3888.
To directly support animal welfare in our community, we invite you to donate, foster, or volunteer with the Bryan Animal Center. If you’d like to see how Bryan Animal Control operates, you are also welcome to request a ride-along. Together, we can make Bryan a compassionate and safe place for all.
Thank you for your vigilance and care for the animals in our community. Your commitment inspires us to do better every day.
This podcast is a recording of Texas state comptroller Glenn Hegar's comments at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on January 22, 2025.
Meagan Brown, BTU's Public Information Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the opening of BTU's new administration building, this week's cold snap, winterization, service territories, utility bills, the Power Share program, small reactors, Lake Bryan, the Government in Action Youth Tour, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Paul Dyson (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his first week of the legislative session, the new House speaker, interacting with constituents, committee appointments, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his committee assignments, transition in the House, President Trump's announcement about Stargate, Bitcoin reserve, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD communications director Austin Dunson and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station and Bryan ISD school officials decided Tuesday afternoon to cancel classes Wednesday (January 22).
It was the second consecutive day classes were cancelled due to winter weather.
Both districts announced classes would resume on Thursday.
Both districts also announced enough days were built into the school calendar that there will be no makeup days. That includes CSISD's Pebble Creek elementary, which was closed two days in December after flooding inside the building.
The announcement from CSISD communications director Austin Dunson pointed out that a significant number of employees do not live in the district. Dunson told WTAW News employees drive up to 60 minutes each way.
Dunson said they considered but decided against a later start time in CSISD. But a delayed start would not have alleviated the need to staff classrooms, bus routes, and lunchrooms, as many of those employees would have needed to report to work while road conditions may be unsafe.
College Station ISD statement issued January 21, 2025:
Due to icy road conditions in certain areas in and around the B/CS area, all CSISD schools will be closed on Wednesday, Jan. 22.
This decision was made out of an abundance of caution, considering a significant portion of our employees live outside of CSISD boundaries.
With freezing temperatures expected tonight through late Wednesday morning, we are anticipating icy road conditions to make travel difficult for those employees traveling from outside the district, impacting our ability to adequately staff bus routes and classrooms.
A delayed start would not alleviate these challenges, as many of these employees would need to report to work while road conditions may be unsafe.
We will resume normal school operations on Thursday, Jan. 23. Please stay safe and warm!
Bryan ISD statement issued January 21, 2025:
In light of current winter weather alerts and potentially hazardous road conditions, out of an abundance of caution, all Bryan ISD schools and facilities will be closed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. All Bryan ISD extracurricular activities will be canceled.
Classes will resume on Thursday, January 23rd, following our regular schedule. Stay warm and safe!
Due to surplus minutes included in our daily schedule, we will not be required to make up this missed day of school.
This podcast contains comments from the January 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The performance in the first full year of Brazos County's veteran services officer (VSO) was applauded by county commissioners.
VSO Pam Robertson said in 2024, the office served 4,849 veterans from Brazos and other counties.
Robertson said there are 21,357 veterans in the Brazos Valley. Brazos County has 9,327 and there are 4,000 Texas A&M students.
Accomplishments during 2024 included the Brazos County office generated almost $1 million dollars a month in disability payments and more than $3.6 million dollars in retroactive pay to veterans.
That led newly elected county commissioner and retired Army general Bentley Nettles to tell Robertson "you set a pretty high standard for year one. What are you going to do year two?" Robertson replied "hopefully those numbers will double."
Robertson said they are hosting a veterans resource fair and claims clinic at the Brazos Center on February 17th.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the January 14, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast is WTAW's Bill Oliver visit with the director of Scotty's House child advocacy center, Cary Baker, and the president of United Way of the Brazos Valley, Peggi Ondrasek.
The Brazos Valley's advocacy center for abused children begins a year long celebration of its 30th anniversary on Thursday, January 23.
The Scotty's House anniversary kickoff will take place at their offices at 2424 Kent Street, which is across Villa Maria from Bryan Collegiate high school.
The event takes place from 4:30 until 6 p.m., with a special presentation scheduled at 5 p.m.
Scotty's House director Cary Baker visited during WTAW's weekly United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) update with Bill Oliver.
This podcast also includes a reminder from UWBV president Peggi Ondrasek for non-profit agencies to apply for the next cycle of UWBV community impact grants.
Retired congressman Bill Flores of Bryan, who chairs the board of the ERCOT electric grid, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about ERCOT's purpose, monitoring generation, demand, what they learned from Winter Storm Uri, what Trump's administration means for America's energy, energy and fuel sources, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 14, 2025 Bryan city council workshop and second regular meetings.
January's meeting of the Bryan city council included awarding $6 million dollars in contracts for two more additions at Midtown Park involving the park's lake.
Construction will be starting soon on a boardwalk and to build two water wells that will feed the lake.
Weather permitting, the boardwalk could open this August and the water wells could start operating by the end of 2025.
A $4.5 million dollar contract for a boardwalk and a support structure called a bulkhead follows the council last April rejecting more than $9 million dollars in bids.
A $1.5 million contract was awarded to build two water wells that will feed the lake to keep the water level constant. The cost is over the budgeted estimate of $950,000 dollars.
City engineer Paul Kaspar said they are still working on getting state permits to fill the lake.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shown at the January 14, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the construction contract for the Midtown Park boardwalk.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the construction contract for Midtown Park water wells.
Click HERE to read and download a map showing the location of the Midtown Park water wells.
This podcast contains comments from the January 13, 2025 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members approve the administration's recommendation to not return child nutrition money to the state.
Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw said the Texas department of agriculture approved the district's request to spend almost $62,000 dollars in excess funds to purchase what he described as a "fancy forklift" to be used in BISD's new auxiliary services building.
Nutrition director Sandra Baxter said the district's 18 year old forklift will be used in another BISD warehouse building.
Councilman Mark Smith visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his career with the City of College Station, development in the Northgate district, upcoming public meetings about Northgate, receiving no proposals for the former Macy's store building, Post Oak Mall rejuvenation, water, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 14, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
In 2014, a Bryan High School student organization was formed to end the use of tobacco products.
Two representatives of Vikings Kicking Out Tobacco (VKOT) presented two requests at January's Bryan city council meeting.
Gabriela Garcia asked for more signage and more enforcement of the city ordinance prohibiting tobacco use in city parks.
Jonathan Ferrazas asked for the city to be a participant in a public awareness campaign about the consequences of possessing THC vape cartridges, which is a felony crime.
By state law, council members were not able to respond to the requests because the item was not on the meeting agenda.
State representative Paul Dyson of Bryan, whose district includes most of Brazos County, visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs January 16, 2025.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan city councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs January 16, 2025.
This podcast contains comments from the January 14, 2025 Bryan city council meeting.
The end of Tuesday night's Bryan city council meeting (January 14) included public comments repeating the call for removing the Texas Avenue median.
Responding to Karen Hall's comments, mayor Bobby Gutierrez announced that will be on the agenda when he and other city officials meet next week with a member of the Texas transportation commission and TxDOT engineers.
Hall also called on Texas Avenue business owners and local first responders to share their experiences with TxDOT officials. Hall says their silence is interpreted as there is nothing wrong with the medians.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police officer David Simmons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The College Station police department has a third K-9 team.
Officer David Simmons says Garo and his partner recently hit the streets after four months of training.
Garo, who is a two year old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix, joins Ciro and Rico.
The K-9 officers assist with article searches, narcotics detection, tracking, and criminal apprehension.
Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez's visit with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs January 15, 2025 included a recap of the Bryan city council meeting the preceding night and discussing the start of the state legislative session.
The state senator representing Brazos County, Charles Schwertner, visited on the opening day of the legislative session with WTAW's Scott DeLucia. This interview aired January 15, 2025.
WTAW's United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) update, recorded January 13 2025, begins with a visit with the director of UWBV partner agency Family Promise, Phebe Simmons.
UWBV president Peggi Ondrasek has a reminder of applications being accepted for the next two year cycle of community impact grants.
And Ondrasek has an invitation for representatives of non-profit agencies to participate in a human resources forum that is co-sponsored by the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce and Workforce Solutions on January 17.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD assistant superintendent Josh Symank and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Students and staff returned to Pebble Creek elementary school from the holidays seeing little evidence of last month's flooding that cancelled two days of classes.
College Station ISD assistant superintendent Josh Symank says "you can't tell anything happened."
With the exception of Christmas Day and New Years Day, Symank says CSISD's outside contractor worked 12 hour shifts to replace drywall and conduct other repairs.
Symank also says photos were taken before repairs began, which assisted in returning furniture, library stacks, and other equipment that was moved to do repair work.
Symank says there was enough damage that CSISD met its insurance deductible, and administrators continue to work with adjusters on the financial loss from the flooding.
This podcast contains comments provided by Texas A&M's Mays business school of the dedication of their education complex gateway building.
Texas A&M's Mays business school dedicates the gateway building to its new education complex.
The description of the four story Roberts Building includes innovative learning studios, collaboration rooms, and huddle spaces that extends A&M's commitment to interactive learning beyond traditional classrooms.
More than $14 million dollars in gifts was part of the $84 million dollar project.
Click HERE to read and download the dedication program of the Roberts Building.
News release courtesy of the Mays business school:
Marking a significant step on Mays Business School’s path to preeminence among the top public business schools in the nation, Texas A&M University leaders dedicated the state-of-the-art Wayne Roberts ’85 Building on Thursday, Jan. 9.
The 81,400-square-foot building will welcome students, faculty, former students, corporate partners and visitors starting in the spring 2025 semester.The Roberts Building serves as the business school’s “front porch” and significantly expands the footprint of the Mays Business Education Complex, which also includes the new ConocoPhillips Collaboration Plaza that connects the Roberts Building and the business school’s longtime home, the E.L. Wehner Building.
Another new building that will serve the school’s graduate programs has received a $25 million funding commitment from the Mays Family Foundation and is in the design phase.
The Roberts Building’s innovative design promotes dynamic learning through connection, collaboration and creativity.
“At Mays Business School, our vision is building a better future through business. We are focused on a mission of developing leaders of character who make a positive difference in the communities where they live, work and serve,” Mays Business School Dean Nate Y. Sharp said. “Even at a time when the business world is changing rapidly, the ability to build relationships, collaborate with diverse groups of stakeholders and creatively innovate to solve problems remain pillars of success. We designed the Roberts Building to facilitate the learning of the future, and to provide our students, faculty, former students, and corporate partners meaningful ways to connect with and learn from each other, while staying grounded in the Aggie Spirit and the Aggie Core Values.”
The opening of the Roberts Building underscores Mays’ commitment to educational excellence. In 2024, U.S. News & World Report ranked Mays Business School’s undergraduate program No. 17 among all U.S. public business schools. In addition, three of the five undergraduate majors at Mays — management, accounting and marketing — ranked in the top 10 nationally in the same ranking. Many of the school’s graduate programs, including MS Analytics, Executive MBA, and Full-Time MBA, are regularly ranked in the top 10 nationally.
“I was inspired to give back to the Mays Business School by the vision to become the preeminent public business school in the nation,” said Wayne Roberts ’85, the retired president and CEO of Abrigo who is the building’s lead donor. “This new building is yet another step in that journey, and we are well on our way to achieving this bold vision.”
The new facility creates an environment where Mays students, faculty, staff and visitors can learn and connect in ways that will transform the future of business education. “The Wayne Roberts ’85 Building reflects how modern business, learning and classroom instruction are evolving,” said Kirksey Architecture Partner and Managing Director of Design Gary Machicek.“By changing the way students and faculty inhabit and engage with the campus itself, Texas A&M is creating environments that more closely resemble modern offices, changing the traditional business school model by bringing education and commerce into closer alignment, and providing spaces where alumni and current students can learn from each other, truly embodying the concept of lifelong learning.
”The agile design of the Roberts Building’s learning studios provides flexibility for individual educators to implement innovative teaching strategies. With glass walls that will showcase “learning on display,” the studios are also equipped with high levels of advanced audio and video technology and high-touch instructional tools.“The opportunities for innovation are only limited by the imagination of the educator,” said Mays Executive Director of Learning Environments William Peel.
These state-of-the-art instructional features are being enthusiastically embraced by Mays faculty members. “The Roberts Building represents a big step forward in educational space design,” said Tara Blasor, assistant department head in the James Benjamin Department of Accounting at Mays and a senior lecturer who served on the faculty task force for the new building. “I'm particularly excited to teach my team-based internal auditing course in these new spaces. The configuration of the learning studios will allow students to work effectively in their teams on projects and daily activities, while I can easily move around to provide guidance and support. This setup will create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment, while also better reflecting how the students will work with internal audit colleagues in the real world.”
Features of the building include:The Kay ’02 & Jerry Cox ’72 Atrium, a multipurpose area that can be used for large events and meetings as well as smaller gatherings and study groups, anchored by The Valero Connection, a three-story media wall, which will serve as a showcase for Mays’ work and commitment to the Aggie Core Values.The full-service Reynolds and Reynolds Café, which will serve hot and cold beverages with seating inside on the ground floor of the building, as well as on an outdoor patio.Eight learning studios, where up to 48 students per class will gather for courses beginning this spring semester.18 collaboration rooms designed for small group projects, meetings, and study sessions.A multifunctional conference room that can seat up to 160.More than 220 seats in open huddle spaces.
The building also will be home to Mays’ preeminent Center for Executive Development, which provides leading-edge training to organizational leaders around the globe. The center will be housed on the building’s fourth floor and includes two learning studios, one online studio, 10 breakout rooms, a food service area and rooftop terrace.
“The opening of the Roberts Building marks the start of an important new chapter in our history at Mays Business School,” Sharp said. “Since our school’s earliest days in the 1960s, we have had an uncompromising commitment to excellence. Today, the quality and innovation of our programs and the impact and reputation of our faculty scholars and their research, are leading to recognition at the highest levels. Now with the opening of the Roberts Building, we are embracing new opportunities and exciting possibilities that will position Mays Business School as the preeminent public business school in the nation.”
This podcast contains comments from the January 9, 2025 College Staiton city council meeting.
The College Station city council votes 5-2 to reject an offer to sell the city's Northgate district surface parking lot.
Mark Smith made the motion, which was seconded by William Wright, to accept a $13 million dollar offer from an Alabama-based developer to build a more than 20 story student housing structure.
But the final sales price would have been determined after a due diligence period where the council could have changed the size of the student high rise and other components.
The developer met the city's requirements of incorporating among other things, a plaza area, police substation, retail space, and a ride share pick up and drop off area.
Voting against the sale were mayor John Nichols and council members Bob Yancy, David Wright, Melissa McIlhaney, and Scott Shafer.
A three hour deliberation included comments from 21 public speakers, all but one who were opposed to the land sale.
The council was also told of an online petition with more than 16,000 signatures opposed to the sale.
Preceding the council's vote against selling the parking lot, there was a unanimous vote to proceed with a study of the Northgate district that will include public input.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the city of College Station that were shown during the council's January 9, 2025 meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the proposed developer that were shown during the council's January 9, 2025 meeting.
Original story, January 6, 2025:
Details are released of a proposed $209 million dollar Northgate district development if land is sold by the College Station city council.
The agenda for Thursday's (January 9) council meeting includes possible action on the land sale to a private developer.
That follows a public hearing on future development in Northgate.
Associated with the land sale, the agenda includes a 132 page document from the proposed developer.The proposal includes a multi-family high rise residential building which does not disclose the number of floors.
There is also a building for retail, another building for a police substation, a ride share pickup and dropoff area, a public plaza with restrooms, space to store trash containers, and a parking garage containing 878 spaces with 100 for city use and revenue would be split between the city and the developer.
The proposal shows the developer will spend nearly $156 million dollars in direct construction costs, almost $41 million in soft costs, and the $13 million dollar cost to buy the land.
Breaking down the overall direct construction costs, $151 million is direct costs, $3.7 million is for the city's 100 parking spaces, $525,000 is towards the police substation, and $450,000 is towards public restrooms.
Breaking down the overall soft costs, the developer will pay $3.9 million to the city of College Station for permits and other fees, $1.1 million will be paid in property taxes during construction, and the remainder will go towards other soft costs.
Before the council considers the sale, the governing body will receive an update from city staff and take public comment regarding planning efforts for the entire Northgate district.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed land sale contract.
Click HERE to read and download pages 1-44 of the development proposal.Click HERE to read and download pages 45-88 of the development proposal.
Click HERE to read and download pages 89-132 of the development proposal.
This podcast contains comments from the January 7, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
New Brazos County commissioners questioned awarding a $36,100 dollar contract to repair floors at the Brazos Center to a San Marcos company.
The conversation at Tuesday's meeting (January 7) took place when considering a budget amendment to correct the amount that is going to be spent.
Click HERE to read and download the budget amendment and associated contract for the Brazos Center floor repair.
The county's purchasing office used a statewide bidding cooperative to obtain the San Marcos contract.
Commissioner Bentley Nettles asked that the purchasing office in the future, consider creating a cooperative of Brazos County companies.
Commissioner Fred Brown initially wanted to table a vote in order to allow local companies to bid on the contract.
Brown said "It just seems wrong to me that we should take Brazos County taxpayer money and send it to San Marcos when we can get a local company to do it, probably for a lot less".
Commissioners were told if this repair contract was not awarded, repairs would not start until the next fiscal year. That's due to the current reservations for the meeting facility.
Brown, who withdrew his motion to table action, asked Payne to consider local companies in the future.
Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about capital improvement projects, the new fire station, the upcoming state legislature, police presence in the Northgate district, pedestrian and vehicular traffic around Northgate, online petitions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 7, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners unanimously approve its first subsidy to the Brazos Transit District (BTD).
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the January 7, 2025 Brazos County commission meeting.
The $316,667 dollar payment, which is also being made by the cities of Bryan and College Station, is to make up for the loss of federal funding to maintain the current level of BTD service.
While the vote was unanimous, new commissioner Fred Brown said he's been "ragging on these people for the last four years", adding " When I see these big ol' buses running all over College Station with one or two people, I can't get excited about it" (the BTD).
After Brown was told there are times when there are more passengers, Brown said "If you ever see a full load, let me know. I'd like to take a picture."
he contract requires the transit district to give ridership reports twice per year. That was something of interest to another new commissioner, Bentley Nettles, who said "I think that would be important to know what we're paying for."
Ashley Bennett, Recreation Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about new programs, an intro to pickleball class, park space for activities, senior programs and activities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Texas agriculture commissioner Sid Miller and WTAW's Bill Oliver on January 7, 2025.
Topics include the work at the Texas department of agriculture, the impact of winter weather on agriculture producers, and agriculture issues before the state legislature and Congress.
This podcast contains comments from the December 17, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Before Christmas, the Brazos County commission approved accepting a $58,340 dollar state grant to continue participating in a cybersecurity program.
The county's chief information security officer, Kevin Joiner, says the county has been participating in this grant program since 2019.
Joiner says the grant provides access to security resources to protect the county from online attacks taking place from around the world.
And the county gets a report showing who is attempting to access the county's computer network.
Joiner also answered questions before the commission's unanimous vote that the county was not vulnerable to the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) that was hacked in 2024.
Click HERE to read and download the document associated with the grant that was approved at the December 17, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Jeannie Mansill, Founder and President of Project Unity, about their upcoming ribbon cutting and open house.
This podcast contains comments from the December 16, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members approve a policy change at their last meeting (December 16) requiring parents to have a doctor's note for school nurses to give their children over the counter medicine.
Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw said that follows a requirement by the state agency that licenses nurses.
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine told board members that the BISD's nurses implemented the policy change before the start of the fall semester.
Carrabine and deputy superintendent Brian Merrell also shared how administrators are addressing students who are in possession of over the counter medicine given to them by their parents.
BISD board members were also told that the policy change was already in effect in College Station ISD.
Click HERE to read and download the policy that was approved at the December 16, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the December 10, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council gets positive reviews of the city's finances during its December meeting.
The comments were associated with the council's decision to move ahead with selling $40 million dollars in bonds to cover the costs of previously approved infrastructure projects.
The city's outside bond attorney, Steven Adams, expects seven or eight offers will be submitted later in January.
Adams also said while interest rates have risen since the pandemic, the city also benefits by a strong financial rating.
Adams agreed with mayor Bobby Gutierrez's statement that the city of Bryan has "done a good job at taking care of the money here and people are looking for bonds from Bryan". Adams added that's been going on "for decades...so it's been going back for a long time."
Click HERE to read and download background information from the December 10, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance that was approved at the December 10, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Caden Jones at the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the just completed holiday season and a preview of January 2025's First Friday event in downtown Bryan.
Bryan Firefighter Chris Lamb visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about lithium battery safety, ambulance runs and response times, non-emergency services, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 12, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council at its December meeting awarded a $1.3 million dollar contract to replace artificial turf on two soccer fields at Veterans Park.
The old turf was installed 12 years ago and exceeded its life expectancy of eight to ten years.
Funding comes from hotel occupancy tax money.
City manager Bryan Woods said some of the 200,000 square feet of turf that is being removed will be used at batting cages and at the College Station police department's shooting range.
Parks and recreation director Kelsey Heiden said the turf contains materials to keep it cool.
Click HERE to read and download information regarding the turf replacement approved at the December 12, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast is a recording of the swearing in of Brazos County elected officials on January 1, 2025.
The morning of New Year's Day was the swearing in of eight Brazos County elected officials.
Brazos County judge Duane Peters officiated at the investiture ceremony. He administered oaths to district attorney Jarvis Parsons, district judges John Brick and Jerrell Wise, county attorney Earl Gray, precinct three county commissioner Fred Brown, county tax assessor-collector Melissa Leonard, and county treasurer Cristian Villarreal.
Precinct one county commissioner Bentley Nettles was sworn in via Zoom by a law school classmate and former Texas secretary of state and attorney general John Scott.
Beginning the program, an invocation was given by Father Brian Eilers, pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Bryan.
This podcast contains comments from the December 17, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
December's meeting of the College Station ISD (CSISD) school board meeting included the annual report from the district's education foundation.
Director Teresa Benden says since 1999, almost $12 million dollars has been raised for students and teachers.
Among multiple funding sources thanked by Benden, was CSISD employees contributing about one-fifth of the foundation's annual revenue through payroll deduction.
Benden said the foundation's "50 Men Who Can Cook" event has raised $1.8 million dollars in 16 years.
There is an addition to the foundation's list of services and programs. Benden said $20,000 dollars in seed money will be spent on students in CSISD's animal science programs.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the December 17, 2024 CSISD school board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the December 13, 2024 meeting of the Texas board of criminal justice.
December's meeting of the board in charge of Texas prisons included a presentation on the production of license plates at the Wynne unit in Huntsville.
Inmates produce 10 million license plates a year from 850 designs.
Assistant manager of the license plate operation James Stewart says production will increase when they are notified by the department of motor vehicles to make plates that will replace paper tags to comply with legislative action. That could mean adding a second shift.
Prison director Bryan Collier brought up a special project that is underway. All Collier said was plates will be delivered in January to an undisclosed recipient in Washington D.C.
Texas license plates have been made in state prisons since 1935.
The chairman of the Texas board of criminal justice (TBCJ), Eric Nichols, said each day, inmates produce 80,000 general and 2,500 specialized license plates.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the December 13, 2024 TBCJ meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the December 31, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Tuesday's meeting of the Brazos County commission (December 31) was the last for departing members Nancy Berry and Steve Aldrich.
Both took time at the end of the meeting saying thanks and sharing memories.
Berry and Aldrich not only spent eight years on the county commission, both served at the same time on the College Station city council.
Commissioners Wanda Watson and Chuck Konderla both thanked Berry and Aldrich.
County judge Duane Peters presented Berry and Aldrich with plaques recognizing their service.
This podcast contains comments from the December 17, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Everyone associated with College Station ISD is invited to participate in the district's annual survey of calendar options for the next school year.
Friday, January 3rd is deadline to participate in the online survey that has two options and an opportunity to submit comments.
Click HERE to be directed to the College Station ISD calendar survey for the 2025-2026 school year.
CSISD's director of instruction Jeff Mann reported during the school board's December 17th meeting that the recommendations were the result of collecting information from employees earlier than usual.
That was followed by feedback from the district's education improvement council (DEIC), which includes 21 teachers, four administrators, three parents, two community members, two businesspeople, and 21 administrators who are non-voting members.
After the survey closes, responses will be reviewed by administrators and the DEIC before returning to the board for final action.
Mann and superintendent Tim Harkrider explained composing a calendar that meets the minimum number of instructional minutes required by the state while meeting desired start and end dates.
Harkrider pointed out the calendar identifies staff days and work days and that the state is no longer granting waivers to not make up days lost to severe weather and incidents similar to the recent flooding at Pebble Creek elementary that resulted in cancelling classes for two days.
This podcast contains comments from the December 9, 2024 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate.
December's meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included discussing a draft proposal for a faculty code of conduct.
The draft of a code and a preamble to the code follows five years of work by three faculty committees.
Click HERE to read and download the draft preamble to the proposed Texas A&M faculty senate code of conduct discussed at the senate's December 9, 2024 meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the draft Texas A&M faculty senate code of conduct discussed at the senate's December 9, 2024 meeting.
This applies to what the draft says is unprofessional behavior of faculty members that does not violate rules, regulations or laws.
Quoting the draft, the code "is meant to promote and create an academic environment rich with a respect for sharing, critical examination, and the protection of academic freedom in the pursuit of knowledge, while reinforcing core values." The draft also says this does not apply to the personal lives of faculty members.
Opening the discussion, faculty senate speaker Angie Hill Price says this would give faculty members control over the definition of unprofessional behavior.
The more than one hour of discussion included members who expressed support, opposition, and being on the fence.
This podcast is a visit with Destination Bryan tourism office director John Friebele and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The city of Bryan's tourism office announces two months of record hotel revenue.
Destination Bryan director John Friebele says October revenue was $4.28 million dollars, and in November was $4.42 million.
The average daily rate for Bryan hotels also hit a record at $143 dollars a night.
Friebele says the average rate for the Texas A&M-Texas football weekend was $410 dollars a night.
Year over year, hotel demand in Bryan rose almost 15%.
News release from the Destination Bryan tourism office:
Bryan, Texas, achieved record-breaking hotel revenues in November 2024 at $4.42 million, showcasing the area’s growing appeal as a prime destination for both leisure and business travelers. The hospitality sector in Bryan has witnessed a significant uptick in occupancy rates and average daily rates, reflecting the city's robust tourism and economic development efforts.
Demand was up 14.8% year over year and was the highest average daily rate on record in Bryan at $143.00 per night. Prior to November 2024, October 2024 was the highest month on record at $4.28 million and October 2023 was the next highest at $4.14 million in revenue. These figures only reflect Hotel revenue and do not reflect short-term rentals.
This podcast is a recording of comments from Texas A&M president Mark Welsh at the December 9, 2024 faculty senate meeting.
The subject of improving communication was the only subject initiated by the president during his visit. Welsh said the "university's greatest shortfall as an organization, is communication." He asked faculty members to assist him in that area.
This podcast contains comments from the December 12, 2024 College Station city council meeting and an interview during WTAW's The Infomaniacs on December 20, 2024.
The College Station police department (CSPD) is establishing a mental health crisis response team.
Officer David Simmons, speaking on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, says the new unit make sure people keep up with their medications and medical appointments among other things.
The College Station city council approved the unit at their last meeting, accepting the recommendation of police chief Billy Couch, who applied for a state grant that provides up to two years of funding.
Grant funding for the first year is more than $464,000 dollars, which covers the officer's salary, benefits, overtime, equipment, training, and one vehicle.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was approved at the December 12, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
David Simmons, CSPD PIO, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this week's hostage situation, a new grant for mental health crisis officers, holiday shopping safety, travel safety, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 17, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting, followed by a visit with Brazos County 9-1-1 director Patrick Corley and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners approve buying a building that was last used as a call center to move 9-1-1 operations of the county and the city of Bryan.
The $2.2 million dollar building is located across Villa Maria from Bryan Collegiate High School.
County judge Duane Peters says this is a 90 day contract to further inspect the property.
9-1-1 director Patrick Corley says the building, which is twice the size of the space that has been leased since 1988, will take care of present and future demands.
Corley says there has had an increase in the number of employees from 27 to 48. Not only is there no more room for additional people, there is no more room for technology.
Corley says since 1992, the number of calls has increased from 69,000 a year to 168,000.
Corley also says the new location will provide a secure parking area for employees and will meet ADA requirements...two other things that are lacking at their present location in downtown Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download the sales contract that was approved at the December 17, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Bryan Councilman Ray Arrington visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a new animal center in his district, what he is hearing from his constituents, Midtown Park, economic development goals for 2025, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about holiday events, his relationship and communication with Texas A&M President Mark Welsh, lessons learned from the failed tennis center project at Midtown Park, the new medical examiner's office, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the program at the groundbreaking of the Brazos County medical examiner's office, held December 17, 2024.
Construction is officially underway on Brazos County’s medical examiner’s office.
Speakers at Tuesday’s groundbreaking were Brazos County judge Duane Peters, district attorney Jarvis Parsons, former College Station mayor Karl Mooney...who pursued a local office following delays in the out of town autopsy of his wife Laura, and the dean of Texas A&M’s college of medicine, Dr. Amy Waer.
Weather permitting, the office is scheduled to open in April of 2026.
The $34 million dollar, single story building will serve a 100 mile radius of the Brazos Valley.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President Mark Welsh's Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the university's new designation, the appointment of an interview Vice President of Student Affairs, a review of President Welsh's first year, a new podcast, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains some comments from Texas A&M president Mark Welsh during the December 9, 2024 meeting of the A&M faculty senate.
Texas A&M's president is asked about multiple subjects when he spoke at December's faculty senate meeting.
Mark Welsh said "difficult conversations" are ahead regarding budget and capacity problems in an effort to manage 80,000 students in a way "that feels comfortable". Welsh says they "have to get right", the university's facilities and infrastructure, before adding more undergraduate students.
Welsh says academic deans who want to start a new undergraduate program will have to decide where to downsize. And he added that faculty members have to be a part of that conversation. Program cuts do not apply to adding the number of graduate and online students.
Welsh announced that an outside consultant starts work in January to review A&M's more than 270 facilities. That was in response to a faculty member's complaints that the university is not addressing building repairs and basic necessities of students and employees.
Welsh also said he would be sending faculty members, a list of projects that will be done in the next five years on the flagship campus that are funded by the system. That was in response to a faculty member who asked why the system is spending millions on the RELLIS campus, which is controlled by the system.
Another faculty member who questioned why "the administration had not stepped forward to reassure us of their commitment to LGBTQ students and their education, or to LGBTQ faculty and their teaching and research on controversial subjects." Welsh said "I've probably said this 50 times publicly. All of them should be treated with respect. All of them should be included. All of them should have a voice, and should feel comfortable using it. All of them should feel like an incredibly valuable and critically important pieces of what we're trying to accomplish here." This subject came up after a faculty member reported a student was chased by other students who were yelling LGBTQ students. Welsh says university police will reach out to the faculty member who sent him an e-mail about the incident to get more information.
Welsh was also asked about the university's response to executive orders from the governor against the Republic of China and the Chinese Communist party. Welsh says lawyers at the A&M system want members to send them questions on how the orders could affect students and employees. He also said any decision whether to push back on the executive orders would come from the system chancellor.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrask, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Jillian Warriner from The REACH Project.
This podcast contains comments from the December 12, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council expresses no opposition in the first public disclosure of the possible sale of the Northgate district surface parking lot.
That followed a presentation, discussion, and public comments lasting almost two hours at Thursday's council meeting (December 12).
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the December 12, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The following morning on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, the city's chief development officer says the developer's concept is a multi story, mixed use building with retail on the ground floor and an undisclosed number of floors of student housing.
And the city's planning and development director told the council if approved, the proposal would join 20 multistory student housing buildings that are either open, under construction, or are in another stage of development...creating as many as 11,000 beds.
A proposed timeline from city staff calls on the College Station council to consider a sales agreement with the developer in January. If what is currently a $13 million dollar offer is approved, the timeline calls for the sale to be closed in May 2026.
During that time, there will be public engagement on the future development. That was welcomed by two of six public speakers at the council meeting, the second generation owner of Duddley's Draw, Dee Benning, and the operations director at the Dixie Chicken, Courtney Phillips.
As previously announced, the city will require the developer to create at least 100 parking spaces, make room for ride share drop off and pick up area, build restrooms, build a police substation, build a place to store trash containers, and reserve land for green space, a plaza, or a courtyard area.
This podcast contains comments from the December 10, 2024 Bryan city council meeting from mayor Bobby Gutierrez and councilmen Jared Salvato and James Edge.
The Bryan city council officially decides at this week's meeting (December 10) to put an end to the development of a second multipurpose building at Midtown Park that would have also been used by the Texas A&M tennis teams.
Presenting the backstory before the council's unanimous vote, mayor Bobby Gutierrez said the outside companies hired to design the building within a $17 million dollar budget first came up with something that looked like a "haybarn" or an "airplane hangar".
Gutierrez said when the design companies were reminded that the design was supposed to complement Midtown Park's Legends Events Center, the price went to $27 million dollars.
The mayor said when the design companies were reminded about the $17 million dollar budget, the building's size was reduced from 65,000 to 45,000 square feet.Gutierrez said it was a joint decision with Texas A&M to end the project.
The city and the university are splitting $852,000 dollars in costs to the design firm.
Click HERE to read and download the termination agreement with the Texas A&M system that was approved at the December 10, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download background information associated with the termination agreement.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the termination of the city's design and construction contract.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the termination of the city's third party operator contract.
Michael Ostrowski, Chief Development Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the potential sale of the surface parking lot in the Northgate district, future Northgate development, bids for the former Macy's store, development at Veterans Park, and more during his visit on The Infomaniacs.
Kyle McCain, Solid Waste Supervisor, and Mark Jurica, Wastewater Treatment & Compliance Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the used tire and oil recycling center, "Preventing the Clog", and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 11, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
March of 2025 will mark seven years since the Bryan city council agreed to start studying the construction of a new animal center. It would replace a building that's been used since the council decided to take over animal control services in 2011.
At Tuesday's city council meeting (December 10), the decision was made to build a more than $7 million dollar facility.
The city department head whose responsibilities includes the animal center, Eric Zaragoza, reviewed the results of a feasibility study that included:
• More animal habitats are needed
• Spaces are used for multiple purposes, compromising primary functions
• Many program needs do not have specifically designated space
• Rooms are used as passageways for unrelated functions
• Facility needs improved accessibility
• Public access to animal habitats and comingled air creates potential for disease to spread
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the December 10, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
All seven council members supported the project.
Six agreed to build it on city owned property on Martin Luther King Jr. Street next to the municipal services center.
Ray Arrington, who represents the district where the center will be built, said neighbors were opposed.
Construction could start in October 2025.
Zaragoza shared the following statistics about the Bryan Animal Center (BAC):• Around 9,000 visitors per year at the BAC:
• The BAC has the city's largest pool of volunteers, with 3,000 applications this past year and since 2015 volunteers donated more than 31,000 hours
• During fiscal year 2024, the center took in 1,361 animals
• Animal control officers returned 667 pets to owners in FY 24
• Save rate of animals is 69%
• Since 2021, BAC has provided 1,537 vaccinations, 1,373 microchips, and 1,196 sterilizations
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about last weekend's Christmas parade, this week's city council meeting, development at Veterans Park, the Northgate district, a proposed housing development, Southgate Village apartments, the Cooling College Station Plan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with state representative Paul Dyson of Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Last week, newly elected members of the Texas House were in Austin getting training on the process of working in the legislature.
Among those in attendance was state representative-elect Paul Dyson of Bryan.
He told WTAW News that the training took place for eight to ten hours last Tuesday through Friday.
Dyson has completed filling his staff and is still looking for place to live.
Then last Saturday, Dyson participated in the House Republican caucus voting for House speaker.
Dyson said he pledged his support to the caucus nominee, David Cook of Mansfield.
Dyson's name was also part of the supporter's list of Dustin Burrows of Lubbock, who is claiming victory due to support he received from Democrats.
Dyson told WTAW News he contacted Burrows team to share his decision to support Cook.
Dyson hopes House Republicans can become united when the legislative session starts next month following what he said was the "chaos" that showed a "fractured caucus" during the speaker vote.
Dyson says he is drafting a bill regarding penalties for attempted capital murder or attempted murder of a police officer. And he is looking at a resolution calling on the federal government to reimburse Texas for the state's costs to protect and defend the border.
Dyson says constituents are invited to contact him through his campaign website and Facebook page.
Barbara Moore, University and Community Relations Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this Saturday's Christmas parade, parking/transportation advice, Christmas in the Park, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is an interview with Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Topics includes December's First Friday lineup in downtown Bryan and the holiday stroll and lighted Christmas parade in downtown Bryan on Thursday, December 12.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs December 5, 2024.
Bryan police received 11 reports of vehicle burglaries on Wednesday (December 4).
Officer Seth Waller tells WTAW News that all the vehicles were unlocked and three juveniles caught at 3:30 in the morning may be responsible for as many as eight vehicle burglaries that took place around Bonham Park.
The juveniles were caught after officers responded to a citizen's report of seeing the suspects pull on door handles. Waller says not to hesitate calling 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity.
The trio was taken to juvenile detention on charges that also includes evading arrest, engaging in organized criminal activity, and weapons and drug charges.
In addition to locking vehicle doors, residents are also reminded to remove or hide valuables.
News release from Bryan police:
On December 4th, 2024, at approximately 3:30 a.m., the Bryan Police Department responded to a 911 call from a citizen who observed two subjects on surveillance cameras, pulling on car door handles in the 3300 block of Oregon Trail.
BPD patrol units quickly secured a perimeter in the area. Patrol units were able to locate three individuals matching the description of the subjects observed pulling on car door handles. All three immediately fled on foot and were quickly apprehended and arrested.
The three juvenile suspects were found to be in possession of illegal narcotics at the time of arrest and stolen property from vehicle burglaries that just occurred.
Further investigation led to the recovery of stolen property from prior vehicle burglaries in the area dating back to October 2024.
The three juvenile suspects were transported to the Brazos County Juvenile Detention Center and booked in.
Juvenile 1: Engage in Organized Criminal Activity, Burglary of Vehicle, Evading Arrest, Possession of Controlled Substance PG2 <1G DFZ, and Theft of a Firearm.
Juvenile 2: Engage in Organized Criminal Activity, Burglary of Vehicle, Evading Arrest, Possession of Marijuana < 2OZ, Theft of a Firearm, and Unlawful Carry of Weapon.
Juvenile 3: Engage in Organized Criminal Activity, Burglary of Vehicle, Evading Arrest, Possession of Controlled Substance PG2 1-4G, Theft of a Firearm, Tamper/Fabricate Physical Evidence, and Unlawful Carry of Weapon.
All of these cases remain under investigation, and additional criminal charges may follow. The Bryan Police Department wants to say thank you to the observant citizen who called 911 ultimately leading to the arrest of these three juveniles. BPD wants to remind all citizens to lock your car doors and remove all valuables from within your vehicle.
This podcast contains audio, courtesy of the Texas A&M system, from speakers at the Texas A&M system's Disaster City complex next to Easterwood Airport.
The photo associated with this podcast, also provided by the A&M system, shows (L-R) the president/CEO of Stanley Black & Decker Don Allan Jr., governor Greg Abbott, system chancellor John Sharp, and the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), an A&M system agency, Nim Kidd.
All four spoke during a program where TDEM received a $100,000 dollar donation of tools from Stanley Black & Decker.
News release from the governor's office:
Governor Greg Abbott today spotlighted Texas' emergency preparedness efforts and thanked Stanley Black & Decker for their donation to support the state's robust disaster response and recovery operations.
"The training done here at Disaster City trains the world's No. 1 disaster response agencies to help Texans and Americans recover from natural disasters," said Governor Abbott. "Stanley Black & Decker is a world leader in the tool industry and is home to many iconic American brands like Stanley, DEWALT, Craftsman, Black & Decker, and more. These are the tools that built America, and today we are thankful that they are supplying $100,000 in tools that Chief Kidd and the Texas Division of Emergency Management can utilize in their disaster response situations throughout Texas and across the country to help save lives."
The Governor was joined by Stanley Black & Decker CEO Don Allan, Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd, Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, and other state and local leaders.
"We are honored to announce DEWALT will be the Official Tool Provider to TDEM to help support the critical work they do to prepare for, respond to and help communities across the state recover from the impact of emergencies," said President and Chief Executive Officer of Stanley Black and Decker Don Allan, Jr. "Through the combination of our donation today and our ongoing commitment to being the Official Tool Provider for TDEM, we will provide much needed resources and support for the training and skills development for emergency responders who are on the front lines aiding communities in Texas and around the country."
During his remarks, Governor Abbott highlighted the lifesaving work that TDEM, Texas first responders, and emergency response personnel do to help Texans and Americans prepare for, respond to, and recover from severe weather and disasters.
The 52-acre Disaster City training facility at Texas A&M University equips Texas' emergency response professionals with the full array of skills and techniques needed in everything from fires to train derailments.
This podcast contains comments from the November 26, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners adopt a policy to pay expenses when there is a groundbreaking, open house, or ribbon cutting of a county owned building.
The county's chief of staff Ed Bull said the subject came up during discussion of the future ceremonial groundbreaking of the medical examiner's office.
Bull also said the contractor in charge of the medical examiner's project has budgeted money for the groundbreaking.
County auditor Katie Conner said those outside the county who want to contribute paying for those events will have to complete a donation form and present it to commissioners for adoption.
Following the discussion, there was unanimous approval to pay expenses from a budget item titled commissioners court events and funds.
A written version of the policy was not part of materials associated with the county commission's adoption at their November 26th meeting. Commissioners approved what the agenda said was "Approval of the expenditure of funds for recurring costs of consumables and rentals as well as one-time costs and future replacements associated with Groundbreakings, Open Houses, and Ribbon Cuttings of County Owned Buildings which will cover the event and those in attendance. The Brazos County Commissioners Court finds this serves the public purpose of providing notice to citizens and other governmental entities of the future services that will be provided within the community and recognizes the hard work and partnerships of the employees and officials within the county involved in the project. This expenditure approval is limited to Commissioners Court Events and Funds."
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Rhonda Watson and Madison Little from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley.
This podcast contains comments from the November 19, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
November's meeting of the College Station ISD school board included an extended discussion of the upcoming construction of the second phase of the district's career and technology education (CTE) complex.
Administrators addressed board questions about the decision to move cosmetology to CTE because of being able to create more space versus the original plan to locate that program at College View High School.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider said instead of 25 cosmetology students at College View, there could be room for 50 at the CTE complex.
Board members were also told the second phase would allow CSISD students to take CTE programs in their home district instead of Bryan ISD, which Harkrider costs CSISD an estimated $150,000 to $175,000 dollars a year plus the cost of transporting students.Construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2025 and be completed in the summer of 2026.
The second phase of CSISD's CTE complex will also have room for ag mechanics, animal science, auto tech, construction, veterinary tech, and welding programs.
The project also includes a multipurpose arena.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 19, 2024 CSISD board meeting.
This podcast comes from the November 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council's meeting before Thanksgiving (November 25) included an annual report on activity in the city's emergency management office.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
That function is administered through the College Station fire department.
The report was presented by fire chief Richard Mann and emergency management coordinator Tradd Mills.
Their presentation covered their involvement with the Community Emergency Operations Center, which is a joint effort with the city of Bryan, Brazos County, and Texas A&M.
There was also discussion with the council about working with community based organizations about finding locations of heating and cooling centers during extreme weather.
The council also learned of assisting the Texas A&M system department of emergency management during Hurricane Beryl and last June's international soccer match and George Strait concert at Kyle Field.
In response to council questions, members were told the office has the resources its needs and the biggest concern is responding to active shooter situations.
This podcast contains comments from the November 14, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
An update by the city of College Station's assistant tourism office director to the city council this month included council member suggestions about future events during the holiday season.
William Wright was interested in having events at Wolf Pen Creek Park and asked to consider something that tied into College Station's history with trains.
Melissa McIlhaney pointed out what happens where she grew up in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Bob Yancy asked to consider an aerial light show with moving drones.
Mayor John Nichols asked to include the Arts Center of the Brazos Valley and the George H.W. Bush library.
Click HERE to be directed to the city of College Station's holiday event website.
This podcast contains comments from the November 26, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners continue to hear opposition to the future inner loop highway around the east side of Bryan and College Station.
Four landowners in the possible path of the highway spoke at Tuesday's meeting (November 26).
Kyle Greenwood of the group "East Loop Opposition Council" said their 800 members are against any new highway.
Greenwood also asked for a 90 day pause on the official study. County judge Duane Peters said he is "fairly confident" that the delay will be granted.
Another opponent, Tommy Reed, said the loop "would destroy the very fabric" of the land his family has owned for nearly 200 years.
Recently retired Bryan city secretary Mary Lynne Stratta said three of the proposed routes will come within 100 yards of the rocking chair on her back porch. She said the highway "will destroy" the peace and quiet and the wildlife.
The fourth speaker, John Book, said "the issues we're facing in this county are not going to be solved by (an) east loop."
The loop is part of the next transportation plan from the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO). That's on the agenda for the next MPO board meeting, which is next Wednesday morning (December 4).
This podcast is a visit with the new chief executive officer of the rebranded Arts Center of the Brazos Valley (formerly Arts Council of the Brazos Valley) Leslie Bowlin and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
More information about Leslie Bowlin from the ACBV website:
For the last ten years, Leslie has served as the Executive Director of The Houston Maritime Center & Museum. Her extensive background includes public relations, investing, and business operations, as well as chairing many high-profile and successful charity events. She has also served on several non-profit boards. Educated at the Universite de Paris-Sorbonne, Leslie has traveled extensively, lived abroad, and brings a keen interest in multi-cultural inclusion in the arts.
At the Arts Center of Brazos Valley, she will lead development and community engagement efforts as well as manage daily operations with the small, dedicated staff and a cadre of tireless volunteers who are thrilled to welcome her aboard.
Leslie’s background as an executive director, combined with a deep passion for promoting community-based arts programs, will help to further advance the mission of The Arts Center of Brazos Valley, which has served as the leading advocate for arts and culture in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties providing innovative and impactful artistic opportunities for both residents and visitors for 54 years.
This podcast is a visit with Student Bonfire spokesman Dion McInnis and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Student Bonfire website announced Tuesday (November 26) that the stack site will be open Friday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m.
But the fire will not be set until next year, after Texas A&M students return to school and when it is safe to burn.
Bonfire organizers learned the drought index used by the Texas A&M forest service was 638. The burn ban continues in Robertson County, where the bonfire stack is located, until the drought index falls below 575.
Bonfire spokesman Dion McInnis thanked Robertson County and forest service officials for their assistance "during this very precarious time with respect to the weather."
McInnis invited visitors to the stack site on Friday to "have their photos taken and tell old Army stories".
A reminder that there is a zero-tolerance, no-alcohol policy at the bonfire site. Anyone found with alcohol will be removed.
This is the fifth time Student Bonfire has been postponed, due to drought in 2010 and 2011 and flooding in 2013 and 2021.
Gloria Kennard visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about her 36th annual community Thanksgiving meal.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President's Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about President Mark Welsh's recent visit with reporters, College Station's recent designation of best small college town in Texas, a space institute, a new veterinary complex, activities this weekend for the football game, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 19, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD is expanding how the district engages with community members.
An update given at CSISD's November board meeting included the creation of an adopt a school program and in January launching a pilot mentoring program at College Hills elementary, Oakwood intermediate, and Consolidated high schools.
CSISD communications director Austin Dunson also said the distribution of the district's newsletter is expanding beyond parents of CSISD students.
Dunson also said the newsletter and the future installation of video scoreboards at Consolidated and College Station High School football stadiums will generate advertising revenue.
Dunson's presentation followed creating a central office position of community engagement coordinator and the hiring of Krista Thomson last August.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 19, 2024 College Station ISD board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the November 14, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Before the College Station city council awarded a bid to an out of town company that saved the city $7 dollars over a bid from a local company, there was a discussion about giving preferential treatment to local companies.
Newly elected councilwoman Melissa McIlhaney said "we're seeing that money march right out of the community."
Capital projects director Jennifer Cain said the type of bid that was used, called an invitation to bid, required staff and the council to give the contract to a qualified company with the lowest price.
Cain said another type of bid, sealed competitive proposals, price is one of the factors that can be considered.
City manager Bryan Woods added that bids where location can be considered, that is very limited due to Texas state law.
Brian Piscacek, Assistant Director Economic Development, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about entrepreneurship month, Plug and Play, The Cannon, Amazon drone delivery, the former Macy's store, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 19, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
November's meeting of the College Station ISD school board included an update about construction projects funded by voter approved bond issues in November 2023 and May 2024.
CSISD assistant superintendent Josh Symank and facilities director Paul Buckner summarized the status of high school additions and renovations, renovations at Rock Prairie elementary, the second phase of CSISD's career and technology complex, and renovations and expansions at middle school and high school athletic fields and stadiums.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials used at the November 19, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Patricia Gerling, President/CEO of The Community Foundation, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the 6th annual Brazos Valley Gives initiative.
This podcast is Texas A&M president Mark Welsh visiting with reporters on November 21, 2024.
Chris Lamb visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about frying turkeys, other Thanksgiving safety tips, Christmas lights, holiday traffic, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Liz Dickey, Executive Director of Health for All.
This podcast is the conversation on WTAW's The Infomaniacs November 18, 2024 on the 25th anniversary of the Texas A&M bonfire collapse as remembered by WTAW's Scott DeLucia and WTAW alumni Jay Socol and Tom Turbiville, who covered the collapse.
Click HERE to be directed to Texas A&M's bonfire memorial website.
This podcast is a recording of the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army holiday campaign kickoff program that took place November 15, 2024.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army's annual holiday campaign is underway.
Friday's program (November 15) at Blue Baker restaurant on University begins the adoption of children who will receive gifts through the Angel Tree program and the recruitment of volunteer bell ringers at Red Kettle locations.
Angel Trees are located at various businesses around Bryan and College Station, including Blue Baker's three locations. The trees will be decorated with paper angels, each representing a local child.
Community members who participate are asked to drop off gifts for their Angel Tree recipient by Wednesday, December 11th.
Adopting a child and volunteering as a Red Kettle bell ringer can also be done online. Click HERE to be directed to the B/CS Salvation Army website.
And limited-edition Angel Cookies will be available for purchase at all three Blue Baker locations from Friday, November 15th through Sunday November 17th while supplies last. Proceeds from cookie sales will directly benefit Angel Tree.
Friday's kickoff program began with Salvation Army captain Luis Villanueva introducing local barbershop quartet Tetrachord, who sang holiday songs.That was followed by a welcome and prayer from Salvation Army captain Marianne Villanueva.
Speakers, in order of appearance, were Bryan mayor pro tem James Edge, College Station councilman Mark Smith, B/CS Salvation Army board chairman Stephen Vincent, College Station mayor John Nichols, Blue Baker president Zach Langenkamp, Bryan Broadcasting's Allison Harrell, Aggie Salvation Army philanthropy committee chairman Austin Moses, and Texas A&M junior Charlie Borowczak, who has participated in Angel Tree campaigns in multiple communities since he was six years old.
Following a ceremonial ribbon cutting, the program concluded with music from Tetrachord that ended with a sing-a-long with those in the audience.
Councilman Bob Yancy visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new councilmembers, capital projects, the former Macy's store building, development in and around the Northgate district, the Greater Brazos Partnership, water issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 24, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
In 2021, the residents of a College Station neighborhood applied and received approval to build a roundabout as a traffic calming device.
After the city spent $49.000 dollars on a design and invested more than 500 hours of staff time, residents of the Woodcreek subdivision decided they didn't want the roundabout at Stonebridge and Scarborough.
The residents request to stop construction was approved by the city council at its October 24th meeting.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha scolded residents because of the city's investment.
Councilman Dennis Maloney, who lives in Woodcreek, said at least the city is saving the $250,000 dollar construction cost.
Woodcreek residents initially voted 16 to 8 for the roundabout. After residents voiced concerns about building it then finding out the anticipated increase in traffic did not materialize, the residents voted 30 to nothing to cancel the project.
The council's official action was to reject all bids that had been opened and not allow Woodcreek to be eligible for traffic calming projects for five years.
A note from city staff to the council stated that changes are being drafted to College Station's traffic calming policy to better define the process.
Click HERE to read and download information on the Woodcreek neighborhood roundabout project that was cancelled during the October 24, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the city of Bryan's public works director, Jayson Barfknecht, during the city council's November 12, 2024 workshop meeting.
November's Bryan city council workshop meeting included a presentation about the city complying with new federal requirements intended to eliminate waterlines containing lead.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 12, 2024 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
Public works director Jayson Barfknecht reported there were 36,446 addresses where there are water service lines where the city is responsible for determining if lead and/or galvanized materials were used in the manufacturing process.
The water lines includes those on the city side of the meter and on the property owner's side as far as outside the home. Barfknecht said the city is not responsible for determining the composition of indoor plumbing.
Out of the 36,446 addresses, Barfknecht said the city has no city lines containing lead. There are 15,910 addresses where there is no lead pipes on the property owner's side of the meter. There are 17,759 addresses where the composition of the water line is unknown. Those occupants will be receiving a letter from the city. There are 2,775 addresses of vacant buildings. And there are two locations where there are galvanized waterlines where city staff will be contacting property owners.
Click HERE to read and download the letter that will be sent by the city of Bryan to addresses where the composition of water lines are unknown.
Barfknecht says waterlines that can not be confirmed that were made from lead and galvanized materials, they will have to be replaced within ten years.
Click HERE to be directed a website with more information from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), a link shared to WTAW News by the city of Bryan.
Derika Bailey, Branch Manager of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about gifting books, her favorite reads, upcoming library programs, crafting sessions, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast from the 2024 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet is chamber president Glen Brewer presenting the ambassador of the year award to Shannon Huchingson.
This podcast from the 2024 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet is the presentation of the volunteer of the year award to John Giesenschlag.
The introduction is from the chamber board's immediate past chairman Doug French. That is followed by the audio portion of a video that was shown at the banquet.
This podcast contains comments at the 2024 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet from immediate past board chairman Doug French.
This podcast contains comments from the 2024 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet from chamber board chairwoman Karla Castillo.
This podcast contains comments from the 2024 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce citizen of the year, Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp.
This podcast is a recording of the 2024 Veterans Day program at the Bryan American Legion.
Speakers are post 159 commander James Andrews, chaplain Steve Kim, and featured speaker retired Navy captain Brady Drennan, who is on the board of Brazos County emergency services district three.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, United Way of the Brazos Valley President and CEO, and Leiha White and Kim Dimmett from the Sexual Assault Resource Center of the Brazos Valley.
Bryan Woods, City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about preparing the new city council members, the decision to accept bids for the former Macy's building, selling city assets in the Northgate district, the long term vision for Northgate, the Texas Municipal League, the upcoming legislative session, water issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M system board of regents member Michael Plank from the regents November 7, 2024 meeting about approving a resolution that in part eliminates 52 minor degree and certificate programs on the flagship campus.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was approved at the November 7, 2024 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting. The system's document also includes 11 pages of low producing minor degree and certificate programs that were recommended to remain, become inactive, or be eliminated.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M system board of regents member Bob Albritton from the regents November 7, 2024 meeting about approving a resolution that in part eliminates 52 minor degree and certificate programs on the flagship campus.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was approved at the November 7, 2024 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting. The system's document also includes 11 pages of low producing minor degree and certificate programs that were recommended to remain, become inactive, or be eliminated.
This podcast contains comments from the November 7, 2024 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting from public speakers who were all opposed to a resolution that was adopted which eliminates 52 minor and certificate programs at the flagship campus.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was approved at the November 7, 2024 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting. The system's document also includes 11 pages of low producing minor degree and certificate programs that were recommended to remain, become inactive, or be eliminated.
This podcast is a visit with Texas House district 12 representative-elect Trey Wharton and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded November 6, 2024.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County general counsel Bruce Erratt and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
More than 55,000 Brazos County voters agreed to create two local laws requiring livestock to be fenced in.
But the day after the November 5th election, county officials announce that those results are invalid.
Brazos County general counsel Bruce Erratt told WTAW News that he learned the day after the election that state law for the livestock special questions restricts voting to Brazos County "freeholders" who are registered to vote in Brazos County.
Erratt says he interprets "freeholders" as landowners.
Erratt says county officials will be seeking guidance from the secretary of state's office to conduct a special election if they receive a second round of qualified petitions.
Texas state law allows cattle, horses, mules, hogs, sheep, and goats to roam free unless qualified voters approve special questions requiring those animals to be fenced in.
City of Bryan communications director Lacey Lively visits WTAW's The Infomaniacs November 7, 2024.
The conversation includes a trip down memory lane with Lacey, former Bryan and College Station communications director Jay Socol, who filled in for Chelsea Reber on WTAW newscasts.
Then Lacey previews the Veterans Day program at Veterans Park and how to add names to the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park.
She also issues an invitation to check out the city of Bryan's holiday event schedule online at bryantx.gov/holidaycheer
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last night's election results, working with new members of the College Station city council, the possibility of a small nuclear reactor on the RELLIS campus, bringing more military development to the community, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan single member district five councilwoman-elect Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on election night, November 5, 2024.
College Station city councilwoman elect Melissa McIlhaney visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on election night, November 5, 2024.
Bryan city councilman-elect for single member district four James Edge visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on election night, November 5, 2024.
College Station place three city councilman-elect David White visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on election night, November 5, 2024.
Brazos County precinct three commissioner-elect Fred Brown visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on election night, November 5, 2024.
Bryan single member district three councilman-elect Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on election night, November 5, 2024
This podcast is with Brazos County district attorney Jarvis Parsons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A Brazos County district court jury takes seven minutes to find a Bryan man guilty of shooting and wounding a Bryan policeman in December 2022.
Then the jury takes less than one hour to reach punishment of life in prison.
46 year old Joshua Herrin was convicted of aggravated assault against a public servant, when he fired at the officer while running away from a traffic stop in the area of Wayside Drive and Avondale Avenue.
The officer did not return fire.
Herrin drove away in the officer's patrol vehicle then abandoned it.
The following day, Herrin shot and wounded a Brazos County sheriff's deputy in the Benchley area.
Herrin, who was captured following a standoff, faces a trial in Robertson County related to that incident. That trial will be prosecuted by the Brazos County district attorney's office.
Herrin remains in the Brazos County jail as of November 5th in lieu of bonds totaling $5.7 million dollars.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Early voting in Brazos County draws 54% of registered voters.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock said as of Monday (November 4), there were 71,761 ballots out of 133,382 registered voters.
The busiest of five voting centers was the College Station Utilities training facility with around 22,000.
There are 28 voting centers in Brazos County on election day. Hancock suggests driving a few extra minutes to a lesser used center to get in a line with a shorter waiting time.
On election day, Hancock says those who are in line at 7 p.m. will be able to vote.
Listen to local election night returns and interviews on WTAW.
This podcast contains comments from the October 24, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council at its last meeting (October 24) received an update from Texas A&M's office of off-campus student services.
Assistant director Jaclyn Upshaw-Brown's report included starting the new "Good Neighbor Network", allowing property managers to promote their housing by following a list of requirements. That drew the attention of councilmembers William Wright and Bob Yancy and mayor John Nichols.
Brown also responded to questions about how the office is enforcing the city's housing occupancy regulations and using city resources to assist students who have issues with their landlords.
Brown will be part of a group who will make a similar presentation will be made by A&M representatives later this week to the board of regents.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from Texas A&M's office of off-campus student services during the October 24, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Tanner Williams from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas.
During her exit interview, Councilwoman Linda Harvell visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her time on council, the new tourism committee, her accomplishments, her opinion on having single member districts, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Police Officer Seth Waller visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Halloween night safety, property crime prevention, doorbell camera footage, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 21, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD's central administration office undergoes a reorganization.
Three positions recommended by the superintendent were approved at the end of the BISD school board's October 21st meeting.
The only public comments by board members preceding unanimous votes were congratulating the new hires. Two are current BISD employees and the third was returning in a new position.
Filling a two year vacancy as BISD deputy superintendent is one of the district's school leadership directors, Brian Merrell. A BISD spokesman says Merrell was the only person who applied.
The district's new operations director, Warren Lamphier, returns to BISD after leaving two years ago as transportation director.
The board also agreed to move the principal at Bryan Collegiate High School, Tommy Roberts, to become the district's new human resources director.
WTAW News asked how many applications were received and how many candidates were interviewed for the operations and human resources positions.
A BISD news release announcing the positions approved by the school board also included the superintendent's decision to reclassify employee and community relations director Hugo Ibarra as the district's executive director of community affairs. Dr. Ibarra's former position will not be filled.
News release from Bryan ISD:
Deputy Superintendent: Accomplished Bryan ISD Leader Hired for Even Bigger Role
In March 2022, Ginger Carrabine became Bryan ISD Superintendent. Prior to this role, Ms. Carrabine served as Deputy Superintendent, a position that has remained vacant since her promotion.
Stepping into the role of Deputy Superintendent today, is Dr. Brian Merrell. Dr. Merrell has been with Bryan ISD since 2018, where he has served in the role of Executive Director of School Leadership, most currently overseeing secondary campuses, fine arts, career and technical education, and multiple student, family, and community engagement initiatives.
Prior to Bryan ISD, Merrell served as principal in Waller ISD for 13 years and has now been serving in education for over 26 years. Dr. Merrell received all three of his degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Education) from Texas A&M University. He currently holds teacher, principal, and superintendent certifications.
As Deputy Superintendent, Dr. Merrell will oversee the district operations division while ensuring the effective execution of operational systems across the district. The Deputy will also supervise the leaders of the Career and Technical Education Department, and the Fine Arts Department, while also managing special projects as determined.
In addition, Dr. Merrell will lead long-range strategic planning, master facilities planning, and a multitude of district initiatives. This position emphasizes community, family, and
student engagement while interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
Executive Director of Human Resources: Proven Leadership Success to Lead Bryan ISD Human Resource Department
Bryan Collegiate High School principal, Tommy Roberts, was unanimously approved by the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees on Monday, October 21 as the Executive Director of Human Resources, most recently vacated in the Summer of 2024.
Tommy Roberts, who has led Bryan Collegiate High School as principal since 2017, has been instrumental in maintaining the school’s U.S. News and World Report Best High School rankings for 11 consecutive years. Mr. Roberts started his career at Bryan ISD in 2005 and has served in a variety of roles, including teacher, instructional coach, associate principal, and principal.
Roberts received his Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics degree and Master of Education degree from Texas A&M University. He completed his postgraduate studies and principal certification program at Sam Houston State University and is completing his Superintendency Certification Program through the University of Texas at Tyler. Roberts currently holds teacher and principal certifications.
As the Executive Director of Human Resources, Roberts will provide strategic leadership and direction for all HR functions within the school district consisting of over 3,000 employees. The role emphasizes talent acquisition, management, development, compensation, and retention of employees while ensuring legally sound and effective systems. The Executive Director will be instrumental in creating a positive work environment that aligns with the district’s educational goals and standards through effective Human Resources practices.
Executive Director of Operations: Experienced Director to Return in Leading Role
Former Bryan ISD Director of Transportation and current Director of Operations at School Bus Inc. Sioux Falls, Warren Lanphier, was unanimously approved by the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees Monday, October 21 as the Executive Director of Operations, most recently vacated in September 2024.
Since 2022 and leaving Bryan ISD, Lanphier has served and overseen over 175 employees at School Bus Inc. He has done this while managing a $10 million budget successfully implementing recruiting strategies and achieving Department of Transportation standards. Lanphier received his Bachelor of Science and Associate in Applied Science in Behavioral Sciences from Lewis Clark State College and his Master of Science in Human Resource Development from Texas A&M University.
As the Executive Director of Operations, Lanphier will oversee and manage the auxiliary support services within the school district, which include transportation, maintenance, food services, custodial services, warehouse operations, safety and security, and construction projects. He will ensure that all operations services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with the district's educational goals and standards.
Executive Director of Community Affairs: Reclassification of Roles: Successful and Experienced Leader to Oversee Community Affairs
Recently, Dr. Hugo Ibarra, was reclassified as Executive Director of Community Affairs. Prior to serving in this role, Dr. Ibarra was the Director of Employee and Community Relations at Bryan ISD. (Ibarra’s previous Director position will not be filled.). This reclassification has been a part of Ms. Carrabine’s restructuring of her executive leadership team.
With over 12 years of experience in the district and 20 years in education, Dr. Ibarra has served in a variety of district leadership roles including Director of Employee and Community Relations, Community Outreach Officer, principal, assistant principal, and teacher.
With a background in business administration and marketing, Dr. Ibarra brings a multifaceted approach to the many layers that impact community engagement, school leadership, and student achievement. Dr. Ibarra earned his Doctor of Education degree from Stephen F. Austin State University, a Master's degree in Education and Curriculum Instruction from Texas A&M University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Tyler, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico. He currently holds teacher, principal, and superintendent certifications.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the length of council meeting agendas, the demographic of the new council, the former Macy's store building, the decision to sell a parking lot in Northgate, reinstating the conditional use permit requirement in Northgate, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about November's First Friday, the "Lights On" holiday event on November 22nd, and a reminder to register for the downtown Bryan lighted Christmas parade on December 12th.
The First Friday preview includes an invitation to check out a new mural, which is the first major public art project funded by the city of Bryan's arts and culture development grant. The mural is located on the back side of Rabbit Hole & The Attic Antiques at 118 South Bryan Avenue. The official unveiling is Friday (November 1) at 5:30.
This podcast is a visit with Hilton College Station owner Rick Minicozzi and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The owner of the Hilton College Station says with the completion of three new venues, work will start in December on 240 guest rooms.
Rick Minicozzi, who acquired the property in November 2022, says he appreciates the community's reception of the new pool area, the Reveille rooftop bar and kitchen, and the recently opened restaurant named "The Dean".
With 60 guest rooms already renovated, Minicozzi says the remaining rooms will have a complete teardown renovation to the studs and receive new wall finishes and carpet, new plumbing and fixtures, and new furniture.
Minicozzi says the Hilton is now one of 90 certified by the International Association of Conference Centers for its meeting facilities.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M University's President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about President Welsh's investiture, increasing on-campus housing, remote learning, the future tennis center at Midtown Park, involvement with NASCAR, the second fall Ring Day, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Peggi Ondrasek, President and CEO, and Maggie Montoya Gray, Development Manager, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber in this week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update.
This podcast contains comments from the October 21, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The Bryan ISD school board recognizes two on campus lifesaving rescues that have taken place during the fall semester.
Rudder High principal Rachel Leighton shared the response of what happened in August, when an unconscious man was found in a parked vehicle. The man, who had delivered an ID for a Rudder student, had been in the vehicle for three hours during 100 degree temperatures.
Bryan High principal Lane Buban shared the response of what happened in September when a substitute teacher became unconscious.
The man who was rescued at Rudder was among those at Monday's board meeting (October 21) presenting gifts to those who were involved.
Buban says the teacher who was rescued has resumed working at Bryan High.
This podcast contains comments from the investiture ceremony of Mark Welsh as Texas A&M's 27th president on October 25, 2024.
Speakers are A&M student body president Cade Coppinger, A&M provost Alan Sams, congressman Michael McCaul, A&M faculty senate speaker Angie Hill Price, Texas A&M system board of regents chairman Bill Mahomes, the chairwoman of A&M's staff council Kat McLelland, and A&M system chancellor John Sharp.
This podcast contains comments from the investiture ceremony of Texas A&M's 27th president as Liz Beechinor, the daughter of Mark Welsh, introduces her father, followed by remarks from Mark Welsh.
The formal installation of Mark Welsh as Texas A&M's 27th president took place Friday morning (October 25).
Welsh said when he was first asked to do an investiture ceremony, he "gave it a pretty flat no". Then he learned it was a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and he said "Aggies value tradition."
Welsh also said the ceremony is more about the university, adding the president's job is an opportunity and a challenge to earn the trust of A&M's faculty, the confidence of the staff, the respect of current and former students, and the support of the A&M system leadership, the board of regents, and the legislature. Welsh said "accepting that challenge publicly holds me accountable. And I do believe in accountability."
Welsh recognized his parents. His father was an Aggie who fought in World War two, Korea, and Vietnam.
His mother raised seven children while working as an elementary school teacher.Introducing Welsh was his daughter, Liz Beechinor, A&M class of 2010.
Symbols of the investiture, the university mace and a medallion, were presented by A&M system chancellor John Sharp.
Congressman Michael McCaul, whose wife and three of their children are A&M graduates, presented Welsh with a congressional resolution.
Also speaking were A&M system board of regents chairman Bill Mahomes, A&M faculty senate speaker Angie Hill Price, university staff council chairwoman Kat McLelland, and provost Alan Sams.
Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a road rehab project on William D. Fitch, new courts at Anderson Park, development of baseball fields at Veterans Park, new water wells, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Michael McCaul visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Texas Semi-Conductor Summit he is in town for, water issues, manufacturing facilities, the conflict in the Middle East, his predictions if Donald Trump is elected, North Korea's involvement in the Ukraine conflict, interference with his race, problems with the postal service, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about election season, the Brazos Transit District, the possibility of electric trollies, progress and revenue at Midtown Park, a new animal center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Organizer Heather Humphrey visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about forming a new American Legion Post in College Station.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, United Way of the Brazos Valley President, and Jessica Candelaria from Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach.
This podcast is a visit with the assistant Brazos County emergency management coordinator Jason Ware and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
On Thursday (October 17), county judge Duane Peters issued a drought declaration.
Click HERE to read and download the drought declaration.
Deputy emergency management coordinator Jason Ware told WTAW News this is a pre-emptive, proactive move should the drought results in agriculture losses or wildfires that are attributed to the drought.Ware says the declaration opens the door to apply for state and/or federal assistance due to events caused by the drought.
The declaration comes two days after WTAW News confirmed the departure of the Brazos County emergency management coordinator after one month on the job. A county spokesman confirmed the resignation of Shannon Covey. She was selected among 43 candidates and four finalists.The spokesman said commissioners discussed Covey's resignation in private during their October 15th meeting. The spokesman says they anticipate action at the commission's next meeting to name an interim coordinator.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD communications director Austin Dunson and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station ISD is promoting two events involving community members.CSISD communications director Austin Dunson says parents are invited to fill out an online survey to see how the school district can improve. This survey, which takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, allows parents to share their opinions on academics, communications and how they interact with their schools and the district, transportation, child nutrition, student services, special education, extracurricular and co-curricular activities.
Click HERE to be directed to CSISD's parent survey.
CSISD is starting a series called "Coffee Chats", which Dunson says is an opportunity for community members to learn more about the district in a casual setting. The first gathering is Monday (October 21), and the topic "All Things Academics" features presenters from CSISD's curriculum and instruction department. Monday's event is from 1 until 2 p.m. in the CSISD board room at 1812 Welsh Avenue.
College Station Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her decision to not run for re-election, her plans to run for a different positions in the future, front-burner issues, water rights issues, affordable housing, the future of generation, preparing for council meetings, openings on boards and commissions, and more.
This podcast is a visit with Abigail Metsch of the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA) and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For 30 years, Bryan/College Station area residents have had the opportunity to drop off household hazardous waste items.
The bi-annual event, sponsored by the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA), returns this Saturday (October 19) from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Texas A&M University Services building east of Veterans Park. Use the entrance off of Harvey Road.
The event is free for all residents of the Brazos Valley. No business generated waste will be accepted.
For the first time, the event will not be collecting medications.
The list of what will be collected includes motor oil, oil filters, gasoline, household cleaning agents, paint and paint thinners, lawn chemicals and fertilizers, and electronic waste such as rechargeable and single-use batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, old computers, monitors, laptops and cell phones.
Representatives of United Way of the Brazos Valley will also be collecting new and used children’s books, blankets, and monetary donations, for their Books and A Blanket program.
This podcast contains comments from the October 16, 2024 meeting of the Blinn College board of trustees.
The senior member of the Blinn College board of trustees is recognized at his final meeting.
Charles Moser, the retired publisher of the Brenham newspaper, served nearly ten years on the Blinn board.
In addition to the reading of a resolution listing Moser's accomplishments, board members...some who were children when they met Moser and his wife...shared memories and thanks for Moser's service to the Blinn board.
Following the tribute, retired Blinn administrator Richard O'Malley was sworn in to finish Moser's unexpired term.
News release from Blinn College:
The Blinn College District Board of Trustees recognized retiring trustee Charles Moser for his nearly 10 years of dedicated service to the College District and welcomed new trustee Richard O’Malley, who will fill Moser’s seat on the board, at its regular October meeting on Tuesday.
“It has been a pleasure to work alongside Charles Moser throughout his tenure on the Board of Trustees,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District. “His guidance and leadership throughout key moments over the past decade, including Blinn’s partnership with The Texas A&M University System as a member of the RELLIS Academic Alliance, have made Blinn College a stronger institution for its students and the communities it serves.”
Jim Kolkhorst, Chair of the Board of Trustees, told Trustee Moser, “We are going to miss you on this board. Thank you for what you did for Blinn College. Thank you for what you have done for Brenham, Texas, and our community.”
In a resolution honoring Moser's service, the Board highlighted his significant contributions since joining in 2015. Moser served as the At-Large Position 1 representative on the Board, providing leadership as Board Chair from 2017 to 2021 and as Board Secretary from 2021 to 2023. The resolution outlined Moser's instrumental role in guiding Blinn College through numerous initiatives that have shaped the institution into a state and national leader in academic transfer and workforce training.
During his tenure, Moser championed the development of co-enrollment partnerships with Texas A&M University and other Texas institutions, enhancing Blinn's academic offerings and transfer opportunities. He also played a key role in the expansion of Blinn College's facilities across its campuses, including significant projects at the Brenham, Bryan, and RELLIS campuses.
Following the adoption of the resolution, the board welcomed Richard O'Malley, who was sworn in as the new At-Large Position 1 representative. O’Malley retired in January following a 16-year career with Blinn. After working as a civil engineer in the private sector, O’Malley was hired as Executive Director of Facilities, Planning, and Construction in 2008. In 2014, he was promoted to Assistant Vice President, then became the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Facilities, Planning, and Construction in 2017.
Melissa Brunner, City Secretary, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about election season, early voting, working with Trudy Hancock, birth and death records, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's pedestrian death involving a College Station garbage truck, his experience at the Texas Municipal League, the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, the current council's last meeting agenda, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 14, 2024 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M's chief academic officer apologizes to the faculty senate for not getting their feedback before deciding to eliminate 52 minor degree and certificate programs.
Provost Alan Sams told faculty senate members multiple times that he, A&M's president, and the senate speaker will discuss reversing his decision.
Sams said there was no external political pressure to cancel programs that he determined had little or no enrollment.
Faculty senate speaker Angie Hill Price asked senate members to keep their constituents in the loop.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, CEO and President of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Roy Harrington from Texas Ramp Project.
Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Texas Municipal League, providing power, water rights and issues, crime in the Northgate district, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Pat Baker, Board Chair for the Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the decision to close the currenty facility at Lake Walk and temporarily switch to events-focused programming.
Hear more about an upcoming Financial Literacy Workshop presented by Charles Schwab and Frost Bank, reading programs, holiday events, and more during an update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M chief operating officer Peter Lange's visit with reporters on October 8, 2024.
As Texas A&M's president finalizes recommendations of a university wide capacity study, his chief operating officer (COO) met with reporters about a proposal to relieve above ground traffic congestion.
COO Peter Lange said a network of underground tunnels nicknamed the "Aggie Loop" could deploy as many as 60 electric vehicles to move between east and west campus, as many as 3,300 people per hour in four minutes.
Lange compared the A&M model to one in Las Vegas that transports people between that city's convention center and connected hotels.
Lange said another idea under consideration to reduce movement between east and west campus, involves more buildings where students on west campus could take core curriculum classes, live, and eat.
The tunnel route is based on the two most heavily used on campus bus routes which are routes one and three.
The “Aggie Loop”, at 30 feet below ground, would connect the Polo Road area of campus with the memorial student center (MSC), White Creek apartments and Reed Arena.
Transit time from Polo Road to the MSC would be two minutes and the transit time from White Creek Apartments to the commons area would be completed in three minutes.
The project would also require building passenger stations above and below ground.
Funding is unknown, though it is likely that A&M would need to fund this centrally and transit resources would be allocated to improving existing routes.
While A&M's president has not made any final decisions related to the capacity study, Mark Welsh has stated the possibility of freezing undergraduate enrollment for five years.
Click HERE to read and download the draft recommendations of Texas A&M's capacity study that were released in July 2024.
This podcast contains comments from the October 1, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners agree to divert the county's portion of future property tax money in the north section of downtown Bryan.
That is associated with an undisclosed economic development project from the Bryan city council.
County judge Duane Peters provided information about the county's involvement during the commission's October 1st meeting, in response to a citizen's question about the county paying for a new parking garage.
County documents say the creation of 300 parking spaces would serve a new development along Bryan Avenue between 22nd and Martin Luther King, Jr. Street.
The Bryan city council during its October regular meeting, approved without public comment the interlocal agreement with Brazos County and an eighth amendment to the tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) where this development will take place.
Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement approved by the Brazos County commission and the Bryan city council.
Click HERE to read and download the Bryan city council's approval of the eighth amendment to the TIRZ that is associated with the city-county interlocal agreement.
Click HERE to read and download Bryan city council background information about amendments to the downtown Bryan TIRZ.
Click HERE to read and download the city of Bryan's document establishing the downtown TIRZ in August 2009.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Texas Municipal League, development at Midtown Park, Downtown Bryan, the Ice House on Main building, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 7, 2024 College Station city council meeting from members Mark Smith, Elizabeth Cunha, Dennis Maloney, Bob Yancy, and John Nichols, along with the director of College Station's community services office Debbie Eller.
The city of College Station has 32,000 rental housing units.
The last couple of years, the College Station city council has received multiple complaints from Texas A&M students about the condition of rental housing.
Monday night's council meeting (October 7) included 90 minutes of comments about a proposed voluntary rental housing inspection ordinance.
On a four to two vote, the council delayed action until their next meeting on October 24th. That would allow A&M students another opportunity to speak and the council to get a report from A&M's off campus housing office...both in an effort for the council to gauge if improvements in the city's See, Click, and Fix reporting app is enough that a voluntary inspection ordinance is not needed.
Joining Elizabeth Cunha, who made the motion to delay a vote, were Bob Yancy, Mark Smith, and Linda Harvell.
Opposed to delaying the vote were John Nichols and Dennis Maloney.
William Wright was absent from the meeting.
Click HERE to read and download College Station's proposed voluntary rental inspection ordinance.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 8, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek from United Way of the Brazos Valley and Tiger Burton from BVCASA.
This podcast contains comments from the September 26, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The city of College Station has a new housing action plan.A 13 member committee drafted the 180 page document following four public meeting, two meetings with groups of homebuilders and developers, and more than 2,500 survey responses.
Councilman Bob Yancy confirmed with David Brower of the city's community development office that the document, "is not meant to be a know all, be all, end all road map" to address housing issues.
The unanimous vote included an addition from councilman Dennis Maloney, that the plan reflects the city's current ordinance requiring a homeowner to be living on properties where there is a second building that is used for rental housing.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha spent several minutes bringing up "wish list" items for future consideration that included finding parking locations for commuters who come to College Station to work and providing utility assistance to low income residents.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the September 26, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the housing action plan (before the addition made by councilman Dennis Maloney) that was adopted at the September 26, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Ed Spillane, College Station's Municipal Court Judge, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming warrant amnesty roundup, helping students clear their record, MIP statistics, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Topics includes the lineup for October First Friday in downtown Bryan, Halloween and Christmas holiday activities in downtown Bryan, and a reminder of the free downtown Bryan shuttle to and from Kyle Field.
Meagan Brown, BTU’s Public Information Officer, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about payment kiosks, BTU's relationship with College Station, future power plants, building more generation, peak hours, new projects, Lake Bryan, Public Power Week, the launch of a new website, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Pink Alliance held its 21st Surviving and Thriving luncheon on Wednesday. WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with the keynote speaker, Kim Becking.
This podcast is a visit with local Red Cross director Jennifer Young and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The local director of the Red Cross is preparing to make her third trip in four months to a hurricane zone.
Jennifer Young says she is expecting to be deployed to Charlotte, North Carolina, which is the hub of Red Cross operations in that region following Hurricane Helene.
Young previously went to Baton Rouge in September following Hurricane Francine and the Houston area following Hurricane Beryl in July.
The Red Cross is seeing hurricane assistance in three ways.
One is financial donations. Visit redcross.org or text the word HELENE to 90999.
Young says the Red Cross is seeking more than 300 volunteers to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. More information about volunteering is online at redcross.org/volunteer.
And Young says blood donors are needed to fill more than 1,500 donations that will not be collected as the result of blood drives that were canceled following Hurricane Helene. Go online to RedCrossBlood.org to make an appointment.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Public Utility Commission's order to refund $27 million, the city's housing action plan, the Jones-Butler extension project, the Wellborn and George Bush intersection improvement project, the future of a natural gas power plant, new restaurants, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is with the director of Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley Chuck Fleeger and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For the first time, Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley is holding a public awareness event to assist in finding people who have been missing from one year to as far back as 1979.
AANBV director Chuck Fleeger says volunteers in the "Honk For The Missing" event will be at Texas and Walton Wednesday morning (October 2) between 11 and noon at Texas and Walton...near the main entrance to Texas A&M.
When traffic is stopped, volunteers will raise posters that includes a Q-R code for motorists to get more information from AANBV's website.
This podcast is a recording from sister station The Zone's Chip Howard Sports Talk program that aired live September 30, 2024.
This was the day after the death of longtime Bryan High School head football coach and Bryan ISD school board member Merrill Green,
This podcast has two of the longest serving local sports reporters, The Zone's Chip Howard and the executive sports editor of The Eagle, Robert Cessna, share their memories.
Original story, September 29, 2024:
The namesake of the Bryan school district's football stadium has died.
The announcement of Merrill Green's passing was shared on the X/Twitter account of Bryan High School principal Lane Buban.Green coached the Bryan High football team between 1972 and 1992.
He was also a member of the Bryan ISD school board for more than 12 years, retiring from that position in 2012.
A biography published by the Chickasha, Oklahoma school district says Green graduated high school there as senior class president.
The biography also points out Green graduated from the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of the 1950 national championship football team and the 1951 national championship baseball team.
Green moved to Bryan after spending seven years at Abilene Cooper High School.
Before beginning his high school coaching career, Green coached on the collegiate level at Wichita State, the University of Missouri, the University of Arkansas and at Texas Tech.Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Merrill Green was 94 years old.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Kat Gammon from United Way of the Brazos Valley and Amy Faulkner from Voices for Children.
Kim Sailor, Vice President of Communications, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Junior League's new event this fall.
Trey Reeves, Marketing Coordinator for College Station Parks and Recreation, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about upcoming events, vandalism, park usage, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Amber Guthrie, General Manager of Travis Fields, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about an upcoming car show, kickball registration, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 23, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
School safety and security is publicized this week by administrators in College Station and Bryan ISD.
In College Station ISD, superintendent Tim Harkrider posted on the district's website this week, a message that included what is being done. The entire statement is at wtaw dot com. Some examples given by Harkrider are CSISD regularly practicing emergency procedures with students and staff; meeting with CSISD's safety and security committee; updating emergency plans and security infrastructure; and maintaining relationships and communication with local law enforcement. Harkrider asks CSISD parents to talk with their children about school safety and remind them that if they ever feel unsafe at school, to tell a teacher or administrator.
Monday night's Bryan ISD school board meeting included several administrators combining on a school safety and security presentation.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the September 23, 2024 Bryan ISD board meeting.
Bryan ISD's assistant director of safety and security Rich Himmel brought up a new state inspection that will be done every four years to assess the vulnerability of every campus building. That led BISD school board member Mark McCall to tell administrators to ask the board when items are needed to meet state security requirements.
One of Bryan ISD's school leadership directors, Linda Montoya, explained the district's standard response protocol...which is how BISD responds to emergencies and unusual situations on their campuses. She also brought up that each Bryan ISD campus has something called a safe and supportive school team.
Bryan ISD's technology director, Julea Johnson, explained the district's new emergency notification system that is in every classroom...officially known as Silent Panic Alarm Technology or SPAT.
Board members also heard about mental health services that are provided by Bryan ISD.
BISD's other school leadership director, Brian Merrell, talked about communication between students, parents, teachers, and administrators. That included students not receiving all communications related to safety and security incidents and that parents are no longer able to opt out of BISD emergency messages.
As for informing community members of safety and security incidents, that was not brought up by Merrell or other Bryan ISD administrators. And it was not brought up in the statement the College Station ISD superintendent posted this week on CSISD's website.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Bryan ISD continuing negotiations to offer tax breaks for a semiconductor manufacturing plant at the RELLIS campus, an interlocal agreement with College Station about a sewer trunk line, the impact of Texas A&M students, Maroon and White Nights in Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 23, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members get their first opportunity in public to consider giving property tax breaks to a company thinking about building a semi conductor manufacturing plant on the RELLIS campus.
Following a public hearing at Monday's meeting (September 23), the board unanimously agreed to take the next step in the request that has already been approved by Brazos County commissioners and the Bryan city council.
WTAW News has requested a copy of the document that the BISD board approved.
Unlike the city of Bryan and Brazos County, which has total authority to approve offering tax abatements, public school districts have to get permission from the state comptroller and the governor.
The BISD board's vote came after learning the comptroller's office ruled the application by what is known only as "America's Foundry Texas LLC" qualified for property tax abatements.
The comptroller's review included comparing the Bryan application to finalists located in Oregon and New York state.
BISD board members learned the applicant is proposing an $11.6 billion dollar facility that would take five to six years to build.
The tax abatement period would be between the 2030-31 school year and the 2039-2040 school year.
Board members were told between BISD, the city, and the county, the applicant wants to avoid paying $760 million dollars in property taxes.
The board was also told while the applicant officially planned to open with 35 employees, initial employment will be 1,500 and would grow to 5,000.
And the board was told the one of a kind manufacturing plant would lead to the creation of 20 to 30 support businesses.
Comments during a public hearing before the vote came from Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp, Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez, and one citizen who was opposed to the tax abatements.
The vote allowed negotiations to take place between the governor's office, the applicant, and the BISD board.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President's Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recent nationwide rankings, the Corps of Cadets, the upcoming investiture ceremony for President Mark Welsh, a Youth and Career Fair, OPAS, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with United Way of the Brazos Valley CEO Peggi Ondrasek and The Prenatal Clinic's Executive Director Lynn Yeager.
This podcast contains comments from College Station city councilman Dennis Maloney, mayor John Nichols, and city manager Bryan Woods.
The city of College Station files a lawsuit against the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC).
The lawsuit, filed in Travis County, seeks to reverse a PUC order for the city of College Station to refund over $26 million dollars in electric transmission revenue.
City officials say the revenue, dating back to 1996, was approved by prior PUC board members.
And city officials say the current PUC board ignored most of the recommendations made in an opinion by an administrative judge from the state office of administrative hearings (SOAH).
Click HERE to read and download the city of College Station lawsuit against the PUC, provided by the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download the SOAH judge opinion, provided by the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download a city of College Station statement regarding the PUC order that was provided to local reporters on September 19, 2024.
At the next College Station city council meeting (September 26), the agenda will include approve paying the refund ordered by the PUC.
City officials say that is to avoid paying an additional $7 million dollars in interest and to allow their lawsuit against the PUC to proceed.The refund, while ordered by the PUC, will go to 34 other electric companies.
City officials also say this will not change current electric rates. If the city loses the lawsuit, then it will have an impact on future electric department projects.
College Station mayor John Nichols and city manager Bryan Woods says College Station is the first of what could be multiple city owned electric companies who could face similar monetary penalties from the public utility commission.
PUC members are appointed by the governor.
Woods says the PUC order being contested in court has been communicated to the governor's office, the state senator representing Brazos County who chairs a committee that oversees the PUC, and those running for the two Texas House seats representing Brazos County.
As of September 20, the PUC has not filed a response to the city of College Station's lawsuit.
This podcast contains comments from the September 17, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
September's meeting of the College Station ISD school board included comments to support teachers.
The first speaker was CSISD board member Darin Paine.
After announcing he would be absent for the next six to seven months while he is deployed with the Texas Air National Guard, Paine called on residents to support teachers by contacting state school board members and state lawmakers to increase basic state aid for the first time in five years.
That was followed by three residents who called on CSISD administrators to reverse decisions which is making teacher's daily work more difficult.
Councilman Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his council career, the Texas Public Utility Commission judgment, interlocal agreements with Bryan, the possibility of a recreation center and a convention center, Post Oak Mall, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Councilman Paul Torres visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about issues in his district, redevelopment, Downtown Bryan, getting his constituents more involved, the boards he serves on, the reopening of the LaSalle Hotel, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell of the TxDOT Bryan district office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Seven and a half years of road construction on Harvey Mitchell Parkway in College Station is coming to an end.
The TxDOT Bryan district office announces Thursday (September 19) after the morning commute, left turn lanes at several intersections will be opened.
Thursday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., there will be intermittent traffic stoppages on Harvey Mitchell to allow construction workers to move traffic devices to open left turn lanes at George Bush, Luther, and Holleman.
The TxDOT news release says this is the final configuration of the $47.6 million dollar highway project between Raymond Stotzer Parkway and Wellborn Road, which began in March 2017.
News release from the TxDOT Bryan district office:
The ongoing Harvey Mitchell Parkway (FM 2818) improvement project has reached another construction milestone which will result in a change to traffic patterns.
Thursday, September 19th, the intersections will undergo a change in operations where the left turn lanes that were previously under construction will be opened at George Bush, Luther and Holleman. The necessary changes will be accomplished after morning peak starting around 9 am and completing by 3 pm.
This is the final configuration of the FM 2818 project.Drivers should avoid travel in this area, if possible, during these time periods.
Those who must travel through the work zone should expect delays and intermittent traffic stoppages as crews adjust traffic devices and make certain the route is ready to be opened to traffic.
TxDOT appreciates everyone’s cooperation and patience throughout this traffic change and the duration of the project.
This effort is part of the overall 3.2-mile project being constructed by TxDOT’s contractor, Knife River Corporation, at a total construction cost of $47.6 million.
This podcast contains comments from the September 17, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council approves going to condemnation to acquire easements to build a sewer line and lift station covering areas south and east of the RELLIS campus.
That action was taken during a special council meeting on Tuesday (September 17), along with awarding a $5.6 million dollar construction contract.
The project is time sensitive, according to city documents, because in order to use federal pandemic grant money there has to be a construction contract by the end of 2024.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the city of Bryan related to starting condemnation.
Click HERE to read and download the condemnation resolution that was approved at the September 17, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the city of Bryan about the sewer lift station construction contract that was approved by the council.
Before the council's unanimous votes, one of the property owners affected by the condemnation action tells the council that city staff is "dysfunctional".
Alfred Smith, who said he is in the land business and deals with easements, says he has attempted for four years to reach an agreement with the city.
The council or city staff did not respond to Smith saying that the city is not going to take care of controlling sewage odor and that the city plans to remove three oak trees that are 200 years old.Councilmembers had other questions.
Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff asked public works director Jayson Barfknecht "Has your office made every good faith attempt that they can make to reach some kind of compromise in this case?" Barfknecht told Shurtleff "I think we've done a really good effort to try and meet with the property owners and meet with their attorneys to try to reach an agreement."
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan police department reminds residents to register for National Night Out (NNO) block parties.
Officer Seth Waller says the purpose of the annual event is for officers to meet neighborhood residents, and for the neighborhood residents to meet each other.
The city wide event is October 1st.
The registration deadline is September 23rd.
Click HERE to be directed to the Bryan police department's NNO registration website.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Unlimited Potential groundbreaking, the upcoming election, the Brazos Transit District, the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the Unlimited Potential groundbreaking on September 17, 2024, followed by visits with UP board president Jacque Flagg and College Station mayor John Nichols, interviewed by WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Three years in development and fundraising, the local non profit assisting those who are aging out of the foster care system breaks ground on their first building.
In December 2021, Unlimited Potential (UP) bought the site of a former nursing home complex in College Station on Anderson Street near Lemontree Park. A year later, the decision was made to clear the site instead of remodeling existing buildings.
At Tuesday's groundbreaking (September 17), UP board president Jacque Flagg said Doug French of Stylecraft Builders "magnanimously donated one of the buildings and is offering other buildings at cost."
Flagg also thanked the College Station city council for providing funding to demolish the nursing home buildings in the spring of 2023, Jim Singleton of SZS Architecture for donating a floor plan, Joe Schultz of Schultz Engineering for developing the campus infrastructure, and South Construction for building the infrastructure.
After the groundbreaking, Flagg told WTAW News fundraising continues. That includes a $10,000 dollar matching grant opportunity during the Brazos Valley Gives event.
She also says there are volunteer opportunities to assist the young men and women with transportation to and from appointments and helping move the young adults into new residences.
Click HERE to be directed to the Unlimited Potential website for more information.
College Station mayor John Nichols told WTAW News after the groundbreaking that he was "really impressed with the fact they found a building model that allows them to do this in phases." "For a non profit, it's not easy to raise money. And for them to be able get started with the donations from Stylecraft to start the first building and the build the second one. And then they can start having programming here. Once they have programming here, there will be more people interested and we'll see more funds flow."
This podcast contains some of the comments from Texas A&M president Mark Welsh's appearance at the A&M faculty senate meeting on September 9, 2024.
September's meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included an appearance from president Mark Welsh.
The 50 minute session opened with Welsh providing updates on committee work and upcoming initiatives that includes A&M's Vision 2040 plan, engaging new employees and students in what he called "Reembracing the Spirit of Aggieland", and launching a new student leadership program where students could get academic credit.
Welsh then answered faculty questions on topics ranging from paying student athletes to the university continuing to study employee pay, academic freedom, and transportation issues between the main campus, the west campus, and the health science center.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Kat Gammon from United Way of the Brazos Valley and J.J. Ramirez and Kyle Salmon from S.O.S. Ministries.
This podcast is a visit with Kathleen Sanderson of the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army continues to prepare for holiday activities.
Spokeswoman Kathleen Sanderson says they continue to recruit businesses and individuals who can hold toy drives for their Angel Tree gift distribution and register as bell ringers for the holiday season.
Click HERE to be directed to the B/CS Salvation Army website for additional information about holiday activities.
Sanderson says registration continues for families who want to apply for Angel Tree assistance. The first round of registration continues until September 22nd. The second round of registration is from September 30th through October 13th.
Click HERE to be directed to the Angel Tree application website.
Residents can also send an email to bryan.texas@uss.salvationarmy.org or call 979-361-0618.
Additional information from the B/CS Salvation Army for those applying for Angel Tree assistance:
Documents you will need:
• Photo ID of the applicant
• Only parents or legal guardian are allow to apply (proof documents)
• Birth certificate for all the kids 12 years old and younger
• CURRENT Benefit Award Letter (i.e.: Food Stamps Award letter (must be the page that shows income)/Social Security Award Letter/Disability Award Letter/TANF paperwork)
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE YOUR CURRENT BENEFIT AWARD LETTER YOU WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING:
• Proof of rent/mortgage (i.e.: Rent receipt/Lease agreement/Mortgage statement) Only one is needed.
• Proof of income for everyone in the household (i.e.: Current Paycheck Stub/SSI/Child Support/etc.)
PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL WHICH WILL GIVE ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS AND FOLLOW UP INFORMATION AFTER YOU HAVE STARTED THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Jennifer Prochazka, Assistant City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her office's structure, community involvement, the recreation study, middle housing, student housing, parks and recreation, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 9, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members approve the administration's recommendation to take pre-kindergarten instruction to qualifying child care centers in Brazos and Robertson counties.
BISD's director of special programs Jennifer Warren says they could serve as many as 440 three and four year olds who would be co-enrolled with their care center and the district.
A full day of instruction would be provided to four year olds and three hours a day to three year olds.
BISD would receive additional state funding and share that revenue with the child care center.
BISD board members agreed to a partnership that also involves Texas A&M, the Texas Workforce Commission, and the Texas Education Agency.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials that were shared during the September 9, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Trudy Hancock, Brazos County Elections Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about sample ballots, voter registration roll accuracy, mail-in ballots, changes in polling places, the need for election workers, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 10, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Residents of a west Bryan neighborhood are successful in their appeal to the Bryan city council to keep a convenience store from being built off of Harvey Mitchell Parkway between Highway 21 and Sandy Point Road.
A unanimous council vote at the end of a 90 minute discussion during Tuesday's meeting (September 10) denied a conditional use permit that the planning and zoning commission approved in August on a 5-3 vote.
The council agreed with 13 residents of the Pleasant Hill subdivision who said that the location of the c-store, which would be accessible only from Smith Lake Boulevard, would create more neighborhood traffic by motorists going through as a shortcut to Lake Bryan.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and councilman Jared Salvato told the residents to expect the c-store to be built at the north edge of the subdivision along Sandy Point Road.
The council was told that homes have been built at 600 of the 1,800 lots at Pleasant Hill.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from Pleasant Hill residents, provided by the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download the city of Bryan staff report.
This podcast is a visit with the director of the Texas A&M system RELLIS campus, Kelly Templin, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Thursday's meeting of the Brazos Valley groundwater district board (September 12) includes two contested applications.
The Texas A&M system opposes the application from a group who wants to export water from Robertson County to Travis, Williamson, Bell, and/or Milam counties.
And the group wanting to ship water to the west opposes the system's application to drill a well on the RELLIS campus.
RELLIS campus director Kelly Templin says the water exporters want to pump almost the same amount of water that is used by the combined total of A&M and the cities of College Station and Bryan.
Both applicants say they have concerns about the impact that the competing applications will have on the underground water aquifer.
Thursday's groundwater district board meeting starts at two p.m. at the district office in downtown Hearne.
Click HERE to be directed to the Brazos Valley groundwater district website home page, which has links to a webstream of Thursday's meeting and documents associated with the applications from the Texas A&M system and those wanting to export water out of Robertson County.
This podcast contains comments from the September 10, 2024 Brazos County commission regular meeting.
Brazos County commissioners approve the 2025 fiscal year budget and property tax rate after hearing from six public speakers.
Five of the six supported the majority vote to increase the tax rate by one cent.
The 4-1 commission vote supported county judge Duane Peters proposal. Steve Aldrich was opposed.
Peters said the FY 25 county budget also spends $90 million dollars in savings. $75 million is going towards capital projects and $15 million is for maintenance and operations.
Peters also said there is a possibility of a tax rate increase in the fiscal year 2026 budget.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update features partner agency Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Billy Couch, Chief of Police, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about traffic during Aggie football games, department statistics, non-officer positions within the department, the evolution of the Northgate district, property crimes, home security cameras, storing bodycam video, using drones, school zones, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the city of Bryan's public works director Jayson Barfknecht and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
One of the city of Bryan's three wastewater treatment plants is getting $6 million dollars of improvements.That's after the city council at its last regular meeting awarded a contract for the Still Creek plant near Highway 21 and Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
Public works director Jayson Barfknecht says the project changes the way waste is broken down from an anaerobic system to an aerobic system.
Parts will be replaced at the grease plant, which serves 23 businesses that processes what Barfknecht says is collected in grease traps at restaurants and the waste in portable toilets.
There will also be a replacement of what is called a bar screen, which protects the treatment system equipment by blocking rags, plastic, and other debris.
The project, which is being paid from the city's wastewater fund, not from taxes.
The contract amount is about $300,000 dollars above the engineer's estimate.
Click HERE to read and download a summary of the contract that was approved at the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download 102 pages of the 1,056 page contract that was approved at the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver about September's First Friday in downtown Bryan, the free shuttle bus between downtown Bryan and Texas A&M home football games, and registration continuing for the downtown Bryan lighted Christmas parade.
Dean Swartzlander, Bryan's new police chief, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background, his career with the Bryan Police Department, training changes he has made, department statistics, his future plans for the department, non-violent crime, home security systems, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
The general manager of the Brazos Transit District (BTD) and the Bryan city council discusses multiple topics during the council's August workshop meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the Brazos Transit District during the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
BTD general manager Wendy Weedon's presentation included an explanation of asking for the first time, local funding to continue the present level of bus service in Bryan and College Station.
As of September 4, the Bryan council and Brazos County commission have not adopted fiscal year 2025 budgets.
The College Station council included BTD's funding request as part of their FY 25 budget.
BTD's request from all three local governments is $334,000 dollars each.
Weedon says that helps make up a loss of over $2 million in federal and state funding because BTD is now considered a large urban operation and is competing with the nation's largest cities for federal and state money.
Weedon told the Bryan council that BTD has unspent money from prior years to make up the remainder of the shortfall for FY 25.
The Bryan council did not indicate during the workshop discussion of its support of BTD's funding request.
Council questions of Weedon included getting more bus stop signs, benches, and shelters. Weedon said they have federal money for signs, benches, and shelters. But BTD does not have the money to acquire the right of way.
Weedon also said BTD has received federal money to buy electric-powered trolleys. But there is no money to operate the trolleys, which she estimated is a cost of between $180,000 and $200,000 dollars per trolley per year.
This podcast is a visit with College Station fire department community outreach specialist Harlei Struck and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The College Station fire department is promoting signage that residents can pick up to show first responders there are pets inside their homes and apartments.
CSFD's community outreach specialist Harlei Struck says residents can write down the number and types of pets and place them on glass surfaces near entry doors.
Struck says the signage gives first responders a heads up about pets that could display the same anxiety as their owners during an emergency.
Struck also recommends that pet owners have their pets microchipped as another protective measure, should pets run outside.
The signs can be picked up at CSFD's administration office on Krenek Tap Road next to College Station municipal court.
The Bryan fire department has ordered more pet signs after recently running out.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber visits with Peggi Ondrasek, President of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Andy York, Executive Director of Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity.
This podcast contains comments from the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting and the July 15, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The Bryan city council unanimously agrees to continue paying for personnel that council members believe is the responsibility of the Bryan ISD school district.
During the council's August regular meeting, there were unanimous votes to pay $198,881 dollars for school crossing guards and one-fourth of the cost of school resource officers, which is $372,228.
Bryan ISD pays the city $1,026,346 for school resource officers at middle schools, high schools, M.C. Harris alternative school, and the district's disciplinary alternative education campus.
Deputy city manager Hugh Walker said negotiations continues with Bryan ISD administrators for the school district to pay more of the cost. Walker told councilmembers that an obstacle is state lawmakers not increasing base funding for public school districts since 2019.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and councilman James Edge said the expense is paid by Bryan taxpayers, whether it comes from the city and/or the school district.
When Bryan ISD board members approved the school resource officer agreement July 15th, there were no comments from board members about that or the city paying for crossing guards.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the school resource officer agreement that was presented for the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement for school resource officers with Bryan ISD that was approved at the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting and the July 15, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the school resource officer resolution that was approved at the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the school crossing guard agreement that was presented for the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the school crossing guard contract that was approved at the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M police (UPD) officer Rob Leseth and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Texas A&M police (UPD) has received multiple reports from local residents being offered tickets for the Notre Dame game from scammers.
Officer Rob Leseth says scammers are using social media to sell fake tickets.
Leseth says UPD recommends buying tickets from the 12th Man Foundation or the university's preferred partners.
For those considering buying tickets outside Kyle Field on game day, Leseth says scalpers are required to have an official A&M seller's license.
Additionally, Leseth says to inspect the ticket for grammatical errors and anything that looks out of place.
Leseth says fans seeing suspicious or criminal activity should call 9-1-1 or UPD's non emergency phone number at 979-845-2345.
Inside the stadium, Leseth says there will be a "significant" number of officers who will be prepared to assist fans.
Casey Barone, Visit College Station's Events Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Hometown Tailgate events, upcoming fall events, renting the 1207 facility, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 27, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
A majority of Brazos County commissioners approve increasing the property tax rate for the fiscal year 2025 budget.
That followed debates during Tuesday's (August 27) budget workshop and regular meeting between county judge Duane Peters and commissioner Steve Aldrich.
Peters, who made the motion to increase the property tax rate by one cent, wanted to protect the county's fund balance...also known as the county's savings account...to pay for capital projects instead of borrowing money.
Aldrich failed in his attempt to approve a no new revenue property tax rate, which would have reduced the FY 2025 rate.
Peters motion was approved by a four to one vote.
A public hearing on the FY 25 Brazos County tax rate and budget will be held September 10th at 9 a.m.
Click HERE to read and download the Brazos County proposed 2025 budget.
Bryan Firefighter Chris Lamb visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about working in the hot summer temperatures, special oxygen masks for animals, recruiting new firefighters, how to apply, the EMS component of the job, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President's Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the start of school, enrollment numbers, new student conferences, working with community partners, the search for a new Commandant, the future of ticket pull, a new television commercial, what is happening with KAMU, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County county attorney Earl Gray and WTAW's Bill Oliver that was recorded August 23, 2024.
Brazos County's district court clerk and a former girlfriend will not be prosecuted on misdemeanor assault charges.
The decision affecting district clerk Gabriel Garcia and Maria Ramirez was announced Friday (August 23) by Brazos County county attorney Earl Gray.
Gray told WTAW News that there was insufficient evidence to file formal charges of a class "A" misdemeanor of family violence assault causing bodily injury or a class "C" misdemeanor assault by offensive touching.
This week's United Way of the Brazos Valley update features Lised Roe from Project Unity.
Mason Taylor, Senior Redpot, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this year's Cut Class and November's burn.
Tommy Schilling, Code Enforcement Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about code violations, See-Click-Fix, working with other Texas cities, the new over occupancy ordinance, reporting violations, Aggie football game days, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Stacey Urbanczyk, Program Manager for the Area Agency on Aging Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about an online survey to provide input on aging services to support older Texans.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A news release from Brazos County announces a mistake in the list of early voting locations for this November's general election will be corrected at the next county commission meeting.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock says a student caught the omission of Texas A&M's memorial student center (MSC) as an early voting location.
Hancock says commissioners will amend the election order adding the MSC and deleting College Station city hall as an early voting location.
Voter registration for the November 5th election continues through October 7th.
Hancock says sample ballots won't be ready until the Texas secretary of state submits names of state and federal candidates. She says the state won't release that information until August 29th.
News release from Brazos County:
Brazos County elections officials have been made aware of a mistake in the Order for the November 5, 2024 General and Special Election and are correcting the oversight.
The Order, which was adopted by Brazos County commissioners during the August 13, 2024 regular meeting, listed College Station City Hall as an early voting location, but did not list the Memorial Student Center on the Texas A&M campus. This was simply a case of human error.
The August 27, 2024 regular meeting of commissioners court will address this mistake and offer an amended order to remove College Station City Hall and replace it with the Memorial Student Center.
“I am so thankful to the student who reached out to me for clarification on this issue, “ said Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock. “Even with all of the people who proof-read the order, no one caught the mistake. He was professional and courteous in bringing it to our attention. I encourage anyone with elections questions to always feel free to contact our office.”
Hancock says this will not affect early voting in any way.
This podcast is a visit recorded August 22, 2024 with one of the first newly elected members to the board of the Brazos Central Appraisal District, Rafael Pena, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
In November 2023, Texas voters changed the state constitution by adding elected members to appraisal district boards.
In May 2024, three people were elected to represent the Brazos Central Appraisal District (BCAD) board.
Thursday (August 22) was the first meeting for the first elected members of the BCAD board.
Rafael Pena and Jane Sherman were sworn in, along with Brazos County's new tax assessor-collector Melissa Leonard.
Also elected but absent from Thursday's meeting was Jonna Schreiber.
Board members, elected and appointed, are not involved in setting property values or hearing appeals.
Board members appoint the chief appraiser, adopt the annual budget and biennial reappraisal plan, approve litigation settlements, and approve contract services.
This podcast is a visit recorded August 22, 2024 with one of the first newly elected members to the board of the Brazos Central Appraisal District, Jane Sherman, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
In November 2023, Texas voters changed the state constitution by adding elected members to appraisal district boards.
In May 2024, three people were elected to represent the Brazos Central Appraisal District (BCAD) board.
Thursday (August 22) was the first meeting for the first elected members of the BCAD board.
Rafael Pena and Jane Sherman were sworn in, along with Brazos County's new tax assessor-collector Melissa Leonard.
Also elected but absent from Thursday's meeting was Jonna Schreiber.
Board members, elected and appointed, are not involved in setting property values or hearing appeals.
Board members appoint the chief appraiser, adopt the annual budget and biennial reappraisal plan, approve litigation settlements, and approve contract services.
Bryan City Secretary Mary Lynne Stratta visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her career as city secretary, her successor, her past accomplishments and achievements, changes the city has undergone during her time, her future plans, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 18, 2024 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
The Bryan city council adopts without public discussion at their August regular meeting, hiring an outside company that will prevent motor vehicle owners from renewing their registration online until municipal court traffic fines are paid.
An explanation of the "scofflaw" program was presented during a June 18th council workshop by the administrator of Bryan's municipal court.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 18, 2024 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the memorandum of understanding that was approved at the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Chad Eixmann this is targeted to more than 10,000 people who have been issued warrants for failing to pay more than $5 million dollars in fines.
Eixmann said the scofflaw program, which has the support of the city's new municipal court presiding judge, permits their contractor to flag vehicles through the Texas department of motor vehicles.
Eixmann also said tax assessor-collectors have the option of blocking renewals, but he said they prefer doing the renewals.
The city's contractor does not charge the city or vehicle owner.
There is not a scofflaw program in College Station.
A statement sent to WTAW News by College Station municipal judge Ed Spillane says "We have considered it through the years, but under the law, the county tax assessor “may” hold the registration. Up to this time, the county assessor had decided not to participate and put a hold on registering vehicles, so we did not spend money on the scofflaw program. We do participate in the omnibase program, which puts a hold on defendants who do not pay or show up to court from renewing their driver’s license upon expiration until they have taken care of their cases."
The city of Bryan also blocks drivers license renewals for unpaid municipal court fines.
This podcast contains remarks from the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Susan Davenport, at the August 21, 2024 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing.
This podcast is a recording of Senator Ted Cruz's remarks at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 21, 2024.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the 1207 venue, the return of Texas A&M students, Amazon drones, housing issues on the next agenda, feral hog damage, watering fields at Veterans Park, the city budget, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Ondrasek and the director of UWBV partner agency Sexual Assault Resource Center of the Brazos Valley Lindsey LeBlanc visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station city councilman William Wright visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs August 16, 2024.
Topics includes reviewing the work of the city's housing action plan committee, other housing issues in College Station, the council's progress in considering the city's proposed fiscal year 2025 budget, the council's consideration of the Brazos Transit District first time budget request and associated public transit questions, a review of recent council discussion items, and the status of the city owned former Macy's store at Post Oak Mall.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County assistant district attorney Kevin Capps and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded August 14, 2024.
October 2024 marks three years since two visitors from Florida were struck by a vehicle while crossing Texas Avenue north of University at two in the morning.
One of the visitors died and the other sustained severe injuries.
While the driver was arrested for intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury, he was indicted for DWI with a child in the vehicle.
And on Tuesday (August 13), 45 year old Jay Griffin III of Bryan pleaded guilty to that felony and to violating probation for a prior conviction of possessing a controlled substance.
In a plea agreement with the Brazos County district attorney's office, Griffin received a two year prison sentence.
The prosecutor in that case, assistant district attorney Kevin Capps says there was no evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that intoxication manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide took place.
Capps says Griffin's blood alcohol level three hours after hitting the pedestrians was just over the legal limit at point .090.
And the prosecutor said Bryan police estimated the speed of Griffin's vehicle was between 34 and 53 miles per hour in the 40 mile per hour zone.
WTAW News story published October 14, 2021:
Bryan police report one of two pedestrians struck by an accused drunk driver last weekend has died.
BPD identified the man who died is 20 year old Pedro Lopez Jr. of Miami, Florida.
The second man who was struck remains hospitalized and is in stable condition.
The men were struck by a SUV Sunday just before 2 a.m. while crossing South Texas near the Fairfield Inn hotel.
The driver who was arrested, 42 year old Jay Griffin III of Bryan, is out of jail after posting bonds totaling $60,000 dollars following his arrest for intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury.
Original story published October 10, 2021:
Two pedestrians are hospitalized with life threatening injuries after they were struck by a SUV in Bryan Sunday shortly before 2 a.m.
The driver was arrested on charges of intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury.
According to the Bryan police arrest report, the SUV struck two men who were crossing South Texas across the street from the Fairfield Inn hotel near the College Station city limits.
Injuries to both pedestrians include fractured skills.
As of the time of a BPD news release Sunday just before 10 a.m. both men were in critical condition.
42 year old Jay Griffin III of Bryan is out of jail after posting bonds totaling $60,000 dollars following his arrest for intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury.
Texas Avenue between Hensel and Cooner was closed for more than four hours.
Bryan police officer Seth Waller visited with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs August 15, 2024 about start of the school year traffic issues, registration for National Night Out, and officer recruitment efforts.
This podcast contains comments from the August 13, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
A majority of Bryan city council members express no opposition to rezoning land north of the Premiere movie complex to build 150 luxury apartments.
But final action was delayed.
That followed more than one hour of discussion involving council members, the landowner, and opponents who included neighboring homeowners and the presidents of the Austin's Colony and Greenbriar homeowners associations.
The opponents favored keeping current zoning for retail development.
The landowner, Wayne Courreges III, said he wants to buy additional land surrounding his proposed apartment complex to develop what he calls "top retail".
Courreges said he preferred building three story apartment buildings containing one and two bedroom units versus a four story hotel, which he is allowed to do with current zoning.
Councilman James Edge said he was "intrigued" about building a hotel.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez, who supported the apartments, said that would have less impact on the homeowners than the hotel or other structures allowed under current zoning.
The council unanimously approved Jared Salvato's motion to delay action one month.
Salvato wanted to give the landowner and city staff time to study how to minimize safety risks associated with extending Sam Rayburn Drive to Austin's Colony Parkway. That intersection is near what is described as a blind curve on Austin's Colony Parkway. The intersection is also close to three Bryan ISD schools.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from landowner Wayne Courreges III.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the city of Bryan.
This podcast contains comments from the August 13, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners move another $1.5 million dollars in federal pandemic grant money to the construction of the medical examiner's office.
There was no public discussion before Tuesday's (August 13) unanimous vote to increase the amount of money county received from ARPA...the american rescue plan act...to $21 million dollars.
After the vote, commissioners were asked by a citizen why $1 million was transferred from what was originally set aside for broadband expansion in rural areas.
County judge Duane Peters said after the original decision was made to reserve grant money for broadband, the federal government issued rules that said ARPA funds could not be used on something where another federal funding source was available.
In the case of broadband, the commission's general counsel, Bruce Erratt, said the state received federal money that is being given to broadband providers to expand service in rural areas.
Commissioners Chuck Konderla, Wanda Watson, and Steve Aldrich also spoke about efforts by the state's broadband commission.
This podcast is Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez's visit with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The infomanaics August 14, 2024.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Ondrasek and development manager Maggie Gray visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about preparing for the start of the next community campaign and administering the regional state employee charitable campaign.
The visit also includes an invitation to participate in UWBV's campaign kickoff event Friday night, August 23rd, at the College Station Hilton.
Click HERE to be directed to the UWBV website for more information on all three activities.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
School begins Tuesday (August 13) in Bryan ISD and on Wednesday in College Station ISD.
Motorists should plan on longer commutes with the start of school.
Reminders from Bryan police officer Seth Waller begins with staying off cell phones.
Motorists are also told to slow down when approaching speed zones around schools, obey school bus flashing lights, and give school crossing guards enough time to return to the sidewalk after directing students across the street.
This podcast contains comments from the August 8, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council gives the green light to proceed with a nearly $21 million dollar repurposing what was supposed to be a baseball field complex.
Due to bad soil quality off Rock Prairie Road at Texas Independence Park, the council unanimously supported a new master plan that parks and recreation director Kelsey Heiden described as having more passive uses.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials associated with the master plan that was approved at the August 8, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The park will include College Station's first 18 hole disc golf course.
Incorporated into the park will be walking and bike trails.
There will also be a fishing pond, green space for pickup games, and what Heiden describes as a destination play experience.
The council directed staff to solicit proposals to finalize designs that were developed by an outside company and by Texas A&M students with public input.
Yet to be decided are funding sources and the construction schedule for the various features.
The council approving the master plan comes as construction is wrapping up on a restroom building.
Bryan Woods, College Station City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the challenges and rewards of his position, Texas Independence Park, ambulance and fire truck usage, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Tom Turbiville, BVVM Board Member, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about submitting a new name for the Wall of Honor, frequently asked questions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about selling bonds, the impact on the city budget, the upcoming affordable housing presentation, opportunities for ROOs, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Scot Walker, Vice President of The Association of Former Students, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about changes coming to Aggie Ring Day events this fall.
Texas A&M's chief marketing and communications officer, who is in his tenth month on the job, shared with the board of regents the university's upcoming marketing campaign.
During a regents workshop meeting on August 1, Ethan Braden said A&M's upcoming national campaign begins on television with a commercial during the Aggies football opener against Notre Dame.
The script of the 60 second commercial is:
"At Texas A&M University, what do we stand for?
We stand for leadership, respect, and excellence.
We stand for loyalty. Integrity. And selfless service.
At Texas A&M, we stand for four straight hours.
And we always stand ready.
We stand up for others, stand in when others won’t, never stand by, and we won’t stand still.
Texas Aggies have always ‘stood where duty required us to stand’.
We stand for something bigger than ourselves and we stand stronger together.
At Texas A&M University, we know what we stand for.
Come stand with us.
At Texas A&M University, we know what we stand for.
Come stand with us."
Braden also says 30 people across the campus are developing A&M's brand platform that will launch next February.
He also shared research with the regents that the words or phrases that immediately come to mind when one thinks of A&M, are "football", nothing, "aggies", "sports", and "agriculture".
One of Braden's targets is the 40 percent of adults in the United States who have either not heard of A&M or have no opinion about the university.
He wants to increase the national and international opinion that A&M "educates the next generation of ethical leaders", "has affordable tuition cost", "has an extensive campus infrastructure", "has high quality faculty", "innovates with teaching and learning", "promotes diversity and inclusion", and "conducts research that helps society".
Braden said the goal "over the next 7 months (August - February) (is to) define and sustain a coordinated campaign for Texas A&M University to bridge the gap between now and the launch of a new brand platform and marketing campaign. Align all areas of the university to create marketing harmony, leveraging the current purpose, values message, and a tighter expression of the visual image."
What Braden calls A&M's "value campaign" should:
● Advance the awareness, recognition, visibility, and reputation of Texas A&M, within and beyond Texas.
● Strengthen the university’s readiness to launch a bold new brand campaign in early 2025.
● Leverage existing core messages and content that is impactful but familiar - remind people about the core values and purpose of the university.
● Reinforce Texas A&M’s position as a national (and eventually global) brand within and outside of higher education that is recognized and respected.
There were no comments from board of regents members or system administrators during or after Braden's presentation.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shared during the August 1, 2024 Texas A&M system board of regents workshop meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Valley Food Bank director Theresa Mangapora and WTAW's Scott DeLucia that aired August 1, 2024 on The Infomaniacs.
Wednesday (August 7) is the Brazos Valley Food Bank's 31st Feast of Caring fundraiser.
Food Bank director Theresa Mangapora, visiting on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, says celebrity servers will greet you with the meal of beans and rice along with sausage, salad, and dessert.
Mangapora says the food bank is serving more people since the pandemic due to the end of government related pandemic assistance followed by skyrocketing inflation.
Wednesday's event takes place from 11 until one at the Brazos Center.
This podcast contains comments from the July 31, 2024 Texas A&M system board of regents building committee meeting.
More construction on the RELLIS campus is scheduled to start in September.
That's after the Texas A&M system board of regents during its quarterly business meeting on August 1st approved spending more than $13 million dollars to extend streets and utilities south and east of the runways.
Click HERE to read and download project information that was approved during the August 1, 2024 board of regents meeting.
Before the regents unanimous vote, came a unanimous recommendation from the board's building committee. But before the committee's vote, system administrators were asked about getting financial assistance from the city of Bryan and other third party utility providers.
Regent Michael Plank of Houston said "We've got an awful lot going on at RELLIS. We're gonna have an awful lot of utilities involved out there. A lot of money being invested. So the question is, what's the benefit to the city and do we have any kind of reimbursement programs of any kind?"
The system's chief financial officer, Billy Hamilton, says the new streets and utilities are to benefit two system agencies.
One involves keeping heavy truck traffic associated with a new Texas Department of Emergency Management building off RELLIS Parkway.
And the extension will also serve a new AgriLife Research reproductive sciences building and eventually "the business end of (the) Rosenthal" meat center.
Construction is scheduled one year to complete, weather permitting.
The project location is Avenue D from Bryan Street to Goodson Bend Road, 7th Street from Flightline Road to Bryan Road, and Flightline Road from the Innovative Proving
Grounds to the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service Training Props site.
The project scope includes new concrete roadways, site drainage, domestic water, natural gas, sanitary sewer, street lighting, electrical, and communications utilities.In addition, a new campus entry will be constructed where Avenue D empties onto Goodson Bend Road, and a new Remote Switching Unit building will be installed near the intersection of Avenue D and 7th Street.
Henry Mayo with the Texas Society of Professional Surveyors visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about thebicentennial of the “Old 300” Land Grants in Texas.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M athletics director Trev Alberts, speaking at an A&M system board of regents workshop meeting on August 1, 2024.
Texas A&M athletics director Trev Alberts presented an update to the A&M system board of regents during a workshop meeting on Thursday (August 1).
Alberts, who was named AD on March 13, brought up the department's culture, student-athlete experience, business operations, and the department's challenges and opportunities.
Alberts said this is the first time since 2018 that A&M athletics is not on NCAA probation or in an active investigation.
June's Kyle Field soccer match and George Strait concert generated a profit of roughly $6.5 million dollars.
A reduction of about 18 employees in the athletic department's administration has saved $2 million dollars. Alberts then said there is probably additional room for more staff reductions.
Alberts also brought up how coaches budgets are impacted by the expected court decision where A&M athletes would receive 22 percent of the athletic department's revenue.
Academically, Alberts said the student-athlete cumulative grade point average is the highest ever at just under 3.1.
And the graduation success rate is among the highest ever at 87 percent, something that Alberts wants to see raised to at least 90 percent.
This podcast contains comments from the July 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
For the second time in three months, the College Station city council discusses increasing fees for parks and recreation programs and services.
Dominating the more than one hour discussion during the council's July 25th meeting, was how much of the actual cost should be paid by users who don't live in College Station.
Currently, non-residents pay a 20 percent surcharge on most programs and services.
Mayor John Nichols believed there were four votes to have a rate structure for non residents that is 25 percent higher.
The discussion also included Bryan residents paying a surcharge similar to what Bryan charges for College Station residents, and a higher rate for non-residents who do not live in Bryan.
The council is also considering staff proposals to solicit sponsorship money from private businesses, have sports participants pay umpires and referees, and increasing marketing and promotional efforts to get more participants.
The College Station council will consider final action on a new fee schedule during its August 22nd meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast is a visit with College Station fire chief Richard Mann and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded August 1, 2024 following CSFD's announcement that a co-owner of the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop was arrested on a charge of intentionally setting the fire that destroyed the building.
Caroline Ask, Solid Waste Division Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about move in/move out season, placement of bulk items and brush piles, how to be a good neighbor, collection days, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 30, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County's elections administrator makes a presentation to county commissioners the week after her office received criticism during public comments.
Trudy Hancock said public comments challenging voter registration records contained correct statistics. But the conclusions drawn by a citizen's group were wrong.
For example, Hancock said 22 voters with a date of birth of January 1, 1901 registered before dates of birth were required. When the requirement started, the state inserted a date of birth of January 1, 1901.
Hancock also said it was legal for voters to reside in RV parks and for voters to use their permanent home address when they are at college or when they are living in nursing homes.
Hancock says they have received more than six hundred challenges based on voter residency. So far, more than four hundred have been rejected due to lacking details.
For a challenge to be valid, Hancock said that document:* 1.Must have an original signature. * 2.Must be signed in front of a notary public or similar official. * 3.Must establish that the requestor is a registered voter in Brazos County. * 4.Must be based on personal knowledge and not hearsay.
Commissioner Wanda Watson brought up her prior experience as an election worker, an election judge, and chairwoman of the Brazos County Democratic Party in thanking Hancock and her staff.
Hancock and county judge Duane Peters stressed that anyone with a question to contact the elections office.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials that were shown during the July 30, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Lina Adams from Destination Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about First Friday, the new Maroon and White Night, live music, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The general manager of Twin Oaks landfill, which is co-owned by the cities of College Station and Bryan, presented an update during the last College Station city council meeting.
Bryan Griesbach said the budget approved by the landfill board of the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA) includes for the first time, the twin cities not being charged a tipping fee.
Additionally, the landfill will be paying the cities fees charged by the state and by Grimes County, where the landfill is located. That amounts to $1.58 a ton in savings to the cities. In College Station, that is a savings of $118,500 dollars and in Bryan a savings of $94,800 dollars.
Griesbach also reported that gas produced by the compacted trash and exported by a third party is resulting in the landfill receiving about $200,000 dollar a month.
The council was also told that the three to six year process has started of getting a state permit to build the landfill's next cell, which won't be needed for approximately 40 years.
Click HERE to read and download BVSWMA presentation materials shown during the July 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the BVSWMA fiscal year 2025 budget as provided by the city of College Station.
This podcast contains comments from the July 30, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County tax office will be closed to the public Thursday (August 1) to prepare for a leadership change.
Kristy Roe, who is retiring as tax assessor-collector, gave a reminder during Tuesday's (July 30) county commission meeting.
On Thursday, employees from the tax office and other county departments will be making what Roe says are "necessary software and inventory verifications that will enable the office to open on Friday August 2nd under the newly appointed County Tax Assessor/Collector."
Roe also shared with commissioners a recent inspection by the Texas department of motor vehicles that is required during a leadership transition.
News release from the Brazos County tax assessor-collector's office:
In preparation for the change in administration of the Brazos County Tax Office, the office will be closed to the public on August 1, 2024.
Staff, along with various other County office personnel will be working to make necessary software modifications and inventory verifications that will enable the office to open on Friday August 2nd under the newly appointed County Tax Assessor/Collector.
Residents are encouraged to take care of urgent business before the end of July to avoid any delays.
Simple vehicle registration renewals are available at all Kroger locations, and at the following HEB locations:
725 E Villa Maria Rd, Bryan
1609 N Texas Ave., Bryan
1900 Texas Ave S., College Station
11675 FM 2154, College Station
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Phillips Event Center, the sewer trunkline interlocal agreement with College Station, the potential project at RELLIS, BTU, capital improvement projects, medians, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President's Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a rural medicine practice, the CrowdStrike outage, leadership positions that are being filled, Howdy Week, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jef Conn, Chairman of Texas Realtors, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Q2 housing market trends for the College Station-Bryan area.
This podcast contains comments from the June 18, 2024 College Station ISD board meeting.
College Station ISD's superintendent tells his board that it's time to talk about a subject that no one wants to discuss...changing campus boundaries.
Tim Harkrider brought up rezoning during June's CSISD board meeting as he asked members to consider dropping the annual requirement that was established seven years ago to spend $25,000 dollars on a demographer to review campus populations.
Click HERE to read and download College Station ISD's policy "FC local", which includes the yearly review of student population of campus buildings.
Board members took no action during the June discussion. Neither of the subjects were not brought up during July's CSISD board meeting.
Ian Whittenton, Deputy City Secretary, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about filing for the upcoming election and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the portion of the July 25th, 2024 Leadership Brazos Alumni Association luncheon honoring Louis Newman III and the 75th anniversary of Newman Printing Company.
Speakers in order of appearance are Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer, Joel Bryan of Bryan Creative Group, Doug Tennis of StarLite Advisory Group, Louis Newman III, College Station mayor John Nichols, and Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez.
The photo associated with this podcast is Louis Newman holding a framed copy of a proclamation read by the mayors. Standing (L-R) are Bobby Gutierrez, Louis Newman III, John Nichols, and Glen Brewer.
This podcast is a recording of the July 25, 2024 Leadership Brazos (LB) Alumni Luncheon program that includes:
The presentation of the Royce Hickman leadership scholarship
Recognition of LB class of 2024 coordinators
Introduction of incoming LB coordinators
An overview of the Leadership Brazos program
and information for LB alumni
City Secretary Mary Lynne Stratta visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recruiting for boards, committees, and commissions, her retirement, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains public comments from the July 23, 2024 meeting of the Brazos County commission, followed by a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners hear about the work of a group looking through voter registration records.
During public comments at Tuesday's (July 23) meeting, Cindy Wiley said those records need to be cleaned up.
One example described by Wiley was that she found 54 people who had the same birthdate of January 1 of 1901.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock told WTAW News that those voters have a false date of birth because when they registered, state law did not require that or other personal information.
Hancock says Texas is one of the most stringent states when it comes to removing people from voter registration records...adding that most of the time that is done by the state.
County commissioners by state law were not allowed to respond to Wiley because her comments were not part of an agenda item.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about the upcoming public hearing on the proposed budget, operations and maintenance funds, public transportation, this week’s meeting agenda, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 16, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
July's meeting of the College Station ISD school board included an update about upcoming roof replacements and repairs that will be funded in part with bond money approved by voters last November.
CSISD's new facilities director Paul Buckner said he and the district's roof consultant are investigating whether some of the cost of replacing and repairing roofs can be paid by filing manufacturer's warranty and insurance claims.
CSISD board members expressed no opposition to recommendations of allocating more than $21 million dollars in bond money to 17 roof projects at 15 locations. The amount of bond money may be less, depending on what can be paid by manufacturer warranties and insurance claims from hailstorms.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 16, 2024 College Station ISD board meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the July 16, 2024 College Station city council budget workshop meeting.
The College Station city council is the first local governing body to discuss a funding request from the Brazos Transit District (BTD) of more than $300,000 dollars to help make up for the loss of operating revenue from the federal government.
The funding decrease was the result of Brazos County now being considered an urban county following the 2020 census as it applies to federal mass transit funding.
A College Station council majority during a July 16th budget workshop tentatively approved BTD's request, which has also been made but not been discussed by Brazos County commissioners or the Bryan city council.
Initiating the discussion during College Station council budget workshops was councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha, who rides BTD buses.
Another College Station councilmember who rides BTD buses, William Wright, was among councilmembers who sought more information from BTD and wants BTD routes that serves more College Station residents.
Councilman Bob Yancy received no support for his idea that the city provide bus service.
The College Station council holds its public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2025 budget during this Thursday's meeting (July 25).
This podcast contains comments from the July 9, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council adds to the city's zoning regulations, where battery energy storage systems (BESS) can be located.
After an explanation from councilman James Edge and Benjamin Johnson of the city's planning department, the council unanimously approved restricting sites to industrial areas.
In addition to being restricted to industrial areas, an applicant must also get a conditional use permit to build and operate sites that collects then discharges power during demand peaks.
The Bryan fire department sought to keep battery storage sites away from commercial and residential areas in part because of the difficulty of extinguishing battery fires and how that could result in discharging waste runoff.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance and the city of Bryan staff report.
This podcast contains comments from the July 17, 2024 College Station city council budget workshop meeting.
The College Station city council spent almost 12 hours over two days last week (July 15-16) reviewing the staff's proposal for the fiscal year 2025 budget.
More than 40 minutes was taken on a proposal to build a new public works facility that is currently estimated to cost $40 million dollars.
Funding is divided over three fiscal years, $5 million is in the FY 2025 budget, $17.5 million in FY 2027, and $17.5 million in FY 2028.
Councilman Mark Smith said he attempted to replace the 46 year old building when he was public works director.
City manager Bryan Woods joined Smith and a council majority in supporting a new facility.
Councilman Bob Yancy, who initiated the conversation by asking the council to reconsider the project, finished the discussion by withdrawing his request.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This week, you'll find many local law enforcement officers at Texas Roadhouse in College Station taking care of customers as part of the annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser for local Special Olympics athletes.
Bryan police officer Seth Waller says one hundred percent of the tips goes to local Special Olympics athletes who participate all year.
Waller says this year's goal is $50,000 dollars.
Tip-A-Cop is taking place Monday through Thursday (July 22-25) between three and ten p.m.
This podcast contains comments from the July 18, 2024 Bryan city council special meeting, where maintenance issues at the city of Bryan's Travis Field stadium were discussed during by council members, city staff, and the owner of the company that is the exclusive operator of the stadium.
This podcast contains comments from the July 16, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members spent about two hours behind closed doors during Tuesday night's meeting (July 16) to evaluate the first year performance of superintendent Tim Harkrider.
Then the board returned to open session and unanimously gave Harkrider a contract extension of one year.
Harkrider, who just completed his first year as CSISD superintendent, remains under contract for three years.
Councilman Mark Smith visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Housing Action Plan presentation, the city budget, potential incentive programs for city employees, the former Macy's store, quality of life improvements that are needed, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 18, 2024 special meeting of the Bryan city council.
The Bryan city council decides, with conditions, to let the company that owns Brazos Valley Bombers baseball and Twin Cities Toucans soccer to continue an exclusive agreement to manage Travis Field stadium through the end of its contract in 2025.
The five to nothing council vote approved a motion composed by city attorney Thomas Leeper that allows the city council to seek requests for managing the stadium after the 2025 Bombers season without the threat of a lawsuit from the Bombers and Toucans parent company, Infinity Sports & Entertainment.
Leeper said "the motion would be to rescind the notice of termination contingent upon Infinity Sports Entertainment's amending the agreement to permit the city to have the option to issue a request for proposal after 60 days from July 18, 2024."
The council's vote followed three hours of public comments that included a one hour and 20 minute exchange between council members and Infinity/Bombers/Toucans owner Uri Geva, which ended with the framework for the motion that the council approved after the governing body heard 30 minutes of comments from 18 Bombers and Toucans supporters.
Absent from Thursday's (July 18) special meeting were councilmen Ray Arrington and Kevin Boriskie.
Councilman Paul Torres visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about leadership changes, what he has learned during his time on council, the Phillips Event Center, relieving traffic, medians, Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez, mayor pro tem James Edge, and WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city council's considering an early termination agreement of using the Travis Field stadium by Infinity Sports & Entertainment, the parent company of Brazos Valley Bombers baseball and Twin Cities Toucans soccer.
Click HERE for more information about the proposal and an interview with Infinity owner Uri Geva.
Bryan's Mayor Bobby Gutierrez and Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Thursday's special meeting regarding the agreement with the Brazos Valley Bombers, other uses for the facility, the 380 agreement, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the owner of the Brazos Valley Bombers baseball and Twin Cities Toucans soccer teams, Uri Geva, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This may be the last season of Brazos Valley Bombers baseball and Twin Cities Toucans soccer in Bryan.
The owner of the Bombers and Toucans says the city of Bryan wants to terminate an agreement to use the city ballpark after this season, one year before the current contract expires.
Uri Geva tells WTAW News he is interested in continuing a relationship that began in 2006.The Bryan city council has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday (July 18) at 3 p.m. to consider terminating the agreement. Geva asks for Bombers and Toucans fans to share their experiences during the public comment portion of the council meeting.
Geva told WTAW News "It just feels like a very sad moment from a decision making for council, but it can still be reversed. It's not too late to save the Bombers in the 2025 season that can be played in Bryan."
Geva said he was notified last Thursday (July 11) about the city's intent to terminate the agreement.
Noting renovations at the Bombers ballpark preceded the city of Bryan's addition of new youth baseball fields next door and the development of Midtown Park, Geva told WTAW News "as a catalyst of this whole redevelopment, it's sad that we're the ones that are getting kicked out to the curb because there's a shiny new object that the city wants to have somebody else take control over without thinking about the repercussions of what it could mean to not having the Bombers or the Toucans playing their home games in Bryan for the 2025 season".
In an e-mail Geva provided to WTAW News that he sent to the city manager and a deputy city manager, Geva wrote "In a world where commitments are seldom honored, we hold onto the hope that the city staff can stand behind their contractual commitments and the word they gave us eight years ago. We believe that forgoing any future plans for just one more year to ensure promises are kept would not only honor the agreement but also reinforce the trust and goodwill that have been the foundation of our longstanding relationship with the City of Bryan."
Geva's e-mail also says "If the City of Bryan is determined to prevent the Bombers from finishing our current lease, which ends in December 2025, please inform us by July 19, 2024, so that we can inform the Texas Collegiate League we will more than likely not be able to play in the 2025 season due to this. Alternatively, if the City of Bryan can confirm the Bombers abilities to rent the facility for their home games at a reasonable rate (similar to other TCL teams), while retaining the ability to sell concessions during the season and having the abilities to sell annual sponsorship for all signage in the facility (not including naming rights) the Bombers could continue to call Bryan home. We are able and available to meet about these details any time to ensure the Bombers can communicate to the league they have a place to play by the end of this week."
Geva's e-mail also stated if he is not allowed to complete the current lease, "a discussion about the compensation the city would owe the team for the significant improvements made to the park along with the damages to canceling the Bombers ’25 season would need to arise and we will defer to legal council to handle all of those discussions."
As of July 16, the Bombers have six more regular season home games and one home playoff game.
As of July 16, the Bombers have six more regular season home games and one home playoff game.
Click HERE to read and download the Bryan city council agenda item for the July 18, 2024 meeting associated with the parent company of the Brazos Valley Bombers and Twin Cities Toucans.
Click HERE to read and download the e-mail provided to WTAW News from Uri Geva that he sent to Bryan city manager Kean Register and deputy city manager Hugh Walker on July 15, 2024.
Click HERE to read and download the city of Bryan's current agreement with Infinity Sports Entertainment, the parent company of the Brazos Valley Bombers and Twin Cities Toucans, provided by the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download the first of two amendments to the current agreement, provided by the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download the second of two amendments to the current agreement, provided by the city of Bryan.
This podcast contains comments from the July 9, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council overrides a recommendation by the planning and zoning commission on an administrative matter.
In June, P and Z voted five to three to give staff the authority under a new state law to take final action on subdividing plats, which is dividing land into smaller parcels.
During the council's July 9th meeting, six council members, five who previously served on P and Z, voted to keep that authority with planning and zoning.
The city's director of development services Martin Zimmerman says in his 19 years with the city, there have been maybe one or two controversial requests to divide land.Zimmerman also said this speeds up the development process.
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, who was one of the council members who previously served on P and Z and who voted against transferring authority to staff, confirmed with Zimmerman that the three current P and Z members who were opposed were the most veteran members of the advisory body.
Other former P and Z members who supported the P and Z minority to maintain authority, were mayor Bobby Gutierrez and councilmen Paul Torres, Jared Salvato, and Kevin Boriskie.
Councilman James Edge also voted to keep authority with P and Z.
Councilman Ray Arrington voted with the P and Z majority to transfer authority to city staff.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the July 9, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed ordinance that was defeated by the Bryan city council and minutes from the Planning & Zoning Commission endorsement.
This podcast contains comments from the June 27, 2024 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include College Station city manager Bryan Woods and city attorney Adam Falco.
July 12th was the deadline for public comment to the Federal Aviation Administration on Amazon's application to increase the number of drone delivery operations based in College Station.
On July 11th, the city submitted a letter from mayor John Nichols stating in part that the council does "not support their request in its entirety."
The letter asks the FAA to "delay the increase in service levels relating to the number of deliveries, as well as the expanded operation days and hours, until additional noise mitigation efforts are implemented by Amazon Prime Air."
The mayor's letter goes on to say "In addition, the current zoning on the property has a base of Suburban Commercial, which is intended to provide for limited commercial uses that are compatible with nearby neighborhoods."
Nichols says the increase in Amazon's "proposed service levels could exceed the intent of said zoning district."
The letter was composed following direction by the city council during its meeting on June 27.
This podcast contains comments from the July 11, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Ten days before 9,000 track and field athletes and 14,000 fans arrive in Aggieland for a national championship, the College Station city council approves spending almost $1 million dollars.
The council unanimously approved paying Texas A&M $950,000 dollars to manage the six day event.
That's after spending $35,000 in the bid that was accepted to host the USATF (United States Track & Field) National Junior Olympic championships.
Click HERE to read and download background information provided by the city of College Station associated with the action taken at the July 11, 2024 city council meeting.
City staff told the council they expect to break even.
Tourism manager Jeremiah Cook is projecting the city collecting at least $300,000 dollars in ticket sales and up to $644,000 dollars from a state grant.
Cook also said the city of Bryan's tourism office is making a financial contribution that is less than $100,000 dollars, along with volunteers, and staff time.
The council discussion did not include extending paid parking south of the A&M campus as was done in June for the George Strait concert and the international soccer match.
Click HERE to be directed to the USATF website for more information about the track and field event that will be held July 22-28 at Texas A&M's Cushing Stadium.
This podcast is a visit with incoming interim Brazos County tax assessor-collector Melissa Leonard and WTAW's Bill Oliver; followed by comments from the July 12, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
The photo associated with this podcast shows (L-R) Brazos County commissioner Wanda Watson visiting with Melissa Leonard following the July 12, 2024 county commission meeting.
A change of leadership at the Brazos County tax office on August 1st is officially approved by county commissioners.
During a special meeting July 12th, commissioners accepted the early retirement of tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and appointed deputy Melissa Leonard to finish Roe's unexpired term.
Roe, who did not seek a fifth term, sought the early retirement to allow tax information for the upcoming year to be registered in the name of her successor.
Leonard, a 24 year employee of the tax office who ran unopposed for the Republican nomination, faces a Libertarian candidate in the November general election.
News release from Brazos County:
In a special session of Brazos County Commissioners Court on July 12, 2024, commissioners accepted the resignation/retirement of longtime Brazos County Tax Assessor/Collector Kristeen Roe and approved the appointment of Melissa Leonard to fill the position.
Roe had previously decided not to run for re-election, and in January started the process of audits which are legally required when a tax assessor/collector leaves office.
Once those audits were completed, Roe realized stepping aside now would allow the taxing information for the upcoming year to be registered in the new official’s name, thereby making the transition easier for the county as a whole.
Leonard has served as Brazos County’s deputy tax assessor/collector for 24 years and has completed all training and bonding to be able to seamlessly fill the position.
“We are grateful for the many years Kristy Roe has faithfully served the citizens of Brazos County,” said County Judge Duane Peters. “I am confident that Melissa Leonard will be able to continue that service and the Tax Office will be in good hands.”
Roe’s retirement is effective July 31, 2024, and Leonard’s appointment begins August 1st.
Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his role as CFO, upcoming budget workshops, the upcoming track and field meet, the paid parking pilot program, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 9, 2024 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
August 1st marks one year since the Bryan city council and Texas A&M agreed to build an indoor facility at Midtown Park that will be used by the university's tennis teams.
An interlocal agreement (ILA) requires completion of the building by August of 2025.
Click HERE to read background information from a July 31, 2023 special meeting of the Bryan city council.Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement that was approved during the July 31, 2023 Bryan council special meeting.
During Tuesday's Bryan council workshop meeting (July 9), mayor Bobby Gutierrez was revealed that there is no final design.
The reason is that proposals so far have exceeded the $17 million dollar budget.
Deputy city manager Hugh Walker tells WTAW News that various options currently under consideration essentially have the same court and floor space.
General manager Jamie Cox of Legends Events Center, who will also be managing the new building, told the council that they will still be able to recruit additional events when the building is not being used by A&M.
A&M will pay the city a fee as part of a 30 year interlocal agreement.
In October 2023, the council hired the same company that was in charge of building the Legends Events Center and the same company that manages Legends for the city to design, build, and manage the second building.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 10, 2023 Bryan city council meeting regarding the design and construction of the indoor tennis building.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the design and construction of the indoor tennis building.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the management of the indoor tennis building.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan Broadcasting's Allison Harrell and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This Saturday (July 13) is the inaugural Brazos Valley Family Expo.
Bryan Broadcasting's Allison Harrell says all ages are invited to the College Station Hilton from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. to take part in activities for every member of the family.* A Kid Zone provided by Powersports, with free facepainting and balloon twisting by Hire An Artist. * Stage entertainment sponsored by The Carlson Law Firm. * A diverse range of vendors offering invaluable information for families. * Free souvenir tote bags while supplies last, provided by College Station Surgical Associates.
Click HERE for more information from the bvfamilyexpo.com website.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the SAVE Act, terrorist threats at the southern border, his desire to continue his chairmanship on the Foreign Affairs Committee, conflicts around the world, Joe Biden's health and his debate performance, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Hurricane Beryl cleanup, the I Heart America celebration, street repairs, the debt service component of the budget, new water wells, upcoming budget workshops, the upcoming track and field meet, progress on the seventh fire station, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 9, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Brazos County commissioners and Bryan city council members unanimously approve offering property tax breaks to a prospective $10 billion dollar, 1,800 employee manufacturing plant that would be built on the Texas A&M system RELLIS campus.
Speaking at Tuesday's (July 9) county commission and city council meetings was system chancellor John Sharp.
He told the Bryan council that the company, identified only as Delaware based "America’s Foundry Bryan LLC", is considering 16 locations.
Sharp told council members and county commission members that this project would double the taxable valuation of the city of Bryan.
Original story July 7, 2024:
More steps are being taken to attract a $10 billion dollar, 1,800 employee manufacturing plant to the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus.
The system's board of regents approved during a special meeting on Wednesday (July 3), authorization for administrators to "negotiate and execute a development agreement, ground lease, and other related agreements regarding a manufacturing facility" that remains unidentified.
Chancellor John Sharp told reporters after the regents meeting that he remains under a non-disclosure agreement.Before the regents meeting, Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez said on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that he is also bound by the non-disclosure agreement.
But he said Bryan was a finalist for something that could be built anywhere in the world.Friday afternoon (July 5), the city of Bryan and Brazos County released the agenda for the July 9th meetings of the city council and county commission.
Both agendas includes a proposed ten year tax abatement agreement for what was described as a "high technology manufacturing plant".
Click HERE to read and download the proposed tax abatement agreement with the Bryan city council.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed tax abatement agreement with the Brazos County commission.
The agreement proposes the applicant would receive from both Bryan and Brazos County, an 80 percent break on property taxes in the first five years and a 50 percent abatement in the sixth through tenth years.
Background information from the city of Bryan says even with the tax abatement, the city estimates collecting more than $164 million dollars in property tax revenue during the ten year period.
The background information also says during the tax abatement period, the applicant would give the city five percent of what is being abated towards "the enhancement of the quality of life of Bryan citizens" that includes but are not limited "to infrastructure or programs for parks, recreation and exercise; libraries; aesthetic enhancements to public spaces; public education; senior citizen services; youth services; and healthy lifestyles."
Click HERE to read and download additional information from the city of Bryan about the proposed tax abatement agreement.
Brazos County's agenda did not provide additional information.
Click below to hear comments from John Sharp and Bobby Gutierrez.
Listen to "More steps are taken to attract a $10 billion dollar, 1800 employee manufacturing plant to the RELLIS campus" on Spreaker.
This podcast contains comments from the July 9, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners and Bryan city council members unanimously approve offering property tax breaks to a prospective $10 billion dollar, 1,800 employee manufacturing plant that would be built on the Texas A&M system RELLIS campus.
Speaking at Tuesday's (July 9) county commission and city council meetings was system chancellor John Sharp.
He told the Bryan council that the company, identified only as Delaware based "America’s Foundry Bryan LLC", is considering 16 locations.
Sharp told council members and county commission members that this project would double the taxable valuation of the city of Bryan.
Original story July 7, 2024:
More steps are being taken to attract a $10 billion dollar, 1,800 employee manufacturing plant to the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus.
The system's board of regents approved during a special meeting on Wednesday (July 3), authorization for administrators to "negotiate and execute a development agreement, ground lease, and other related agreements regarding a manufacturing facility" that remains unidentified.
Chancellor John Sharp told reporters after the regents meeting that he remains under a non-disclosure agreement.Before the regents meeting, Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez said on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that he is also bound by the non-disclosure agreement.
But he said Bryan was a finalist for something that could be built anywhere in the world.Friday afternoon (July 5), the city of Bryan and Brazos County released the agenda for the July 9th meetings of the city council and county commission.
Both agendas includes a proposed ten year tax abatement agreement for what was described as a "high technology manufacturing plant".
Click HERE to read and download the proposed tax abatement agreement with the Bryan city council.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed tax abatement agreement with the Brazos County commission.
The agreement proposes the applicant would receive from both Bryan and Brazos County, an 80 percent break on property taxes in the first five years and a 50 percent abatement in the sixth through tenth years.
Background information from the city of Bryan says even with the tax abatement, the city estimates collecting more than $164 million dollars in property tax revenue during the ten year period.
The background information also says during the tax abatement period, the applicant would give the city five percent of what is being abated towards "the enhancement of the quality of life of Bryan citizens" that includes but are not limited "to infrastructure or programs for parks, recreation and exercise; libraries; aesthetic enhancements to public spaces; public education; senior citizen services; youth services; and healthy lifestyles."
Click HERE to read and download additional information from the city of Bryan about the proposed tax abatement agreement.
Brazos County's agenda did not provide additional information.
Click below to hear comments from John Sharp and Bobby Gutierrez.
Listen to "More steps are taken to attract a $10 billion dollar, 1800 employee manufacturing plant to the RELLIS campus" on Spreaker.
This podcast contains comments from the June 18, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD board express no opposition to adding four transportation department supervisors.
That's after hearing a presentation from CSISD's new assistant superintendent of operations.
Josh Symank says the undisclosed cost of creating four positions will come from savings from paying overtime to bus drivers...which amounted to almost $520,000 dollars over the last two years.Symank reported during that two year period, one bus driver made $40,000 dollars in overtime. A second bus driver made $38,000 in overtime. And a third driver made $24,000 in overtime.
One of the new positions will supervise bus drivers.
A second position will be in charge of coordinating CSISD athletic and campus field trips. Symank said twice last year, CSISD high school sports teams had transportation issues that affected post season performance.
A third position will oversee transporting special education students.
The fourth position will manage student discipline referrals. Symank said that's after parents were not notified during the 2023-2024 school year about 250 discipline referrals.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 18, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
This podcast includes comments from Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp and Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez.
More steps are being taken to attract a $10 billion dollar, 1,800 employee manufacturing plant to the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus.
The system's board of regents approved during a special meeting on Wednesday (July 3), authorization for administrators to "negotiate and execute a development agreement, ground lease, and other related agreements regarding a manufacturing facility" that remains unidentified.
Chancellor John Sharp told reporters after the regents meeting that he remains under a non-disclosure agreement.
Before the regents meeting, Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez said on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that he is also bound by the non-disclosure agreement. But he said Bryan was a finalist for something that could be built anywhere in the world.
Friday afternoon (July 5), the city of Bryan and Brazos County released the agenda for the July 9th meetings of the city council and county commission.
Both agendas includes a proposed ten year tax abatement agreement for what was described as a "high technology manufacturing plant".
Click HERE to read and download the proposed tax abatement agreement with the Bryan city council.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed tax abatement agreement with the Brazos County commission.
The agreement proposes the applicant would receive from both Bryan and Brazos County, an 80 percent break on property taxes in the first five years and a 50 percent abatement in the sixth through tenth years.
Background information from the city of Bryan says even with the tax abatement, the city estimates collecting more than $164 million dollars in property tax revenue during the ten year period.
The background information also says during the tax abatement period, the applicant would give the city five percent of what is being abated towards "the enhancement of the quality of life of Bryan citizens" that includes but are not limited "to infrastructure or programs for parks, recreation and exercise; libraries; aesthetic enhancements to public spaces; public education; senior citizen services; youth services; and healthy lifestyles."
Click HERE to read and download additional information from the city of Bryan about the proposed tax abatement agreement.
Brazos County's agenda did not provide additional information.
Kelsey Heiden, Director of Parks and Recreation, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Friday's I Heart America celebration, upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Statement from Kristy Roe:
I am taking this opportunity to announce my retirement from my position as Brazos County Tax Assessor/Collector effective August 1, 2024. My decision to take this step at this time in my term is to make the transition in the office more efficient and less disruptive to the public. Timing is critical in the County Tax Office and a major change in administration is best handled during a historically quieter, less busy time if possible. There are multiple audits required when an elected Tax Assessor/Collector leaves office, and I have been very fortunate in the scheduling of these audits.
The office has received clean audits from the State Comptroller, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, and is currently completing a full audit by the Brazos County Auditor.
I have also been amazingly fortunate in the opportunity of serving the citizens of Brazos County for the past 23 years. It is an honor to be chosen and trusted to serve the residents of this community along with the State, County, Cities, School Districts and Emergency Service Districts. My family and I were welcomed to Brazos County in July of 2001, and I was honored to be chosen as Tax Assessor/Collector upon the retirement of Mr. Winn in July of 2007. The fact that the residents continued to express their trust in me by electing me to the office of Brazos County Tax Assessor/Collector for 4 terms is truly overwhelming and I cannot begin to express my gratitude.
I look forward to spending more time with my husband and extended family. We hope to spend a little more time traveling and keeping up with the grandkids and that great-grandkid way out West.
This podcast is a visit with Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp's retirement announcement, development at RELLIS, Bryan ambulances, Midtown Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of Michael Earley's first news conference as Texas A&M head baseball coach, July 2, 2024.
This podcast is a recording of the introduction of Texas A&M's new head baseball coach.
Speakers are athletics director Trev Alberts, president Mark Welsh, and coach Michael Earley.
This podcast contains comments from the June 18, 2024 Blinn College trustees meeting.
June's meeting of the Blinn College trustees included learning spring enrollment on the Bryan campus fell to 4,728.
That's almost one-third of the record high of 12,071 that took place in 2015.
Administrators repeated from past discussions, one reason for the decrease is Texas A&M's decision to admit more freshmen.
Chancellor Mary Hensley said Blinn could be losing more students as A&M strives to fill low enrollment programs with freshmen.
Trustees were also told that another obstacle affecting all Blinn campuses, are students dropping out due to low grades. Vice chancellor for academic affairs Marcelo Bussiki says there will be an emphasis this fall on retaining students.
There was no response to the idea from Blinn trustees chairman Jim Kolkhorst of Brenham to reduce the price of tuition as an incentive to keep students in school.
The chancellor and the longest serving member of the Blinn trustees, Charles Moser of Brenham, brought up the past history of Brazos County leaders wanting more input into the funding of Blinn's Bryan campus.
Blinn trustees also discussed at length, prior goals of the home campus in Brenham reaching 3,000 students. Spring enrollment in Brenham was 1,553.
Spring enrollment increases were reported at Blinn's RELLIS campus, high school students taking dual credit, and the number of online (distance education) students.
Spring 2024 enrollment at all Blinn locations was 15,953. That is up from 15,685 in spring 2023, 15,167 in spring 2022, and 15,505 in spring 2021. The spring 2020 enrollment, at the start of the pandemic, was 17,076.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp has announced he will retire, effective June 30, 2025.
Sharp sent an e-mail stating in part that "soon it will be time for this Chancellor to disappear around the bend. I will move to Austin to spend more time with my daughter Victoria, son Spencer, and Diana’s and my grandchildren."
Sharp also said "While I am retiring from this job, I will find ways to continue to serve the great state I love."
He also said "I will never retire from work, and I look forward to telling you next year about the next phase of Diana’s and my life work. One thing is for certain, I will never be too busy or too old to help Texas A&M and the A&M System."
Sharp began his run as the A&M system's longest serving chancellor in September 2011.
The 1972 A&M graduate served as student body president. He later served in the Texas House the Texas Senate, the Texas Railroad Commission, and two terms as state comptroller.
Click HERE to be directed to statements from Sharp and the A&M system, which are too long to be added to this podcast post.
This podcast is a visit with the owner of C.C. Creations Kenny Lawson and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan based national manufacturer of custom printed and embroidered shirts and caps and other promotional products hosts a delegation from Japan in their new production facility.
It was the first public viewing of C.C. Creations 210,000 square foot Legacy Campus.
Owner Kenny Lawson hosted the C-E-O and other executives of Tajima Industries, an 80 year old Japanese manufacturer of embroidery machines.
22 embroidery machines at the new C.C. Creations facililty is most of any Tajima customer.
Lawson, Tajima CEO Hidetoshi Kojima, and executives of both companies visited during the tour and a private meeting that followed about increasing the performance the computer and AI (artificial intelligence) operated machines.
The new C.C. Creations facility began production in March and employs almost 600.
Lawson says the interior temperature of the new production facility is 78 degrees. That compares with 117 degrees in their former location.Cooler temperatures and new equipment are also credited with reducing misprints by 66 percent.
Among C.C. Creations newest clients is lululemon, joining Buc-ee’s, Nike, and Whataburger.
News release from C.C. Creations:
With the launch of the 210,000 sq. ft. Legacy Campus Production Facility, C.C. Creations is proud to be recognized as the largest facility in the World to be using the highest number of Tajima’s AI-equipped embroidery machines. To continue strengthening this international partnership, Tajima CEO and fellow executive associates are travelling to Bryan, TX from Japan on Friday, June 28th.
With the desire to see the 22 new machines in action at C.C. Creation’s state-of-the-art facility, Tajima is also excited to visit with the C.C. Creations team and City of Bryan Mayor.
Tajima, headquartered in Japan, has become the global leading manufacturer of embroidery machinery since 1944. More recently, they have launched a first of its kind technology that provides the highest quality of service, introduces next-level capabilities and maximizes production management. The TMEZ-KC “EZ” model possesses cutting-edge artificial intelligence innovation that adjusts randomly according to the material thickness while being embroidered, ensuring precision and quality. With Direct Command Switches now located in front of each head, all main functions of the control panel can be easily manipulated, enhancing efficiency and capacity. Additionally, the smaller curved pressor foot reduces flagging during caps and thicker garments, resulting in increased quality standards. Additionally, the EZ includes automated software that reports real time efficiency from each machine, tracks production orders and gives employees feedback.
C.C. Creations has 22 Tajima TMEZ-KC machines which provides 156 embroidery heads.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan TX mayor Bobby Gutierrez and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
At the beginning of June, a group of Brazos County leaders spent a week in Japan on an economic development trip.
On Friday (June 28), some of those officials welcomed the leadership of a Japanese manufacturer.
The CEO of embroidery machine company Tajima Industries checked out 22 machines that are part of the new C.C. Creations facility in Bryan.
Joining the tour at C.C. Creations, one of the nation’s industry-leading apparel and promotional companies, was Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez.
News release from C.C. Creations:
With the launch of the 210,000 sq. ft. Legacy Campus Production Facility, C.C. Creations is proud to be recognized as the largest facility in the World to be using the highest number of Tajima’s AI-equipped embroidery machines. To continue strengthening this international partnership, Tajima CEO and fellow executive associates are travelling to Bryan, TX from Japan on Friday, June 28th.
With the desire to see the 22 new machines in action at C.C. Creation’s state-of-the-art facility, Tajima is also excited to visit with the C.C. Creations team and City of Bryan Mayor.
Tajima, headquartered in Japan, has become the global leading manufacturer of embroidery machinery since 1944. More recently, they have launched a first of its kind technology that provides the highest quality of service, introduces next-level capabilities and maximizes production management. The TMEZ-KC “EZ” model possesses cutting-edge artificial intelligence innovation that adjusts randomly according to the material thickness while being embroidered, ensuring precision and quality. With Direct Command Switches now located in front of each head, all main functions of the control panel can be easily manipulated, enhancing efficiency and capacity. Additionally, the smaller curved pressor foot reduces flagging during caps and thicker garments, resulting in increased quality standards. Additionally, the EZ includes automated software that reports real time efficiency from each machine, tracks production orders and gives employees feedback.
C.C. Creations has 22 Tajima TMEZ-KC machines which provides 156 embroidery heads.
College Station Fire Chief Richard Mann visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the new fire station, the next city budget, emergency calls due to heat issues, recruiting new firefighters, firework safety, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Meagan Brown, BTU's Public Information Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about ERCOT's summer predictions, energy tips, the upcoming BTU Board and Bryan City Council meeting, PowerShare, Lake Bryan, BTU's new facility, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the first news conference of the new head baseball coach at the University of Texas, former Texas A&M head coach Jim Schlossnagle.
Schlossnagle's prepared remarks followed by responses to questions from reporters were recorded from the University of Texas athletics website at https://texassports.com/showcase/embed.aspx?Live=747
Jim Schlossnagle was introduced Wednesday morning (June 26) as the new head baseball coach at the University of Texas.
He told reporters he made his decision on Tuesday, and said he understands the reaction from the Texas A&M fan base to his decision.
He said more than once that the decision could not have been done any other way.
During his prepared remarks, Schlossnagle said "There's a lot of decisions in life that you don't get to choose the timing. You don't get to meet with your team as you would like. And for that, I am sorry."
In response to a reporter's question, Schlossnagle said "I have a career too. I have a personal life as well. I have goals. And I just simply felt like, no negative at Texas A&M. Just the positives of the alignment and frankly my relationship with (U-T athletic director) Chris" (Del Conte) that "I just know that I can trust Chris" and "as hard as that decision was, I could not walk away from that."
Schlossnagle said in his prepared remarks that "I need a great leader." "And Chris is the best leader that I've ever known." "And although it was super, super hard and emotional to make this decision because of my love for the players at Texas A&M, I simply could not pass up this opportunity."
He also said it was important to bring to U-T, associate head coach Nolan Cain, pitching coach Max Weiner, and hitting coach Michael Early.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about tomorrow's city council meeting, Amazon Prime Air, health insurance, washed out culverts, infrastructure projects, landscaping, affordable housing, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Raney Whitwell of the city of College Station's community development office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
In September 2023, the College Station city council awarded Twin City Mission a contract to administer a federal grant to assist College Station residents who are dealing with homelessness.Wednesday (June 26) is the official launch of a three year, $1.74 million dollar grant.
Raney Whitwell at the city's community development office says case managers from Twin City Mission will meet affected residents where they are, so that residents don't have to deal with scheduling trips to Bryan where most social service agencies are located.
The L.E.A.D. program is an acronym for Lifeline for Stability, Empowerment through Education, Access to Resources, and a Dedicated Support System.
Whitwell says the grant uses a three pronged approach to address the causes of homelessness...trauma informed case management, navigating available benefits and resources, and life and financial coaching.
A ribbon cutting and reception to begin the program is scheduled Wednesday (June 26) from two until four p.m. at College Station city hall.
Click HERE to be directed to more information from a city of College Station blog post.
News release from the city of College Station:
As homelessness continues to affect vulnerable populations, the City of College Station has joined forces with the Twin City Mission to create the L.E.A.D. Program to provide assistance and supportive services. The primary focus is on individuals, families, and other vulnerable and at-risk populations facing housing instability.
The program’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony is Wednesday, June 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. at College Station City Hall.
L.E.A.D. is an acronym for Lifeline for Stability, Empowerment through Education, Access to Resources, and a Dedicated Support System.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated $1.74 million for the program through the HOME Investment Partnership Program – American Rescue Plan.
Following a rigorous RFP process, the City of College Station chose the Twin City Mission to receive the funding.
L.E.A.D.’s Key Components
• Trauma-Informed Case Management: The program recognizes trauma as an underlying cause of homelessness and housing instability. Case managers provide compassionate, trauma-informed support to address the root causes and help individuals regain stability.
• Benefits Navigation: Identifying available benefits and resources can be overwhelming. The L.E.A.D. program guides participants through the process, ensuring they can access the assistance they need.
• Life and Financial Coaching: Financial literacy and life skills are essential for long-term stability. Coaches empower participants with practical knowledge, helping them make informed decisions to achieve self-sufficiency.
By combining resources and expertise, the City of College Station and Twin City Mission are committed to positively impacting the lives of those in need.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President's Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the busy month of June, College Station's unrelated housing ordinance, a student plan for a safer campus, the Qatar campus, the health insurance agreement between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and Baylor Scott & White Health, administrative updates, new offerings at the flagship campus this fall, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The June 13th meeting of the College Station city council meeting included a semiannual update on some of the city's 81 capital improvements projects.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the June 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The list from the city's capital projects director Jennifer Cain, began with the timeline to expand the section of Greens Prairie Road that is in Brazos County, which the county previously agreed to pay the city to administer.
Mayor John Nichols asked city manager Bryan Woods to check with county officials if they would increase their contribution of the project cost, which is now estimated at $6.3 million dollars. The city's agreement calls for the county to pay around $4.5 million.
Cain also provided an update on separated bike lanes coming to George Bush Drive between Texas and Wellborn. She said the bike lanes have been designed and the Texas Department of Transportation is scheduled to let the construction contract in July.
Rebuilding Krenek Tap Road, which includes replacing storm and sewer lines and adding sidewalks, is scheduled to start sometime this fall.
Replacing tennis courts at Bee Creek Park and Central Park is scheduled to start later this summer.
In July of last year, the College Station city council approved a resolution endorsing private fundraising for an indoor tennis building at Bee Creek Park. Assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka responded to a council question that the offer has been rescinded.
Construction of new pickleball and futsol courts at Anderson Park is expected to start before the end of this summer.
The council was also told replacement of Bachmann Park little league and senior league buildings is scheduled to start either this July or August, construction of a bus shelter next to city hall is scheduled to start this fall, and construction of fire station seven on Greens Prairie Road is scheduled to start in the spring of 2025.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell discussed the economic impact of the events at Kyle Field, the paid parking pilot program, the former Macy's store location at Post Oak Mall, enforcing the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, the need for volunteers for an upcoming track and field event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Councilman Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about recruiting more retail and restaurants to the east side of town, Destination Bryan, Topgolf's acquisition of BigShots Golf, the purchase of new ambulances, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about last night's council meeting, future development on East 29th Street, the Scofflaw Program, Destination Bryan, progress at the Phillips Event Center, BVSMA, the interim police chief, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Amy Raines, Marketing and Communications Director, is joined by College Station Police Officer David Simmons to discuss Family Fish, the opening of their new exhibit, the new Marine One/4141 Locomotive Pavilion, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Royce Hickman, Community Liaison, visits with WTAW's Sean Burnett about the success of Aggie sports, Founders Night, other Chamber events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Peggi Ondrasek, President and CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their annual campaign results, the upcoming campaign kickoff event, workplace campaigns, and more.
Captain Luis Villanueva visits with WTAW’s Sean Burnett about the Salvation Army's school supply drive for local kids in need, the Building Hope Campaign, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council decided at the end of their last meeting (June 13), to consider in two weeks whether to get involved in Amazon drones application to increase the number of flights per day from 200 to 469.
The council was asked to oppose the application by one of the neighbors who live near the drone port, Bill Stockton.
Stockton's comments were supported by another neighboring homeowner, councilman Mark Smith.
Initiating the idea of the council discussing Amazon’s application was councilman Bob Yancy. That was followed by comments from city manager Bryan Woods, mayor John Nichols, and councilman Dennis Maloney.
The discussion and possible action will take place shortly before the end of the Federal Aviation Administration’s comment period.
Bryan Woods, College Station City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the paid parking pilot project, the Amazon drone application for more daily flights, the city's budget, Greens Prairie Road, moving forward with plans for the former Macy's store at Post Oak Mall, his takeaways from the economic development trip to Japan, the RELLIS campus, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the CEO of the St. Joseph Health Bryan/College Station market Kim Shaw and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The chief executive officer at St. Joseph Health announces an expansion and some reorganization of services in the Bryan/College Station market.
Kim Shaw says the expansion involves a new primary care clinic at St. Joseph's south College Station campus near Lowe's. The clinic, which will accommodate 12 primary care physicians, is scheduled to open around November 2025.
Shaw also announced reconfiguring services at St. Joseph's hospitals in Bryan and College Station during the next 12 months. The Bryan hospital will manage more intensive care services and complex surgeries, while the College Station hospital will focus on maternity, elective and outpatient services.
And St. Joseph's hospital in Caldwell recently received what Shaw described as a "substantial gift" to revamp the emergency room and address other medical needs in Burleson County.
Shaw says financially, St. Joseph's is making a comeback. 18 months ago, Shaw said St. Joseph's had lost quite a bit of money through an ownership transition and the pandemic.
Today, Shaw says finances have "stabilized quite a bit", adding "we have turned around our financial position about $20.5 million dollars to the positive, so doing a lot better from that standpoint. Not quite where we need to be yet but definitely moving in the right direction."
After losing physicians to local and out of town competition, Shaw says St. Joseph's has recruited 24 new providers to start in the next year and a half. And seven new primary care doctors will be starting this summer in College Station.
Shaw's visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver also included lessons learned during the pandemic and long range goals and projects.
Amber Guthrie, General Manager for RCI Sport Management Solution, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming Pitch, Hit, Run event at Travis Fields, how to sign up, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of a presentation by Texas A&M athletics faculty representative Dr. Paul Batista during the June 10, 2024 A&M faculty senate meeting.
June's meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included a presentation from the faculty representative to the A&M athletic department.
Most of the time spent by associate professor of sport management and attorney Paul Batista was about paying student athletes.
As for the existing rules regarding N-I-L...name, image, and likeness...Dr. Batista said an unnamed A&M baseball player is receiving $500,000 dollars and multiple athletes are receiving at least $250,000 dollars.Batista also said 96 percent of N-I-L money at A&M is going to male athletes.
Batista said N-I-L had been his major focus. But it has been replaced by the impact of the recent announcement of a proposed settlement in a class action lawsuit that will result in billions of dollars going to collegiate student athletes.
He expected A&M will be spending another $20 to $22 million dollars as the result of the House vs. NCAA lawsuit. And that will result in more layoffs in the A&M athletic department, following the elimination of 18 positions six weeks ago.
As for A&M eliminating teams, Bautista said "certainly everybody in the athletic department says we do not want to do that. That would be an absolute last resort (at A&M)." But "it's going to happen on a lot of college campuses."
Batista also shared academic achievements by Texas A&M student athletes that includes the grade point average for the spring 2024 semester was the highest ever for members of A&M's football team and for student athletes as a group.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials used by Paul Batista during the June 10, 2024 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
This podcast is a visit with the public information officer of Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU), Meagan Brown, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) customers watching their pennies when they receive their bills will notice a small adjustment that is due to rising transmission costs that are charged by the operator of the state's power grid.
Public information officer Meagan Brown says BTU takes data from ERCOT to make the minor rate changes.
Brown says "in order to make sure that we are truly cost of service and we're not subsidizing that with any other portion of the rate, we're having to increase those costs for some and reduce them for others."
As of June 1st, what is called a pass through cost went down ten cents for BTU rural customers inside the College Station city limits. The charge increased 15 cents in the rural residential area outside of College Station. And BTU customers in Bryan will pay another 17 cents a month.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the May 13, 2024 BTU board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 13, 2024 BTU board meeting.
This podcast contains the results of the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce 16th annual Chamber Day survey, which were presented during the June 11, 2024 Brazos County commisison meeting.
At the end of March, 125 volunteers visited more than 1,000 businesses in Bryan/College Station.
Chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer presented results of the 16th annual chamber day event during Tuesday's (June 11th) Brazos County commission meeting.
Sales have increased at nearly half of the 769 businesses that responded to the survey. Brewer says that is down from 56 percent last year and 60 percent from two years ago. He said that is a reflection of increased local competition, along with inflation and employment issues.
Brewer said the biggest concern by a wide margin is the economy. That was followed by transportation, taxation, government regulations, and employment.
40 percent of businesses expect to increase employment and half expect to keep the same number.
And 46 percent of businesses rate the quality of job applicants as good.
Click HERE to read and download the results of the 2024 chamber day survey that was presented during the June 11, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the passing of former councilman Larry Mariott, the recent economic development trip to Japan, last weekend's soccer match at Kyle Field, the paid parking pilot project, tomorrow's council meeting agenda, the former Macy's store location at Post Oak Mall, the upcoming Juneteenth celebration, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Elections officials around Texas are responding to an "emergency advisory" from the Texas secretary of state.
Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock says somewhere else in the state, someone revealed the name of a voter and who they voted for.
A news release from the secretary of state says “the general custodian of election records must adopt procedures to ensure that any personally identifiable information of a voter that is contained on a ballot is redacted before making the voted ballot available for public inspection.”
The news release also says that “these redactions must be as limited as possible in order to protect the public’s right to review and inspect election records.”
Hancock says the changes sought by the secretary of state can be accomplished in time for this November's general election.
Hancock says the changes only affects reports given to the public. She says this does not impact the voting process.
News release from the Texas secretary of state's office:
Secretary of State Jane Nelson today issued an advisory on the urgent need to protect the privacy of Texas voters. The advisory comes at a time when there are claims of publicly disclosing ballots for political purposes.
“Every Texan has the right to a secret ballot, and that right must remain sacred. It is unacceptable for any voter to have their ballot choices publicized,” Secretary Nelson said. “I am issuing emergency guidance to protect the privacy of Texas voters.”
Emergency Advisory No. 2024-20, released today by the Secretary of State, directs counties to redact any information that would connect a voter to their ballot choices. The advisory says, “the general custodian of election records must adopt procedures to ensure that any personally identifiable information of a voter that is contained on a ballot is redacted before making the voted ballot available for public inspection.”
The advisory suggests specific categories counties should consider when evaluating a public information request that could reveal ballot choices. That information could include: the location at which a voter casts a ballot, precinct information on the ballot image, or polling place identifiers such as a ballot number either electronic or pre-printed.
The advisory also calls for protecting transparency in elections by outlining that, “these redactions must be as limited as possible in order to protect the public’s right to review and inspect election records.”
As a reminder, parties who choose to publicize ballot information could face legal action under state and federal law if the release of information is tied to voter intimidation, bribery or coercion.
This podcast is a visit with Kat Gammon and Jennifer Heath of United Way of the Brazos Valley and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Volunteers are needed for the United Way of the Brazos Valley's (UWBV) annual day of action event.
On Thursday, June 20th, volunteers will be assembling 2,000 "baby bundles" to promote early literacy.
Each bundle contains a baby book, a tactile toy for the newborn and resources for new parents.
The bundles are delivered to hospitals with labor and delivery units and some birthing centers in the service area for distribution before mothers and their newborns go home.
Volunteers are also needed to set up and tear down the assembly line at SOS Ministries in Bryan and transport the assembled bundles to UWBV's storage facility.
Click HERE to be directed to UWBV's online registration site.
This podcast is a visit with Markeesha Watson of the city of College Station's Lincoln Recreation Center and the city's communications director, Colin Killian, who previews upcoming events with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs June 7, 2024.
This podcast is a visit with Student Bonfire board member Dion McInnis, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The organization that has staged bonfire off the Texas A&M campus since the 1999 collapse did not stop working while the university considered bringing back the event.
WTAW News visited with two representatives of Student Bonfire after A&M's president announced bonfire would not return as an on-campus event.
Bonfire Redpot (leader) Mason Taylor, class of 2025 from Pflugerville, said he was relieved that students will still be in charge, adding "with the university trying to be involved that could have cost us that independence and that level of involvement of what it really means to build Bonfire."
Board member Dion McInnis says he greatly appreciated the president acknowledging that supporters for an on-campus bonfire was based on students organizing, leading, and building the stack.
News release from a Student Bonfire news release:
Motivated Fightin' Texas Aggies are building Bonfire. Bonfire today is fully and independently student organized, student led, and student executed off campus, with the support of Aggie Former Students and Friends of the Fire.
In a historic year, Aggies are motivated to bring Aggieland another season of this great Tradition.
Bonfire began off campus in 1907, organized and built by students to celebrate an Aggie victory over Tulane. Since that time, Bonfire changed locations and design many times. By 1947, when it was first formally defined, it was said to represent "the burning desire to beat the team from the University of Texas."
What has never changed, even after the break in the rivalry after 2011, was what Bonfire truly stands for. As the definition in 1947 concluded, Bonfire has always been "the undying flame of love that every loyal Aggie carries in their heart for the school."
“Bonfire does not just represent who we are as Aggies, it tests and proves who we are,” says Mason Taylor ’25, Bonfire Sr. Redpot. Bonfire does this through its singular opportunities in student leadership and execution of the entire process of preparing for, planning, and building Bonfire, from start to finish, every step by hand. That process is year-round, and perpetual.
Bonfire has been hard at work on Bonfire 2024 since its first step of burning Bonfire 2023, clearing the field for another season.
There will be new and unique challenges in 2024, including an especially large expected attendance at Burn, and Bonfire’s Aggies are preparing to meet these challenges.
As with every year, this will be possible with the support of motivated Aggies everywhere. In 2024, the flame will remain truly undying. Bonfire would like to thank all those who support Bonfire, whose continued donations of time, equipment, services, and expertise make this and every season possible.
Bonfire will burn on November 29, the night before the final game of the regular season against the University of Texas. Burn will be live streamed for free, as it has been since 2014, courtesy of TexAgs.com.
For updates, information on participating in and supporting Bonfire, and a full season schedule as it becomes available, visit bonfire.ag.
Build the Hell Outta Bonfire! Beat the Hell Outta t.u.!
This podcast is a visit with Student Bonfire Redpot (leader) Mason Taylor, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The organization that has staged bonfire off the Texas A&M campus since the 1999 collapse did not stop working while the university considered bringing back the event.
WTAW News visited with two representatives of Student Bonfire after A&M's president announced bonfire would not return as an on-campus event.
Bonfire Redpot (leader) Mason Taylor, class of 2025 from Pflugerville, said he was relieved that students will still be in charge, adding "with the university trying to be involved that could have cost us that independence and that level of involvement of what it really means to build Bonfire."
Board member Dion McInnis says he greatly appreciated the president acknowledging that supporters for an on-campus bonfire was based on students organizing, leading, and building the stack.
News release from a Student Bonfire news release:
Motivated Fightin' Texas Aggies are building Bonfire. Bonfire today is fully and independently student organized, student led, and student executed off campus, with the support of Aggie Former Students and Friends of the Fire.
In a historic year, Aggies are motivated to bring Aggieland another season of this great Tradition.
Bonfire began off campus in 1907, organized and built by students to celebrate an Aggie victory over Tulane. Since that time, Bonfire changed locations and design many times. By 1947, when it was first formally defined, it was said to represent "the burning desire to beat the team from the University of Texas."
What has never changed, even after the break in the rivalry after 2011, was what Bonfire truly stands for. As the definition in 1947 concluded, Bonfire has always been "the undying flame of love that every loyal Aggie carries in their heart for the school."
“Bonfire does not just represent who we are as Aggies, it tests and proves who we are,” says Mason Taylor ’25, Bonfire Sr. Redpot. Bonfire does this through its singular opportunities in student leadership and execution of the entire process of preparing for, planning, and building Bonfire, from start to finish, every step by hand. That process is year-round, and perpetual.
Bonfire has been hard at work on Bonfire 2024 since its first step of burning Bonfire 2023, clearing the field for another season.
There will be new and unique challenges in 2024, including an especially large expected attendance at Burn, and Bonfire’s Aggies are preparing to meet these challenges.
As with every year, this will be possible with the support of motivated Aggies everywhere. In 2024, the flame will remain truly undying. Bonfire would like to thank all those who support Bonfire, whose continued donations of time, equipment, services, and expertise make this and every season possible.
Bonfire will burn on November 29, the night before the final game of the regular season against the University of Texas. Burn will be live streamed for free, as it has been since 2014, courtesy of TexAgs.com.
For updates, information on participating in and supporting Bonfire, and a full season schedule as it becomes available, visit bonfire.ag.
Build the Hell Outta Bonfire! Beat the Hell Outta t.u.!
This podcast is a visit with Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver recorded June 6, 2024.
Topics include June's First Friday activities in downtown Bryan, a preview of the second annual Fiesta Italiana in downtown Bryan on June 8th, and free shuttles between downtown Bryan and Texas A&M for the upcoming soccer match and George Strait concert at Kyle Field.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan fire department (BFD) assistant chief of operations Jason Nored and WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs June 6, 2024.
Topics include BFD future planning, reviewing the department's new employee health and wellness initiatives, and current training in the former Bryan ISD administration building that is now owned by Brazos County and is slated for demolition this summer.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez, on the phone from Kyoto Japan with WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
Leaders from Bryan/College Station are in Japan on an economic development trip.
At 8:30 Wednesday morning (June 5) in Bryan/College Station, WTAW's Scott DeLucia visited with Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez in Kyoto, Japan, where it was 10:30 at night.
Gutierrez said the city of Bryan's participation "is based mostly upon and around (the) RELLIS (campus) and all the new stuff that's been going on through announcements with the chancellor and the university and the system, basically set up around the (computer) chips institute (and) semi conductor space."
Gutierrez said "Bryan and College Station are strategically located" whether it be to support Samsung's facility in Taylor TX "or whether it would be just distribution or warehousing (or) manufacturing that supports what's going to be hopefully another semi conductor space in Bryan at the RELLIS campus and we hope we'll know something pretty soon on that".
Gutierrez said the local group has also met with representatives of companies who select sites for Japanese corporations who could participate in the Texas A&M system's plans to build small nuclear power plants on the RELLIS campus and peaker power plants using other energy sources on system properties around the state.
Gutierrez also shared his first experience riding a high speed bullet train in the context of the Texas Central/Amtrak project between Houston and Dallas.
Gutierrez said the group includes College Station mayor John Nichols, Texas A&M's chief community engagement officer Fred McClure, city managers Kean Register of Bryan and Bryan Woods of College Station, local business representatives Spencer Clements and Jeremy Osborne, and members of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC).
Gutierrez thanked BVEDC president Susan Davenport, who "arranged a really really tremendous trip for us."
This podcast contains comments from the May 28, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
As the Brazos County jail continues to hold a record number of inmates, county commissioners decide to hire a consultant to see if there are enough employees.
Commissioners at their May 28th meeting, approve seeking proposals from consultants and appoint members of a committee that will review the proposals.
Click HERE to read and download the request to advertise seeking consultants to study staffing at the Brazos County jail, which was approved at the May 28, 2024 county commission meeting.
County judge Duane Peters says he hopes that the consultant's work can be completed in time to incorporate those findings into next year's budget.
Commissioner Steve Aldrich asked for an update in a future meeting to ongoing efforts to fill vacant positions at the jail.
The inmate population as of June 4th was 844. Capacity is almost 1,100.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the current Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation mission trip to Japan during his long-distance appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 4, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners have approved moving forward with establishing a specialty criminal court for those accused of crimes who have a mental illness or an intellectual disability.
The resolution that was unanimously approved at Tuesday's (June 4th) meeting says the judge who would be assigned specialty cases will apply for a state grant that would cover expenses starting in September of next year.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was approved during the June 4, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
This was one of two specialty criminal courts that were recommended by a commission committee last year.
A representative of VFW post 4692 and the local Vietnam veterans organization, county commission candidate Mike Southerland, asked for the creation of a specialty court for veterans.
Commissioner Steve Aldrich, who also supports a veterans court, asked for the second consecutive meeting for a public discussion.
County judge Duane Peters directed Aldrich for the second consecutive meeting to meet in private with local judges and prosecutors.
Peters told Aldrich on Tuesday that "I think there's things going on that they're taking care of (that are) short of a veterans court."
Following raised voices in the exchange between Aldrich and Peters, Aldrich declared completing his comments and Peters went on to take the vote on the mental health specialty court.
Commissioner Wanda Watson agreed with a statement from Nancy Berry, who said the mental health specialty court "is a great idea. We've talked about it for a long time, the need is definitely there and I'm glad we're moving forward on this."
Watson, Berry, and commissioner Chuck Konderla made no comments about the proposed specialty court for veterans.
This podcast is a visit with the general manager of the Brazos Valley groundwater management district, Alan Day, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos Valley groundwater management district (BVGCD) is adding office space.
BVGCD board members held a special meeting Monday (June 3) to approve the purchase of a building next door to their current office in downtown Hearne.
The purchase price of the 885.5 square foot building which was formerly a tax preparation office, was $103,603.50.
Click HERE to read and download background information from BVGCD about the building purchase.
The current office will continue to be used.
General Manager Alan Day tells WTAW News that they "have outgrown our current facility due to the upcoming production and transport of water to the I-35 corridor. Mitigation of wells is going to require staff increases."
On June 18th, the district will hold a public permit hearing on seven applications from the owners of 32 wells in Robertson County west of Highway 6 to pipe water to customers in Milam, Williamson, Travis, and/or Bell counties.
Day says the district sent 4,500 letters to affected property owners, notifying them of the hearing that starts at 6 p.m. June 18th at the Hearne elementary school cafeteria.
Click HERE to read and download the public notice of the June 18th public permit hearing.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials associated with the June 18th public hearing.
This podcast is a visit with Alan Day of the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
May's flooding rains are not recharging underground aquifers.
Alan Day at the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district (BVGCD) says it is typical that in the district's eight aquifers, if it rains between 37 and 40 inches, five inches will reach the aquifer.
Day says what the rains have done, has reduced the amount of water being pumped for irrigating crops and lawns.
As for irrigating lawns, Day reminds Brazos County homeowners to get the Brazos Valley Water Smart website to know when to run irrigation systems.
Click HERE to be directed to the website that is funded by the conservation district, which shows zones where watering is and is not needed.
This podcast contains comments from the May 29, 2024 special meeting of the College Station ISD school board.
The week after College Station ISD school board members interrupted public speakers who identified a teacher they were criticizing, a special meeting is held to discuss board policy and operational procedures.
The CSISD board decided to require pre-registration of public speakers by 10 a.m. the day before a board meeting.
Two board members brought up not being able to respond to some public comments. State law prevents elected officials from responding to items that are not on the meeting agenda.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider added that the pre-registration gives an opportunity for administrators to explain in advance of meetings the district's policies and procedures to public speakers.
Board members and administrators also reviewed public comments during the May 21st regular meeting that were critical of the teacher and the district's current policies and procedures for complaints and grievances.
Additional information about submitting grievances and complaints to College Station ISD as of May 31st, 2024 from the College Station ISD website:
The College Station ISD Board of Trustees encourages employees, students, parents, and patrons to discuss their concerns and complaints through informal conferences with the appropriate administrator. Concerns should be expressed as soon as possible to allow early resolution at the lowest possible administrative level.If an informal conference regarding a complaint fails to reach a satisfactory outcome, the concerned employee, student, parent, or patron may initiate the formal grievance process described in the policies below by timely filing a written grievance form within the timeline as outlined in Board policy as linked below.
Even after initiating the formal grievance process, complainants are encouraged to seek informal resolution of their concerns. The formal complaint may be withdrawn at any time.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Complaints/Grievances should be completed with the appropriate information and file by either email, hand delivery, or mail to College Station ISD at 1812 Welsh Avenue, College Station, TX 77840 or the appropriate email address listed below.
Complaint forms are available upon request from the individuals below:
Employee Complaints/Grievances contact: Bridget Cooper at complaints@csisd.org or (979) 764-5411
* DGBA(LEGAL)
* DGBA(LOCAL)
Student and Parent Complaints/Grievances contact: Chrissy Hester at complaints@csisd.org or (979) 764-5415
* FNG(LEGAL)
* FNG(LOCAL)
Public Complaints/Grievances contact: Austin Dunson at complaints@csisd.org or (979) 764-5455
* GF(LEGAL)
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This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station's tourism manager Jeremiah Cook and WTAW's Scott DeLucia on the May 31, 2024 edition of The Infomaniacs.
Topics include needing volunteers for the upcoming junior track and field championships, hotel occupancy, leisure and hospitality jobs, attracting different types of travelers, using Texas A&M facilities, and the upcoming soccer match and George Strait concert at Kyle Field.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials during Jeremiah Cook's tourism report during the May 23, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Derika Bailey, Branch Manager of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about a book tasting event, adult and kids programs, their summer kickoff event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of a news conference May 29, 2024 with Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp and Dr. Sean McDeavitt, who is a system associate vice chancellor who directs the National Laboratories Office.
Nuclear power plants are coming to the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus in west Bryan.
System chancellor John Sharp told reporters Wednesday (May 29) that they have targeted locations to build four or five reactors from different manufacturers that would take care of rising electrical demand on a permanent basis.
Sharp says they have been working on this project for more than six months. He says his interest came after looking at power projections for companies involved in artificial intelligence.
Joining the chancellor at Wednesday's news conference was Dr. Sean McDeavitt, a system associate vice chancellor who heads the National Laboratories Office. McDeavitt and Sharp both brought up the student involvement in this project. McDeavitt said the student education component is a key element in the request for information (RFI) process that has started.
Sharp said companies can respond to the system's RFI announcement for three weeks. That will be followed by a 30 day period for requests for proposals (RFP). After the RFP's are reviewed by a committee, Sharp says recommendations will go to the board of regents for final action.
Wednesday's announcement comes the week after Sharp said the system was taking proposals to build power plants on system properties around the state to provide electricity on a short term basis.
News release from the Texas A&M system:
Leaders at The Texas A&M University System announced plans Wednesday to bring the latest nuclear reactors to the Texas A&M-RELLIS.
John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M System, said the System seeks to provide a platform for companies to test the latest reactors and technologies. It also will address the pressing need for increased power supply.
“As Texas continues to grow, it is critical that we add more reliable, dispatchable power for all Texans,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Texas A&M’s announcement to bring advanced nuclear technologies to its RELLIS campus is essential for Texas to expand our nuclear power capabilities that will help bolster our electric grid. Nuclear energy will continue to play an integral role in Texas so we can continue to meet the energy needs of our great state for generations to come.”
The next generation of nuclear reactors, with a potential power capacity ranging from 10 MW to 1 GW, have the potential to revolutionize power generation and meet the vast energy requirements of Texas. The new generation of reactors also could provide vital power sources for artificial intelligence companies, Sharp said.
“We at the Texas A&M University System understand the global need for more power,” Sharp said. “And we are positioned to bolster our grid and to provide the power for the latest technologies. We believe that nuclear power is the only solution to provide quick, clean, carbon-free and reliable energy to prevent blackouts and to foster innovation.”
To kickstart the latest nuclear initiative, the Texas A&M System will be seeking information – and later proposals – from manufacturers of nuclear reactors. Ultimately, the site could host multiple electrical power-generating facilities, and it could host first-of-a-kind reactors with a net increase of up to 1 GW of capacity that will have a direct connection to the grid operated by Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc., or as it is more commonly called, ERCOT.
Sharp said the Texas A&M System is committed to developing power generation capabilities to ensure reliable electrical power provision to the RELLIS campus.
“This effort at Texas A&M-RELLIS will usher in a new era of sustainable and reliable power generation,” Sharp said.
Representatives from the System and from the companies hope to stand up operational reactors within the next five to seven years.
This podcast contains comments from the May 28, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County commission is asked to tell the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission that it opposes a liquor license application.
Four homeowners who made the request during public comments at Tuesday's (May 28) meeting live near the site of a proposed music and events venue on Jones Road west of Highway 47 and north of FM 60.
At the end of the commission meeting when commissioners can propose future agenda items, the only reference to the TABC request was when commissioner Steve Aldrich asked legal staff to research if the county can create its own alcoholic beverage permit.
The chairman-elect of the Brazos County Republican Party, Russ Ford, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver May 28, 2024.
The Republican nominee for Brazos County precinct one commissioner, Bentley Nettles, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver May 28, 2024.
Republican nominee for Texas house district 12 Trey Wharton visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on May 28, 2024.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about tourism, charging for parking during upcoming events at Kyle Field, certificates of obligation, the start enforcement of the no-more-than-four ordinance on June 1st, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M's President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming events at Kyle Field, filling leadership positions at the university, creating a research identity, the Veterinary Emergency Team, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the Memorial Day program at the Bryan American Legion post 159 on May 27, 2024. The emcee is post commander Dale Hutchcraft. The featured speaker is retired Navy captain LeeRoy Lance Jr. Music before, during, and after the program was provided by a quintet from the Brazos Valley municipal band.
City of College Station parks and recreation marketing coordinator Trey Reeves, recreation supervisor Laurie Brown, and the city's communications director Colin Killian visit with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs on May 24, 2024.
Congressman Michael McCaul visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs May 24, 2024.
Topics includes development on the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus, foreign affairs, and an upcoming trip to France to observe World War II's D-Day.
This podcast contains comments from the May 23, 2024 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Blinn College's board of trustees took a deep dive at their monthly meeting on Tuesday (May 21) into the construction that continues at the new Bryan campus administration and student services building.
Trustees were told construction of the $31 million dollar building at Villa Maria and Nash is under budget and still on track to open in February of 2025.
The 46,000-square-foot facility will include administrative space, prospective student relations, business services, human resources, and a large meeting room with capacity for up to 300 people.
Upon completion, Blinn will move out of its current student services location at the Tejas Center in Bryan to bring all services at that location to the Bryan Campus.
The project creates a new campus entry that connects the Administration Building to the rest of campus. Site amenities include a monument sign, circle entry drive and plaza with parking for approximately 10 visitors, pedestrian walkways, and a 180-space parking lot located behind the building.
Following the presentation by assistant vice chancellor of facilities Mark Feldhake, he fielded questions where the majority was about the green space behind the new building. Feldhake said there were no immediate plans to develop that portion of the property.
Chancellor Mary Hensley, who says she comes to Bryan from Brenham two or three times a week, has received positive feedback from members of Blinn's Bryan advisory committee and local community members.
After the presentation, trustees approved more than $1.2 million dollars of purchases for the new building. $770,450 is furniture and $492,500 is for audio-visual equipment.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shown during the May 21, 2024 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the furniture, fixtures, and equipment purchases that were approved at the May 21, 2024 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Hayden Johnson and Maddie Green of the city of Bryan's parks and recreation department visit with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs May 23, 2024 about summertime activities.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Seth Waller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan police is investigating five reports of property crimes at the same senior independent living complex.
Officer Seth Waller says entry was gained through unlocked doors.
All five cases...three on Sunday, one on Monday, and one on Tuesday (May 19-21) were listed as burglaries. Two of the cases involve financial abuse of the elderly, and one involves credit/debit card abuse.
The suspect was reported as being a black female wearing medical scrubs.
Anyone with information is asked to call BPD detective Arms at 979-209-5540.
Waller reminds residents, regardless of where they live, to lock doors and secure property.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) public information officer Meagan Brown and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Memorial Day weekend brings several operational changes at Lake Bryan, which is owned by Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU).
That's the result of decisions made by the BTU board during their May regular meeting.
BTU public information officer Meagan Brown says the entry fee has changed from $5 dollars per vehicle to $5 dollars per person 11 years and older. Brown says that is in line with other parks statewide. And the additional revenue will go towards projects that includes this summer's repaving of the parking lot that is closest to the beach.
Another change is that the park entry fee will be paid when visitors leave the park instead of when they arrive. Brown says that is to reduce the line of vehicles that backs up onto Sandy Point Road.
All other fees at Lake Bryan remain the same.
And there will continue to be no charge for visitors going to the restaurant, as long as they have their restaurant receipt.
Click HERE to read and download Lake Bryan presentation materials during the May 13, 2024 BTU directors meeting.
Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez visited with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs May 22, 2024.
Topics include signing the real estate agreement for Armalite to build a firearms manufacturing plant and training center in north Bryan, the aftermath of recent flooding rains, the return of Bryan city council public comment periods on items of city business that are not on meeting agendas, the city of Bryan's involvement with the upcoming international soccer match and George Strait concert at Kyle Field, and the city of Bryan's involvement in the Texas A&M system's announcement of building peaker power plants on system property throughout Texas.
LTG Randolph W. House, US Army (Ret.), Chairman, Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial and Roy May Jr., Former Sentinel Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier speak at the dedication ceremony.
This podcast contains comments from the May 14, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
May's regular meeting of the Bryan city council including four items involving economic development.
One was creating a reinvestment zone on the west side RELLIS campus that would allow property tax breaks. A statement from A&M system chancellor John Sharp that was read by mayor Bobby Gutierrez says the 288 acre reinvestment zone could be the biggest economic development project since the creation of Texas A&M university.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the RELLIS reinvestment zone.
Click HERE to read and download the map showing the location of the RELLIS reinvestment zone.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance that was approved at the May 14, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
The council also approved designating the new CertainTeed roofing plant and distribution center as a Texas Enterprise Zone project. That makes CertainTeed eligible to receive tax refunds on qualified expenditures.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the CertainTeed enterprise zone.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance that was approved at the May 14, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
A third item also benefitting the CertainTeed facility is finalizing a contract to extend a waterline along Mumford Road.
Public works director Jayson Barfknecht said the extension will eventually create a loop serving customers in the Texas Triangle Park that includes Axis Pipe and Tube and Kristen Distributing.
The council approved managing the $1.7 million dollar project that will be paid by the city-county economic development foundation (EDF).
Click HERE to read and download background information about the waterline extension.
Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement that was approved at the May 14, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
And the council also agreed to manage the construction of a $140,000 dollar sewer line extension in Texas Triangle Park, which is owned by the EDF, to property that has been sold to a yet to be identified company.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the sewer line extension.
Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement that was approved at the May 14, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Captain Luis Villanueva visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Building Hope campaign, plans for the new Center of Hope, who the new facilities will serve, how to get involved, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members express no opposition to adding three baseball fields at Veterans Park.
This follows construction coming to a halt at Texas Independence Park...originally named Southeast Park off Rock Prairie Road...due to soil conditions.
The council was told soil testing continues on the Veterans Park property by a company that is not the one who conducted tests at Texas Independence Park, where construction was stopped after the city spent more than $5 million in infrastructure.
Staff told the council the infrastructure that was built at Texas Independence Park will be used.
At Veterans Park, the council was told that if additional fields are built near the University Drive entrance, it would three or four years before construction is completed.
The council was also told that staff is in communication with youth baseball officials about alternative sites for games that will be displaced by ballfield renovations at Bachmann Park.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Councilman Bob Yancy visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about adding baseball fields to Veterans Park, possible legal action regarding the soil testing at Texas Independence Park, Wellborn water, future legislation impacting the city, facility fees, affordable housing, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 14, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
This December, construction is projected to start on a $4.5 million dollar playground at Bryan's Midtown Park.
An update was given during the May regular meeting of the Bryan city council.
Deputy city manager Hugh Walker was the first to bring up proposals for the focal point signature playground...a multi story sculpture incorporating a slide among other things that Walker described as the playground's "Iconic piece".
Playground consultant Drew Cain brought up that the multi story sculpture will be custom made.
Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez, who lives next to Sue Haswell Park, brought up the popularity of a similar feature to what will be built for Midtown Park's signature playground.
Bryan council members were shown artists drawings of five animals...three birds, a beaver, and a catfish.
During a visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, councilman James Edge says no decision has been made whether the sculpture will be an animal, a rocket, or something else.
The playground consultant also talked about using the playground area, which is not flat, having equipment that takes advantage of elevation changes.
The signature playground at Midtown Park is projected to open in August of 2025.
$2 million dollars of the cost is covered by a private grant. The remaining $2.5 million comes from the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 14, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Councilman James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Police Chief Eric Buske's retirement, progress at the Phillips Event Center, Bryan's Midtown Park's signature playground, restroom buildings at the park, a call for lifeguards, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 14, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
A review by Brazos County commissioners of the May 4th election started with a review of election security.
The conversation ended with stories about voters whose votes were not counted. Elections administrator Trudy Hancock says people leave with their ballots instead of inserting them into scanners.
Hancock says election workers try to spot voters before they walk out. And voters get a message on the screen after they make their choices to place ballots in the scanner.
Hancock told commissioners that no discrepancies were found in the partial manual recounts of two elections that were held May 4th. And she also explained the process of how partial manual recounts are done.
One of the May 4th elections involved using voting centers to take ballots regarding the bond propositions from College Station and Navasota ISD's and the referendum from emergency services district two.
The other election, selecting board members to the Wellborn special utility district, was done at the SUD's office.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about pickleball courts, air conditioned restroom buildings at parks, development of Southeast Park, tonight's street maintenance open house, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
In April, the College Station city council added a civil fine for those found guilty of violating the city's ordinance restricting housing to no more than four unrelated occupants.
On Monday (May 13), the council approved adding the civil fine to those found guilty of violating the city's new ROO, or restricted occupancy overlay district, which caps the maximum number of unrelated residents at two.
Before the council's vote, were comments from two Texas A&M representatives asking the council to delay their vote.
Student government representative Ben Crockett and A&M vice president of student affairs Joe Ramirez both asked to wait until students returned in August.Six council members approved adding the civil fine to the ROO regulations.
Click HERE to read and download what was approved during the May 13, 2024 College Station city council meeting.Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 13, 2024 council meeting.
Elizabeth Cunha, who shared her opposition, decided against voting and abstained.
Also during the discussion prior to the vote, councilman Bob Yancy asked Ramirez the status of plans to build more on-campus. Ramirez says recommendations will be presented soon to the president and other administrators.
Not brought up during the council meeting, was the A&M system board of regents approval last week (May 7) of an updated five year capital projects plan that does not include new on campus housing projects.
This podcast is a recording of the dedication of the state historical marker for Boonville Cemetery that was held on May 13, 2024.
After 177 years of operation, the Boonville Cemetery along Boonville Road in Bryan east of the freeway closed in 2012.
Now part of Brazos County's Boonville Heritage Park, a state historical marker was dedicated on Monday (May 13).
Research for the marker that was done by the late Mary Ann Cusimano was shared by Vicki Smith-Dicky and Henry Mayo of the Brazos County historical commission.
Dicky said that former county commissioner Billy Beard and district judges Tom McDonald and Bradley Smith developed a plan in 1982 to save the cemetery...the last piece of Boonville's existence as the first county seat of Brazos County.
Mayo also pointed out the base of the marker includes a dedication to Cusimano, the first time that has been done in Brazos County.
Mayo said the sun dried brick that forms the marker base came from the former Ursuline Convent that dates back to 1901.
Accepting the state marker, county judge Duane Peters recalled growing up driving by the cemetery when Boonville Road was the only way to get into Bryan.
The Boonville cemetery contains 374 gravesites dating back to 1846.
Click HERE to read and download the dedication program.
This podcast contains comments from the May 7, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County Expo Complex, which opened in 2007, is in need of at least $10 million dollars of deferred maintenance.
A presentation to county commissioners Tuesday (May 7) by the county's project manager included priority one recommendations from an outside consultant.
The list given by Trevor Lansdown addressed the exhibit hall and the parking lot. Yet to be done, is evaluating the condition of the rest of the complex.
Lansdown's summary included replacing exhibit hall's roof, which was not included in the $10 million dollar estimate.
Inside the building, consultants recommended adding water valves to allow plumbing repairs to specific areas without shutting down water service to the entire expo complex.
Another recommendation was adding stairs to access the overhead heating and air conditioning units and electrical panels. Lansdown said current access is by using a scissor lift.
Commissioners were also told the exhibit hall floor, the parking lot, and perimeter fences needed attention.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 7, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the city budget, economic development, graduation weekend, next week's city council meeting, street maintenance, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 7, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are told it will take $61 million dollars to redevelop the land across Texas Avenue from the courthouse, where the former Bryan ISD administration building will be imploded this summer.
Commissioners expressed no opposition during Tuesday's meeting (May 7) to recommendations made by the county's project manager.Trevor Lansdown presented plans for a three story building that would be occupied by the precinct 4 justice of the peace and constable's departments, adult probation, and the public defender's office.
The new building will also have its own parking garage. Lansdown says that is to keep employees from having to cross Texas to get to the Roy Kelly parking garage.
There will also be a skywalk over Texas connecting the new building to the courthouse. Lansdown said that is because people working in the new building have regular business in the courthouse.
County commissioner Steve Aldrich asked Lansdown to contact the owner of property east of the former BISD site to gauge their interest in selling their land to the county.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 7, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
Zyreshia Jackson, Community and Development Specialist, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about an upcoming Financial Literacy and Budgeting Workshop, how to participate, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The last property in the city of College Station's business center has been sold.
A unanimous city council at their last meeting, accepted a $3.3 million dollar offer for 12 acres along the northbound freeway frontage road at Gateway Boulevard.
Chief development officer Michael Ostrowski said the buyer, Fera Diagnostics and Biologicals, is a research-driven company that focuses on developing products to improve the welfare of animals.
Fera plans to build a $15 million dollar, 50,000 square foot headquarters and employ 15 to 30 people in the two to three years.
The city acquired the land in a swap back in 1988 that resulted in the creation of the Pebble Creek development.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the April 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials at the April 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the May 6, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members learn the move in schedule to the district's new auxiliary services complex off Leonard Road.
At the end of May, in the week between the end of the regular school year and the start of summer school, is the move of BISD's transportation and maintenance departments.
That is followed by BISD's school nutrition and school records in July.
After that, the move by BISD's warehouse and custodial services departments will take place from October through December.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 6, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the B/CS Chamber of Commerce trip to Washington D.C., recent flooding in the Brazos Valley, the Big Barn Dance, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members take the first step towards adding more capacity to the city's water supply.
A more than $8 million dollar contract was awarded at the council's April 25th meeting to design and build the city's 10th, 11th, and 12th water wells in western Brazos County.
Water services director Gary Mechler said the new wells should take care of College Station's water needs through the year 2046.
Mechler also said the future wells are in addition to decisions made the last five years to build the ninth well and lower the pumps to older wells to draw water from an aquifer that has been going down due to increased demand.
The wells will be built on land the city purchased ten years ago south of Lake Bryan and west of OSR highway.
In response to a council question, city manager Bryan Woods said no development will take place above ground on the 321 acres of land where the wells will be built.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials during the April 25, 2024 council meeting about the water services department.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials related to the design and construction of more water wells.
Click HERE to read and download the water well contract that was approved at the April 25, 2024 College Station council meeting.
Tommy Schilling, Code Enforcement Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about student move out, the SeeClickFix app, enforcement beginning for the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, the paid parking pilot program during special events at Kyle Field, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 1, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The College Station ISD school board held a special meeting Wednesday (May 1) to fill two vacant administrative positions.
Unanimous votes were made by the four members who were present, after a parent's comments about the central office last week announcing the restructuring of educator positions.
Board members explained their reasons for hiring a new assistant special education services and a new assistant transportation director.
CSISD's new assistant special education director is Pebble Creek elementary principal Blaire Grande.
The new assistant transportation director, Caroll Lester, reunites her with three colleagues at Willis ISD. They are her supervisor, CSISD's new transportation director Shannon Calltharp, chief of staff Sara Goolsby, and superintendent Tim Harkrider.
News release from College Station ISD:
The CSISD Board of Trustees approved Blaire Grande, principal at Pebble Creek Elementary, as the new assistant director of special services and 504, and Caroll Lester as the new assistant director of transportation during its special workshop on May 1. Both are filling vacant positions.
Grande is completing her 17th year in education. Her career began as a life skills teacher in North Lauderdale, Florida. She also served as an exceptional student education specialist in Florida before coming to CSISD in 2012 as a special education teacher at South Knoll Elementary. She was promoted to assistant principal at Spring Creek Elementary in 2016 and named principal at Pebble Creek Elementary in 2018.
Grande earned her Bachelor of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies from Texas A&M University and her Master of Education in Administration and Leadership from Sam Houston State University.
“Special education is what I studied in college and what I did as a teacher, so it really is at the root of my heart,” said Grande. “I’m excited to serve the district in this position where I can serve and support all of our special education students and teachers.”
Lester joins CSISD from Willis ISD with more than 25 years of experience in transportation. Over the years she has served as a driver, administrative assistant, special needs coordinator and student management coordinator. She has specialized experience in the various aspects of transportation including route coordination, communication, budgeting and staffing.
“It’s always been a passion of mine to provide a safe, positive environment on school buses for all students to prepare them for a successful day of learning, then get them home safely to their families,” said Lester. “I’m excited to continue that work in College Station ISD.”
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about May 2024 events that includes First Friday and the inaugural Big Barn Dance music festival.
City Secretary Mary Lynne Stratta visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the return of hear citizens for non-agenda items, how citizens can sign up, the interlocal agreement with the City of College Station regarding the new sewer trunkline, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast includes comments from the April 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council tables a $1 million dollar change order on the design of a sewer trunkline that will keep it out of south Bryan residential neighborhoods.
The motion made during the council's April 25th meeting by William Wright came after hearing the city of Bryan has not signed an amended interlocal agreement that formalizes a resolution passed by the Bryan council in February.
City manager Bryan Woods told the council that they have tried to get the city of Bryan to sign an interlocal agreement.
Mayor John Nichols confirmed that tabling the vote applied only to the change order and not the rest of the design contract.
While the new route of the trunkline stays out of Bryan's residential neighborhoods, it does cross into Bryan near the Burton Creek wastewater treatment plant.
The College Station council's unanimous vote was to bring back the change order on May 23rd.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed change order contract that was tabled by the College Station city council during its April 25, 2024 meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the College Station council's April 25, 2024 meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about last weekend's heavy rain, the change order to the new sewer trunkline, selling land in the College Station Business Center, paid parking near Kyle Field during special events, Amazon's drone delivery service, this July's fireworks show, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with officer Seth Waller of the Bryan police department and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Another event is returning after the pandemic.
For the first time since 2019, the Bryan police department is offering a junior police academy for high school students.
Officer Seth Waller says particpants in the two week program will be exposed to BPD's various divisions.
Waller also says BPD uses the academy in part as a recruiting tool.
The first day, June 10th, is an orientation day and the last day, June 21st, is a graduation program.
More information is on BPD's Instagram and Facebook pages.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M's President, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the end of the semester, spring commencement, the capacity and student experience studies, administrative updates, lay offs in the athletic department, upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The end of the April 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting was a discussion about the recent open house by Amazon's drone delivery service.
Linda Harvell was one of at least two councilmembers who joined homeowners who live next or near Amazon's drone-port. There was no opposition to her request for staff to research if the city could do anything to move the drone delivery operation to an industrial area.
Councilman Dennis Maloney, who also attended, said that he was told Amazon's new drone vehicle will be 40 percent quieter.
The council also heard from one public speaker, a homeowner who lives in the vicinity of the Amazon operation.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) vice president Kat Gammon, the director of UWBV partner agency Voices For Children-Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Amy Faulkner, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Dr. Nate Sharp, Dean of Mays Business School, and Kathy Mays Johnson, President of the Mays Family Foundation, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the donation. You will also hear comments from Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp.
Emily Fisher, Public Works Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the annual streets report, street maintenance, an upcoming public meeting, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Ortegon from Destination Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Michael Hearne's Big Barn Dance, what attendees can expect, how the event came to Bryan, upcoming events in Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the South College Avenue project, the boardwalk at Midtown Park, armor companies that have come to Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Scott DeLucia during WTAW's The Infomaniacs on April 23, 2024 and the April 23, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
A lifelong Bryan resident who was well known in business and public service has died.
The death of Johnny Lampo was recognized at Tuesday's (April 23) Brazos County commission meeting by county judge Duane Peters and commissioner Steve Aldrich.
A remembrance given on WTAW's The Infomaniacs by Scott DeLucia included Lampo's popularity as an emcee, his service on the Bryan city council and Bryan ISD school board, and being part of the ownership group that brought the first Pizza Hut to Texas.
Lampo's obituary from Memorial Funeral Home in Bryan also says in 1947 opening with his father Lampo and Son Grocery and later went into Luke’s Grocery with his brother-in-law and sister, Luke and Jobey Ruffino. Staying with the grocery business, Johnny then acquired E-Z Way Drive-in Grocery.
Visitation will be at Memorial Funeral Chape in Bryan on Wednesday (April 24) from 5-7 p.m. with a rosary recited at 7 p.m.
A mass of Christian burial will be held Thursday (April 25) at 10:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Catholic Church with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
Johnny Lampo was 98 years old.
This podcast contains comments from the April 16, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The April meeting of the College Station ISD school board included discussion and action related to approval of a bond issue in November 2021.
Assistant superintendent Josh Symank provided updates on renovations at the CSISD natatorium and Pebble Creek elementary and plans for upcoming renovations at Consolidated High School, Cypress Grove intermediate, and the district's central office.
The update also included technology purchases from the 2021 bond fund.
Symank also said CSISD is scheduled to take ownership this week of the first phase of the district's new career, technical, and education center. Construction of phase two, approved by voters in November 2023, is expected to start shortly.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 16, 2024 CSISD school board meeting.
Later in the meeting, CSISD board members unanimously approved awarding more than $1 million dollars from the 2021 bond for the replacement of air conditioning and heating systems at Forest Ridge and Pebble Creek elementaries.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the HVAC replacement at Forest Ridge.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the HVAC replacement at Pebble Creek.
The CSISD board also unanimously approved spending $225,000 dollars in 2021 bond money for moving services related to renovations at Cypress Grove intermediate, Pebble Creek elementary, and Consolidated High School.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the contract for moving services.
And the board approved a contract not to exceed almost $157,000 dollars for fiberoptic cable at the new CTE center.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the fiberoptic cable contract.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Peggi Goss Ondrasek, a board member of UWBV partner agency North Bryan Community Center Mattie Carter, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with the president of Baylor Scott & White Health's College Station region Jason Jennings, the region's chief medical officer Dr. Seth Sullivan, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Administrators at Baylor Scott & White Health provides updates on new construction and new medical providers in their College Station region.
Region president Jason Jennings says construction has started on the expansion of the College Station hospital's emergency room. This involves 11 new exam rooms, two new trauma bays, and a new private treatment room.
Jennings says the first phase of the medical building that is nicknamed "The Plaza" is on track to being completed in time to start seeing patients in early 2025. This building will include spaces for clinic rooms, a sleep center, therapy services, lab and future growth, along with a day surgery center.
The region's chief medical officer, Dr. Seth Sullivan, says there is a net increase of 28 new medical providers so far this year.
Sullivan also said in February, the team at Texas Brain & Spine Institute (TBSI) became part of the Baylor Scott & White family. TBSI was formed in 2005 to deliver neurosurgical solutions in patient care, education and research.
Jennings says with the additional providers and support staff, Baylor Scott & White's employment in the College Station region is more than 2,200.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Amazon's drone delivery operation, the Wellborn and George Bush interchange, e-bikes and other modes of transportation, the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, summer jobs, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 16, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Public speakers at Tuesday's (April 16) College Station ISD school board meeting included cheerleaders from Consolidated and College Station High Schools.
Comments from all six cheerleaders, three from each high school, promoted the May 4th bond election to pay for renovations at their school's athletic facilities.
Early voting begins Monday (April 22) at five voting centers...the College Station Utilities meeting and training facility on Graham Road, Texas A&M's memorial student center, Arena Hall and Galilee Baptist Church in Bryan, and the Brazos County elections office in downtown Bryan.
Click HERE to be directed to WTAW's new YouTube channel to watch The Infomaniacs Scott DeLucia and CSISD superintendent Tim Harkrider visit about the bond election.
Click HERE to be directed to CSISD's bond website.
Councilman Kevin Boriskie visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the council's hear citizens policy, growth in Downtown Bryan and other parts of the city, BTU, economic development, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 16, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The College Station ISD school board's annual review of its School Advisory Health Council (SHAC) focused on student's use of cell phones.
CSISD athletic director Kevin Starnes, who is the administration's representative on the SHAC, said the council wanted the district to "continue to look at and evaluate cell phone policies to limit distractions/off-task behavior during instructional times".
Starnes said the SHAC made two other recommendations.
One was "For CSISD, recommend to have a plan to ensure safety of students arriving/leaving school on bikes".
The other was "that CSISD develop, distribute in the employee handbook, and enforce a policy to limit the screening of paid video advertising presented by any faculty, staff, or substitute member of the district CSISD during school hours or in the classroom."
The conversation also included superintendent Tim Harkrider and several school board members.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 16, 2024 CSISD board meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about removing the criminal aspect of the no-more-than-four unrelated housing ordinance, the Midway to the Future Conference, the upcoming Amazon meet and greet, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M student government representatives during the April 11, 2024 College Station city council meeting. Those speakers are rules and regulations committee chairman Corbitt Armstrong, current student senate speaker Marcus Glass, student body president Andrew Applewhite, vice president of municipal affairs Ben Crockett, and incoming student senate speaker Ava Blackburn. That is followed by comments from College Station assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka, speaking with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs the morning of April 12, 2024.
Five leaders of Texas A&M's student government call on the College Station city council to delay the June first enforcement of the city's ordinance restricting rental housing to no more than four unrelated residents.
There was no response from council members during the April 11th meeting because state law does not allow comments regarding an item not on their agenda.
There was also no reply from city staff during the council meeting.
The following morning during a visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka spoke about the efforts of city staff and Texas A&M's resurrected office of off-campus housing to educate students and parents about the city ordinance that has been in place since 1939 but has not been strictly enforced in recent years.
On Monday (April 15), a city spokesman told WTAW News that the agenda for the council's April 25th meeting will include a proposed ordinance change making no more than four a civil offense instead of a misdemeanor criminal offense.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss Ondrasek, John Paci of UWBV partner agency Catholic Charities of Central Texas, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Salvation Army Captain Luis Villanueva visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the annual Doing the Most Good banquet during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the first news conference after a stolen semi struck the driver's license office in Brenham, TX on April 12, 2024. Speakers are Texas department of public safety (DPS) regional director Gerald Brown, DPS Sgt. Justin Ruiz, state senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham, and Brenham mayor Atwood Kenjura.
One person was killed and 14 were injured after a man in a stolen semi drove into the Brenham driver's license office building Friday morning (April 12).
Texas department of public safety Sgt. Justin Ruiz says six people were taken to hospitals in Houston, Bryan, and Brenham. Eight others were treated at the scene.
Ruiz said no one inside the building escaped injury, and investigators were determining how many of the 15 people were customers and how many were employees.
The name of the person who died will be released after family members are notified.
The man driving the stolen semi was identified as 42 year old Clenard Parker of Chappell Hill. He was removed from the semi and taken to the Washington County jail.
Ruiz said a Washington County sheriff's deputy spotted the stolen semi and started a pursuit that was joined by other law enforcement officers.
The semi jumped the Highway 290 feeder road and entered the building through the door leading into the driver's license waiting area.
Ruiz said Parker on Thursday (April 11) had been denied a renewal of his commercial driver's license. The reason was not disclosed.
The Texas Rangers is the lead investigating agency.
Jennifer Prochazka, Assistant City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Lincoln Avenue project, raised medians, enforcement starting of the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, a Amazon meet and greet, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the College Station fire department's ceremony officially placing a new fire engine into service on April 11, 2024.
For the first time since 2018, the College Station fire department places a new engine into service.
A traditional "push-in" ceremony took place Thursday afternoon (April 11) at CSFD station six at University and Tarrow.
Fire chief Richard Mann said the replacement process started in the summer of 2021 to replace a 2004 model.
The new engine is expected to serve the next 15 years and respond to an estimated 25,000 calls.
The $1.2 million dollar engine will serve as the lead vehicle to respond to hazardous materials incidents in the seven county region.
The engine, which weighs a little over 60,000 pounds, carries a 750 gallon water tank and a 1,500 gallon per minute pump that is capable of delivering water or firefighting foam.
The chief invited residents to fire station six to check out the new engine.
The "push-in" ceremony recognizes the early days of firefighting when returning to the fire station after a call, horses were separated from pulling fire equipment and firefighters pushed the equipment inside the building.
This podcast contains comments from the April 9, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council ends the more than seven year old rule restricting the public comment portion of council meetings to only agenda items.
The council during Tuesday's meeting (April 9) unanimously expanded the public comment portion of the council's regularly scheduled second monthly meeting.
The change, drafted in part by councilmen James Edge and Jared Salvato, allows up to 30 minutes of public comments on items of "city business or affairs that are in the scope of the council's authority and legislative functions."
Speakers will be required to register by nine a.m. the day of the meeting.
And this period of public comments would take place after all other business before the Bryan council. Mayor Bobby Gutierrez says that is to reduce the waiting time for those asked by the council to speak on agenda items.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the April 9, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance that was approved during the April 9, 2024 Bryan city council meeting.
Staff members from Bryan's Parks and Recreation department visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about youth summer camps, available summer jobs, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 8, 2024 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting from A&M's associate vice president for university health services Dr. Nancy Fahrenwald.
A four year study has started at Texas A&M and its sister schools in the A&M system to improve the mental health of college students.
A&M's associate vice president for university health services outlined what is taking place during an appearance at Monday's (April 8) A&M faculty senate meeting.
Dr. Nancy Fahrenwald talked about the partnership with the Jed Foundation, which is considered to be the nation’s leading organization dedicated to young adult mental health.
Fahrenwald said the model used by the foundation that was created by the parents of a son who committed suicide while in college, is a comprehensive approach to promoting mental health and creating sustainable change.
At A&M, 12,000 students and 12,000 faculty and staff members have been asked to complete what Fahrenwald called a "healthy minds" survey.
Presentation materials shared by Fahrenwald said four critical elements for successful outcomes are (1) support and engagement from senior leadership, (2) commitment to long term strategic planning for sustainability, (3) a shared vision that student well being is everyone's responsibility and linked to student and institutional success, and (4) diverse voices from various campus partners participating in the process.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shared during the April 8, 2024 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about hearing from citizens during council meetings, rezoning and expansion, the new municipal court presiding judge, big truck regulations, a changed alcohol ordinance in Downtown Bryan, medians, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss Ondrasek, CEO of UWBV partner agency Brazos Valley Rehabilitation Center Alina Fifer, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan police officer Seth Waller, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan police thank a concerned citizen for contacting 9-1-1 after seeing something suspicious and out of the norm.
Officer Seth Waller says multiple officers responded Wednesday night (April 3) around eight p.m. to the Travis Field ballparks on the report of someone who was armed and acting suspicious.
Waller says a juvenile was found with a fake gun that placed citizens in fear of imminent danger or harm. That led to an arrest on a charge of deadly conduct.
The juvenile, whose age and gender were not released, was also charged with evading and resisting arrest and a minor being in possession of a tobacco product.
This podcast is a sampling of more than one hour of comments from the March 28, 2024 College Station city council meeting regarding the requests by six landowners to be released from requirements of the city's extra territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) regulations.
A new state law allowing landowners outside city limits to submit a petition to be released from requirements imposed in a city's extra territorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, is being challenged in court.
A College Station city council majority at their March 28th meeting overrode Senate Bill 2038 with their vote to deny petitions submitted by six landowners to be removed from the city's ETJ authority.
The council majority believed an old state law is still in effect and gives the authority to deny the petitions.
The council's vote came after city staff approved petitions from three of the six landowners.
The city's chief development officer, Michael Ostrowski, explained why staff was now reversing that decision.
Ostrowski also said city staff did not notify the six landowners about the March 28th council meeting.
One of the three landowners who had received city staff approval of his ETJ removal request, Steve Pittman, considered the reversal "shady and behind the scenes at best."
Ostrowski said the importance of the city of College Station protecting its interests in their five mile ETJ would impact emergency services and what was described as "the orderly subdivision and development of land".
Mayor John Nichols says ETJ landowners can still contact city staff about development opportunities.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 2038, which passed the Senate on a 20-11 vote and the House on a 127-18 vote. Voting yes were Brazos County senator Charles Schwertner and Brazos County state representatives John Raney and Kyle Kacal. Kacal was listed as a House co-sponsor.
Click HERE to read and download pages 1-33 containing background information from the March 28, 2024 College Station city council meeting regarding ETJ petitions.
Click HERE to read and download pages 34-72 containing background information from the March 28, 2024 College Station city council meeting regarding ETJ petitions.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the March 28, 2024 College Station city council meeting regarding ETJ petitions.
Caroline Ask, Solid Waste Division Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about student move out, disposal options, the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Topics includes April's First Friday schedule, a special event on April 7, promoting their solar eclipse event on April 8, previewing the downtown Bryan street and art fair on April 13, and a reminder of the Big Barn Dance music festival the first weekend in May.
This podcast contains comments with the director of the U.S. Paralympic bicycle races at the RELLIS campus, Lisa Colvin, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Texas A&M University and the city of Bryan will host the U.S. Paralympics Cycling Road Open this weekend (April 6-7) at the RELLIS campus.
The race will serve as the selection event for the nation’s top paracyclists to qualify for the European leg of the 2024 UCI ParaCycling World Cup season, which is one of the most important factors for qualification for the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 this summer.The event is free, family friendly and open to the public.
Click HERE to be directed to the city of Bryan's website with more information.
This podcast contains comments with the city of Bryan's Cathy Capps and race director Lisa Colvin, visiting with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs on Thursday, April 4, 2024.
Texas A&M University and the city of Bryan will host the U.S. Paralympics Cycling Road Open this weekend (April 6-7) at the RELLIS campus.
The race will serve as the selection event for the nation’s top paracyclists to qualify for the European leg of the 2024 UCI Para-Cycling World Cup season, which is one of the most important factors for qualification for the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 this summer.
The event is free, family friendly and open to the public.
Click HERE to be directed to the city of Bryan's website with more information.
This podcast contains comments from the March 26, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County commission's yearly appointments to the Brazos Valley homeland security committee came with a discussion about what the committee does.
Commissioner Steve Aldrich, who was one of 18 people who were reappointed, said the commission is "about how we will address different types of threats and incidents and how we're going to respond to them."
Aldrich compares their work to "sitting down and meeting with a room full of people who are cats in a room full of rocking chairs, because potential threats that are addressed in these and the responses are really just all kinds of possible things that can happen."
Brazos County emergency management director Michele Meade, who recently finished a one year stint as chairwoman, said the regional group is broken down into committees addressing cybersecurity, communications, and strategic documents; which goes to "identifying worse case scenarios for the region, what our capabilities currently are with the resources and the staffing that we currently have, and then what are our holes, what are our gaps."
Commissioners also appointed two new members to the group.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about extra territorial jurisdictions, the city's capital improvement plan program, future baseball field development, tax numbers, affordable housing, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 28, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council and Habitat For Humanity agree to terminate a contract from July 2017 to build five homes for low income families.
Community services director Debbie Eller told the council that there was a mutual agreement to end the contract.
Councilmembers were told the average construction price more than doubled, from $187,000 to $448,000 dollars.
Habitat, which received a $794,000 dollar grant, will return to the city whatever they receive for selling the land on Renee Lane about three blocks north of College Station High School.
Eller said the city will be reimbursing the federal government $65,000 dollars because the project was not completed.
When councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha learned the $65,000 will come from the sale of the land, she said "You do know how many non profits would have loved this money?"
Councilman Dennis Maloney called on Habitat and other providers of housing for low income families to consider changing their business model from building single family homes on lots that are "escalating in value constantly in College Station" to "vertical" housing.The council did not hear from Habitat representatives.
WTAW News invited a Habitat spokesman to provide a statement about the contract termination.
Click HERE to read and download the contract termination and background information that was presented at the March 28, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the March 28, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the April 1, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The first review by Bryan ISD school board members of forming the budget for the 2024-2025 school year includes the possibility of not filling or restructuring positions.
Board members and administrators said that's because the governor is waiting for approval of his private voucher plan before releasing $4.5 billion dollars in state money.
Board member Ruthie Waller says as bad as it will be in Bryan ISD, it is not as bad as other public school districts facing campus closures due to the lack of state money.
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine said no layoffs are planned in Bryan ISD. But there is the possibility of not filling vacancies created by retirements and restructuring other positions.
Carrabine also says an outside consultant hired by the district has been meeting with campus administrators and will be meeting with board members later this month about next year's budget.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 1, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi (Goss) Ondrasek and the executive director of UWBV partner agency Scotty's House child advocacy center, Cary Baker, visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the March 28, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army is promoting a capital campaign.
The College Station city council learned about the "Pathway of Hope" campaign during Thursday night's (March 28) meeting.
The campaign is to create what is being called the "Center of Hope" on the Salvation Army campus in Bryan.
A member of the campaign committee, former Texas A&M president Bowen Loftin, said transitional housing would be built for eight to ten families, along with a new food pantry and youth service center, and remodeling the family service center.
Commanding officer Captain Luis Villanueva said this will not result in duplicating services with other local non profit agencies.
No requests were made to the College Station council.
Staff from Legends Event Center visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this weekend's Easter Market, an upcoming City of Bryan open house, how to rent space at Legends Event Center, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Texas A&M's The Big Event, a state science fair, the livestock show and auction, planning and zoning commission plans, comprehensive plan updates, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Texas state comptroller Glenn Hegar, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Over the last several years, the Texas state comptroller has produced a video series which highlights the economic impact of a variety of industry sectors.
On Tuesday (March 26), the "Good For Texas" series brought Glenn Hegar to the George H.W. Bush library and museum to kick off episodes about the state's three presidential libraries.
Hegar, who is a Texas A&M graduate, says the state's presidential libraries "show our state's outsized impact on the American presidency and history, support the Texas economy and serve as magnets for civic-minded visitors, scholars, and special events.
The comptroller's office determined that in 2023, the Bush 41 complex, which includes the George and Barbara Bush Foundation and A&M's Bush school of government, generated 1,102 direct and indirect jobs, a gross domestic product of $113.2 million dollars, and disposable personal income of $62.1 million dollars.
Hegar said the Bush 41 complex also provides "the historical significance of the years of the president serving this country", "the first lady's contribution", "and then also with the programs of students coming here to fulfill one of the purposes as the president said is, civil service is a noble calling."
The comptroller also took his first tour of the new pavilion building that contains the still wrapped 41-41 locomotive and a Marine One helicopter, which will open this June. Hegar said the addition will be "another anchor and a reason for people to come to the Bryan/College Station area to tour the library and the museum is pretty phenomenal."
Additional information from the Texas comptroller's office:
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar is highlighting the state’s presidential libraries, which provide a unique perspective into U.S. and world events, through his Good for Texas Tour series. Today, Hegar is visiting the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, which is dedicated to the legacy of the 41st president and offers a comprehensive exploration of Bush’s leadership during pivotal moments in history such as Operation Desert Storm, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War.
“Texas is home to three presidential libraries at sites chosen by the presidents to preserve their records, stories and legacies,” Hegar said. “Part archive and part museum, these landmarks are local treasures with global impact, spurring curiosity, dialogue and healthy debate. Each site is a time capsule, providing glimpses of past conflicts and solutions — even shedding light on future opportunities. Texas’ presidential libraries show our state’s outsize impact on the American presidency and history, support the Texas economy and serve as magnets for civic-minded visitors, scholars and special events.
“I am honored to visit the Bush Library, with permanent exhibits that explore the influences and challenges that shaped the president's life, including his service as a fighter pilot in World War II and his many roles in public service: congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, vice president and, ultimately, president.”
During his Good for Texas Tour: Presidential Libraries Edition, Hegar is spotlighting information his office has gathered on the presidential libraries. Texas is home to more presidential libraries than any other state.
The Bush Library and Museum opened in 1997 on the campus of Texas A&M University, with a construction cost of $43 million ($81.7 million in 2023 dollars). In 2007, the exhibit space received an $8.7 million renovation ($12.7 million in 2023 dollars). Now at 81,706 square feet, the library holds 44 million pages of records; 2 million still photos; 10,000 videotapes; 61,271 library artifacts; and 800 hours of audio.
Construction is underway for a 29,000-square-foot building that will house the Union Pacific 4141 locomotive, a new café and the Marine One helicopter used during Bush’s presidency. These additions are valued at $38 million.
Considering this construction activity and ongoing maintenance, combined with retail sales, the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is estimated to have contributed $113.2 million to the Texas economy in 2023, with a total employment — direct and indirect — of about 1,100. More than 101,000 patrons visited the library in 2023.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M's President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new athletic director, hiring a new Chief Compliance Officer, job searches for academic hires, space allocation, summer events at Kyle Field, future events at Reed Arena and other university facilities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Cary Baker, Executive Director of Scotty's House, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about child abuse statistics, prevention, and upcoming community events.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County district attorney Jarvis Parsons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners sign off on allowing three departments to receive a combined $1 million dollars in new grant money that was authorized by the legislature during the 2023 regular session.
Senate Bill 22, which passed the senate and house without opposition, gives the district attorney and county attorney's offices $275,000 dollars each towards paying assistant prosecutors, investigators, and victim assistance coordinators.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 22.
District attorney Jarvis Parsons says the additional money will go to current employees.
County attorney Earl Gray says his preference is giving a one time bonus to current employees.
Senate Bill 22 gave the Brazos County sheriff's office $500,000 dollars and the authority to spend the money on more than just employee pay.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky says because county commissioners set sheriff's employee pay above the cap in SB 22, the grant money will go towards other things.
Dicky said equipment will be purchased for communications and surveillance, along with vehicles for the crime scene and the new human trafficking departments, and a safety project will be done at one of the jail dormitories.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County county attorney Earl Gray and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners sign off on allowing three departments to receive a combined $1 million dollars in new grant money that was authorized by the legislature during the 2023 regular session.
Senate Bill 22, which passed the senate and house without opposition, gives the district attorney and county attorney's offices $275,000 dollars each towards paying assistant prosecutors, investigators, and victim assistance coordinators.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 22.
District attorney Jarvis Parsons says the additional money will go to current employees.
County attorney Earl Gray says his preference is giving a one time bonus to current employees.
Senate Bill 22 gave the Brazos County sheriff's office $500,000 dollars and the authority to spend the money on more than just employee pay.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky says because county commissioners set sheriff's employee pay above the cap in SB 22, the grant money will go towards other things.
Dicky said equipment will be purchased for communications and surveillance, along with vehicles for the crime scene and the new human trafficking departments, and a safety project will be done at one of the jail dormitories.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff Wayne Dicky and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners sign off on allowing three departments to receive a combined $1 million dollars in new grant money that was authorized by the legislature during the 2023 regular session.
Senate Bill 22, which passed the senate and house without opposition, gives the district attorney and county attorney's offices $275,000 dollars each towards paying assistant prosecutors, investigators, and victim assistance coordinators.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 22.
District attorney Jarvis Parsons says the additional money will go to current employees.
County attorney Earl Gray says his preference is giving a one time bonus to current employees.
Senate Bill 22 gave the Brazos County sheriff's office $500,000 dollars and the authority to spend the money on more than just employee pay.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky says because county commissioners set sheriff's employee pay above the cap in SB 22, the grant money will go towards other things.
Dicky said equipment will be purchased for communications and surveillance, along with vehicles for the crime scene and the new human trafficking departments, and a safety project will be done at one of the jail dormitories.
Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about World Water Day, upcoming water presentations, city water statistics, irrigation checkups, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about technology allowing her to stay connected, the new budget cycle, a future business center at Coulter Airfield, what she is hearing from her constituents, upcoming city events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 19, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members approve adding a third high school band director at Consolidated and College Station high schools.
Board members were told that most 5-A high schools have four or five band directors.
The unanimous vote during Tuesday's (March 19) meeting came after board members and administrators discussed upcoming challenges to develop a budget for the 2024-25 school year.
Before considering the new positions, administrators said during a workshop that they were studying possible staffing changes in the 24-25 school year.
The staff study came up again during consideration of the additional band directors.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider said approving the new positions now will lead to a larger pool of applicants.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about George Straight performing at Kyle Field, the recent economic development trip to California, citizen committees, the recreation center study, current construction projects, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 18, 2024 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Six weeks after the Texas A&M system board of regents votes to shut down A&M's campus in Qatar, A&M's faculty senate unanimously adopts a resolution backing the work done by educators who will be losing their jobs in the next one to four years.
Faculty senate speaker Tracy Hammond told WTAW News that the resolution, submitted by a faculty senate member from Qatar, passed by a 64 to nothing margin.
This took place during the faculty senate's March regular meeting, where in College Station it was Monday afternoon (March 18) but in Qatar was Tuesday (March 19) at one in the morning.
The resolution was presented by an instructional assistant history professor at the Qatar campus, Brittany Bounds:
Whereas,* Texas A&M University at Qatar conducts research which is in the public interest and non-classified, * Texas A&M University at Qatar complies with all export controls and regulations, * Texas A&M University upholds academic freedom and protects faculty from false and misleading accusations, * Other organizations have suggested that faculty at Texas A&M University at Qatar conduct research related to national security and nuclear issues, * These suggestions are false and misleading,
Be it resolved that,* The Faculty Senate stands by these colleagues; * These faculty are in good standing in Texas A&M University, in their disciplines, and in the scholarly community of the United States of America.
Bounds and Qatar campus engineering professor Dr. Mohammed Al-Hashimi said the misinformation has resulted in Qatar campus educators being harassed.
Bounds also repeated earlier statements from the A&M president that the Qatar campus does not do research involving national security and nuclear issues.
Dr. Bounds expects a third and possible fourth wave of misinformation about the work being done at the A&M Qatar campus.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president Kat Gammon, Jonathan Mitchell of UWBV partner agency Adult and Teen Challenge of Brenham, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Sarah Norman, president of the local realtors association, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about 2023 housing market statistics, local market trends, and more.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M university librarian Julie Mosbo Ballestro from the February 12, 2024 A&M faculty senate meeting.
March marks two years since the reorganization of Texas A&M’s library staff drew opposition from the faculty senate.
A second update in as many years was presented by university librarian Julie Mosbo Ballestro during February’s faculty senate meeting.Ballestro said “I think that we are seeing a raise in morale”, and later thanked the university for its support.
Last October, president Mark Welsh announced university libraries was given $900,000 dollars for salary adjustments and $2.4 million was restored to the library system’s overall budget.
As for staffing, Ballestro told faculty senate members about hirings in several library departments.
She told WTAW News that as of February 13 there were 45 openings.She told the faculty senate that hirings were taking place in four phases. In part that was not to overwhelm A&M’s human resources department and library employees serving on search committees.
Ballestro’s presentation to the faculty senate included the creation of an open education resources committee that is charged with reducing the student cost of course materials and what is happening with academic engagement programs, which involves student engagement and outreach, online learning, and acquisitions and collection strategies.
She also provided an update on the library system’s association with research at A&M, the library system’s special collections and archives, and access to digital collections.She also talked about an internal space study.
The week after Ballestro’s comments about space utilization, A&M’s president released the recommendations of a university wide space allocation study. Among those recommendations, were allocating ten thousand square feet in Evans Library to support an academic success center and student success initiatives within academic affairs, add to the university’s capital plan renovations of the medical sciences library, begin the process to rename west campus library spaces to convey service to the west campus community, and add a west campus testing center on the first floor of the business library collaboration commons.
The presentation, followed by questions and answers, is available on the A&M faculty senate’s You Tube channel. The segment, which starts at approximately 44:10, lasts about 40 minutes.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shown at the February 12, 2024 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Colin Killian, Director of Public Communications, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Movies in the Park, the Meeting Planner Showcase, other upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording provided by the city of Bryan of the February 9, 2024 Bryan fire department red helmet ceremony recognizing the promotion of two firefighters to lieutenant.
As Bryan's fire chief finishes his third year, Richard Giusti added to the recent promotion of two firefighters to lieutenant, the presentation of red fire helmets.
The chief told those attending the February 9th ceremony, recorded by the city of Bryan, that in addition to family members pinning badges, the chief giving the helmets "is something that is important" and "for a fire chief to give a person their helmet I think is a pretty special thing."
Last year's BFD firefighter of the year, Landon Bissett, and the firefighter of the year two years ago, Rickey Mantey, were presented their helmets as part of their promotion.
The chief's review of the accomplishments of both firefighters were applauded.
Mantey is now a training officer, following severe burns he sustained in the February 2013 Knights of Columbus building fire that claimed the lives of two colleagues and injuries to a third firefighter.
Gary Miller, BTU's General Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this year's mild winter, service statistics, long term planning, activity at RELLIS, rate structure, operations at Lake Bryan, progress at BTU's new office building, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recruiting a new businesses to town, Bryan's improved bond rating, Legends Event Center, Texas Triangle Park, RELLIS, the façade grant that went to the owners of Shipwreck Grill, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley President Peggi Goss and Max Gerall, founder of The REACH Project, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
Travis Rollins, Public Information Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the decision to discontinue hosting the July 4th Fireworks Show in Kurten.
Councilman Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the death of former mayor Ben White, upcoming council discussions, development in the Northgate district, his vision for Wolf Pen Creek, his desire for a future convention center, solid waste and electric generation, collaborating with Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police officer David Simmons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The College Station police department has issued a traffic advisory for Friday's (March 8) funeral procession of former mayor and CSPD volunteer Ben White.
Officer David Simmons says the procession will be longer than usual. And there will be more traffic because the procession will happen during the middle of the day when many people are leaving town for the start of spring break.
Simmons says the procession will start Friday morning between 11 and 11:15 from Christ Church in College Station.
The procession will head north from the church on the freeway service road to Harvey Mitchell Parkway, then go west to Dartmouth, then north past the police department to Krenek Tap, then west to Texas, then north to University, then west to the Aggie Field of Honor.
Simmons says the procession will stop momentarily in front of College Station city hall, where White served as a councilman and mayor from 2005-2010.
White's death on March 3rd was eight days after celebrating his 10th anniversary as a CSPD volunteer.
Lacey Lively, Communications and Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Friday's Sock Hop dance, the Blue Bunny Easter event, this Saturday's free microchip and rabies vaccination event, the grand opening of the sand volleyball courts at Legends, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent Houthi attack in the Red Sea, what he expects from other NATO countries, voter turnout, his opinion on Donald Trump, tonight's State of the Union address, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 20, 2022 Blinn College trustees meeting.
February's Blinn College trustees meeting included another discussion about declining enrollment at the Bryan campus.
Spring headcount at Blinn-Bryan has dropped from 12,071 in 2015 to 4,717 so far this spring. The final spring 2024 number will come after enrollment finishes for the final eight week session and two more four week sessions.
Trustees Dennis Crowson and Charles Moser brought up the enrollment decline as construction continues on a $31 million dollar administration and student services building at Villa Maria and Nash.
Chancellor Mary Hensley and vice chancellor Becky McBride repeated from past discussions, the enrollment drop in Bryan is in part due to Texas A&M increasing the size of its freshman class.
Trustees were also told there is no correlations to the enrollment drop in Bryan with the opening of Blinn's RELLIS campus, which so far this semester has 3,152 students.
While headcount continues to go down on the Bryan campus, Blinn's spring headcount district wide is at 15,720 with enrollment continuing. That is up from 15,685 for all of the spring 2024 semester.
This podcast contains comments from the February 20, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting.
A presentation during the College Station ISD school board's February 20th meeting about the district's athletics department included a discussion about the May 4th bond issue.
This is the third time that CSISD voters are being asked to approve repairs and improvements at athletic facilities.
A $40,200,000 dollar proposition affects the Consolidated High School fieldhouse and athletic stadium and the College Station High School athletic stadium.
A $13,270,000 dollar proposition would convert the Consolidated and College Station High School baseball and softball fields to artificial turf, and at the Consol softball field there would be a new press box, a new ticket booth, and modifications to sidewalks.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about former mayor Ben White, Amazon drones, middle housing zoning, waste management with increasing density, future ballfields, the housing action plan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with the winner of the Republican primary for 472nd district court judge Jerrell Wise, who has no opponents in the general election.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with the winner of the Republican primary for Brazos County district attorney, Jarvis Parsons, who has no general election opponents.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with the Republican nominee for Texas House District 14, Paul Dyson.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with the Republican nominee for Brazos County precinct three commissioner Fred Brown.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with one of the Republican primary runoff candidates for Brazos County precinct one commission, Bentley Nettles.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with one of the Republican primary runoff candidates for Brazos County precinct one commission, Steve Aldrich.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with Trey Wharton, one of the candidates in the primary runoff for the Republican nomination for the Texas House district 12 seat.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss about the fiscal year 2024 community campaign, which is in its fourth quarter.
There is also an update with Rebekah Nobles of UWBV partner agency Easter Seals of Houston, which provides early childhood intervention services in the UWBV service area.
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell of the Texas Department of Transportation Bryan district office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Ten to 15 years from now, a bypass could be built around Hearne.
The first step in that process takes place this Thursday (March 7).That's when the Texas Department of Transportation holds its first public meeting.
TxDOT Bryan district office spokesman Bob Colwell says no location has been chosen for a Hearne bypass.
This project follows a feasibility study that began in 2021 to widen Highway 6 between Hearne and Highway 21 in Bryan. Colwell said the soonest there will be detailed information about that project is 2026. Then the earliest construction could start is 2031. And construction would take three to four years to complete.
A third feasibility study that affects the other two is the future construction of Interstate 14.
Back to the future Hearne bypass, TxDOT staff will be collecting public opinions at Hearne elementary school Thursday (March 7) between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
The meeting is also available online. Go to www.txdot.gov and in the search bar type "Hearne Relief Route".
Written comments can be submitted by mail or e-mail. In either format, the submission deadline is March 22.
Send e-mails to BRY_PublicComment@txdot.gov.
The snail mail address is TxDOT Bryan District Office, Attn: E. Sydney Fox, 2591 North Earl Rudder Freeway, Bryan, Texas 77803.
This podcast is with city of Bryan deputy city manager Hugh Walker and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The city of Bryan's decision to remove disc golf from the Park Hudson area involves 12 baskets.
Six baskets that were part of the Park Hudson course were installed more than ten years ago at the nearby Tiffany Park.
Deputy city manager Hugh Walker says the six baskets that were incorporated into the Park Hudson course will remain.
Walker says the six original baskets next to Bowen elementary school were provided through a grant that was given to a Bryan ISD teacher.
Some of the original baskets are being moved. Walker says one will be farther away from a Bryan ISD security fence. Another basket is being moved so that players will not be required to fly the disc over a sidewalk.
And Walker says the city is removing concrete tee pads from Park Hudson and Tiffany Park where it won't cause more damage as opposed to leaving the pad.
Tiffany Park is one of four disc golf locations in Bryan. There is a six hole course at Cherry Park and nine hole courses at Austin's Colony and Bonham parks.
Additional information from the city of Bryan:
The City of Bryan is seeing and receiving misinformation about the Park Hudson Disc Golf Course and would like to provide some clarity.
About 10 – 15 years ago, a 6-hole disc golf course was installed in Tiffany Park through a Bowen Elementary School grant-funded project.
Late last year, this course was expanded, around the Park Hudson Trail area, into an 18-hole course. This included the installment of 12 new holes, and new baskets and concrete tee pads at each of the 18 holes. Since the expanded course opened, residents began to recognize the impact of the new amenity and voiced their concerns to the City.
The expanded portion of the Park Hudson Disc Golf Course is being removed along with tee pads. The removal process started this week. A number of reasons prompted the removal, including the City not having more public input before proceeding with the course, the City not doing a thorough review of the property before implementing changes, complaints from residents in the area, an injury claim from an alleged disc golfer, etc. The City recognizes the oversights and is working to address them.
Essentially, the original 6-hole disc golf course will remain. Staff is working on removing concrete tee pads and making basket location adjustments to the original 6 holes, based on concerns from the expanded portion. The plan is to put Tiffany Park back to its original, natural state.
This podcast contains comments from the February 19, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The February 19th meeting of the Bryan ISD school board included private discussions about two items involving the superintendent.
On the agenda, there was an item titled "Consideration and Possible Action Regarding Superintendent’s Request for Investigation of Administrative Matters." Draft minutes of the board meeting says this was discussed in executive session. WTAW News asked board president Julie Harlin about the nature of the request. Dr. Harlin said "As I mentioned in open session, no action was taken on that agenda item." There has been no response from the superintendent about the nature of her request to investigate undisclosed administrative matters.
Not on the agenda, was a request during public comments by Bishop Maurice Green Jr. that he said "was of the utmost concern to me as well as to my community." When the board president asked if the request involved a BISD employee, Green said it involved the superintendent. That led Dr. Harlin to call for an executive session.
After meeting with Green for nine minutes, the board returned to open session, took no action on Green's undisclosed issue, then resumed its agenda business.
David Brower, Community Development Analyst, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a housing action committee, housing challenges, using surveys to gather citizen feedback, upcoming public meetings, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 22, 2024 meeting of the College Station city council.
The College Station city council sets a new speed limit for the recently widened portion of Greens Prairie Road from where the school zone ends by Forest Ridge elementary to Dalton Drive.
Staff recommended 40 miles per hour.
But mayor John Nichols recommendation of 45 passed by a six to one vote.
Nichols said the 45 speed limit matched South Holleman, Fitch west of Lakeway, and Southwest Parkway between Dartmouth and the freeway.
Before Greens Prairie Road was widened between Arrington and Dalton, the speed limit was 55.
The mayor also said it will be 12 to 14 months before widening starts on the county's portion of Greens Prairie, which is being administered by the city and paid by the county.
Click HERE to read and download the ordinance that was passed at the February 22, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about March First Friday activities in downtown Bryan, community events associated with April's solar eclipse, and May's inaugural Big Barn Dance music festival in Bryan.
Jamie Cox, General Manager of Legends Event Center, and Kyle Walton, Director of Sports, visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia and Chelsea Reber about this year's events, the new sand volleyball courts, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and Lisa Wamsley of UWBV partner agency Son Shine Outreach Center visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the February 22, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
In December 2022, College Station became Amazon's second location for drone delivery service.
Amazon officials returned to College Station to attend the last city council meeting (February 22) where announcements were made and to take in public comments.
The global leader of regulatory strategy for Amazon Prime Air Matt McCardle said they are not close to reaching their current capacity, they have applied to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to increase capacity from 200 to 470 operations per day, and they have applied to the FAA to use a new drone model that is 40 percent quieter.
McCardle says pending FAA approval, the new drone will debut in College Station this summer.
And "after we successfully begin our operation here with that new drone", McCardle said "we will then open up a new facility somewhere in the United States that we haven't announced yet, and then go to two sites including Italy by the end of 2024."
13 neighborhood residents near or bordering what some called Amazon's "drone port" said the constant noise from drones have disturbed their way of life.
Two councilmembers who live near Amazon's facility also spoke. Mark Smith thanked his neighbors for speaking and Dennis Maloney said he looks forward to Amazon moving their operation to an industrial zone.
The council also heard from six people who thanked Amazon for their financial support of community non profit agencies. The council also received written comments from seven other people.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M President's Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new dean of the College of Engineering, results and recommendations from the recent space allocation study, the future of KAMU, parking in Downtown Bryan, the decision to close the campus in Qatar, the upcoming para-cycling competition at RELLIS, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with assistant Brazos County district attorney Jessica Escue and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station police (CSPD) arrested four men by mistake for the burglary of an apartment and assaulting a resident last December.
WTAW News has invited College Station's police chief to be interviewed and/or provide a statement about what happened.
Assistant Brazos County district attorney Jessica Escue told WTAW News that CSPD investigators identified the four original suspects after comparing surveillance video with photographs.
Escue says three days after the original four were arrested, one of the men came to the D-A's office with his parents and their lawyer. Escue says they provided information which proved that none of the four were involved.
Then the D-A's office contacted CSPD with the new information. Escue says CSPD "determined that in fact the four original suspects had been misidentified and the correct perpetrators of the burglary were in fact four different individuals."
That led in the D-A's office immediately rejecting the prosecution of Pedro Cardenas, Santiago Vidaurri, Marcelo Masso, and Francisco La Garza.
Escue says the arrests of the four men will be expunged, meaning there will be no record of what happened.
Escue also says she does not remember this set of circumstances happening in her 16 years with the D-A's office.
She went on to say that "The district attorney's office as well as law enforcement are committed to making sure that we hold the correct people accountable for offenses and that we do not charge incorrect people. And so we are always eager and willing to listen if there is additional evidence out there to say that we made a wrong call."
Cardenas, who contacted WTAW News and provided documents from the D-A's office showing prosecution was rejected, issued the following statement:
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the College Station DA office and the College Station Police Department for the unwavering commitment to justice in the wake of the events on January 23, 2024. Your persistence and dedication to resolving this matter have not gone unnoticed, and I am deeply appreciative of your efforts.
Lieutenant Harris, Detective Lovelace, and all members of the College Station Police Department involved in the reinvestigation of my case, your thoroughness and diligence in rectifying the injustice
I faced have brought a sense of relief during a challenging time. Your commitment to upholding justice has been instrumental in restoring faith in the legal system.
Likewise, to the Assistant District Attorneys at the College Station District Attorney's Office, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your tireless efforts in ensuring that justice prevailed. Your dedication to fairness and truth has been a beacon of hope throughout this ordeal, and I am truly thankful for your advocacy on my behalf.
While the road to healing may be long, your steadfast pursuit of justice has been a source of strength for me. I am hopeful that with your continued support, we can work towards preventing similar injustices from occurring in the future.
Once again, thank you for your persistence, dedication, and commitment to justice."
This podcast is with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A Bryan hotel overpaid its property taxes by nearly $60,000 dollars.
Brazos County commissioners at its February 20th meeting approved a refund for the owners of the Stella Hotel.
Tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe says their office investigated the overpayment of $59,783.93.
That included checking if the overage was supposed to be applied to another property and if there was a valuation change.
After the payment was posted, Roe says her office contacted the property owner about the overpayment and that state law requires the property owner to request the refund.
Click HERE to read and download Brazos County documents regarding the property tax refund to the Stella Hotel.
Jeremiah Cook, Tourism Manager for Visit College Station, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last October's record numbers, the new visitors center, renting the space, Hang Out Tune In events, volunteering for the USA Track and Field meet this summer, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 5, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting and the February 20, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The Bryan and College Station ISD school boards adopt resolutions required by new state legislation regarding chaplains.
Senate bill 763 says "A school district or open-enrollment charter school may employ or accept as a volunteer a chaplain to provide support, services, and programs for students as assigned by the board of trustees of the district or the governing body of the school. A chaplain employed or volunteering under this chapter is not required to be certified by the State Board for Educator Certification."
The Bryan ISD board passed a resolution at its February 19th meeting stating that "at this time", the district "would not allow a chaplain to be hired or volunteer to provide chaplain support, services, and programs for students."
Bryan ISD administrators at the board's February 5th meeting thanked members of the faith based community for their support. And the resolution says BISD "welcomes all members of the community to register as school volunteers in accordance with an existing board policy."
The College Station ISD board passed a resolution at its February 20th meeting that follows the district's current policy that allows chaplains and other religiously affiliated person to apply for paid and volunteer positions. In the case of providing support services, superintendent Tim Harkrider says that is done in CSISD by certified counselors.
Two CSISD board members commented about senate bill 763. Joshua Benn said it was "a can of worms" that the district does not need. Blaine Decker said SB 763 "is the state trying to get us to hire somebody else that we didn't ask for and (the state) is not funding".
Click HERE to read and download a copy of senate bill 763.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution adopted at the February 19, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution adopted at the February 20, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Councilman Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about parking in Downtown Bryan, disc golf in the Park Hudson neighborhood, development, the possibility of a council retreat, committees he serves on, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, Lara Meece of the UWBV partner agency Grimes and Madison County health resource centers, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Amazon drone report and the future of the program, selling a piece of land on the east side of the highway, the former Macy's store building, the recent council retreat, the city's priority list, middle housing phase two, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 19, 2024 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M system officials apologize for mistakes that were made in rolling out a new retiree health insurance program.
That's according to a member of the A&M faculty senate who attended a meeting with system officials about the system's new Medicare Advantage program.
Associate professor Leslie Easterwood shared during the February faculty senate meeting that providers have had to be educated about the system's new retiree health plan.
Easterwood said that the new Medicare Advantage coverage is a group plan and not individual open market coverage.
Easterwood says there is a team ready to assist retirees who are being overcharged or when their provider initially denies coverage.Since the new plan began the first of the year,
Easterwood said the approval rate for 5,500 claims was 97 percent. And most of the other claims were eventually resolved.
The A&M system's webpage dedicated to this plan says that there is an online educational session where questions will be answered takes place on Tuesday, February 27th, from 11 a.m. until noon.
Captain Luis Villanueva visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the tutoring program, volunteering for the program, how to help in other ways, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M system board of regents member Jay Graham and the system's vice chancellor of academic affairs James Hallmark during the regents February 7, 2024 meeting of the academic affairs committee.
A conversation during a recent Texas A&M system board of regents committee meeting about reducing the nursing shortage in Texas included the idea of creating more medical facilities.
Making the suggestion as a way to provide more opportunities for nursing students was regent Jay Graham of Houston.
Graham said "our system should have a hospital", adding "it's sickening to me to drive downtown Houston and see U-T's (University of Texas) name on every building".
Graham also said "there's no reason every county in the state of Texas shouldn't have an A&M based medical clinic" for "providing those nurses that (training) capability and we're providing our citizens that service".
Vice chancellor of academic affairs James Hallmark said that has been discussed as a way to reduce the dependence on asking hospitals to accept A&M system nursing students.
Graham also called on the directors of the nursing programs at the A&M flagship in College Station and the system campuses in Canyon and Texarkana to communicate more...particularly when it comes to making sure nursing students have a place to pursue that career.
Councilman William Wright visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the sewer lift station project, his takeaways from the strategic retreat, Wolf Pen Creek, affordable housing, a future recreation center, the former Macy's store building, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez and WTAW's Scott DeLucia, visiting about downtown Bryan parking issues on The Infomaniacs February 14, 2024.
The following day, Gutierrez announced creating a committee to study downtown Bryan's parking issues.
Gutierrez issued the following statement:
For more than 25 years now, Bryan citizens and City Councils have made sustained long-term investments in infrastructure and economic development activities to revitalize our historic downtown from an empty and run-down blight to the flourishing cultural district that we all enjoy today. This exciting growth and success has resulted in dozens of new retail establishments, residential projects, and business offices.
Over the past several years, the momentum we’ve all enjoyed in our downtown has led to some changes. We have been working to address those as quickly as possible and in the best interest of all visitors who work, eat, live and play in our downtown.
The City of Bryan has invested time and money to improve parking in downtown over the years. We’ve been working on options with Destination Bryan, downtown merchants, residents and office owners, but the reality is, each stakeholder has different needs and feelings, and in some cases, one stakeholder’s preferred approach may directly counter the approach of another stakeholder. I do not believe we have parking problem in downtown, I believe we have a walking problem. Any successful downtown urban area involve some form of walking to desired destinations.
I have decided to appoint an ad hoc Downtown Parking Committee with members comprised of each stakeholder group between visitors, residents, retail merchants and business offices. In the coming days, I plan to announce committee members from each stakeholder group. I’ve asked former Mayor Andrew Nelson to Chair this committee and he has agreed to volunteer his time to help us. Andrew represents the needs of our visitors through his service on the Destination Bryan board and his distinguished service as our former Mayor. His extensive global travel and experience in various parking environments around the world will bring us a broad perspective.
As we continue to seek creative solutions to our latest challenges, I want to thank all of those who continue to invest in Downtown Bryan. Thank you for believing in us, including our most recent large-scale investments with the Varisco building, Hush & Whisper Distillery, Kimball Building, BCS Modern’s new project, Gessner Engineering’s Bowie building, the Renovation Wrangler’s projects, and the La Salle Hotel which is transforming into a Marriott tribute hotel.
Finally, I want to especially thank Texas A&M University for its longstanding and growing presence in downtown, not only faculty of the College of Architecture in the Parker and Perry buildings, but also the amazing A&M staff members who now call the Varisco building their home. I want to welcome students and employees to enjoy all that our historic downtown Bryan has to offer. We have all looked forward to this day! When our downtown returned to being a vibrant, thriving business and cultural district. Where downtown merchants, offices, and residents happily learn to accommodate our growing crowds and abundant customers. Many merchants and community members have expressed to me that this is a wonderful situation have.
I look forward to working with this committee and all other stakeholders as we expand options to accommodate the continued growth and success of our Historic Downtown Bryan.
This podcast is a visit with the chief appraiser of the Brazos Central Appraisal District, Dana Horton, and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
Last November, Texas voters approved an amendment to the state constitution giving appraisal districts with populations of 75,000 or more three elected seats on those board of directors.
That includes the Brazos Central Appraisal District (BCAD).
Three people will be elected May 4th and start serving July 1st for a term that ends December 31st of 2026.
BCAD chief appraiser Dana Horton says Friday (February 16) is the filing deadline.Applicants have to file a campaign treasurer document at the BCAD office, and file as a candidate at the county judge's office.
Qualifications to serve as a BCAD member include, but are not limited to, being a resident of the county for at least two years preceding the date you take office and you may not have appraised property or represented property owners for compensation for at least three years.
Board members are not involved in setting property values or hearing appeals.
Board members appoint the chief appraiser, adopt the annual budget and biennial reappraisal plan, approve litigation settlements, and approve contract services.
Click HERE for more information from the BCAD website.
Click HERE for more information from the Texas secretary of state's website.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police officer David Simmons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station police is asking some residents in the neighborhood south of the Texas A&M campus to report finding any property that does not belong to them.
CSPD social media says there is the possibility that someone running away from officers on Monday just before noon may have thrown away narcotics.
Officer David Simmons says they do not want any person or pet coming in contact with any illegal drugs.
Simmons says officers, including both of CSPD's K-9 teams, will be contacting residents Wednesday along the route of the foot chase.
CSPD arrest reports say 30 year old Shon Notter of Bryan, who jumped out of a moving car near Holleman and Welsh, was arrested for evading and possessing methamphetamine.
Simmons says with the help of neighborhood residents, Notter was caught about a half mile away on Hereford Street a block south of Brison Park.
Notter is also being held on a parole violation and forfeiting bond following two arrests for stealing vehicles, another arrest for evading, and for felony theft.
The foot chase followed an officer's attempt to stop the car after witnessing the driver violating College Station's hands free ordinance. The officer said he saw the driver holding a cell phone to the right side of her face and talking into the phone.
The car stopped almost one mile after Notter jumped out. The driver, 35 year old Jessica Priesner of Madisonville, was arrested for fleeing from the officer and for driving with an invalid license with prior convictions. Priesner is out of jail after posting bonds totaling $6,000 dollars.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about planning and zoning changes, his frustrations about Texas Avenue, working with TxDOT, parking in Downtown Bryan, the solution to the sewer lift stations, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with musician and Texas A&M class of 1979 alumnus Lyle Lovett and local reporters on February 13, 2024.
Musician and Texas A&M class of 1979 almunus Lyle Lovett spent parts of two days on campus this week, visiting with students in the two year old school of performance, visualization, and fine arts.
In between classes, Lovett met with local reporters to share his interaction with students, his experience as a student, his current touring and songwriting activities, and his family life.
This podcast contains comments from the February 12, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
In 2023, the College Station city council changed its firefighting agreement with the city of Bryan to reduce costs.
During the last College Station council meeting (February 8), councilman Bob Yancy asked about getting some sort of payment from Texas A&M for providing firefighting services.
Yancy brought up the university providing fire service for 33 years before the city took over that responsibility in 1971.
Fire chief Richard Mann showed a graph that CSFD responded to 534 fire alarms on the A&M campus during 2023.
Yancy cited a city auditor's report that the value of CSFD services to A&M was $3 million dollars, and that 70 percent of multi-story buildings in College Station are on the A&M campus.
Deputy city manager Jeff Capps says he and the city manager have been meeting with A&M officials over the last couple of years.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County commission precinct one candidates Steve Aldrich, Karl Mooney, and Bentley Nettles at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum on February 12, 2024. The forum moderator is WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County commission precinct three candidates Fred Brown and Nancy Berry at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum on February 12, 2024. The forum moderator is WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
This podcast contains comments from Texas house district 12 candidates Trey Wharton, John Harvey Slocum, and Ben Bius at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum on February 12, 2024. The forum moderator is WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and the director of government relations and advocacy for UWBV partner agency B/CS Habitat For Humanity Charley Coats visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from Texas house district 14 candidates Paul Dyson and Rick Davis at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum on February 12, 2024. The forum moderator is WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
This podcast contains comments from the February 9, 2024 meeting of the state prison board.
Family and friends of a state corrections officer who was murdered in November 2023 spoke during the Feburary 9, 2024 meeting of the state prison board.
The mother of Jovian Motley, Tammica, was the first to ask why no action has been taken 88 days since her son's death inside a cell of the Wainwright Unit between Madisonville and Trinity.
The chairman of the state prison board, Eric Nichols of Austin, told Tammica Motley and the other speakers that the board is also calling for justice to be meted out.
Prison director Bryan Collier listed steps that have been taken since Jovian Motley's murder that includes a review of their inmate behavorial intervention plan and allowing supervisors to check out tasers.
Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about police and fire department updates, the Southside street sign presentation, a recreation center feasibility study, the new College Station Utilities account system, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 8, 2024 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
The Texas A&M system board of regents decides to close Texas A&M's campus in Qatar.
The motion from Mike Hernandez of Ft. Worth was seconded by Randy Brooks of San Angelo.
Other members who voted for the motion were chairman Bill Mahomes of Dallas, John Bellinger of San Antonio, and three members from Houston, Jay Graham, Sam Torn, and David Baggett.
Voting against the closure was Michael Plank of Houston.
Bob Albritton of Ft. Worth did not attend the meeting.
Thursday's (February 8) vote followed discussion in executive session. None of the regents made any public comments.
A&M opened its Qatar campus in 2003. Enrollment in the fall 2023 semester was 732.
A news release from the A&M system said the regents began discussing the closure in the fall of 2023 due to "heightened instability" in the Middle East.
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System voted Thursday to begin a multi-year process to shut down the flagship’s campus in the Middle East nation of Qatar.
“The Board has decided that the core mission of Texas A&M should be advanced primarily within Texas and the United States,” Board Chairman Bill Mahomes said. “By the middle of the 21st century, the university will not necessarily need a campus infrastructure 8,000 miles away to support education and research collaborations.”
The decision does not immediately change operations or services on the campus. Under terms of the contract with the Qatar Foundation, the termination will take four years. In the coming days, the university administration will assemble a team to ensure several imperatives: Students complete their education, faculty and staff are supported, and research obligations are appropriately fulfilled.
Texas A&M at Qatar (TAMUQ) opened in 2003 to advance education and research in chemical, mechanical, and petroleum engineering. TAMUQ is one of six U.S. universities in Qatar’s Education City.
“Over the last two decades, the Qatar campus has advanced ideals, graduated exceptional Aggie engineers, and is cemented as an important legacy of Texas A&M,” said General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III, president of Texas A&M University. “As we look to the future of our land-, sea- and space-grant university, the global exchange of research and education will continue to be integral to our world-class campuses here in the U.S.”
Qatar is a peninsula that shares a land border with Saudi Arabia and sits across the Persian Gulf from Iran. The U.S. considers Qatar an ally. The nation hosts the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. Scores of U.S. business operate in Qatar, including major Texas-based energy companies.
The Board of Regents decided to reassess the university’s physical presence in Qatar in fall 2023 due to the heightened instability in the Middle East. Thursday morning, Regents discussed the topic with Welsh and other top administrators in executive session. In the afternoon’s public session,
Regent Mike Hernandez made a motion to terminate the agreement with the Qatar Foundation. The motion was seconded by Regent Randy Brooks and passed on a 7-1 vote. Regent Michael Plank dissented.
Mahomes said the board decided that Texas A&M can best advance its core mission — educating and serving Texans while advancing knowledge and innovation through world-class research — by concentrating its focus in Texas.
“The work in Qatar is great work,” Mahomes said. “But it is a fraction of what Texas A&M accomplishes year after year.”
Zyreshia Jackson, Community and Development Specialist, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about an upcoming community development workshop, available funding for nonprofits, an upcoming city-wide open house, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 7, 2024 special meeting of the College Station ISD school board. Speakers includes two members of the district's bond advisory committee, four CSISD board members, superintendent Tim Harkrider, and chief financial officer Amy Drozd.
Members of the College Station ISD school board and a 30 member committee are asking voters a third time to approve bonds to repair and expand athletic facilities at Consolidated and College Station High Schools.
On May 4, CSISD voters will consider a $40 million dollar bond issue affecting football stadiums at both high schools and the Consolidated fieldhouse...and a $13 million dollar bond issue affecting the baseball and softball fields at both high schools.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the February 7, 2024 special meeting of the College Station ISD school board.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan firefighter Chris Lamb and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan firefighters conducting search and rescue training three nights this week is with the assistance of community supporters.
Firefighter Chris Lamb says the department thanks Habitat For Humanity for providing furniture to stage a home where the nighttime training is taking place.
Lamb says no fire will be set and no fire department vehicles will be running red light and siren.
The training is taking place between seven and 11 p.m. at a home on Maywood Drive, which is between South College and College Main and west of Hensel Park.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Southside Historic District street signs, upcoming updates from the police and fire departments, the former Macy's store building, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the chairman of the Brazos County Regional Mobililty Authority, Barry Moore, and WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
The Brazos County Regional Mobility Authority (RMA) is asking for money from the cities of Bryan and College Station, Brazos County and Texas A&M.
The RMA's board chairman, Barry Moore, says they continue to look for a more permanent funding mechanism after citizens voted against increasing vehicle registration fees by $10 dollars.
Moore says the way the state law is written, the vehicle registration fee is the most transparent way for RMA's to be funded.
But he does not think it makes sense to ask the community for something they recently turned down.
Two members of the United Way of the Brazos Valley's Youth Leadership Cabinet visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
They are Allen Academy junior Patty Grace Meyer and Consolidated High School junior Lana Hightower.
This podcast is a visit with one of Bryan ISD's school leadership directors, Crystal Goodman, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Students in Bryan ISD and their parents are invited to spend Saturday morning (February 10) to learn more about substance abuse and using technology.
One of BISD's school leadership directors, Crystal Goodman, says several community partners are participating in the first installment of the "Parents As Partners" series.
Goodman says pre-registration is not required for the event, which is Saturday from nine a.m. until noon at Stephen F. Austin middle school and Bryan ISD's performing arts center.
This podcast is a visit with the CEO of St. Joseph Regional Health, Kim Shaw, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The first anniversary has passed for the chief executive officer at St. Joseph regional health, Kim Shaw.
Shaw says 2023 was a combination of slimming the amount of real estate and focusing on growth.
One example was in October performing the Brazos Valley's first thoracic procedure using a surgical robot.
Another project was the arrival on December 29th of a surgical robot that will be used in full and partial knee replacements.
And Shaw says St. Joseph's added primary care doctors, surgeons, and specialty providers.
2024 projects includes bringing in people who will recommend an update to St. Joseph's College Station hospital and start planning a 90th anniversary celebration.
And November 2024 marks ten years since the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, Ohio transferred control of St. Joseph's to what is now CommonSpirit Health. But Shaw says the sisters are still involved.
This podcast contains comments from the January 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
The next step is taken towards College Station getting its seventh fire station.
The city council at its January 25th meeting awarded a design contract that capital projects director Jennifer Cain and city manager Bryan Woods says will mirror, but not duplicate, a fire station in the Houston suburb of Cypress.
Woods says based on the rough construction cost of $18 million dollars, designing a new building would be nearly $2o million dollars.
The design cost of modifying an existing plan that was approved by the council was $952,000 dollars.
Click HERE to read and download the first half of details of the design contract that was approved at the January 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the second half of the design contract details approved at the January 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the January 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting.
Gene Ballew, Recreation Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about spring sports leagues, running and speed/agility programs, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brad Stafford, Director of Parks and Recreation, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about spring sports leagues, park concepts, keeping pace with the city's growth, an upcoming senior dance, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 22, 2024 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
January's meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included an appearance from A&M system chancellor John Sharp.
This podcast includes questions from some faculty senate members and Sharp's responses.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about flood mitigation, power generation units, their business relationship with Texas A&M University, the new president of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, First Friday, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jaosn Ware, Deputy Brazos County Emergency Management Director, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver five hours into the firefighting effort at a Kurten area chicken egg farm, Feather Crest Farms.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff for Texas A&M University's President, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her presentation at the B/CS Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Conference, official numbers for this semester, the search for the next athletic director, current studies the president is conducting, controversy surrounding the Qatar campus, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president Kat Gammon and the marketing and communications manager for UWBV partner agency Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Brazos Valley Maggie Lind visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the January 23, 2024 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Public school districts around Texas spend time in January to recognize school board members.
At the January 23rd College Station ISD school board meeting, board president Jeff Horak was a reluctant participant.
Horak, who was stopped twice from moving to the next agenda item, said he doesn't serve for the notoriety or the glamour.
Superintendent Tim Harkrider says it takes volunteer board members to help form a successful school district.
Horak had the last word, complementing two members of the College Station theater production of the musical "Rock of Ages" who sang for the board.
This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station's fiscal services director Mary Ellen Leonard and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Starting Friday (January 26) at noon, utility customers with the city of College Station will not be able to pay utility bills for several days.
That's because the city is replacing its 30 year old utility billing system.
Fiscal services director Mary Ellen Leonard says during the replacement, no customers will be charged late fees and there will be no disconnections.
Leonard says the computer system that is being replaced used "green screens", which predates the Windows operating system.
She says the most notable change is all College Station utility customers will get a new, ten digit account number. Customers doing business online must create a new online login after receiving the new account number. And Leonard says customers who pay at third party kiosks will need the new account number.
Click HERE to be directed to Mary Ellen Leonard's blog post about the project.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his recent trip to the border, changing the optics, the public park in Eagle Pass, the war in Ukraine, Houthi rebels, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Councilman Mark Smith visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Greens Prairie rezoning, a design contract for fire station No. 7, city boards and committees, the upcoming city council retreat, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is the recording of the featured speaker at the 2024 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference, Texas Real Estate Center research economist Dr. Jim Gaines.
The podcast begins with an introduction by Ben Downs, who introduces Doug French, who introduces Dr. Gaines.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials.
Councilman Ray Arrington visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his takeaways from the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Economic Outlook Conference, excessive rain this week, infrastructure and growth in District 2, a recap of his first year on council, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and Chase Johnson of the new Texas A&M student organization "Farmers Fight Night" visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about an amateur boxing event featuring students on April 4 at Reed Arena where proceeds benefit United Way.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Thursday's council meeting agenda, planned development district, middle housing, the Amazon drone delivery service update, a possible future recreation center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
Brazos County voters are invited to attend a meeting Tuesday night (January 23) where elections administrator Trudy Hancock says the focus is on security heading into the March primary election.
Hancock says the meeting was the result of public comments during recent county commission meetings.
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the elections office in downtown Bryan.
Following a presentation by elections office staff, then they will field questions.
Hancock says now is the time to ask if you want to vote by mail in the March primary.
And last week, voting equipment was tested without experiencing any complications.
This podcast is a visit with DPS Sgt. Justin Ruiz and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Monday's rain was deadly on highways around the Brazos Valley.
Department of public safety Sgt. Justin Ruiz said Monday evening he was still compiling details on the number of crashes and the number of lives that were lost.
Ruiz says a contributing factor to the deadly crashes is hydroplaning due to worn out tires and speed on rain covered highways.
Other suggestions includes putting more distance around other vehicles, adjust your headlights so that they stay on all the time, don't use cruise control, don't drive through flooded highways, stay informed on roadway and weather conditions, and follow local news and authorities for updates.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan city councilman James Edge and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A Bryan city councilman says the governing body "doesn't have any stomach" for more center medians on city streets.
James Edge was responding to last week's WTAW News story that the council earlier this month, approved applying for a federal grant to pay for more than half of the cost of rebuilding South College between Carson and the downtown area.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the January 9, 2024 Bryan council agenda stating the project would include a center median.
Edge says the decision to not consider medians follows the impact of the center median that was built on Texas Avenue.
Edge also says the current council wants removed, plans to build a center median along the section of South College between Villa Maria and Carson.
WTAW's Scott DeLucia visited on The Infomaniacs with College Station Utilities electric energy coordinator Patrick McIntyre and with the city's public communications director Colin Killian about the dedication of two Lick Creek bird viewing blinds January 23rd at 10:30 a.m. at the blind north of the Lick Creek Nature Center, and public meetings related to launching a recreation center feasibility on January 23 and 24 from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. at city hall.
This podcast is with Twin City Mission community relations manager Ron Crozier and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For the first time, the Brazos Valley Coalition for the Homeless is asking for public assistance in the annual count of the homeless population throughout the seven county region.
The community relations manager for Twin City Mission, Ron Crozier, asks residents to relay that information by calling 979-589-0635.
Crozier says that will assist volunteers who will be attempting to contact homeless residents on January 25th.
Survey information from the annual count will be compiled and sent to federal authorities who determine funding to assist the homeless.
According to the Twin City Mission website, anyone interested in volunteering for the count can call 979-822-7511.
Meagan Brown, BTU's Public Information Office, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent cold snap, preparing for weather, recent updates to the power grid, buying and selling power, the Power Share Fund, progress at the new headquarters, a transmission project, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Felicia Benford of the Community Action Coalition of the Brazos Valley and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Community Action Coalition of the Brazos Valley is reopening the warming center at the Bryan VFW this weekend.
The coalition is also seeking volunteers to help operate the center Friday from eight p.m. until Saturday at noon, and from Saturday at eight p.m. until Sunday at noon.
Click HERE to register as a volunteer.
Coalition spokeswoman Felicia Benford said up to 45 people used the warming center when it was opened three days earlier this week.
She also thanked the VFW and its members for their flexibility in making the building available this weekend.
This podcast is a recording from Ohio State's video stream of Ross Bjork's introduction as the Buckeyes new athletic director.
Former Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork introduced himself to Buckeye Nation Wednesday morning (January 17) as Ohio State's next athletic director.
University president Ted Carter, in his 17th day on the job, pointed out there were 35 members of Bjork's family in attendance.
Bjork brought up numerous relatives who live in Ohio during his comments.
Bjork officially begins his new position July 1.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the winter weather, progress at the Phillips Event Center, the future tennis center at Midtown Park, medians, possible reversal steps, the current city council, development in Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 9, 2024 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
Bryan city council members share their frustration with city staff about narrower driving lanes being built on William Joel Bryan Parkway (WJB) around Sue Haswell Park.
The unscheduled conversation was an extension of the council's discussion during their January 9th workshop about whether to continue plans to add a center median on South College between Villa Maria and Carson.
City engineer Paul Kaspar cited studies showing the "traffic calming" benefit of narrower lanes.
Councilman James Edge and mayor Bobby Gutierrez said narrower lanes would make it more difficult for fire engines to respond to emergencies.
Kaspar said the 11 foot wide lanes would accommodate fire engines and large transit buses driving side by side.
Gutierrez, who lives in the WJB construction zone, expects when he pulls out of his driveway he will be stopping traffic in both lanes.
The WJB project also includes wider sidewalks that are called shared use paths. While councilman Paul Torres questioned the need for shared use paths, that was supported by Gutierrez and Edge.
This podcast contains comments from senator John Cornyn's visit with Texas reporters on January 11, 2024 about federal lawmakers having to approve another short term federal spending bill.
Rhonda Watson, the CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley, a partner agency of United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV), and UWBV president Peggi Goss visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with the co-owners of the Kimbell Feed building in downtown Bryan, Kristy Petty and Cassidy Barton, and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
Bryan city council members approve an economic development agreement involving downtown property on North Main.
There was no public discussion before the unanimous vote on Tuesday (January 9) to give the owners of the former Kimbell Feed building up to $250,000 towards an ongoing renovation project.
Conditions of getting city money includes completing construction by May 1, 2024 and having a taxable value of at least $2.5 million dollars by 2025.
According to the city's background information, planned uses includes a downtown visitor's center and leasing space for arts and cultural exhibits and retail businesses.
Click HERE to read and download background information given to the Bryan city council.
Click HERE to read and download the economic development agreement.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the seizure of a park in Eagle Pass, the border crisis, the new Speaker of the House, the relationship between Texas A&M University and the Space Force, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Firefighter Chris Lamb visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the community paramedic program, service calls and response statistics, cost of the program, challenges, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the chairman of the Texas A&M mechanical engineering department Dr. Rob Ambrose and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The U.S. Space Force has chosen Texas A&M to lead one of two new space strategic technology institutes.
Directing the $37.6 million dollar, five year partnership of nine institutions and representatives of the private sector is the chairman of A&M's mechanical engineering department.
Dr. Rob Ambrose told WTAW News that the focus of their work involves space robotics and spacecraft operations for the space force.
Ambrose says what the Space Force "really wanted was to make sure that any new ideas that we developed in a university setting can get infused into a current proposal or an activity at one of the big companies that are building spacecraft for them" (the Space Force).
What Ambrose describes as a "dream team" from partner universities will "bring ideas to A&M (and) we'll be able to test them on our spacecraft simulator. And then this is the exciting part, if any of that actually works we can transfer them to companies and to the Space Force labs where they can be tested on actual spacecraft."
Specifics on the institute, according to a news release from the Space Force, says the A&M led group "will focus on procurement of technologies relating to spaceflight experimentation and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies."
Additionally, the Space Force says "Focus areas for the selected proposals include researching robotic servicing and associated modeling and simulation, developing testbeds, as well as CubeSat berthing and refueling technologies, developing constructive operations, large-scale in-space assembly, and debris mitigation."
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The United States Space Force has chosen Texas A&M University to lead the Space Strategic Technical Institute for In-Space Operations (SSTI-ISO), a groundbreaking initiative to advance technologies for in-space operations.SSTI-ISO will develop new in-space operations, infuse new technologies into industrial efforts and government laboratories and provide access to workforce, talent and subject matter experts for defense space missions.
Dr. Robert Ambrose, J. Mike Walker '66 Chair Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Texas A&M and Director for Space and Robotics Initiatives for the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, will lead SSTI-ISO as director.
“No university is better equipped for aeronautics and space projects than Texas A&M,” said John Sharp, chancellor of Texas A&M University System. “We thank General B. Chance Saltzman and the U.S. Space Force for trusting us with this important responsibility.”With Texas A&M as the lead university, most of the testing will be performed in a dual spacecraft testbed located at the Texas A&M-RELLIS campus. At the end of last year, Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force, toured the RELLIS campus and its cutting-edge facilities to hear about the ongoing innovative research.“
As a space-grant institution, Texas A&M has a long history of conducting world-class research and technological innovation in space exploration,” said General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh lll, president of Texas A&M University. “This announcement not only acknowledges that Texas A&M is at the vanguard of space science and engineering, but it also emphasizes the exceptional quality of our world-class faculty. We are grateful to the U.S. Space Force for providing us with the opportunity to continue our work in this vital domain."
SSTI-ISO, a collaborative effort involving leading academic institutions and industry partners, has been awarded $37.6 million for a 5-year project.
Led by Texas A&M University, the team also includes researchers and students from the University of Southern California, the University of Texas at Austin, Purdue University, Carnegie Mellon University, the University of New Mexico, the University of Texas at El Paso, Prairie View A&M University and the Southwest Research Institute, amassing over 400 years of combined experience in the space sector.“This is a real dream team for in-space operations,” Ambrose said. “These are professors that I have known for decades in some cases, and I’m really excited to bring everyone together to help the Space Force with its important mission in space.”
SSTI-ISO has garnered significant support from leading space industrial partners, including Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Intuitive Machines, Blue Origin, Lunar Resources, Novium, Aegis, and Axiom Space, all of whom have signed letters of support for the project.“We will conduct extensive testing for the team here, evaluating and refining their ideas and algorithms for maturation and use by our industry partners,” Ambrose said. “We will be doing a lot of integrated testing.”More than 50 students and researchers across all member institutions will collaborate on innovative in-space operations with customer and industrial partners.
“Texas A&M University Engineering stands at the forefront of space research, uniting academic excellence, industry collaboration and cutting-edge research,” said Dr. Joe Elabd, interim vice chancellor and dean of Texas A&M Engineering. “This convergence positions the university as a nexus of exploration, pushing the boundaries and advancing the forefront of space exploration."
News release from the U.S. Space Force:
The United States Space Force selected two institutions under the Space Strategic Technology Institute, or SSTI 2, to facilitate applied research in the areas of In-Space Operations, which includes Space Access, Mobility, and Logistics, or SAML.
In partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, USSF has selected the following lead institutions to receive a combined total of $49.9 million:- University of Cincinnati- Texas A&M UniversityThis opportunity, pursuant to the In-Space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing National Strategy, will focus on procurement of technologies relating to spaceflight experimentation and space-related signal, energy, and transportation technologies.
Focus areas for the selected proposals include researching robotic servicing and associated modeling and simulation, developing testbeds, as well as CubeSat berthing and refueling technologies, developing constructive operations, large-scale in-space assembly, and debris mitigation.
This effort coincides with Space Force's involvement in the Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities, or COSMIC, kickoff event, Nov. 7-8, 2023, and will contribute to the national coalition in what Chief of Space Operations Mobilization Assistant Maj. Gen. John Olson referred to as a "WeSAM" approach.
About Space Strategic Technology Institutes: The United States Space Force is establishing Space Strategic Technology Institutes to address space Science and Technology challenges through a network of partnered universities. Space Force envisions the institutes will facilitate and focus joint applied research on transformational space domain technology breakthroughs and developments that lead to the advancement of capabilities that can be transitioned and integrated into current and future USSF and U.S. government space capabilities. It is highly desired for the research to lead to testbeds, high fidelity modeling and simulations, demonstrations, and prototypes. The research is expected to transition technology to higher technology readiness levels throughout the period of performance, and out years will be awarded based on an evaluation of this ability.
About Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities: The Consortium for Space Mobility and ISAM Capabilities is a U.S., nationwide coalition that will invigorate domestic In-space Servicing, Assembly, and Manufacturing capability.
COSMIC’s mission is to make ISAM a routine part of space architectures and mission lifecycles to achieve the benefits described in the ISAM National Strategy (April, 2022). Goals will be approached in three thrusts: capability development, ecosystem economics and mission applications.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming council meeting, College Station Utilities, traffic and road changes, an Amazon drone update, interest in the former Macy's store, upcoming facility project and issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 9, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Those who have an interest in next year's Bryan ISD school calendar will be getting a chance to participate in a survey.
What choices may be available, are still undecided following a school board discussion that took place on Monday (January 8).
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the January 8, 2024 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
What is up in the air, is whether to continue BISD's full week off in October which began last year.
A compromise offered by board president Julie Harlin was to split five days off over two weeks...beginning with a Thursday and Friday then resuming the following Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
Newly elected BISD board member Joel Bryan preferred a Monday through Friday period, which would take advantage of using the weekends before and after the break.
The BISD board's senior member, David Stasny, was opposed to bringing back a week long fall break.
Discussion will continue this Thursday (January 11) during meetings of BISD's calendar and districtwide educational improvement committees.
United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president Kat Gammon and the director of UWBV partner agency Health For All Liz Dickey visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the December 12, 2023 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Each year, College Station ISD school board members receive a report on campus enrollment and projected headcount for the next ten years.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from CSISD's demographer.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from CSISD administrators.
The CSISD board learned in December about two issues.College Station ISD school board members and administrators are facing two enrollment issues.
One, is the response to 101 fewer students in CSISD last fall compared to the year before. Chief financial officer Amy Drozd said a recruitment campaign will start this spring targeting families who live in CSISD but whose children attend school somewhere else.
The other issue, is the imbalance of the population of CSISD's elementary schools. Enrollment at Pebble Creek elementary will exceed 110 percent of capacity in the fall of 2025 and at Spring Creek elementary in the fall of 2027. In the fall of 2024, enrollment at four other CSISD elementaries will be under 85 percent of capacity and remain under 85 percent for the rest of the decade. They are College Hills, Creek View, Forest Ridge, and Greens Prairie.
That brought up for the first time in ten years, the consideration of changing elementary school boundaries. Superintendent Tim Harkrider said there is a productive way to balance populations of CSISD's elementary schools. Harkrider says numbers will be reviewed again after the start of the next school year to determine whether to consider changing elementary campus boundaries.
The demographer's report also indicated enrollment at College Station High School exceeded 110 percent of capacity. But that was before CSISD voters last November approved 62 million dollars of additions and renovations, which administrators say will solve the capacity issue. Last fall's enrollment at College Station High School was 34 more students than Consolidated. And for the next ten years, the projected difference in headcount will be 40 or fewer between CSISD's two major high schools.
And there was no opposition by any CSISD board members to continue voluntary transfer options for grades 5 through 8 from Pecan Trail to Cypress Grove intermediate schools and from Wellborn to College Station middle schools, and to continue differentiated staffing.
This podcast is a visit with Aggieland Humane Society executive director Katrina Ross and WTAW's Sean Burnett.
Aggieland Humane Society has expanded its operating hours to weekdays from noon to six and Saturdays from noon until five.
Executive director Katrina Ross, speaking on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, says they wanted to provide more time for people to adopt and foster animals and to become volunteers.
And this also comes at a time when they have a large animal population.
Ross also promoted a $24 adoption special that continues through Saturday, January 13.
The community engagement manager for the Destination Bryan tourism office, Chris Ortegon, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about January's First Friday in downtown Bryan, a review of 2023 hotel activity in Bryan, and a preview of 2024 activity.
Branch Manager Derika Bailey visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new exhibit, library card access, Canopy, upcoming book club meetings, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
In October 2023, Brazos County commissioners agreed to let the sheriff's office hire an outside recruiting company to fill vacancies for corrections officers.
Following the two month contract, chief deputy for corrections Kevin Stuart tells WTAW News that what was between 22 and 25 vacancies are now down to 14.
Stuart also credits commissioners for providing more money to hire and retain corrections officers.
Stuart says they continue to look for highly intelligent applicants who are good communicators.
It's also a training ground for the sheriff's office, noting that current sheriff Wayne Dicky was the former jail administrator and retired sheriff Chris Kirk began as a detention officer.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about celebrating the New Year in Downtown Bryan, development, affordable housing, First Friday, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Layne's Chicken Fingers chief executive officer Garrett Reed, chief operating officer Samir Wattar, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
2024 marks 30 years in business for a fast food restaurant that originated in College Station and is now in a nationwide expansion.
Layne's Chicken Fingers chief executive officer and College Station native Garrett Reed and chief operating officer Samir Wattar visited with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the evolution of the company, which is now based in the north Dallas suburb of Frisco, and its place in the QSR (quick service restaurant) business.
Additional information from Layne's Chicken Fingers corporate office:
Layne’s, the Soon-to-be Famous chicken concept with 13 restaurants open and another 113 franchises sold, is making great bounds toward its goal of having 50 units open and 200 franchises sold by 2025.
This year alone (2023), it opened four new restaurants, acquired the original three in College Station, Texas, and signed multiple deals — including one that sold out all of Nashville — that account for a total of 48 restaurants awarded.
Not only did the concept expand outside of its home state of Texas for the first time this year (2023), but Layne's opened its first-ever drive-thru-only model which has become one of the top-performing restaurants.
Not only was it a great year for sales, but Layne's seems to have put their finger on the labor wars issue: hiring teenagers and helping them develop into managers and eventually, owners of Layne's locations.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M president Mark Welsh's statewide news conference on December 13, 2023.
Before Texas A&M went on Christmas break, president Mark Welsh posted an update on his website that included updates on projects that he either initiated or inherited.
As to the latter, Welsh said A&M will be in compliance with the new state law on January 1 (senate bill 17) that prohibits offices of diversity, equity, and inclusion...or D-E-I.Welsh also wrote that those with questions about federal and state laws to reach out to their supervisor or contact A&M's division of risk, ethics, and compliance.
The same day he issued his update, he was asked by a reporter during a statewide news conference about that topic.
Another topic that Welsh wrote in his update that was brought up during a statewide news conference, was his study of A&M's capacity to meet its mission.Welsh wrote that A&M's space allocation study was split into two parts. Welsh said as a survey unfolded, it became apparent that some areas simply needed more time to review and propose alternative plans to accommodate different units and their respective teams.
Part one, which includes proposed solutions for student study space on West Campus, has shared with the president’s cabinet and deans for comment. Welsh anticipated receiving part two before the end of December. And before the start of the holiday break, Welsh planned to finalize who would participate in his capacity and student experience studies. Participants were nominated by Welsh's cabinet, deans, and unidentified faculty, staff, and student groups.
Welsh finished his website post by thanking the university community for its efforts to bring great momentum. And Welsh wrote that he is excited to see what the new year will bring.
A topic that Welsh brought up during a statewide news conference that was not in his online message, dealt with the ongoing war in the Middle East.
This podcast contains comments from the December 11, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Since September 2021, the city of College Station has a tourism committee that works with the city manager and the city's tourism office.
Board members represent hotels, attractions, and other local tourism businesses.
While many city advisory bodies includes councilmembers and hold meetings that are open to the public, the College Station tourism board does neither.
There was a discussion during December's College Station council meeting about providing more information the tourism board's activity to the council as well as the public.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell brought her past experience of directing four tourism agencies whose boards included council members.
Harvell, Elizabeth Cunha, and Dennis Maloney all supported having a councilmember on the tourism committee.
Maloney later said he could not argue with mayor John Nichols belief that open meetings of the tourism committee would lose their effectiveness because members would not be as candid with their remarks as they would when they meet privately with city staff.
There was a council majority to Nichols suggestion that tourism committee activity would be brought up twice a year during council workshops and a third time during budget deliberations.
College Station's tourism committee was created after the council decided to part ways with a former convention and tourism agency that also included the city of Bryan, Brazos County, and Texas A&M. Last known as Experience Bryan/College Station, that agency did have a board that included elected officials and held public meetings.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about the composition of the College Station city council's tourism committee.
Councilman Paul Torres visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his priorities, recent shootings, staying involved in the community, the council's dynamic, getting districts one and two more engaged, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 11, 2023 Texas A and M faculty senate meeting.
Since the first week of August, a Texas A and M task force created by president Mark Welsh has been working on multiple issues related to academic freedom.
December's meeting of the A and M faculty senate included an update by task force member Heather Lench, who is the senior associate vice president in the faculty affairs office.
One of the outcomes is creating an academic freedom council, which president Welsh said in a December 13th web post would be composed of faculty members, at least one librarian, and one research scientist.
Other recommendations from the task force includes what happens when the faculty affairs office receives a complaint against a faculty member and what happens when faculty members are harassed or threatened.
President Welsh posted on his website on December 13th that he is reviewing the task force's proposed official statement reaffirming A and M's commitment to academic freedom.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the December 11, 2023 Texas A and M faculty senate meeting.
Click HERE to be directed to the academic task force website.
Click HERE to read and download academic task force reports through December 1, 2023.
This podcast is an interview with Bryan/College Station Salvation Army captain Luis Villanueva and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan-College Station Salvation Army is making its final push to reach its red kettle campaign goal.
Captain Luis Villanueva said as of Thursday night (December 21), they were at $165,000.
Volunteer bell ringers will be working Friday and Saturday.And Villanueva says on Christmas Eve, "we may two or three of our faithful workers" ringing bells "just to have a last push".
The virtual red kettle will remain open through December. Donate online at salvationarmybcs.org.
Almost one-fourth of the goal...more than $44,000 dollars...was raised during a four hour period on December 9. Villanueva says the results of the challenge event from the Salvation Army's national commander was the most in Texas and third highest in the United States.
News release from the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station recently participated in a national bell-ringing challenge to raise the most money in a four-hour period, in one location, ringing against The Salvation Army national leader, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder.
Results were released today, and the Bryan/College Station unit finished third nationally and was the top placing Texas location, raising more than $44,000.The national leader of The Salvation Army issued a special bell ringing challenge to communities around the country on December 9, to engage donors and supporters, and raise much needed funds to support year-round Salvation Army services. Captain Luis Villanueva at The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station coordinated a dynamic team of ringers supported by Advisory Board members, both cities’ Mayors, volunteers, and church members.
“We put together a great team of ringers who volunteered to ring from 10 AM-2 PM on Saturday, December 9 at the Walmart on Briarcrest,” said Captain Villanueva. “So many people stopped by to put some money in the kettle and encourage our ringers. We had a wonderful time ringing and in just four hours we raised a grand total of $44,661.81! We found out today that we raised the most from more than 20 Texas locations and placed number three in the nation! Thank you to everyone who supported, either by donating or by ringing the bell.”
The iconic Red Kettle Campaign is the organization’s primary annual fundraising campaign and this year the local unit has a goal of $200,000.
With only two days of ringing remaining, The Salvation Army is hoping the community will continue to give at the kettle and help them reach their budgeted goal.“Every dollar given at the red kettle stays right here in Brazos County to help families and individuals in need throughout the coming year,” said Villanueva. “The 2024 bell ringing campaign will end on Saturday this week and we still have volunteer shifts available. "
"We’d love to have every kettle covered and you can go to www.registertoring.com and select a time to ring on Friday or Saturday. You’ll be Doing the Most Good and helping us reach our fundraising goal.”
For more information or to make a donation please call The Salvation Army at 979-361-0618, visit us at 2506 Cavitt St. or go to www.salvationarmybcs.org.
Thank you for supporting The Salvation Army this Christmas.
College Station Police Officer David Simmons visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about holiday traffic, locking your car and home doors, removing valuables from your vehicle, security systems, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 21, 2023 special meeting of the Bryan city council.
The ownership of the first major attraction at the city of Bryan's Midtown Park is changing.
The Bryan city council approves the sale of the Big Shots golf and entertainment complex to rival corporation
Top Golf.Council action was necessary because of the location and an economic development agreement.
The council's unanimous approval is subject to Top Golf's purchase from Big Shots being completed by the council's next meeting on January 9, 2024.
Deputy city manager Hugh Walker said Top Golf met the city's operational requirements for the business.
Councilmembers thanked the local investors in Big Shots who attended Thursday's (December 21) special meeting for creating the business.
The council also welcomed Top Golf to Bryan.
Click HERE to read the background information presented to the Bryan city council for its special meeting on December 21, 2023.
Click HERE to read and download the letter from Big Shots to the city of Bryan about the sale to Top Golf.
Chris Lamb visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about holiday cooking safety, fire extinguishers, lithium ion batteries, charging electronics, putting out battery fires, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, the director of UWBV partner agency Family Promise B/CS Phebe Simmons, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the agreement with College Station on the sewer line project, the possible sale of BigShots Golf to Topgolf, progress at the Phillips Event Center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners award a contract to design a new building that would lead to demolition of the former Bryan ISD administration building.
There was no public discussion before a unanimous vote during Tuesday's (December 19) meeting.
County judge Duane Peters told WTAW News that they have tried for two years without success to figure out how to remodel the existing building at Texas and William Joel Bryan.
The design consultant's letter to commissioners say the new building would house the adult probation, public defender, and precinct four justice of the peace and constable's offices. The county judge says no decision has been made as to who would occupy a new building.
Peters says there is money in the county's contingency fund and what would have gone towards remodeling to pay for the project.
The former bank was sold to Bryan ISD in 1987 and then purchased by Brazos County in November 2021.
Click HERE to read and download the letter from the building design consultant to Brazos County commissioners.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the lawsuit filed against the Corps of Cadets, the Troubadour Festival, OPAS, athletics and sustainability, giving to charities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Chelsea Reber explains how she got a parking ticket during an event at Century Square this weekend that was promoted as a free parking event.
This podcast contains comments from the December 12, 2023 College Station ISD school board meeting.
The College Station ISD school board is exploring a third attempt to ask voters to approve bond financing for updating current athletic facilities at Consolidated and College Station High Schools.
Approval was given at Tuesday's (December 12) meeting to reconvene the bond advisory committee.
The board was told the committee is expected to meet three times after the Christmas break before sending its recommendations.
Before the unanimous vote, board members and administrators shared what they would like the committee to study and discuss.
Click HERE to read and download the memo presented to the CSISD board about bringing back the bond advisory committee.
Click HERE to read and download the amended charter of the bond advisory committee.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about narrowing Krenek Tap Road, Visit College Station, local hotels, the former Macy's building, the Northgate police unit, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Meagan Brown from BTU visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Government in Action Youth Tour, ERCOT inspections, the possibility of rolling outages, charging stations, the Power Share program, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 11, 2023 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include mayor John Nichols, councilmembers William Wright, Elizabeth Cunha, and Dennis Maloney; and Ramiro Martinez
The College Station city council awards a $2 million dollar contract to freshen up the water tower located by the Tower Point shopping center.
Ramiro Martinez of the city’s water department says the tower, which opened in 1984, is getting its first major maintenance since 2000.
The contract includes a new sealcoat inside the two million gallon tower, repainting the exterior, and applying maroon colored graphics promoting College Station and Texas A&M.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the December 11, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download background information that was presented during the December 11, 2023 College Station city council meeting..
This podcast is a recording of Texas A&M president Mark Welsh's visit with reporters over ZOOM on December 13, 2023.
This podcast is a visit with city of Bryan deputy city manager Joey Dunn and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Individuals and organizations are invited to apply for money through a new city of Bryan grant program that is designed to elevate the arts, culture, and tourism.
Deputy city manager Joey Dunn says this grant is also targeted towards for-profit businesses and non-profit agencies that deal with among other things, music, painting, creative writing, sculpture, and architecture.
A committee of representatives from the city and the Destination Bryan tourism office will review the applications and distribute $112,000 dollars.
Applications are being taken on the city of Bryan's website through January 12th.
Click HERE to be directed to the city of Bryan's website for more information.
News release from the city of Bryan:
Organizations and community members who have a program or project designed to elevate the arts, culture, and tourism in our community are invited to apply for the City of Bryan’s new Arts and Culture Development Grant.
The deadline to apply for funding this fiscal year (Oct. 1, 2023 – Sept. 30, 2024) is Friday, Jan. 12.“
Arts and culture in Bryan are not just amenities to us,” said Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez. “They showcase our city’s uniqueness and vibrancy, amplify our community’s voice, and set us apart from anywhere else. Our investment in growing the arts and culture in our community provides for greater economic growth, revitalization, education, and innovation.”
The grant is made possible through Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) revenues, and may go towards a program or project that presents, performs, executes or exhibits music, dance, drama, art, creative writing, architecture, painting, sculpture, photography, motion pictures, and other various art forms.
“Destination Bryan is excited to work with the City of Bryan on this new Arts and Culture Development Grant and see it launched,” said John Friebele, Executive Director of Destination Bryan. “The Bryan community has a history of being a creative scene, as evidenced by its recognition as a Texas Music Friendly and Texas Film Friendly community, and Downtown Bryan as a Texas Cultural District, whether through visual and performing arts or the museums and events hosted throughout the community. We know arts and culture bring a place to life, drawing residents and visitors who crave these experiences, and this Development Grant will continue to foster and grow these opportunities.”
A limited amount of funding is available, and grants will be awarded based on eligibility and impact to Bryan.
The grant is not to be used as ongoing funding to maintain or finance operations of an organization.
Applications must be submitted through the online portal by Jan. 12. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
Visit https://url.emailprotection.link/?bSG_2BMfVLVOOGKUDO9zHWERPeSNc1b2Oj3RX8XsU4fK7woei37quHHrNHUBX_e8vAUirwvZrLHN8sV2x_5bBlA~~ to view complete guidelines and to apply.
For programs or projects falling within fiscal year 2024-2025 (Oct. 1, 2024 – Sept. 30, 2025), applications are anticipated to open in July 2024.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the sewer trunk line agreement with Bryan, working with Texas A&M's new president, student housing, the former Macy's store building, holiday events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 11, 2023 College Station city council meeting and the December 12, 2023 Bryan city council lmeeting.
Christmas is coming early to homeowners in south Bryan who have opposed a College Station sewer trunk line going through their neighborhood.
The Bryan city council on Tuesday (December 12) unanimously adopted a resolution without public discussion, formalizing an offer with the city of College Station.
The night before (December 11), the College Station council directed the city manager to pursue the offer that the city of Bryan initially made in August.
The offer results in College Station moving its "northeast trunkline" from Bryan's Beverley Estates neighborhood to College Station's Cooner Street. This will require College Station to build a sewer lift station.
In exchange, the city of Bryan will allow two College Station sewer lines to connect to Bryan's system. Bryan would contribute $200,000 dollars towards a line that would close a lift station near the Aggie Field of Honor cemetery. The other line would close two lift stations serving customers north of Highway 30 and between Hardy Weedon Road and Cole Lane.
After the Bryan council adopted its resolution, the president of the Beverley Estates HOA, Scott Hickle, thanked Bryan and College Station officials, saying "Thank you very much for one of the best presents that I think we could ever expect to have."
College Station mayor John Nichols read the following statement at the end of the December 11, 2023 meeting:
Council directs the city manager to initiate planning for the Northeast sewer trunkline following the route along Cooner Street in Chimney Hill. This includes the necessary lift station and easement acquisition. This is intended to be undertaken in cooperation with the City of Bryan to address proposed changes as enumerated in their August 10, 2023, letter regarding sewer service on the “East Side” and “West Side” as documented in the Interlocal Agreement dated December 2011 and subsequent amendments. The ILA must be amended to encompass the proposed changes. We appreciate the proposals made by the City of Bryan in ongoing discussions and would like to bring these matters to a successful conclusion.
The city of College Station then provided WTAW News a summary of the August 10, 2023 letter from the city of Bryan:
Valley Park Lift Station: This College Station lift station can be taken off-line once infrastructure connects the existing wastewater line to the lift station into the City of Bryan wastewater service line. City of Bryan staff will recommend to the City Council that the City participate in the amount of $200,000 to this City of College Station project. This option may require amending certain current agreements between the two cities.
West Side: With the exception of the above transfer of service, the Interlocal Cooperation and Joint Development Agreement (a.k.a the Biocorridor ILA) dated December 15, 2011, and amended on December 18, 2012, and again on January 17, 2020, shall continue to govern wastewater service in this area.
East Side: With the completion of the City of Bryan’s new east side wastewater treatment plant, the City is willing to provide service to City of College Station’s two east side lift stations serving areas north of Highway 30 roughly between Hardy Weedon Road and Cole Lane. The City of Bryan also is willing to accept responsibility for providing complete wastewater treatment in this area, in Bryan’s city limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), if the City of College Station wants to transfer the Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN). Otherwise, the City of Bryan will treat wastewater flow from the two aforementioned lift stations for an agreed upon price, once the City of College Station connects to the City of Bryan’s service.
The above options eliminate the need for three City of College Station lift stations and include the City of Bryan participating in the cost of a wastewater line in the amount of $200,000.
This podcast contains comments from the December 11, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan/College Station habitat for Humanity says three homes will be dedicated in time for Christmas.
One involves Bryan ISD students, who raised $80,000 dollars and participated in the construction along with the new homeowners.
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine reviewed the year long effort during Monday's (December 11) school board meeting, noting the experience provided students "a life lesson".
The public is invited to the dedication, Friday (December 15) morning at 11 at 1619 Conlee Street. The home is located north of Ibarra Park, which is off of Saunders Street near Highway 21.
News release from Bryan/College Station Habitat for Humanity:
The Quintero-Mendez family wanted a better place to live for their children. Bryan ISD, and co-sponsor Abraham Clearfield stepped in to make their dream possible.
“Everyone at Bryan ISD is so excited to see this family get the keys to their home. It’s been a labor of love and from the beginning, it’s just been a wonderful experience,” said Ginger Carrabine, Superintendent of Bryan ISD.
Because of their hard work and dedication to their family, coupled with tremendous support from the Bryan/College Station community, Jose Quintero and Adriana Mendez will receive the keys to their new home – just in time to celebrate Christmas. It is a significant day for B/CS Habitat for Humanity as this is the first of three homes that will be dedicated in time for Christmas.
All B/CS Habitat families put in 500 sweat equity hours to qualify for a home. These hours are spent working on other B/CS Habitat homes as well as their own. They purchase their home via an interest-free loan from B/CS Habitat and pay back the loan through a 30-year mortgage. They also attend twelve homeownership classes on topics such as home maintenance, the home-buying process, insurance, and legal matters to name a few.
Everyone is welcome to attend the dedication ceremony and wish the family good luck in their new home.
This podcast contains comments from the December 12, 2023 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting, followed by a brief visit with Mark Welsh and Bryan/College Station reporters.
Texas A&M's interim president the last four months now has the job on a permanent basis.
Mark Welsh received a unanimous vote during Tuesday's (December 12) meeting of the board of regents.
Welsh was applauded by those attending the meeting after promising the board and the system chancellor that he will do everything in his power not to let them down.
Chancellor John Sharp said he has rarely seen anybody who has the kind of support from former and current students and from the faculty that Welsh has, and that he looks forward to a great administration under Welsh's guidance.
The only member of the regents who spoke was chairman Bill Mahomes of Dallas, who congratulated Welsh and said the board is really looking forward to working with him.
Welsh's father graduated from A&M in 1946. He also has four children and a grandson who are Aggies.
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Tuesday approved General (Ret.) Mark A. Welsh III as the 27th President of Texas A&M University.
“The board is certain that General Welsh will make a Texas-sized impact as President of our world-class flagship,” Chairman Bill Mahomes said. “His remarkable career embodies Aggie core values. Now his mission is to raise Texas A&M’s national stature in research, education, and student experience.”
Welsh, who has been Interim President since July, was named the board’s sole finalist for President on Nov. 17 at the recommendation of John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
“In his first few weeks as Interim President, General Welsh has moved quickly and decisively to reach out to all the stakeholders who hold Texas A&M University dear and near to their hearts,” Sharp said. “We are lucky to have such an experienced leader in our midst who supports our Aggie core values.”
Mahomes added, “Welsh is a collaborative, forward-thinking, servant leader whose contributions will enhance excellence at Texas A&M for generations. The board is pleased to have him as President.”
The board authorized Sharp to negotiate a final employment agreement with Welsh.
Prior to becoming interim President, Welsh was Dean of the Bush School of Government and Public Service since 2016. His service as dean followed a four-decade career in the U.S. Air Force, where he was a fighter pilot, a four-star general and the 20th Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
Additionally, Welsh commanded the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO’s Air Command at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. And he served as associate director of military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency as well as commandant of the United States Air Force Academy.
Welsh, a 1976 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, considers himself an Aggie by association.
He grew up in San Antonio. His father, Mark A. Welsh Jr., Aggie Class of ’46, interrupted his studies to serve overseas in World War II.
The new president has five Aggie siblings, four Aggie children and a grandson enrolled in the Mays Business School.
After the Board meeting, Welsh released this statement:
“It has been an unbelievable privilege to represent Texas A&M as Interim President over the last few months — one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m grateful to the Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharp for their confidence in me, and I look forward to continuing to work with our incredible faculty, staff, and students to map out the road ahead for Texas A&M. I’m ready to get started.”
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and Tanner Williams of UWBV partner agency Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe announces she is not seeking re-election to a fifth term.
Roe's 38 year career also included serving four terms as the tax assessor-collector in Coke County, which is north of San Angelo.
Roe sent this statement to WTAW News:
I wanted to notify you that I have decided not to file for re-election for the 2025-2028 term of office for Brazos County Tax Assessor-Collector.
After 38 years in this field, and serving in two Texas Counties as tax assessor, I have decided to step aside, take time to enjoy my family, and perhaps do a little traveling with my husband, Billy.
Serving the residents of Brazos County is an honor and a pleasure, and I am grateful each day for the opportunity to do so.
I have no current plans to leave office prior to the end of this term.
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the inaugural College Station Christmas Parade, the city's holiday campaign, mail delivery to some apartment complexes, public use of City Hall and 1207, items on the next council meeting's agenda, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Tracy Tate, recorded December 7, 2023, following the death of his father, Marvin Tate.
WTAW News has learned of the death of Marvin Tate, a member of Texas A&M's "Junction Boys" football teams who would later be A&M's athletic director before going into private business and serve as mayor of Bryan.
Tate's son Tracy notified WTAW News that his father passed away early Thursday morning.
Tracy said "most importantly, Dad had 36 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren."
According to Texas A&M's athletics website, Marvin Tate played for the Aggies from 1951-1954 and graduated in 1955. Tate returned as associate athletic director in 1967 and served as AD from 1978 until 1981.
Tracy Tate says his father, who played high school football in Abilene, was given a full scholarship after he was recruited by Bear Bryant.
Tracy Tate says his father was working in Houston when another member of the "Junction Boys", Gene Stallings, was responsible for hiring Marvin Tate as associate athletic director.
Tracy Tate also says his father was athletic director when the third deck was added to Kyle Field.
After entering the private sector, Marvin Tate served as Bryan mayor from 1985-1995.
Tracy Tate said his father was instrumental in the city acquiring the former church building at Texas and 29th that is still the city's municipal building.
Through an open records request to the city of Bryan, WTAW News learned that Marvin Tate is the only individual to hold the title of Mayor Emeritus. And he was Bryan's second longest serving mayor at ten years and one month.
Before becoming mayor, Tate served as a Bryan councilman from 1983-1985. Then he ran unopposed for mayor in 1985 and was re-elected as mayor in 1987, 1989, 1991, and 1993.
Tracy Tate says his father also served for decades on the board of the Brazos Transit District. BTD's headquarters building in north Bryan is named for Marvin Tate.
Tracy Tate said his father "was in pretty bad physical distress the last couple of weeks, and this morning (December 7) at 12:45 a.m. he went to be with Jesus."
Funeral arrangements are still being made. Tracy Tate says "at the funeral I expect to hear some fun things about my father."
The photo associated with this podcast is courtesy of Tracy Tate, showing Marvin Tate before the December 2014 implosion of the west side of Kyle Field.
This podcast is a visit with Captain Luis Villanueva of the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army and WTAW's Sean Burnett on The Infomaniacs December 7, 2023.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army extends the Angel Tree deadline to Monday (December 11).
Captain Luis Villanueva says as of Thursday morning, 600 children have not been adopted. And those who have adopted 1,200 children have not turned in their gifts.
Angel Tree tags can be picked up at any of the three Blue Baker restaurants in College Station.
You can CLICK HERE to select an angel online.
If you want to let the Salvation Army do the shopping, donate any amount by texting the word DONATE to WTAW at 979-695-1620. You will receive a link to make an online contribution.
Those who have adopted from an Angel Tree can drop off their gifts at the Salvation Army's Santa Warehouse location, which is in Bryan at the former Gold's Gym in the Tejas Center at Texas and Villa Maria. Santa Warehouse hours are weekdays from 9 a.m. until noon and from 1 until 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon.
Bea Saba, Director of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about two new programs in coordination with the Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley, holiday hours and events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about what the council needs to accomplish before the end of the year, an upcoming public meeting on storm sewer improvements, holiday events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 4, 2023 Fort Bend ISD school board meeting.
Former Bryan ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck, who left in 2021 to take the superintendent’s job at Fort Bend ISD in Sugar Land (FBISD), is leaving following an unidentified conflict.
Whitbeck said she was “blindsided” by the undisclosed issue, which she said occurred 19 hours after the November election where a VATRE…a voter approved tax ratification election…was adopted.
During Monday’s (December 4) FBISD board meeting, member Kristen Malone was blocked by board president Judy Dae from providing details about the issues that led to a vote to approve what was described as a “voluntary retirement agreement” that includes paying Whitbeck $491,000 dollars.
Malone said the issue “boils down to personality conflicts between our president, our secretary, and perhaps another” board member.
Whitbeck said in her 38 year career in public education, she has never done anything illegal, immoral, or improper. She added that any insinuation that she did anything illegal, immoral or improper amounts to slander and defamation of character.
Dae, who witnessed Whitbeck receive a standing ovation from four board members and most of the audience in attendance, said “you don’t have to agree or you don’t have to believe” and “a lot of time on the surface is not the same as the truth.”
Malone listed Whitbeck’s accomplishments the last two years in FBISD, which included growing enrollment from the worst to the best in the district’s history, passing a $1.2 billion dollar bond issue in May 2023, and eliminating a $47 million dollar budget deficit.
Malone also brought up the FBISD board last July extending Whitbeck’s contract, which was originally scheduled to end in October of 2024, through the end of 2026.
Whitbeck returned to FBISD in October 2021. She was a FBISD assistant superintendent before going to Bryan ISD in April 2017.
Whitbeck said at Monday’s FBISD board meeting that she “gave up a great job with a wonderful board and great kids” (in Bryan) because she “love these kids (and) I love this (FBISD) community”.
A FBISD spokeswoman told WTAW News that the retirement agreement was not available because it “may not have been officially executed by the board of trustees attorney yet”.
The December 4, 2023 United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) update with WTAW's Bill Oliver begins with vice president Kat Gammon providing an update on UWBV literacy programs. That is followed by president Peggi Goss providing an update on this year's state employee charitable campaign that is administered by UWBV and an update on UWBV's community campaign.
This podcast is a visit with assistant Brazos County district attorneys Jessica Escue and Jennifer Ebert and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Criminal trials in Brazos and Grimes counties are on hold against the man charged with murder, attempted capital murder, and aggravated assault from two shootings in April of 2021.
Larry Bollin of Iola has been declared mentally incompetent to stand trial at this time.
Click HERE to read the document titled "ORDER OF INCOMPETENCY TO STAND TRIAL: INITIAL RESTORATION COMMITMENT", provided to WTAW News from the Brazos County district attorney's office.
Assistant Brazos County district attorney Jessica Escue says Bollin will be transported from the Brazos County jail to a maximum security state hospital.
Escue says doctors will work with Bollin in order to regain his ability to become competent to stand trial.
If competency can not be restored, Escue says a recommendation can be made to the judge whether Bollin should be committed to a mental health hospital.
Bollin is charged in Brazos County with murdering one co-worker at Kent Moore Cabinets in Bryan and injuring other co-workers. In Grimes County, he is charged with attempted capital murder of a DPS trooper and firing at other officers during his apprehension.
This podcast contains comments from Destination Bryan special events coordinator Caden Jones during a visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver, and comments from College Station mayor John Nichols during a visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs with Chelsea Reber.
October was a record month for revenue generated by hotels in both Bryan and College Station.
The Destination Bryan tourism office reported it was the first time the monthly total exceeded $4 million dollars. That represents a 13 percent increase over the previous best month of November 2022, and the highest since records began in February 2010. Destination Bryan special events coordinator Caden Jones brought up the team effort that led to the record.
College Station mayor John Nichols noted during his visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that the October revenue reflected a 90 percent occupancy rate on the two weekends when there was not a Texas A&M home football game.
And Nichols says the city's tourism staff continues to look for opportunities to fill hotel rooms on weeknights and weekends when there are not Aggie home games.
News release from the Destination Bryan tourism office:
The hotel market in Bryan, Texas is stronger than ever with October 2023 bringing record breaking hotel revenue to Bryan, recording the community's first ever month of more than $4 million in hotel revenues. This represents a 13% increase over the previous best month of November 2022, and the highest since records began in February 2010.
2023 has already seen 5 months exceeding $3 million in hotel revenue with November and December still left to be reported, while 2022 saw just 3 months with hotel revenues exceeding $3 million. Prior to Destination Bryan's creation in 2020 Bryan hotels had only twice recorded more than $3 million in revenue in a single month.
This record breaking month is a continuation of consistent positive growth trends. YTD hotel revenue is up 21% over the same period in pre-COVID 2019 and up 13.2% YTD over the same period in 2022. Increased visitation and visitor spending in Bryan results in increased sales tax collections for the city, allowing for quality of life improvements including, but not limited to, funding for parks, public safety, economic development, libraries, etc.
"Destination Bryan's goal has always been to improve the quality of life for our residents. Breaking these records shows that Bryan is becoming a destination of its own and we can expect to see continued growth in the tourism industry along with greater positive impact on the community from these outside revenues," said Destination Bryan Executive Director John Friebele.
The past few years have seen an upward trend in hotel revenue and visitor spend due to the variety of events hosted by Legends Event Center, The Brazos County Expo, Texas A&M University, Destination Bryan, and other community partners.
While weekend events such as home football games and the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo factored into this record breaking month, weekday events, such as the 101st Annual SWEMA Texas Meter School, Australian Shepherd Club of America National Specialty Show, and others, resulted in an 8.5% increase in weekday demand YOY.
“Bryan is significantly outperforming a strong statewide recovery in the hospitality sector,” said Destination Bryan’s Chairman, Spencer Clements, whose company also owns The Stella Hotel in Bryan. “John and his team at Destination Bryan are doing a great job in highlighting our city’s appeal, from our Historic Downtown to RELLIS to the new Legends Event Center at Midtown Park. October was very strong at The Stella, and not just because of home football games. It’s exciting to see multiple demand generators across the entire week, including a strong corporate traveler segment that is enjoying our region’s dining and entertainment options."
Abbreviations:
YOY - Year Over Year
YTD - Year To Date
Casey Barone, Events Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Christmas in College Station campaign, upcoming holiday events, earning reward points, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about December's First Friday, the upcoming downtown Bryan lighted Christmas parade, and a setting a record in October for hotel revenue.
This podcast contains comments from the November 30, 2023 special meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
Texas A&M and new head football coach Mike Elko now have an official contract.
That follows approval by the board of regents during a special meeting Thursday (November 30) morning.
The regents first met in private for 25 minutes with interim president Mark Welsh and athletics director Ross Bjork.
Following the executive session, Welsh said the contract is in "alignment with the terms of the memorandum of understanding previously signed by myself, the athletic director, and coach Elko last weekend."
Bjork said "we believe it's a very fair contract given the current landscape of college football, incentive based on the new college football playoff format".
The only board comment before their eight to nothing vote was chairman Bill Mahomes of Dallas offering his congratulations.
Absent from the meeting was regent John Bellinger of San Antonio.
This podcast is a recording of Texas A&M interim president Mark Welsh's state of the university address on November 29, 2023. This was recorded from the website president.tamu.edu.
Texas A&M's interim president giving his first state of the university address combined what has happened after four months on the job and what lies ahead.
Wednesday's remarks were the first since Mark Welsh was named sole finalist as permanent president.
Click HERE to read and download the presentation materials that were used during the state of the university address on November 29, 2023.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Amazon drone delivery service, a convention center study, the former Macy's store building, Representative Kyle Kacal's announcement that he is not running for re-election, this weekend's Christmas parade, hotel occupancy tax, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is the recording of the groundbreaking of the CertainTeed roofing plant and distribution center in north Bryan on Novembere 28, 2023.
Construction is officially underway in north Bryan on a new roofing plant and distribution center.
Groundbreaking took place Tuesday afternoon (November 28) at the CertainTeed facility on Mumford Road, north of the Bryan ISD career and technical education (CTE) center.
A state official says the value is $148 million dollars. Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez says the final valuation may go higher "because we've already talked about other divisions of this company maybe potentially coming in or other companies that might look to locate here".
CertainTeed was given 211 acres of land, along with railroad access valued at $7 million dollars, new infrastructure valued at $3 million, ten years of property tax breaks, and $546,000 dollars from the Texas Enterprise Fund.
When fully operational, CertainTeed will employ 130 at a wage that is ten percent above the Brazos County average.
The groundbreaking program included CertainTeed presenting a $20,000 dollar check to the Bryan ISD education foundation for the district's CTE center.
This podcast contains comments from the November 20, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city staff continues to work on the specifications to hire a consultant to study what should go into a future convention center.
For the second time in three months, the city council has given staff direction.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell was the first to say that the consultant should study a convention center without the city owning a connected hotel.
Multiple council members also said the city should not own a hotel since that would put the city in competition with the private sector.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha called for a needs assessment and brought up paying for a convention center in College Station with money from hotel occupancy tax revenue.
Councilman Dennis Maloney was among members who also wanted the study to include possible sites, specifically mentioning the former Macy's building that the city owns.
This podcast is a visit with Texas House District 12 Republican candidate Trey Wharton, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 28, 2023.
After next year's elections, Brazos County will have two new state representatives.
Changing his mind about running for re-election in House District 12 was Kyle Kacal of College Station.
Shortly after Kacal's announcement, the governor endorsed the remaining Republican candidate.
The reaction Trey Wharton of Huntsville to Kacal's announcement and the governor's endorsement was "Yeah, all of that was unexpected that fast."
Wharton says Kacal's decision is not going to change his plans of continuing to visit all five counties. HD 12 also includes Robertson, Walker, Grimes, and Washington counties.
Wharton has operated an insurance agency in Huntsville for 32 years and is starting his ninth year on the Huntsville ISD school board.
In August, representative John Raney of Bryan announced he was retiring after next year's election.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, representatives of UWBV partner agency Save Our Streets (SOS) Ministries J.J. Ramirez and Kyle Salmon, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Dr. Susan Ballabina, Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Texas A&M's new football coach, community engagement, an event in Downtown Bryan, President Welsh's state of the university address, upcoming holiday events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is Mike Elko's first news conference as Texas A&M head football coach, November 27, 2023.
This podcast is the "welcome back" program introducing Mike Elko as Texas A&M head football coach on November 27, 2023.
The emcee is Andrew Monaco. Speakers are Texas A&M interim president Mark Welsh, athletics director Ross Bjork, and Mike Elko.
This podcast contains comments from the November 14, 2023 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Two public speakers at the November meeting of the College Station ISD school board expressed thanks for supporting the Consolidated and College Station High School bands.
There was also thanks for CSISD's financial and professional support as both bands were among the 35 at the U-I-L state competition earlier this month.
Then both speakers asked the CSISD board to increase band staff.
By state law, CSISD board members were not allowed to respond, since that was not part of the meeting agenda.
This podcast is a visit with the Brazos County sheriff's office chief deputy for corrections Kevin Stuart and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Administrators at the Brazos County jail for the second consecutive year are addressing a non compliance notice from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS).
Chief deputy for corrections Kevin Stuart says they are again in compliance and have asked TCJS for a re-inspection.
Click HERE to read and download the notice of non compliance from the Texas Commission on Jail Standards website.
According to the August 7, 2023 notice of non compliance, TCJS first issued a notice following an inspection on August 11, 2022. That notice was for exceeding the 15 minute observation checks on restraint logs. TCJS received a plan of action on August 16, 2022, stating that a paper check sheet would be used on all restraint chair logs. The Brazos County jail was placed back in compliance August 31, 2022 following another TCJS inspection.
TCJS issued another issue of non compliance following an inspection on August 7, 2023, after it was determined that the jail continued to have issues with exceeding the 15 minute observation checks on restraint logs. TCJS found 181 total entries with four errors for an error rate of 2.2 percent. Additionally, TCJS discovered the jail was not following their corrective action plan by conducting paper check restraint logs. Two out of the seven restraint chair logs were not documented on paper check sheets.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Jeff Reeves, Gerry Farrell's retirement from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, recent council activity, the future trollies, parking in Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Podcast recorded November 20, 2023 with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Peggi Goss and two representatives of UWBV partner agency Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living Center (BVCIL)...program manager Craig Davis and transportation coordinator Raquel Masco...and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from state representative John Raney of Bryan from the floor of the Texas House on November 17, 2023 and Raney's visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs November 20, 2023.
A Texas House vote takes away consideration of state funding for private schools for the rest of the fourth special session.
That is after an amendment from representative John Raney of Bryan to delete education savings accounts (ESA)from House Bill one passed by a margin of 84 to 63.
Also voting to remove ESA's from House Bill one was representative Kyle Kacal of College Station.
Two other state representatives who represent portions of the Brazos Valley voted against Raney's amendment. They were Stan Gerdes, whose district includes Burleson and Milam counties, and Angelia Orr, whose district includes Leon County.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and Tiger Burton of UWBV partner agency Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Councilman Bob Yancy visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his first year on council, his involvement with TexAgs, railroad development, license plate readers, the sewer line project in the Rosemary neighborhood, student housing, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Archivist of the United States leads a federal agency that includes the Bush Library and Museum.
Colleen Shogan, who has been on the job six months, took her first tour on Wednesday (November 15).
Dr. Shogan told WTAW News that she was excited to see the construction of the museum's new pavilion building, which will house a Marine One helicopter and the 41-41 locomotive.
She plans to attend next summer's dedication of the pavilion, which is part of the 100th anniversary of the birth of George H.W. Bush.
Shogan also visited with WTAW News about visiting the 42 facilities that makes up the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Click HERE to learn more about the agency and to access online exhibits at archives.gov.
Additional information courtesy of the Bush Library and Museum:
Colleen Shogan became the 11th Archivist of the United States in May 2023.
On August 3, 2022, President Joseph R. Biden nominated Dr. Colleen Shogan to be Archivist of the United States. The U.S. Senate confirmed Dr. Shogan on May 10, 2023, and she was sworn in as the 11th Archivist of the United States on May 17, 2023.
Most recently, Dr. Shogan served as Senior Vice President and Director of the David M. Rubenstein Center at the White House Historical Association.
She previously worked in the United States Senate and as a senior executive at the Library of Congress.
Dr. Shogan was the Vice Chair of the Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission and the Chair of the Board of Directors at the Women’s Suffrage National Monument Foundation. She taught at Georgetown University in the Government Department and moderated seminars for the Aspen Institute.
She is the previous President of the National Capital Area Political Science Association and served on the American Political Science Association Council, the governing body of the organization.
Her research focuses on the American Presidency, Presidential rhetoric, women in politics, and Congress.
A native of the Pittsburgh area, Dr. Shogan holds a BA in Political Science from Boston College and a Ph.D. in American Politics from Yale University, where she was a National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow.
She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Order of the Cross and Crown, and the Washington, D.C. Literary Society.
Bryan Councilman James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about new ambulances, developing the area north of Northgate, license plate cameras, an elected appraisal board, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is the presentation at the 2023 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce banquet of the citizen of the year award and remarks from award recipient Travis Bryan III and 2023 chamber board chairman Jason Cornelius.
This podcast is the presentation at the 2023 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce banquet of the volunteer of the year award and additional remarks by 2023 chamber board chairman Jason Cornelius.
This podcast is the remarks from the keynote speaker at the 2023 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet. Texas A&M interim president Mark Welsh is introduced by College Station mayor John Nichols.
This podcast is the presentation at the 2023 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet of the ambassador of the year award by chamber president Glen Brewer.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the high speed train project, upcoming city council issues, housing, holiday events, land sales, the former Macy's building, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from a visit with Texas A&M interim president Mark Welsh and WTAW's Bill Oliver, following remarks during the November 13, 2023 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet from chamber president Glen Brewer.
The Texas A&M system board of regents announced on Tuesday that a special meeting will be held Friday morning, in part to consider the chancellor's recommendation that Mark Welsh be named sole finalist as the next president at Texas A&M.
Click HERE to read and download the board of regents meeting notice from the Texas secretary of state's office.
This follows the chancellor's office issuing a statement Monday evening confirming that John Sharp notified the board of regents chairman and members of the A&M faculty senate's executive committee of his intent to name the interim president to take over on a permanent basis. The speaker of the faculty senate brought up the meeting Monday afternoon during the senate's monthly meeting.
The statement from the chancellor's office says in part that “Like many of you, I am pleased with the direction of Texas A&M under General Welsh’s leadership,” Sharp said. “He is moving decisively to advance the university’s mission, and he is doing it while ensuring that faculty, staff, and others are properly informed and included.”
The statement also says "The Chancellor said there is an urgency to reach a final decision and bring further stability to the university administration. It will help with academic and administrative hiring decisions as well bringing renewed momentum to a wide array of initiatives."
Click HERE to read and download the statement from the Texas A&M system chancellor's office.
WTAW News asked Welsh for his reaction to Sharp's recommendation after Monday night's chamber of commerce annual banquet, where Welsh was the featured speaker.Welsh said "nothing has happened yet" and that "we'll have to wait to see what the board of regents has to say."
During the banquet, chamber president Glen Brewer told attendees of what was then the reports of Sharp's recommendation. That drew applause from the sold-out audience.
This podcast contains comments from the November 8, 2023 Brazos Valley council of governments board meeting.
The Brazos Valley council of governments (BVCOG) renews its opposition to Texas Central's high speed rail project.
The resolution, which was first adopted in 2016, did not receive a unanimous vote among the city and county leaders from the seven county region.
College Station mayor John Nichols voted no, saying that the city and the chamber of commerce are both on record supporting the high speed bullet train.
Grimes County judge Joe Fauth said the reason to renew the resolution is to keep it in front of state lawmakers. Fauth said during a trip to Austin earlier this year, about half the people they spoke with thought it was a dead issue.
Also speaking in favor of continuing the resolution, were Leon County judge Byron Ryder, Leon County commissioner Joey Sullivan, and a Robertson County member of the BVCOG board, Jimmie McCullough of Hearne.
The resolution states the Texas Central project will not meet the threshold of public benefit that historically justifies the use of eminent domain.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was renewed during the November 8, 2023 BVCOG board meeting.
Hear Friday's ceremony of the unveiling of a new statue on the RELLIS campus honor Buzz Aldrin. Speakers include Kelly Templin, Director, Texas A&M - RELLIS, Vivek Lall, Chief Executive, General Atomics Global Corporation, John Sharp, Chancellor, Texas A&M University, and Robert Charles, Navy Lt. Cmdr.
This podcast is the recording of the Texas A&M athletics director Ross Bjork news conference about the firing of Jimbo Fisher on November 12, 2023.
This podcast is the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army holiday campaign kickoff program from November 10, 2023.
Speakers, in order of appearance, are Bryan/College Staton Salvation Army Captain Marianne Villanueva, Bryan city councilman James Edge, chairman of the Salvation Army advisory board Stephen Vincent, president of the Aggie Salvation Army Lyle Majors, Blue Baker president Zach Langenkamp, Bryan Broadcasting's Allison Harrell, and closing remarks from Salvation Army Captains Luis and Marianne Villanueva.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army launched its holiday campaigns on Friday (November 10).
Captain Luis Villanueva says the Angel Tree gift program will benefit 2,200 local children.
Click HERE to be directed to the B/CS Salvation Army Angel Tree website.
And this year's goal to raise money from the local Red Kettle bell ringing campaign is $200,000 dollars.
Click HERE to be directed to volunteer as a bell ringer at the registertoring.com website.
Speakers at Friday's kickoff included the chairman of the local Salvation Army advisory board, Stephen Vincent, and Bryan city councilman James Edge.
Another speaker was the president of the Aggie Salvation Army. Lyle Majors says they are hosting a concert called "Rock The Red Kettle" on Thursday, November 16, from 5-8 p.m. at Rudder Plaza. Also participating are current and former NFL players and the Aggie Yell Leaders.
The kickoff was held at the Blue Baker restaurant on University in College Station. All three Blue Baker locations in College Station have Angel Trees where children can be adopted. Blue Baker president Zach Langenkamp was among the speakers.
Another speaker was Allison Harrell of Bryan Broadcasting, which is a corporate sponsor of the B/CS Salvation Army Angel Tree and Red Kettle drives.
This podcast is a visit with Jim Mazurkiewicz and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Saturday, November 11, 2023 is not only Veterans Day, but by a proclamation issued at this week's Brazos County commission meeting, it is also Polish Day.
The author of the proclamation, Texas A&M agriculture professor Jim Mazurkiewicz, is a fifth generation descendant who is one hundred percent Polish.
The proclamation commemorates "the Polish immigrants that settled in Brazos County and their many contributions in developing this state seeking religious, social, and economic freedoms".
Dr. Mazurkiewicz says by 1909, there were 6,000 Polish immigrants in the Brazos Valley.
The proclamation also included recognition of the St. Joseph Catholic Parish being established 150 years ago.
Before the parish, Mazurkiewicz says there were two priests based in Millican who served areas of heavy Polish settlements at missions in Navasota, Independence, Brenham, and Plantersville.From what he has read,
Mazurkiewicz says the St. Joseph parish was established by 12 families, seven Polish, three Czech, one German, and one French.
Click HERE to read and download the Brazos County proclamation for Polish Day and the sesquicentennial of establishing the St. Joseph Catholic Parish.
Jennifer Cain, Director of Capital Projects, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new interactive map online, current projects, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 8, 2023 Texas A&M system board of regents academic affairs committee meeting.
A Texas A&M system board of regents committee discussion about tenure includes A&M's failed hiring last summer of Kathleen McElroy to lead the university's resurrected journalism program.
Regent Bob Albritton of Fort Worth wants earlier notice from administrators who want to offer tenure to prospective hires, which is a decision that lies with the regents.
Regents chairman Bill Mahomes of Dallas said he is troubled by the idea of the board reviewing the candidate before administrators make a final offer.
Regent Mike Hernandez of Fort Worth thought there was a middle ground between what was said by Albritton and Mahomes.
Friday morning, the regents without discussion approved allowing prospective faculty members to become eligible for tenure without a probationary period if they are a member of a national academy in the sciences, engineering, and/or medicine.
Lacey Lively, Communications and Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming Holiday Magic event, workshops, pet vaccinations, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the situation in the Middle East, hostage negotiation, US support for Israel, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 6, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting..
Bryan ISD school board members hear the results of surprise security inspections by state officials at five locations.
BISD's assistant security director, Rich Himmel, said one undisclosed campus was unable to provide documentation.
Himmel did not share in public any of the locations of the inspections.
BISD superintendent Ginger Carrabine said a log was missing that would have provided documentation.
Carrabine also brought up inspectors finding compliance with security measures meeting state laws and BISD policies.
Board members received the rest of the inspection report behind closed doors.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners agree to buy land south of downtown Bryan and west of Midtown Park.
Following Tuesday's unanimous vote following no discussion, county judge Duane Peters told WTAW News that they sought land close to the courthouse to build a climate controlled storage facility to store county records and election equipment.
Six and a half acres off of Finfeather Road and south of Turkey Creek Road is located at 718 Ashford Hills Drive.
The purchase price, $850,000 dollars, is ten times above the appraisal district's value of $84,559.
Peters says finalizing the sale is contingent on the results of a county appraisal.
Click HERE to read and download the contract that was approved at the November 7, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click HERE to read and download information about the property from the Brazos Central Appraisal district.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD superintendent Tim Harkrider and WTAW's Bill Oliver the day after CSISD's November 2023 bond election.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about progress in Downtown Bryan, parking, renovations at the LaSalle Hotel, development at RELLIS, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
The winner of the contested College Station ISD school board place 7 seat, Heather Simmen, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Simmen is also asked about two of the four CSISD bond propositions passing and the defeat of two other bond propositions.
The winner of the November 2023 election for Bryan ISD school board single member two seat, Julie Harlin, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit recorded November 3, 2023 with the president of the Baylor Scott & White Health-College Station region Jason Jennings, chief nursing officer Jana Elliott, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
An update has been provided by Baylor Scott & White Health (BSW) of its $90 million dollar investment in the College Station region, which includes Bryan and Brenham.
Region president Jason Jennings says medical clinics recently opened on the campus of the College Station hospital and in the Wellborn community.
The second medical office building on the campus of the College Station hospital is scheduled to open in January 2025.
And around Christmas, construction starts on an expansion of the hospital's emergency room. The 7,000 square foot addition will include 11 new exam rooms and two trauma bays.
Jennings says with these projects, BSW employment will increase by at least 200.
Chief nursing officer Jana Elliott reported that the College Station hospital was recognized by U.S. News & World Report for achieving a “High Performing” rating, which is the highest distinction a hospital can earn, in the following adult procedures and conditions: Back surgery (spinal fusion), COPD, Heart attack, Pneumonia, and Stroke.
Elliott also said the College Station region became the first healthcare system in the Brazos Valley to receive the Magnet® designation for nursing excellence.
Meantime, last April BSW announced that Jennings was moving. Jennings told WTAW News that he decided to "wake up and stay in this great community we call the Brazos Valley."
Additional information from Baylor Scott & White Health-College Station region:
Capital improvements throughout our College Station hospital and clinics, include:
Baylor Scott & White – College Station campus expansion projects:
Baylor Scott & White – Medical Plaza 600
·This building will be called Baylor Scott & White – Medical Plaza 600, or simply, The Plaza.
·This building will include spaces for clinic rooms, a sleep center, therapy services, lab and future growth, along with an ambulatory surgical center, a facility where surgeries that do not require a hospital stay are performed.
Imaging additions:
CT scanners: We are replacing a CT at the College Station hospital with a new CT scanner, which offers newer technology with faster speeds, allowing care teams to capture better quality images with reduced motion.
New MRI machine: We replaced the MRI at our University Drive clinic with a brand-new magnet. A new MRI unit allows us to have better image quality and resolution and newer, faster technology.
Nuclear medicine SPECT/CT scanner: We added a new nuclear medicine scanner at the College Station hospital.
In our clinics:
Baylor Scott & White Clinic – College Station Barron Road: Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Barron Road is a clinic for our podiatry services, where our medical professionals diagnose, evaluate and treat many conditions that affect the foot, toes and toenails.
Baylor Scott & White Clinic – College Station Wellborn: Baylor Scott & White Clinic – College Station Wellborn is a primary care clinic to meet the needs of the growing community in South College Station.
Upcoming initiatives:
Emergency department expansion: An emergency department expansion is slated to start construction this winter.
Awards:
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – College Station was recognized by U.S. News & World Report and was ranked “High Performing,” the highest distinction a hospital can earn, in the following adult procedures and conditions: Back surgery (spinal fusion), COPD, Heart attack, Pneumonia, and Stroke.
Late spring, Baylor Scott & White – College Station Region, which includes two hospitals and 16 clinics, became the first healthcare system in the Brazos Valley to receive the Magnet® designation.
Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19:
Knowing that each community includes members who are more vulnerable to these viruses—including infants, older adults and those with underlying conditions such as asthma or heart disease—it is important to take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our neighbors.
For most Texans, flu vaccines are free and are available at clinics, pharmacies and other convenient locations. Remember that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body.
Like the flu vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at protecting people from getting seriously ill, being hospitalized, and even dying. Staying up to date with the recommended number of doses and boosters, when eligible, can increase protection.
An for care is virtual care on the MyBSWHealth app, which you can download by texting BETTER to 88408. The app and virtual care are open to all – users need not have been a patient of Baylor Scott & White prior to using this service, as a medical record is established once users begin the process.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and the director of UWBV partner agency Sexual Assault Resource Center of the Brazos Valley (SARC) Lindsey LeBlanc visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Topics includes recruiting volunteers for the next round of training to become SARC advocates.
November 13 is the deadline to apply.
Three weeks of virtual training begins November 27.
Click HERE to be directed to SARC's volunteer advocate application webpage.
This podcast is a visit with the president of the Brazos Valley chapter of the University of Texas alumni group Texas Exes, Walter Hinkle, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Volunteers at the annual cleaning of Texas A&M's bonfire memorial gateway portals includes for the first time, alumni from the University of Texas.
The president of the Brazos Valley chapter of the Texas Exes, Walter Hinkle, says they will be cleaning the portal of Michael Ebanks, who was one of the 12 Aggies who died in the Bonfire collapse.
Hinkle says Ebanks father was active in the local U-T alumni chapter until his unexpected death in September.
Hinkle says the Exes participation is also meant to carry on the spirit of U-T’s display of support at the two schools’ first football game following the tragedy.
Hinkle said the idea came from the treasurer of the local Exes chapter, Amy Vance, who works at A&M.
The cleaning is organized by the staff at A&M's art galleries.
News release from Texas A&M:
As the 24th annual remembrance of the collapse of Aggie Bonfire approaches Nov. 18, preparations are being made for the evening’s ceremony, which includes cleaning the memorial site.
The cleaning will take place on Friday, Nov. 3, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in two-hour shifts.
The Bonfire Memorial sits on the northeast side of campus, on the exact site where the stack collapsed at 2:42 a.m. on Nov. 18, 1999, killing 12 Aggies. Each fallen student is represented with a gateway structure which visitors can step into and symbolically fill the void left behind.
Texas A&M University Art Galleries staff spearheads the annual cleaning of the memorial and is being joined by volunteers including staff from the Division of Academic and Strategic Collaborations and members of Company D-1 from the Corps of Cadets. As of this writing, around 60 volunteers have signed up.
This year — for the first time — the volunteer roster includes alumni of the University of Texas, the Aggies’ longstanding athletic rival. Around 10 members of the Brazos Valley chapter of Texas Exes, UT’s alumni group, will participate in tomorrow’s service event.
“Rivalries don’t matter when it comes to selfless service and loss,” said Amanda Neel, collections manager for the galleries. “The Texas Exes’ participation in this year’s cleaning shows how greatly the collapse of the Bonfire affected not only the A&M community, but Texas as a whole.”
Walter Hinkle, president of the local Texas Exes chapter, says his group’s participation for the first time this year seems like a blessing of fate.
“We will be cleaning the portal of Michael Ebanks, son of the late Jerry Ebanks and his wife, Bulinda,” Hinkle said. “Jerry received his master’s degree at UT and was an active member of the Brazos Valley Texas Exes chapter.” Jerry Ebanks passed away unexpectedly on Sept 2.
“When we found out about the cleaning, we were very excited; we had no idea something like that was done every year. What an awesome opportunity to pay respect to the university and our friend Jerry and his son,” Hinkle said.
He added while it’s at a much smaller scale, the Texas Exes’ care of the memorial is meant also to carry on the spirit of UT’s display of support at the two schools’ first game following the tragedy.
Amy Vance, Texas Exes treasurer, plans to serve at the cleaning event; she works at A&M as the director of strategic initiatives in the Office of Workforce Development, College of Engineering.
“I happened to learn of the clean-up through a work email and suggested to the other officers that we participate,” Vance said. “We feel this is a way to show our respect to those who died and to demonstrate that, even as rivals, we can come together as a community for a greater good. I’m glad that we, as alumni of the University of Texas, can be a part of preserving the memories of those who died at the Bonfire. It is something that tied our two institutions together.”
There are around 110,000 members of the Texas Exes and, according to Vance, 120 members locally on the group’s active roster, and likely hundreds more in the Brazos Valley area.
Learn more about the Bonfire clean-up and volunteer at uart.tamu.edu/bonfire.
And read about Bonfire remembrance at bonfire.tamu.edu.
This podcast is a visit with the first judge of Brazos County's new 472nd district court, Jerrell Wise, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County officially has a fourth district court judge.
Jerrell Wise was sworn in to preside over the 472nd district court by former Brazos County district judge and now justice on the Texas 10th court of appeals Steve Smith.
After taking the oath and putting on his judicial robe, the presiding judge of Brazos County district courts Kyle Hawthorne presented Wise with a stack of papers transferring cases from the 85th, 272nd, and 361st courts.
Wise thanked Brazos County state representatives John Raney and Kyle Kacal for including in the legislation creating the 472nd, language that most cases will involve civil matters.
Wise will preside over his first trial November 13th in the old 85th district courtroom, which is where he tried his first case as a lawyer in Brazos County.
Wise served two years as the presiding judge of the city of Bryan's municipal court before he was appointed by the governor to serve as district judge through the end of 2024.
Wise told WTAW News that he intends to file in the March 2024 Republican primary for a full term.
This podcast is a recording of the swearing in of Jerrell Wise as the first judge of Brazos County's new 472nd district court on November 1, 2023.
Brazos County officially has a fourth district court judge.
Jerrell Wise was sworn in to preside over the 472nd district court by former Brazos County district judge and now justice on the Texas 10th court of appeals Steve Smith.
After taking the oath and putting on his judicial robe, the presiding judge of Brazos County district courts Kyle Hawthorne presented Wise with a stack of papers transferring cases from the 85th, 272nd, and 361st courts.
Wise thanked Brazos County state representatives John Raney and Kyle Kacal for including in the legislation creating the 472nd, language that most cases will involve civil matters.
Wise will preside over his first trial November 13th in the old 85th district courtroom, which is where he tried his first case as a lawyer in Brazos County.
Wise served two years as the presiding judge of the city of Bryan's municipal court before he was appointed by the governor to serve as district judge through the end of 2024.
Wise told WTAW News that he intends to file in the March 2024 Republican primary for a full term.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about November's First Friday schedule, a look ahead to holiday events, and a review of the rescheduled Halloweentown in downtown Bryan event.
Lindsey Guindi, Director of Strategic Projects, and Zyreshia Jackson, Community and Development Specialist, visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about economic development, the Bryan Arts and Culture development grant, how to apply, upcoming workshops, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Chris Kirk and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Ten days before the filing period begins for the March 2024 primary election, there is one fewer candidate seeking the state representative's seat covering most of Brazos County.
Retired Brazos County sheriff Chris Kirk has announced withdrawing from the house district 14 race.
Kirk says he made the decision after spending four days in the hospital after a severe reaction to medication following what was a successful hernia operation.
Kirk said he wanted to give an opportunity for others to decide whether to seek the Republican nomination for the HD 14 seat.
That seat becomes vacant next year after John Raney retires.
Kirk says he will wait until the filing period is over before deciding whether he will give an endorsement.
News release from Chris Kirk:
A little over 10 days ago, I underwent a surgical procedure to repair an incisional abdominal hernia. The surgery went as planned and was successful.
However, during recovery, I had a severe reaction to the medication provided that ultimately required emergency hospitalization.Thankfully, the follow-up tests indicate that there are no life-threatening side effects.
As I continue through the recovery process, I have had plenty of time to reflect on my priorities and the things that matter most to me and my family. It has become clear that my focus should be directed toward my family and my continued recovery.
Therefore, it is with a heavy heart, I am announcing my withdrawal from the race for Texas House of Representatives (HD 14). This decision was extremely difficult as I was truly excited about the possibility of serving you in the Texas Legislature. I love this county and our community.
Therefore, I could not in good conscience delay this decision any longer. It is my hope that we will elect a truly effective representative.
I would like to thank all who have taken a moment to affirm my candidacy and the many offers to assist me in the HD-14 race. Your support has been overwhelming and adds to my disappointment that I can’t follow through with our plans.
I would like to extend special thanks to former Senator Steve Ogden for his counsel and support, to Judge Travis Bryan III for serving as my campaign treasurer, and to Randy Horvath for agreeing to serve as my campaign manager.
The Lord has Blessed me with a wonderfully supportive family..... for that I am truly thankful. I especially want to thank my beautiful wife, Sheryl, for her unwavering love and support.
GOD Bless Texas!
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County's elections administrator discovers that residents living on one particular street who were supposed to vote in College Station ISD, were instead assigned to Navasota ISD.
Trudy Hancock says three people who participated in early voting were contacted and informed how to vote in the CSISD bond and school board elections.
Hancock says once the mistake was found, the corrections were made quickly in the elections computer software system. She says when others who live on that street vote, they will have the correct ballot.
As of October 31, early voting has generated 4,505 of Brazos County's 127,450 registered voters, which is a turnout of 3.5 percent.
Early voting in Brazos County continues through Friday, November 3, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. at five voting centers.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Texas A&M's off campus housing efforts, middle housing, feedback about Southeast Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and the community relations director for UWBV partner agency Twin City Mission, Ron Crozier, visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver on October 30, 2023.
This podcast is a visit with A&M Methodist Church communications director Alisha Bynum and WTAW's Mikaylee Supak.
February 2023 marked the 100th anniversary of organizing A&M United Methodist Church, which is located in College Station's Northgate district.
On November 1, you are invited to a community dinner and the dedication of a state historical marker.
The dinner starts at 5:15, followed by the dedication at six.
Click HERE to be directed to the A&M United Methodist Church website.
Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M's new Chief of Staff, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her new role, community engagement, President Welsh's assessment of the reorganization plan, next spring's capacity study, an off campus student housing office, Rock the Red Kettle, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 27, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
With about one week to go in the Texas legislature's third special session, a stalemate continues over additional funding of pre-kindergarten through 12th grade schools.
No date has been set in the Texas House for a committee to consider the senate's private school voucher bill...SB 1...that meets the governor's special session call.
And no date has been set for a House bill...HB 1...that considers money for private and public schools.
Additional funding for public schools is not part of the governor's call for the third special session.
November 7 is the last day of the third special session. The governor has said if he doesn't get state funding for private schools, he will call a fourth special session.
The governor's decisions were addressed during this week's Bryan ISD school board meeting by a more than 30 year member of the board, David Stasny. He said "there is a lot of obvious hypocrisy going on about the whole voucher thing."
Stasny also said "what is even to me more outrageous is the governor basically saying you're not gonna get what we all know public schools need unless I get my way on something else. And that's unbelievably outrageous."
Before Stasny's comments, Bryan ISD assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw presented an update from the third special session, its impact on Bryan ISD, and prior financial decisions taken by the BISD board.
Beesaw and superintendent Ginger Carrabine also had comments about the state's review of BISD's business operations, where the district in August received a 100 score based on data from the 2021-2022 school year.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 23, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about College Station receiving the designation as a music friendly Texas community, middle housing, the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, Southeast Park, youth baseball fields, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Councilman Kevin Boriskie visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about passing the budget, future development in Downtown Bryan, building and construction prices, upcoming holiday events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Texas Municipal League, recruiting new development, the border crisis, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from College Station mayor John Nichols.
College Station city council members at their October 12 meeting appointed 13 people to a housing action plan.
The committee has a year to develop what is described as "a unified vision for the future and reflect the community's vision for housing action and initiatives."
While the final vote to appoint members was unanimous, there was a tie to select the last person. Mayor John Nichols changed his nominee to break the tie.
As for the composition of the committee, Nichols said on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that it's a "diverse group, (with) citizens, attorneys, a school board member, as well as a (Texas A&M) student."
Click HERE to read and download additional information from the October 12, 2023 College Station city council agenda.
Click HERE to be directed to a city of College Station blog post about the housing action plan committee.
The council appointed Charles Barr, Blanche Brick, Tiona Broussard, Fred Dupriest, Katherine Fisher, Mike Holmgreen, Blake Jennings, Geralyn Nolan, Delia Perez-Nunez, Carla Robinson, Diana Wood, Jodi Warner, and Suzanne Droleskey. Warner was named chair with Brick as vice chair.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County tax office is still composing property tax statements.
Tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe says as of October 23rd, the data verification process for more than 147,000 accounts is underway.
Once the data is verified, then the statements will go to the printer.
Roe says at the earliest, the first of 120,000 statements will be in the mail by the end of this week (Friday, October 27).
Roe says before the data verification began, there were delays due to changes made by the legislature and in getting numbers from the appraisal district.
This podcast contains comments from the October 16, 2023 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate.
Two weeks after Texas A&M's interim president returned the provost's position to number two in authority, the provost is asked about the elevated role by members of the university's faculty senate.
Provost Alan Sams, who was hired by former president Katherine Banks, says he has a range of experiences that is equivalent to most of the provosts he knows at land grant universities of similar stature and size to A&M.
Sams served nine months as interim provost when he was given the job on a permanent basis in May.
Sams also told the faculty senate that the reorganization of the provost's office that came with the announcement by Mark Welsh should be completed next month.
This podcast is a visit with Rusty Warncke of the city of College Station's capital projects office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station residents are asked for their opinion about adding youth ballfields and the future development of Southeast Park.Online surveys are now available on both topics.
And residents can participate in separate meetings that are hosted by the city's parks and capital projects departments.
Project manager Rusty Warncke of the city's capital projects office says staff will be forwarding public opinions to the city council.
The subject of adding youth ballfields is the result of the city learning that soil quality issues prevented the construction of fields at what was the Texas Independence Ballpark complex.
That property, off Rock Prairie Road west of Fitch, is now called Southeast Park. Warncke says the council is seeking public input on what should be located on that park property.
The meeting about youth ballfields is Wednesday, October 25.
The meeting about developing Southeast Park is Monday, October 30.
Both meetings are at College Station city hall, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Neither meeting includes a formal presentation. Warncke says residents can come and go and visit with city staff.
Click HERE to be directed to the city of College Station's survey regarding the addition of youth ballfields.
Click HERE to be directed to the city of College Station's survey regarding the development of Southeast Park.
This podcast contains comments from the October 23, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members and administrators recognize a statewide honor for a Stephen F. Austin middle school teacher.
Naveen Cunha is BISD's first secondary teacher of the year from the Texas Association of School Administrators.
Cunha, who is a robotics teacher and leads SFA's STEM academy, was chosen from 370,000 secondary educators in Texas.
Speakers included Cunha, SFA principal Kim Giesenschlag, and board members Leo Gonzalez and Mark McCall.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, the Brazos Valley region coordinator for UWBV partner agency Texas Ramp Project Roy Harrington, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Steven Maldonado, Assistant Director of Water Services, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Lick Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion, its environmentally friendly features, training high school students to become a water or wastewater operator, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Scott Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about cybersecurity month, strong passwords, turning on MFA, recognizing and reporting phishing, updating software, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a joint meeting with the College Station ISD school board, concerns from opponents of the no-more-than-four ordinance, a new Housing Action Plan Steering Committee, voting to amend the land use regulations in the Wellborn neighborhood, studying the feasibility of a recreation center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 12, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The 11 public speakers during last week's College Station city council meeting (October 12) shared their opinion about the city's lack of affordable housing.
Most of the speakers were Texas A&M students who wanted to repeal the ban on more than four unrelated occupants living under the same roof, particularly in the historic district south of the university's campus.
The council also heard that 1,100 requests for on-campus housing were turned down due to a lack of rooms.
The last public speaker, a fifth generation College Station resident, brought up the gentrification of minority neighborhoods near campus due to rising property values caused by new student housing.
Because the topic was not on the meeting agenda, by state law the council was not allowed to respond to the public speakers.
This podcast contains comments from the October 12, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council updates land use regulations in the Wellborn neighborhood.It is the first change since the city annexed the area ten years ago.
Click HERE to read and download pages 1-55 of the updated Wellborn area plan approved during the October 12, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download pages 56-109 of the updated Wellborn area plan approved during the October 12, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials shown during the October 12, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The four to two vote followed public opposition to TxDOT's plans to widen Wellborn Road from Fitch to Greens Prairie with a center median and a hike and bike trail.
Mayor John Nichols brought up more than once that TxDOT's plans were not part of the city's Wellborn neighborhood update.
Three property owners talked about TxDOT taking a substantial portion of their land for the project.
One property owner said he has 2,000 petition signatures opposing TxDOT's plans.
Councilmen William Wright and Dennis Maloney said they would sign the petition, but repeated that was separate from the city's land use update for the Wellborn area.
Also voting for the city's land use update were Nichols and Elizabeth Cunha.
Voting no, were Bob Yancy and Linda Harvell.
Mark Smith was absent from the meeting.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the fifth Brazos Valley Gives Day, which is Tuesday, October 17.
News release from Brazos Valley Gives:
The Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley announces Brazos Valley Gives is Tuesday, October 17.
The Community Foundation’s fifth annual Brazos Valley Gives Day includes 167 nonprofits that are taking part in the community-wide day of giving.
Donors simply log on tobrazosvalleygives.organd make a gift to a participating nonprofit of their choice on Tuesday, October 17, from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
For those donors who prefer dropping off their gift, the Bryan-College Station Eagle drive-thru will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The drive-thru is located at 1729 Briarcrest Drive in Bryan.
In addition, the Washington County Chamber of Commerce [314 South Austin Street in Brenham] and the Caldwell Civic Center [103 West Highway 21] will both be open for drop-off donations from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
Businesses and organizations are invited to drop-off their donations at the Bryan, Brenham or Caldwell drop-off donation sites and capture the moment with a “big-check” presentation and photo opportunity for use on social media!
This year, Amarillo National Bank, David Gardner Jewelers, and Tom Light Legacy are presenting Brazos Valley Gives to our community.
Ray of Hope is the 5th Anniversary Sponsor.
Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX, The Eagle, Insite, Brenham Banner Press, Navasota Examiner, Burleson County Tribune, KORA and Lamar Advertising, the Bryan/College Station and Washington County Chambers of Commerce are partnering with Brazos Valley Gives to ensure the community is aware and ready for the big day, which supports 167 nonprofits from across all seven of our 7-county region.
Participating nonprofits are also eligible to win over $55,000 in incentive prizes donated from businesses and individuals.
In addition, over 180 individuals and organizations have volunteered to “CHAMPION” the efforts of their favorite nonprofit giving campaign. These individuals are hosting an online Brazos Valley Gives peer fundraiser to support their favorite participating nonprofit on brazosvalleygives.org.
“Our fifth annual giving day is empowering donors across our region to give where they live.
Brazos Valley Gives is strengthening our nonprofits, bringing the community together as one,” stated Julie Porter, Co-Chair.
Brazos Valley Gives is 18 hours of online giving that brings the region together on one day and as one community to raise critical funding and awareness for nonprofit organizations throughout the Brazos Valley.
Powered by the Community Foundation, Brazos Valley Gives provides citizens and businesses an easy platform to support the mission and “good works” of local nonprofit organizations that serve the Brazos Valley.
Nonprofits from throughout the Brazos Valley—7 of the 7 counties—are participating as well.
Brazos Valley Gives empowers individual donors and business leaders to come together to support causes close to their hearts—and, on this day, everyone can be a philanthropist.
This day of giving where you live is being powered by the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, and all donations will pass-thru directly to the donor’s charity(ies) of choice.
The goal for Brazos Valley Gives is $1,250,000.
The big day begins on Tuesday, October 17 at 5:00 a.m. and will continue all day until 11:00 p.m.
Please visit brazosvalleygives.org to see a list of the nonprofit participants or for more information send an email to brazosvalleygives@gmail.com.
If you are a local citizen or business interested in helping with Brazos Valley Gives in the future, please call Patricia Gerling, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley at (979) 589-4305.
Let’s all join in as we strengthen nonprofits, empower donors and build community throughout our beloved Brazos Valley. We give where we live!
This podcast contains comments from the October 10, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
In May 2024, more than 2,000 people are expected to be at Midtown Park for a two day music festival called the "Big Barn Dance".
A preview of the event was given during Tuesday's (October 10, 2023) Bryan city council meeting.
On Wednesday and Thursday, festival organizers were in town to conduct a site visit.
The director of the Destination Bryan tourism office, John Friebele, says this will be the spring version of a festival that's been in Taos, New Mexico for more than 20 years...where the average age of spectators is the 60's.
Friebele told the council to be expecting requests for the city to provide in-kind services, ranging from fire and police services to electricity and solid waste.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 10, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
This podcast is with Jacob DeLeon of Texas A&M's Big Event committee and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Organizers of the nation's largest university based student service project...Texas A&M's Big Event...have started taking requests for helping homeowners next year who want to receive a helping hand from Aggies.
Click HERE to be directed to the Big Event website's registration page.The date of the 2024 Big Event is March 23rd.
Sophomore Jacob DeLeon of Fort Worth, who is a recruitment executive, says the variety of projects is mostly anything that does not involve a power tool.
The Big Event website states "many residents normally request (but is not limited to) raking leaves, weeding, planting flowers, trenching, mulching, trimming trees,/ hedges, cleaning gutters, painting (both inside and outside), stripping paint, dusting, sweeping/ mopping, window washing, and general spring cleaning.
DeLeon says they are looking for more projects and student volunteers following a downturn during the pandemic.
The Big Event website says in 2023, 14,983 students worked on 1,932 projects. Before the pandemic, DeLeon said the average was 22,000 students working on 2,500 projects.
C-STEP Program Coordinator, Marivel Sanchez, visits with WTAW's Mikaylee Supak about the Texas Cancer Screening, Training, Education, and Prevention free services regarding breast, cervical, lung, liver, and colorectal cancer that are offered to low-income, uninsured, and/or underinsured community members of the Brazos Valley Region
Ross Brady, Assistant to the City Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about College Station's 85th anniversary celebration, a new history wall at city hall, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brad Stafford, Bryan's new Parks and Recreation Director, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about his background, his initial thoughts on the department, progress at the Philips Event Center, his short term and long term goals, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 10, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council decides to hire the same company that was in charge of building the Legends Events Center and the same company that manages Legends for the city to design, build, and manage an indoor tennis center at Midtown Park.
The $17 million dollar facility will be paid for by the Texas A&M system.
That follows the council and A&M entering an interlocal agreement (ILA) allowing use by the university's tennis teams.
The ILA also requires completion of the building by August of 2025.
The council voted 6-1 to proceed with the design and construction. Ray Arrington voted no.
The council voted unanimously to amend the contract with the management company, which will be in charge of running both the Legends and tennis facilities.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the October 10, 2023 Bryan city council meeting regarding the design and construction of the indoor tennis building.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the design and construction of the indoor tennis building.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the management of the indoor tennis building.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the new floodplain management plan, the interlocal agreement with the county for EMS service, the capital improvement plan, approving a contract to design and build the new indoor tennis center at Midtown Park, a new event coming to Midtown Park, BlueForge, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff Wayne Dicky and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County sheriff's office has started a notification service for residents 65 and older who live outside the city limits and are living alone.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky says "R-U-OK" allows residents to receive up to three calls per week from volunteers.
Those who sign up can also receive emergency weather information and other automated calls from Brazos County's "Code Red" service.
Dicky estimates that there are as many as 8,000 residents who qualify.
Volunteers are also being recruited to place the calls.
More information to sign up and/or to volunteer can send an e-mail to ruok@brazoscountytx.gov or call 979-775-RUOK (7865).
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) office in Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Texas department of transportation (TxDOT) expects it will take seven years to develop where Interstate 14 will be built from south of Belton to Huntsville, and where to locate the I-214 loop connecting I-14 to Bryan/College Station.
You have the opportunity to tell TxDOT where you want the new highways to be built.Public meetings will be held in six cities to collect public opinions.
Bob Colwell at the TxDOT office in Bryan they want to be ready when funding becomes available.
Click HERE to be directed to the TxDOT webpage that contains more information about the I-14 central Texas corridor study.
Here is the schedule of the public meetings:
Wednesday, October 18, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Madisonville High School
Thursday, October 19, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Walker County Fairgrounds in Huntsville
Tuesday, October 24, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Grimes County Fairgrounds in Navasota
Wednesday, October 25, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Legends Event Center in Bryan
Wednesday, November 1, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Hearne Elementary School
Thursday, November 2, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Yards of Cameron in Cameron
Colwell says anyone with general questions or concerns can contact the I-14 central Texas corridor study team at 979-484-7358 or e-mail BRY_Interstate14@txdot.gov.Comments must be received or postmarked by Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, to be included in the official record of the open house.
Danny Morrison of Epicures Catering visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the 40th Annual Thanksgiving in the Brazos Valley.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and Amanda Buenger of a new UWBV partner agency, the Unbound Now BCS anti-human trafficking organization, visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast begins with the dedication program of the Christopher C. Kirk sheriff's administration building on October 9, 2023.
That is followed by a visit with retired Brazos County sheriff Chris Kirk and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A rare naming of a Brazos County building took place Monday morning.
Signage was unveiled along Highway 21 in Bryan dedicating the Christopher C. Kirk sheriff's administration building.
Kirk served 40 years in the sheriff's office, the last 24 as sheriff, before retiring in 2020.
Joining Kirk and his family were current and former employees and county commissioner Nancy Berry.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD communications director Austin Dunson.
A WTAW listener recently contacted the newsroom inquiring about the status of last year's reports at Consolidated High School of mice and mold.
CSISD's new communications director, Austin Dunson, says the mice issue that was first detected during the fall 2022 semester have not returned after preventative efforts were taken during the summer.
With the start of the fall 2023 semester, Dunson says actions by students and staff are part of the effort to reduce the chance of pests returning.
Dunson says a mold concern last year in Consol's history hallway was resolved after the area was disinfected and air samples and swabs indicated there was no mold. Since then, any cleaning being done is standard procedure when addressing these concerns.
Judge Ed Spillane visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming warrant amnesty period, the following roundup period, penalties for more than four unrelated people living together, Northgate, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
The College Station city council hears from the scheduling coordinator for Little League baseball about finding a new location to build youth fields.
Robert Parr's comments come after the council five weeks ago stopped construction due to soil quality issues at what used to be called Texas Independence Ballpark, which is now called Southeast Park.
Parr says there is a demand for youth baseball fields, in part because they have to cap the number of Little League players at around 1,000 and in part due to a record number of travelling teams.
Because Parr spoke during the public comment portion of the council's meeting (on September 28, 2023), the council could not respond to his request.
The following Wednesday (October 4, 2023), mayor John Nichols said during his visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that the city has money set aside for youth baseball fields and some land has been identified for another location.
Nichols says it will be a couple of years before new fields are constructed and opened.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver October 5, 2023 about October's First Friday lineup, Halloweentown in Downtown Bryan on October 27, and a preview of holiday events that includes taking entries for downtown Bryan's lighted holiday parade on December 7.
David Werley, BTU’s Executive Director of Business and Customer Operations, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Public Power Week, this summer's record heat, potential failures, donating through your utility bill, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is Texas A&M president Mark Welsh's announcement to employees and students of changes to the university's reorganization plan on October 4, 2023.
On the 147th birthday of Texas A&M, interim president Mark Welsh spends 90 minutes sharing what will be changed and what won't be changed in the year old reorganization plan called "The Path Forward".
Welsh's decisions comes two months to the day after creating a four member committee to review the reorganization plan.
After more than 80 listening sessions, 32 pages of recommendations were made by what Welsh called his quick look assessment team.
Then Welsh's final decisions came after reviewing 2,500survey responses associated with 40,000 website views of the recommendations. Welsh said some of his decisions were not same as the committee's recommendations.
In addition to making changes in some areas of the reorganization plan, Welsh announced there will be a facilities study to reflect the growth in A&M's enrollment. Welsh drew applause when he said the study will be done by A&M employees instead of hiring an outside consultant.
A&M officials say 600 attended Welsh's presentation inside the Kyle Field hall of champions and more than 2,000 watched the live web stream broadcast.
Welsh then spent 30 minutes with reporters. He said the biggest surprise was A&M librarians who had their tenure removed saying they did not want tenure restored.
This podcast is Texas A&M interim president Mark Welsh's visit with reporters following his presentation to employees and students on October 4, 2023 announcing changes to the university's reorganization plan.
On the 147th birthday of Texas A&M, interim president Mark Welsh spends 90 minutes sharing what will be changed and what won't be changed in the year old reorganization plan called "The Path Forward".
Welsh's decisions comes two months to the day after creating a four member committee to review the reorganization plan.
After more than 80 listening sessions, 32 pages of recommendations were made by what Welsh called his quick look assessment team.
Then Welsh's final decisions came after reviewing 2,500survey responses associated with 40,000 website views of the recommendations. Welsh said some of his decisions were not same as the committee's recommendations.
In addition to making changes in some areas of the reorganization plan, Welsh announced there will be a facilities study to reflect the growth in A&M's enrollment. Welsh drew applause when he said the study will be done by A&M employees instead of hiring an outside consultant.
A&M officials say 600 attended Welsh's presentation inside the Kyle Field hall of champions and more than 2,000 watched the live web stream broadcast.
Welsh then spent 30 minutes with reporters. He said the biggest surprise was A&M librarians who had their tenure removed saying they did not want tenure restored.
Kelly Corrigan, breast cancer survivor, New York Times Best-Selling author, and television host, was the keynote speaker at the 20th annual Surviving and Thriving luncheon benefiting Pink Alliance.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Texas Municipal League conference, an agreement with Brazos County about EMS services, the noise ordinance in the Northgate district, the plan for more youth baseball fields, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
THis podcast is a visit with Texas A&M system associate vice chancellor for research David Staack and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Texas A&M is hosting a two day summit on computer semiconductors Wednesday and Thursday (October 3-4, 2023).
A&M system associate vice chancellor for research David Staack says this is a step towards getting a piece of 52 billion dollars in federal money to fund semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing.
A co-host of this week's summit is the newly created Texas A&M semiconductor institute. Staack says this is a coordinated effort of the A&M system's 11 universities and eight agencies that in part deals with workforce development.
The A&M system, which is also a co-host of the summit, says leaders, researchers and stakeholders in the semiconductor industry will be participating.
The summit, according to the system, will feature discussions surrounding the future of the semiconductor industry, with a focus on manufacturing demands, industry growth, research and development, and industry trends.
The event will include guided tours of the RELLIS Campus, the Zachry Engineering Education Complex, and the Cyclotron Institute at Texas A&M University. The tours will an inside look at the state-of-the-art resources supporting semiconductor research and education.
Other participants include representatives from Samsung, Global Wafers, Texas Instruments, along with representatives from Gov. Greg Abbott’s office and Texas Rep. Greg Bonnen, chair of the House Appropriations Committee.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Peggi Goss, Blake Jennings of UWBV partner agency On-Ramp, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police sergeant Broddrick Bailey and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Black spray paint causes an estimated $7,500 dollars of damage in northeast Bryan.
15 residential victims and six commercial business victims in the Austin's Colony area filed reports with Bryan police on Sunday.
BPD Sgt. Broddrick Bailey says the graffiti damaged homes, commercial business buildings, and vehicles is in the neighborhood behind the Premiere Cinemas building.
Bailey says it appears to be "random scribblings" and not the work of any gang activity.
Investigators are interested in collecting from additional neighborhood video from Sunday between midnight and six a.m.
Bailey says to call police when you see something suspicious.
This podcast contains comments from the September 28, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council casts four unanimous votes involving the Northgate district.
That includes three recommendations from police chief Billy Couch that involves operational changes that take effect following the Texas A&M home football game against Alabama.
Taking the most time in council discussion, was removing outdoor seating in front of six bars on College Main.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about removing outdoor seating from the September 28, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Another change is expanding the noise ordinance to overnight hours...from 10:01 p.m. until 6:59 a.m.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about expanding the noise ordinance from the September 28, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The council approved banning charitable organizations with an itinerant vendor's permit from setting up on any city property, including Northgate, something which is currently the case for remaining permit holders.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials about banning charitable organizations setting up on city property from the September 28, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
And the council without discussion, rejected two bids that were received for a rehabilitation project on the Northgate promenade is being delayed. City staff recommended postponing the project because it would not have been completed before the start the new school year at Texas A&M and would have interfered with Aggie home football games and two city events.
Click HERE to read and download the specifications of the Northgate promenade project that was put on hold by the city council.
Click HERE to read and download background information on delaying the Northgate promenade rehabilitation project.
No date has been set to request another round of bids.
This podcast contains comments from the September 25, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The principals of the three high schools in Bryan ISD presented campus improvement plans during the September 25, 2023 school board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the Bryan High School campus improvement plan that was presented during the September 25, 2023 BISD school board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the Rudder High School campus improvement plan that was presented during the September 25, 2023 BISD school board meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the Bryan Collegiate High School campus improvement plan that was presented during the September 25, 2023 BISD school board meeting.
Board members asked the principals questions that dealt with improving student attendance, which is a goal at Bryan High and Bryan Collegiate High.
Bryan ISD school board president Julie Harlin asked Bryan High principal Lane Buban about addressing Bryan High students who are tardy between classes when they have to go from one end of campus to the other.
Bryan ISD's newest board member, Leo Gonzalez, brought up serving the Hispanic student population at Rudder High School with principal Rachel Layton.
Gonzalez asked Bryan Collegiate principal Tommy Roberts how they work with parents who speak only Spanish.
Roberts and Buban were also asked as teachers and as parents if there was too much testing.
Harlei Struck, Community Outreach Specialist for the College Station Fire Department, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Fire Prevention Week, cooking fires, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 25, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members this week recognized the source of a $1 million dollar grant for district wide security improvements.
Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw said the legislature was the reason for waiting until September to officially thanked the Don and Donna Adam Family Foundation for the gift that was made in January.
Board member David Stasny said the gift was a life saver, adding that "a lot of people out there in the world that are listening to this may be thinking 'Well why we would even need that because surely the legislature would fund this.' And the answer is, absolutely, unfortunately, woefully, inadequate. It was not."
Representing the foundation were two of the Adam's grandchildren.
The foundation's chief administrative officer, Madison Januse, thanked the school board "for the importance you place on school safety and security. Our grandparents, who founded the foundation, have always had a passion for helping this community."
Foundation representative Colten Adam said "Following the tragedy at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, our grandparents felt called to do something to protect our most precious possessions, our children."
Last week, the College Station ISD school board thanked the Adam foundation for its $1 million dollar gift.
This podcast contains comments from the September 26, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Next week is National 4-H week. A proclamation was issued during Tuesday's Brazos County commission meeting.
Accepting the proclamation, 4-H agent Matt Pfeiffer reported that Brazos County had 768 4-H members at the end of last year, along with 162 volunteers.
Pfeiffer also announced that 4-H members are doing a community service project this weekend at Lick Creek Park in College Station.
Also present and introducing themselves, were members of the Brazos County 4-H council.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation that was approved at the September 26, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Bryan Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her first year on council, RELLIS, property taxes, annexation opportunities, the border crisis, medians, Bryan ISD, upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the RELLIS campus, development in Downtown Bryan, progress at Phillips Event Center, upcoming holiday events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the president of the Brazos Valley Coalition on Suicide Prevention, Doug Vance, and WTAW's Mikaylee Supak.
You are invited to a first ever town hall discussion about suicide prevention and mental health in the Brazos Valley.
The Brazos Valley Coalition on Suicide Prevention (BVCOSP) is hosting the gathering Thursday (September 28) from 6 until 8 p.m. in College Station at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church (1001 Woodcreek Drive).
Coalition president Doug Vance says panelists have some sort of association with those who have taken their own life. Panelists represent survivors, family members and friends, schools, law enforcement, the faith based community, veterans, and mental health professionals.
Vance also says input from the town hall is hoped to lead to forming a workgroup to develop a plan to address suicide and mental health in the Brazos Valley.
News release from the Brazos Valley Coalition on Suicide Prevention:
The Brazos Valley Coalition on Suicide Prevention is hosting the first Town Hall Discussion: Suicide Prevention & Mental Health in the Brazos Valley on Thursday, September 28th from 6-8pm at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church (1001 Woodcreek Dr, College Station, TX).
This event looks to focus on the community-wide need for prevention initiatives, as well as intervention and response plans to break down the barriers throughout the Brazos Valley.
Through panel member discussion and audience dialogue, BVCOSP hopes to generate important community input as we continue growing together in support of healthy initiatives.
Everyone plays a pivotal role in our community's pillars, as we help identify the needs of this community as they relate to suicide prevention and mental wellness.
Panel Members include: Family Members & Friends, Survivors, School/Education Representatives, Law Enforcement, Media Specialists, Faith-Based, Veterans, Mental Health Professionals, BVCOSP, Students, College/University Specialists, and more.
Join us at the forefront of developing further action plans and strategic goals for community-based response systems.
This event is free and open to the public, which will give members of the community the opportunity to address some key concerns, while sharing their insight to breaking down those identified barriers even further.
Panel members will be given the opportunity to share the work they do, how it relates to the program topic & community, and aid in responding to community initiatives presented throughout the evening.
As this is a community-wide event, we look to help those in attendance understand more about the response to these critical issues our community faces on a daily basis.
To register for this event, please visit https://sptownhall23.eventbrite.com. If you or someone you know is having suicidal ideation or thoughts, please call 988 or our local line at (979) 450-1752.
For more information about getting involved with BVCOSP, visit www.bvcosp.com or email bvcosp@gmail.com.
This podcast is a visit recorded September 25, 2023 with Peggi Goss of United Way of the Brazos Valley, Kim Schams of UWBV partner agency Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Susan Ballabina, Senior Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer at Texas A&M University, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about providing feedback on "The Path Forward", a quick look assessment by interim President Welsh, the timeline of The Aplin Center, Ring Day, recent rankings of the university, OPAS, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the director of the RELLIS academic alliance, James Nelson, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan city council holds special meetings the last two Tuesdays in September on topics associated with the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus.
Tuesday, September 26, the agenda calls for the council to tour the following facilities on the RELLIS campus...the Bush Combat Development Complex, the Proving Grounds, the Reveille Commercial Driver Training School, and the Agriculture and Workforce Education Complex.
The special meeting begins and ends at the RELLIS Academic Complex, where the council will receive presentations from A&M system and agency representatives.
A special council meeting was held on September 19 to approve a resolution to enter a partnership with the RELLIS academic alliance and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
The director of the academic alliance, James Nelson, told WTAW News the partnership is applying for a federal grant to fund workforce training agreement.
Nelson says the first phase is to develop a plan to attract 25 to 54 year olds who are willing to learn a trade that is needed in the Brazos Valley and Coastal Bend regions of Texas.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was adopted by the Bryan city council on September 19, 2023.
Jennifer Nations, Water Resources Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about water usage, water restrictions, moisture meters, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County precinct one constable Jeff Reeves, precinct one justice of the peace Kenny Elliott, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
At least ten years in the making, the Brazos County precinct one constable and justice of the peace are in a county-owned building.
Constable Jeff Reeves and J.P. Kenny Elliott recently moved into a nearly $2 million dollar building in College Station at Fitch and Barron Cut Off Road, which Reeves believes is the last county office to move from leased space.
There is an open house on Friday (September 22) from three until six p.m., with a chamber of commerce ribbon cutting at 4:30.
Both were involved in the design of the joint offices, which they say gives them increased security, more parking, and a jury its own room for deliberations.
Joey Dunn, Deputy City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about single family permits, hotel occupancy tax, new development projects, the plan of a multiuse development north of Northgate, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the first College Station Christmas parade, this Saturday's SEC tailgate, middle housing, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Childhood Cancer Summit, the prisoner swap with Iran, the possibility of a government shutdown, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president of community impact Kat Gammon and Big Brothers Big Sisters Brazos Valley marketing and communications manager Maggie Lind visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver on September 18, 2023.
This podcast contains comments from the September 14, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council learns during their September 14th meeting that their parks board discussed earlier in the week about the future of the former site of the Texas Independence Ballpark.
That's after the council stopped construction due to soil quality issues.
Assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka says the parks board was given a list of options for the property that is now called Southeast Park. Prochaska said staff will seek more input from the parks board and the public.
Prochazka's update came after former mayor Karl Mooney asked the council to consider the property on Rock Prairie Road west of Fitch for a recreation center that can be managed by the YMCA of Central Texas.
Mooney says an architect told him that a recreation center, possibly with a pool, would be more than sufficient to offset concerns of spending $10 to $16 million dollars to improve soil conditions that stopped the city's construction of four ballfields.
The council was not allowed by state law to respond to Mooney's comments because he spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting.
As for the loss of four baseball fields at the former Independence complex, Prochazka said staff is collecting information from "the baseball community" and the final decision will ultimately be up to the council.
Councilman Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the future of Southeast Park, purchasing a new fire engine, rehabilitation of Marion Pugh, a budget amendment, approving a ROO in the Greater Southwood Valley subdivision, amending parking and access standards for Middle Housing, College Station's first Christmas parade, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Lamb, Bryan Fire Department Paramedic, and EMS Chief D.J. Capener, visit with WTAW'S Chelsea Reber about the Mobile Health Unit, 911 dispatchers, mutual aid, how traffic calming devices can impact response time, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 12, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council shows off plans for redeveloping about eight blocks north of the Northgate district into a mixed use area of housing and commercial uses that includes a boutique hotel and office space.
Acting as the city's commerce and development board, the council's private developer and Dallas based architect unveiled the transformation of 30 acres.
The area is generally bordered on the east by South College, to the south by the College Station city limits, to the west by Nagle Street, and to the north the Oak Terrace homeowners association.
Presentation materials showed more than 1,200 apartments, an undisclosed number of townhomes, a boutique hotel, and undisclosed retail and office space.
There is no timeline to start any construction.
The commerce and development board owns according to appraisal district records, around 30 lots. There is private ownership of more than 40 lots.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the September 12, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
News release from the city of Bryan:
At the Sept. 12 Bryan Commerce and Development, Inc. meeting, the City of Bryan’s partners unveiled a redevelopment vision for a mixed-use destination featuring top-tier commercial and residential real estate that will also serve as a gateway to Texas A&M University and Historic Downtown Bryan.
The proposed redevelopment is located on South College Avenue across from Hensel Park, within walking distance of Century Square, and behind the Northgate Entertainment District. It is 2,200 feet from Texas A&M’s campus and less than 4 miles from Historic Downtown Bryan and Travis Bryan Midtown Park.
The City of Bryan has partnered with Lero & Associates, Inc. to acquire property, utilities and entitlements, and plan the development in order to secure a master developer to assist in creating a high-density, mixed-use community.
To visualize the redevelopment, the city has partnered with OMNIPLAN, a highly qualified architecture firm.
The project will utilize one of Bryan’s most viable redevelopment opportunities, align with future growth of the community, and continue to incorporate strategic partnerships to create a captivating and prosperous master-planned development.
Developments of this magnitude can take years to have a shovel-ready site with all preliminaries completed.
Further details will unfold as the project progresses.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the EMS and Mobile Integrated Health program update, a recent water, wastewater and solid waste rate study, the floodplain management plan, extending Thornberry Drive, a new mixed-use development north of Northgate, and more during his appearance on the Infomaniacs.
The Sexual Assault Resource Center Director of Communications and Outreach, Kayla Duncan, visits with WTAW's Mikaylee Supak about a three week advocate training they are hosting starting September 26th. Duncan says the training will prepare volunteers for a variety of tasks. The deadline to apply for the training is September 18th. Learn more and apply online at sarcbv.org.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan/College Station Christmas parade spokeswoman Penny Zent and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
There will not be a 93rd Bryan/College Station Christmas parade.
Spokeswoman Penny Zent says there is not a replacement route since the center median was built on Texas Avenue.
Zent said the route had five requirements...streets in both cities had to be wide enough, there had to be a place to set up, a place to disband, a place where spectators could park and watch, and the ability for first responders to get to emergencies.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, the director of UWBV partner agency B/CS Prenatal Clinic Lynn Yeager, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
News release from the B/CS Prenatal Clinic:
The You’re the Tops Event Planning Committee is thrilled to announce a significant change of date for our much-anticipated event, the "You're The Tops" gala. Typically held in the springtime, we have made the exciting decision to move the luncheon event to an evening banquet event, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, to mark a very special occasion—the 30th anniversary of the "You're The Tops" event and the beginning of the 40th anniversary of The Prenatal Clinic.
Considering these momentous milestones, we are declaring November 2024 through December 2025 as the "Year of Celebration." This year-long celebration will honor the incredible journey and impact of The Prenatal Clinic while bringing renewed energy and excitement to the "30th Annual You're The Tops" gala.
The decision to shift the event date to November 19, 2024, has been made after careful consideration and with the intent of creating a grander and more memorable celebration for our attendees, sponsors, and partners. This change will allow us to ensure that the event exceeds all expectations and leaves a lasting impression on our community.
The "Year of Celebration" will feature a series of special events and initiatives beginning in mid-2024, with our 30th year of "You're The Tops" gala on November 19th and culminating with the 40th Anniversary Celebration in December 2025. These events will highlight the Clinic's achievements, the impact it has had on the community, and the incredible individuals who have supported us throughout our 40-year journey.
We believe that this change of date and the extended celebration will provide us with the opportunity to make this milestone year even more special and meaningful. We look forward to celebrating with all of you, our valued supporters, as we honor the past and embrace the future.
Stay tuned for more details about the "Year of Celebration" and the "You're The Tops" gala in the coming months.
The call for Honoree Nominations is planned for February 2024. Visit www.bcsprenatal.org for updates.
This podcast is a recording of the 75th anniversary program of the College Station city cemetery that was held September 8, 2023.
The program ended with the unveiling of a state historical marker.
The podcast begins with patriotic music from the Texas A&M Singing Cadets.
That is followed by the welcome, invocation, presentation of colors, singing the national anthem, the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. and Texas flags, and recognitions.
At 19 minutes, is a proclamation read by Brazos County judge Duane Peters and College Station mayor John Nichols.
At 22:11, is the reading of what is written on the state historical marker by the chairman of the College Station Historic Preservation Committee, Gerald Burgner.
At 26:26, is the biographies of eight names on the state historical marker from Sherry Frisk, who is a member of the College Station Historic Preservation Committee and the Brazos County Historical Commission.
At 45:55, is College Station mayor John Nichols accepting a U.S. flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol. Presenting the flag was Destiny Vargas, who is a district director for congressman Michael McCaul.
The emcee for the program is another member of the College Station Historic Preservation Committee, Tom Turbiville.
This podcast is a visit with retired Marine general Jim Lukeman, who is the CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A retired Marine general who leads the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation will be in College Station this weekend (September 9, 2023).
Jim Lukeman is thanking the Bush Library and Museum and the George and Barbara Bush Foundation for hosting an exhibition of combat paintings and sculptures created by Marines.
Lukeman says the Bush Library and Museum is the perfect place to host the exhibition. That is because much of the timeline of the exhibition...from 1975 through 2018...is when Bush served as vice president and president.
Lukeman says it is very appropriate for a Marine art exhibition to be in the museum for a president who served in the Navy.
The exhibition, which has been at the Bush Library since Memorial Day weekend, continues through January.
Jennifer Prochazka, Assistant City Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about upcoming events, water restrictions, takeaways from the 2024 budget, a sewer line project update, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jeanelle Johnson, Emergency Management Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Brazos County Hazard Mitigation Action Plan, a public survey, resources available to the public to plan for emergencies, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 16, 2023 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
The Texas A&M system board of regents receives a report on an audit and a consultant's study of Texas A&M's police department.
A&M's chief operating officer, Greg Hartman, and police chief Michael Johnson said there is a need to add officers and increase pay to improve retention and recruitment.
Hartman also brought up creating more space for the police department at its current headquarters building by moving out other offices, and upgrading security of the existing station.
Hartman also said work has started on updating the network of security cameras in order to be able to track someone anywhere on campus.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 16, 2023 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the grand opening of 1207 Texas Avenue, parking during Aggie football games, the Wellborn community area plan, the recent meeting about commercial truck parking, water conservation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 24, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Customers of Atmos Energy in College Station and Bryan will pay more for getting natural gas starting October 1.
City councils in both cities approved the increases.
Both cities are part of a group of cities that make up the Atmos Mid-Tex division.
The College Station city council was told at their August 24 meeting by Ross Brady of the city manager's office that the increase is less than it could have been.
Bryan city council members did not discuss the increase in public before giving its approval during their August 22 meeting.
The average increase for residential customers in the Atmos Mid-Tex customers is $6.47 a month, for commercial customers $24.72 a month, for industrial customers $649.04 a month, and for transportation customers $494.04 a month.
According to background information given to the Bryan council, Atmos will receive an additional $142 million dollars. That is $24 million dollars less than their original request.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the August 22, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the August 24, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station's water resources director, Jennifer Nations, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The visit is about the city of College Station reminding water customers about water restrictions after three straight days of record consumption.
Jeremiah Cook, Tourism Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the new visitor center, Aggie football weekends, bringing more visitors to College Station, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about September's First Friday in downtown Bryan, the free shuttle for Texas A&M football games between the memorial student center and downtown Bryan, and the upcoming Hullabaloo music festival.
This podcast contains comments from the August 29, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
A manufacturer of cold storage equipment located just outside the Bryan city limits north of Coulter Field airport is expanding.
That is after Brazos County commissioners approve an economic development agreement to allow EVAPCO to build a $9 million dollar addition that will host a newly acquired Canadian company.
The expansion will create at least 90 full time jobs by the end of 2026 with an average annual salary of at least $65,000 dollars.
The agreement calls for the county to receive for five years, a payment equal to 50 percent of the property taxes associated with the expansion.
Click HERE to read and download a copy of the agreement approved at the August 29, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Charles Martinez of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation says EVAPCO has 85 percent of the U.S. market in industrial refrigeration.
Martinez also says the equipment manufactured by EVAPCO applies to harvesting, packaging, distributing, and consuming a variety of products.
EVAPCO general David Mason shared the company' history and their relationships with Bryan ISD, Blinn College, and Texas A&M.
This podcast contains comments from the August 24, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council learns of an environmentally friendly way of dealing with hazardous waste.
Councilman Mark Smith says vetiver grass will take care of one million gallons of contaminated water called leachates at the site of a closed landfill on Rock Prairie Road east of the freeway.
The Rock Prairie landfill was closed when the Twin Oaks landfill opened 12 years ago.
Both are owned by the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA), which is owned by the cities of College Station and Bryan.
Before employing the grass, Smith says BVSWMA had to bring in trucks, pump out one million gallons of leachate water, then dispose of it in an injection well.
General Manager Gary Miller visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about usage during the record breaking heat, selling excess power, the new text notification system, Labor Day weekend at Lake Bryan, construction progress on the new administration office, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 24, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
On the eve of Texas A&M's first home football game, the College Station city council approves a $122,000 dollar contract for traffic control devices that are used off campus.
The university is contributing up to $57,000 dollars.
Councilman Bob Yancy, who was part of the unanimous vote to approve the contract, wanted A&M to pay half.
Click HERE to read and download information regarding the contract for traffic control devices.
That was one of two agreements Yancy questioned between the city of College Station has with Texas A&M.
Yancy also questioned if the city is getting its share of access to university facilities as part of the city's financial contribution to the expansion of Kyle Field ten years ago.
The city's fiscal services director, Mary Ellen Leonard, and city manager Bryan Woods, said that the council has to make that decision.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Downtown Bryan Farmer's Market, parking in downtown for Aggie football, development, needs of the Bryan Fire Department, medians, the progress at Phillips Event Center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan firefighter Chris Lamb and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
An apartment fire in Bryan Tuesday morning resulted in no injuries.
Bryan firefighter Chris Lamb says the fire was contained to the front building at the 31Thirty apartments on 29th Street west of Briarcrest.
Lamb says once residents were evacuated from the two story building, firefighters went into defensive mode to prevent the fire from jumping to neighboring buildings and a nearby wooded area.
College Station fire, Brazos County fire departments, and St. Joseph EMS provided mutual aid at the scene and at Bryan fire stations.
Copy and paste the following link to watch video of the fire attack:
https://youtu.be/p8IJ8GfT-KI?si=YWs8ZFDmsxFGTa-U
Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M Chief External Affairs Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Charlotte Sharp Children's Center, the growing student population, recruiting minority and underrepresented students, the March to 3,000, DEI, Interim President Mark Welsh, the upcoming football season, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 25, 2023 meeting of the Texas board of criminal justice.
The board that runs the Texas prison system approved at its August 25th meeting, the operating the budget for the 2024 fiscal year.
The Texas board of criminal justice discussed a record $85 million dollars given by state lawmakers to provide air conditioning to more, but not the remainder, of state prisons that don't have air conditioning.
The TDCJ board also received updates on the installation of air conditioning that is taking place at the Johnson and Gist units.
The last hour of the meeting, prison board members heard public comments. Most speakers called for speeding up the addition of air conditioning on a temporary and permanent basis.
Public speakers included mothers of inmates who have died and have been injured while incarcerated in non-air conditioned units.
This podcast is a visit recorded August 28, 2023 with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, Maria Trevino of UWBV partner agency Boys & Girls Clubs of the Brazos Valley, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the August 16, 2023 Texas A&M system board of regents building committee meeting.
A building on Texas A&M's main campus that dates back to 1916 is getting a $6.7 million dollar makeover.
The A&M system board of regents at their August quarterly meeting gave the green light for structural repairs to the central utility plant boiler room and basement.
A&M's chief financial officer, John Crawford, shared a list of issues that includes the breakdown of concrete in the basement.
The project was endorsed by the chairman of the regents building committee, Randy Brooks of San Angelo.
Construction is scheduled to start in October and be completed in November of next year.
The central utility plant provides campus heating, hot water, steam, and electrical power.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the project.
Alyssa Halle-Schramm, Long Range Planning Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Wellborn small area plan, looking for citizen feedback, an upcoming public meeting, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 22, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council discussed for two months, what will be on the city's new water tower on Chick Lane off West Villa Maria.
The images associated with this podcast is what was selected by the council.
Click HERE to see and download what the council selected to display the phrase "Bryan Texas" which includes a red star.
Click HERE to see and download what the council selected to display "Birthplace of Aggieland".
Click HERE to see and download all the options that the council considered.
This podcast contains comments from Susan Davenport, the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 23, 2023.
This podcast contains comments from Dennis Jansen, the director of Texas A&M's private enterprise research center, at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 23, 2023.
This podcast contains comments from state representative Kyle Kacal at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 23, 2023.
This podcast contains comments from state representative John Raney at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 23, 2023.
This podcast contains comments from state senator Charles Schwertner at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 23, 2023.
Bryan Councilman Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Hometown Reunion event, his thoughts on the proposed budget, the new Stella Ranch development, comments from the leader of the Bryan Firefighters Union, location of the new animal center, the graphics on the new water tower on Chick Lane, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with one of Bryan ISD's school leadership directors, Brian Merrell, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A new state law starting September 1 involves public school students who are caught with a vaping device.
Bryan ISD school board members on Monday approved an exemption to senate bill 2428, where students who are found with a vaping device containing nicotine will go through additional wellness education and remaining on campus with appropriate but unidentified consequences.
BISD will follow SB 2428 when students have a vaping device containing a controlled substance, such as marijuana and THC, by sending students to DAEP, which stands for disciplinary alternative education program.
Brian Merrell, one of Bryan ISD's three school leadership directors, says the exemption, which was created through BISD's district of innovation plan, was approved by the Texas Education Agency.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 21, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Patricia Gerling of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This is the time of year that 501-C-3 non-profit agencies in the seven county Brazos Valley region are invited to participate in the annual Brazos Valley Gives online fundraiser.
The Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley is again the administrator.
Foundation president Patricia Gerling says as of August 21, 80 agencies have registered.
This year's goals are to generate $1.25 million dollars for 165 participating agencies.
Click HERE to be directed to the Brazos Valley Gives website.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's newest event center, Midtown Drive, mutual aid with Bryan, Texas Independence Ballpark, the increasing student population, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police officer David Simmons and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the response to a bomb threat at College Station High School on August 22, 2023.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, UWBV board member Kyle Salmon of SOS Ministries, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the August 16, 2023 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
Those caught by Texas A&M police (UPD) with less than two ounces of marijuana will not be immediately arrested.
UPD chief Michael Johnson told the board of regents that the new policy was the result of the Brazos County county attorney's office not prosecuting all of their arrests.
Johnson says going forward, an arrest will be made after the county attorney decides that they will prosecute.
Supporters of the new policy includes regents Jay Graham of Houston and John Bellinger of San Antonio and system chancellor John Sharp.
This podcast contains comments from the August 14, 2023 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Members of the Texas A&M faculty senate are told that a "rogue e-mail" led to the suspension of an A&M professor after giving a lecture at the University of Texas medical branch in Galveston (UTMB) earlier this year.
The two week suspension of Joy Alonzo came after A&M officials were told UTMB had censured her.
Faculty senate member Trevor Hale, who is president of the Texas council of faculty senates, learned that UTMB does not have a censure policy.Hale said they don't know the source of what he called a rogue e-mail.
Hale said "It was a large class. There was an announcement in Blackboard (a technology app used in education). The Texas Tribune picked it up because it looked very official with formal censure in big block letters."
Hale also said "There is no policy, tribunal, committee, for anything from formal censure from UTMB in any way, shape, or form. Somebody went rogue. We responded to it. More story to come out."
Additionally, A&M faculty senate speaker Tracy Hammond said the UTMB faculty senate president told her that UTMB does not have a faculty censure policy.
Hammond provided to WTAW News, letters from UTMB that were sent to the A&M faculty senate.
Click HERE to read a letter sent by the UTMB interim president to the UTMB faculty senate chairman regarding academic freedom at UTMB.
Click HERE to read an e-mail sent by the UTMB faculty senate president stating that UTMB does not have a faculty censure policy.
The suspension was lifted following an A&M investigation, something that was supported earlier this month by lawyers with the A&M system.
Congressman Michael McCaul, whose district includes Brazos, Grimes, Madison, Burleson, and Washington counties, visited with Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs on August 18, 2023.
Topics include an update on the CHIPS Act, Texas A&M's involvement in the development of computer chips, observations two years after the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the future of more federal money going to Ukraine, observations about criminal charges against Hunter Biden and Donald Trump, his opposition to eminent domain for the Texas Central high speed train project, and efforts to increase passenger air service to Easterwood Airport.
College Station city councilman William Wright visited with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs on August 18, 2023.
Topics included lengths of council meetings, resident engagement, mitigating issues involving Texas A&M students, conditions of local streets, affordable housing, the reaction to a Texas A&M board of regents member criticizing College Station police, and the upcoming opening of the city's new tourism office building south of city hall.
BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) public information officer Meagan Brown visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs August 17, 2023.
Topics include providing electricity during the current heat wave, BTU selling electricity to the power grid, BTU's new "round up" program, how to go about installing solar energy panels, and an explanation of BTU's tree trimming program.
This podcast contains comments from the August 10, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council is moving forward with a consultant's study on a possible recreation center.During a discussion at the council's August 10 meeting,
Mayor John Nichols and councilman Mark Smith expressed support for the study.
Three councilmembers who expressed no interest or opposition to a recreation center were Linda Harvell, William Wright, and Bob Yancy.
Councilmembers Elizabeth Cunha and Dennis Maloney expressed interest in a large, air-conditioned facility.
Cunha also wanted a review of the utilization of the city's Lincoln Recreation Center.
One of the public speakers who lives in the Lincoln center neighborhood wanted to return that facility for neighborhood activities.
The council also heard from the owners of three private gyms who opposed a city recreation center.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the August 10, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez visited with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs August 16, 2023.
Topics include property tax valuation, development on Bryan's west side near the RELLIS campus, maintaining infrastructure, water consumption, and an upcoming appearance of congressman Michael McCaul to Bryan and College Station.
This podcast contains comments from an August 1, 2023 committee meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
A new member of the Texas A&M system board of regents reacts to hearing that Aggie athletics is getting more revenue...but not enough to cover increased expenses.
Comments from Sam Torn of Houston were made during an A&M budget presentation that was part of the regents August 1st committee meeting.
After hearing the 12th Man foundation gave the athletic department $4 million dollars, Torn says Aggie athletics should be given a mandate to live within its budget.
The university's chief operating officer, Greg Hartman, says the football ticket renewal rate is 93 percent, one of the highest rates ever, along with an increase in the sale of student sport passes.
The athletic department is also getting more money from the Southeastern Conference and the university's rights holder, Learfield.While Torn was appointed earlier this year to the board of regents, he is no stranger to A&M athletics.
His biography on the regents website states the 1970 A&M graduate and 2020 distinguished alumnus is a former chairman and trustee of the 12th Man Foundation, chaired the Campaign for Kyle Field, served as the Co-Chair for the Kyle Field Redevelopment Committee and coordinated the redevelopment of Olsen Field at Blue Bell Park, the Davis Player Development Center, the R.C. Slocum Nutrition Center and the Klein Family Locker Room.
This podcast is a recording of Texas A&M interim president Mark Welsh's address to employees on August 15, 2023. Joining Welsh are the speaker of the A&M faculty senate Tracy Hammond and the chairwoman of the university staff council Sarah Franke.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, the city of College Station's community services director Debbie Eller, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Tickets are still available for United Way of the Brazos Valley's campaign kickoff event.
Go to uwbv.org for more information and buy tickets.
Previewing the event are United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and city of College Station community services director Debbie Eller, who is the recipient of UWBV's first Johnny Burns impact award.
This podcast contains comments from the August 8, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
The August regular meeting of the Bryan city council votes included purchasing two vehicles for the fire department.
Fire chief Richard Giusti says a SUV is replacing a model with 90,000 miles that was used to start the department's new community paramedic program.
That led into an update on the paramedic program, which responds to non-emergency medical calls instead of sending an ambulance and a fire engine.
Giusti said the current community paramedic vehicle is making more runs than the ambulance at BFD's station five.
And more than half of the $102,000 dollar cost is to comply with requirements on how to equip the vehicle.
Giusti also said the SUV and a new pickup truck will be equipped for other fire department functions.
Most of the cost of the pickup truck, which is also $102,000 dollars, will be picked up by a federal grant. It will be used, according to background information from the city, by BFD's training division, rescue response, and wildland fire response.
Click HERE to read and download background information about BFD's new community paramedic vehicle.
Click HERE to read and download background information about BFD's new pickup truck.
This podcast is a visit with state representative John Raney and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
State representative John Raney announces that he is not running for re-election next year.
Raney, who joined the legislature in 2011 to fill an unexpired term in the district that now covers most of Brazos County, says he will finish his sixth full term.
Raney, who expects to return to Austin for a third special session this fall, says he supports raises for public school teachers and he opposes school vouchers.
The day after Raney's news release, came announcements from three candidates seeking the Republican nomination for house district 14 in the primary next March. They are retired Brazos County sheriff Chris Kirk, local businessman Larry Hodges, and former representative Fred Brown, whose position was taken by Raney when Brown moved outside the district. The secretary of state's office says the first day to file for the March primary is this November 11th.
News release from the Raney for Texas campaign:
State Representative John Raney announced he will not seek re-election to the Texas House of Representatives. Rep. Raney has served House District 14, which comprises most of Bryan-College Station for seven terms.
“After much consideration, I have decided to not seek re-election in 2024 so that I may spend more time at home and on the road with my beautiful wife, Elizabeth, our daughters, their spouses, and our eight precious grandchildren. I am immensely proud and eternally grateful for the trust voters placed in me to serve the constituents of House District 14 and to represent them in the Texas Legislature in Austin. I cherish the experience, knowledge, and life-long friendships that developed along the way,” said Rep. Raney. “I will continue to be of service through the remainder of my current term.”
Rep. Raney’s legislative accomplishments include securing general and dedicated funding for Texas A&M University throughout each legislative session, mobile STEM lab funding, veteran job transition and student veteran protections, advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring the safety and quality of child care, the creation of embryo donation for adoption, community college reporting transparency, collaborative health care for patients, energy efficiency savings for state buildings, Brazos County Court efficiency, the removal of barriers to access workforce development, and a Good Samaritan protection which created a defense to prosecution for anyone who calls 911 to aid an individual who appears to have experienced a drug overdose.
He is also proud of his work to pass historic property tax relief, provide additional funding and troops at the border, secure our elections, and increase funding for public education.
A sixth-generation Texan, Rep. Raney was sworn in during the 82nd Legislature in 2011. He is a Speaker-appointed member of the Energy Council and serves on numerous legislative caucuses. His committee assignments include six terms on the House Committee on Higher Education, four terms on Appropriations, two terms on Transportation where he currently serves as Vice Chair, three terms on House Administration, Land and Resource Management, and International Relations and Economic Development.
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about water conservation, property taxes, community paramedicine programs, issues at the Texas Independence Ballpark, enforcing rental occupancy, large city projects, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Sam Vernon, Assistant City Engineer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the flood mitigation plan, preparing for floods, upcoming public meeting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 7, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members approve more security measures in part to comply with a new state law.
Action during the August 7, 2023 meeting included negotiating with a private company whose website states they provide a "premier guard force". Board member Mark McCall says non-commissioned officers will be employed. How many will be employed and where they will be located was not disclosed.
The BISD board also agreed to buy what the agenda described as "nightlock door barricade devices". Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw said these devices would be used if there is a lockdown. Board member Mark McCall said "this is a device that applies to all classrooms, kindergarten all the way up through high school."
The BISD board also approved buying what the agenda described as "collaborative response graphics". Beesaw said they were detailed maps required by state law to show first responders the layout of each school building and the surrounding neighborhood.
The total cost of the door barricades and the maps were not disclosed, other than each will cost more than $50,000 dollars.
Beesaw said a grant from the Don and Donna Adam foundation will cover the cost of the barricade devices. The detailed maps will be paid by a combination of foundation and state money.
WTAW News has asked Bryan ISD for documents related to the purchase of the barricade devices and maps, and information about the company that administrators will negotiate a contract for the non-commissioned security personnel.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a public hearing on the tax rate, legislation affecting city authority, overnight truck parking, a city-initiated rezoning, Texas Independence Ballpark, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station's water resources coordinator Jennifer Nations and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The city of College Station warns water customers that mandatory restrictions will be imposed because they can not keep up with demand.
Water resources coordinator Jennifer Nations says the city can keep with a demand of 22 million gallons per day. But consumption has increased to 25 million per day. And that's without most college students in town yet.
Nations says that doesn't leave College Station any room for to deal with calamities such as a major water leak or a fire or a well going off line.
If College Station implements stage one restrictions, that will limit customers to outdoor watering on two assigned days per week.
College Station already has a year round ban on outdoor watering between ten a.m. and six p.m.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, development manager Kate Clair, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) has started workplace visits as part of their 2023-24 community campaign.
Development manager Kate Clair says the organization has reached 30 percent of their $1.6 million dollar goal to benefit 28 agencies.
On August 18, UWBV hosts its campaign kickoff tailgate event at the Texas A&M hotel and conference center.
During that event, UWBV president Peggi Goss says there will be the presentation of the first UWBV Johnny Burns impact award. The first recipient is former UWBV board member Debbie Eller, who is the city of College Station's community services director.
Goss also reminded employees of state agencies that the state employees charitable campaign, which is administered in this region by UWBV, begins September 1.
UWBV news release about the first Johnny Burns impact award:
The United Way of the Brazos Valley will present the first annual Johnny Burns Impact Award at their Campaign Kickoff Tailgate event on August 18 at the Texas A&M Hotel & Conference Center. This award honors the late Johnny Burns, former member of the United Way Board of Directors, and recognizes a public servant whose devotion has changed the future of the Brazos Valley.
Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez, Jr, Vice President for Student Affairs at Texas A&M University, will present this honor.
“Johnny Burns exemplified all that’s best about the Brazos Valley,” said Ramirez. “He generously gave of himself and his time to help improve the lives of those who live in the Brazos Valley through a life of service in city government and through his volunteer commitment to nonprofit organizations. His only desire was to make things better for all citizens of the Brazos Valley, and he lived a life of service that helped achieve that in numerous ways. He truly was a selfless servant in all that he did, and his efforts helped benefit others in ways that cannot be measured. He is the role model that all should strive to emulate – especially when it comes to giving of one’s self for their fellow man.”
The recipient of the 2023 Johnny Burns Impact Award is Debbie Stevens Eller, Director of Community Services at City of College Station. Eller has worked in Community Development for the City of College Station since 1999 and has over 20 years of experience volunteering with local service organizations and nonprofits, including 12 years on the United Way Board of Directors. She currently serves on United Way of the Brazos Valley’s Campaign Cabinet.
“There are no words to describe the impact Debbie has had on United Way of the Brazos Valley and our local nonprofits,” said Peggi Goss, President and CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley. “For anyone who knows Debbie, they know she puts the needs of others at the forefront. She not only gives her time, but she also advocates for our neighbors in need.”
The 2023 Campaign Kickoff Tailgate will be held at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center on August 18 at 7:00 p.m. and feature dinner, live music and an auction to support the United Way of the Brazos Valley. For tickets and more information visit uwbv.org/kickoff.
The 2023 Campaign Kickoff Tailgate would not be possible without the support of local sponsors. United Way would like to thank Truist Bank, Atmos Energy, Element Retirement & Investment Consultants, Stylecraft Builders, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Texas A&M University Office of the President, The Texas A&M University System Office of the Chancellor, ABC Home and Commercial Services, American Momentum Bank, City of Bryan, Debbie Eller, Frost Bank, HEB, Prosperity Bank, Tito’s Vodka, and Razen Thomas, Realtor with Phyllis Browning Company.
For more information about sponsorship, contact Kate Clair at 979-696-4483 x. 118 or kclair@uwbv.org.
Matthew Ellis, Senior Planner, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the University Drive and Texas Avenue, now known as Northeast Gateway, redevelopment area plan, what the next 10 years looks like, mobility, pedestrian improvements, mixed use structures, middle housing, an upcoming public meeting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County 4-H Officers Olivia Davis and Caitlin Smith visit with WTAW's The Infomaniacs about the 52nd annual Cake Show and Auction.
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell of the Texas department of transportation district office in Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
If you have an opinion about the future route of Interstate 14, you can share it with the Texas department of transportation (TxDOT).
Bob Colwell at the TxDOT district office in Bryan says an online survey is available through August 11th.
Promoters of I-14 and connecting routes have given the nickname "forts to ports" highway going from Texas to Georgia to connect military installations, the gulf coast, and the Atlantic Ocean.
Click HERE to be directed to the TxDOT website about I-14, which includes a survey at the bottom of the webpage.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about August's First Friday activities in downtown Bryan.
This podcast contains comments from the July 31, 2023 meeting of the Bryan commerce and development board, which is composed of members of the Bryan city council.
An international firearms manufacturer has selected Bryan to consolidate five manufacturing plants, locate its headquarters, and build a training facility.
The Bryan city council, acting as the city's commerce and development board, approved giving 204 acres of land on Mumford Road.
In exchange, Strategic Armory Corps will add $20 million dollars in value to the property and hire 70 people at a minimum salary of $55,000 dollars a year.
The first phase is moving the headquarters and manufacturing to Bryan.
The second phase is adding a campus that will encompass training, events, and education facilities.
News release from the city of Bryan:
Strategic Armory Corps, Inc. (SAC) has selected Bryan, Texas as the location to build and operate its world headquarters, manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution facility on approximately 204 acres located on Mumford Road.
The property is currently owned by Bryan Commerce and Development, Inc. (BCD). BCD approved a performance-based economic development agreement with SAC at their meeting on July 31.
The agreement puts the 204-acre property back on the tax rolls after not being included since 1998. The property appraised for more than $1.3 million, this year, by the Brazos Central Appraisal District.
SAC has two phases planned for the project.
Phase II includes building and operating a world-class BASE Armalite campus that will serve as a unique destination, and will encompass training, events, and education facilities.SAC’s companies create highly-respected products and services that are designed to meet the expectations of military, law enforcement, and commercial groups around the world. It is anticipated that Phase II of the project could serve to bolster our national security through training and educational activities.
“The City of Bryan is excited to welcome this world-renowned corporation that will provide sustainable economic impact as well as an avenue to assist in ensuring our military and law enforcement personnel have the tools they need to keep America safe,” said Mayor Bobby Gutierrez.
“Having all our state-of-the-art infrastructure now on Texan soil is the realization of a personal dream. Bryan welcomed us with open arms, and we are very grateful for this moment. It is an honor for the Strategic Armory Corps to produce the world's best tactical equipment in Texas, a milestone for our brands Armalite, Surgeon, McMillan, and AWC, which have global distribution,” said SAC President of the Board and Owner Jose Augusto Schincariol.
Per the 10-year agreement, Phase I construction must start within 18 months after all parties have signed the agreement and be substantially completed within 12 months.
Phase II (BASE Armalite) construction must commence within 24 months after Phase I is completed and be substantially completed within 18 months.
After 5 years of operations, SAC will maintain 70 full-time jobs with an average salary of at least $55,000.
City Secretary Mary Lynne Stratta visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recruiting citizens to serve on commissions, committees and boards, legislation affecting the city's authority, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the director of the Texas A&M Center for Nursing Excellence Dr. Stacey Mitchell and WTAW's Ian Curtis.
The Texas A&M Center for Nursing Excellence has launched a telehealth clinic designed to give follow-up care to victims of sexual trauma and violence.
Center director Dr. Stacey Mitchell says the ACTS clinic (Assessment and Care for Trauma Survivors clinic) will connect patients to nurse practitioners virtually.
Mitchell also said "To have telehealth as an option, to be able to talk to a provider on your phone, on your tablet, on a computer, anywhere you are gives so much flexibility to our patients."
Dr..Mitchell says the virtual clinic is open to victims across the state, and the center is planning on partnering with hospitals statewide to ensure victims are provided with adequate care.
"We want to make sure this information gets to our rural hospitals so that patients do not have to feel like they have to drive someplace for a doctor's appointment," Mitchell said. "They can have it right there in their own home or wherever they are the most comfortable."
Click here to request appointments through the Texas A&M forensic nursing website.
News release from the Texas A&M school of nursing:
A clinic developed by the Texas A&M Health Center of Excellence in Forensic Nursing will help survivors of trauma and violence receive important follow-up care virtually. The Texas A&M Assessment and Care for Trauma Survivors (ACTS) Clinic connects patients with advanced practice registered nurses using telemedicine technology.
Operating in the Texas A&M University School of Nursing, the center is a federally and state-funded initiative that was created in 2019 to advance forensic nursing education, outreach and research.
The ACTS Clinic, which is accepting patients immediately, serves Texas residents 18 and older who have experienced sexual assault. Using any connected device, patients communicate with providers in real time without having to visit a physical location. Nurse practitioners with expertise in forensic health care help patients with additional assessments, treatment plans, laboratory and radiology testing, and specialty referrals.
“We know that survivors of trauma and violence often don’t seek the follow-up care that is essential to their health and recovery,” said Stacey Mitchell, director of the center and a clinical professor. “Their reasons are varied and valid, but our hope is that virtual appointments with specialized providers can help remove some of the barriers that come with coordinating this type of care. It’s vital we meet our patients where they are.”
The ACTS Clinic is staffed by Denise Carlton. The Texas A&M School of Medicine’s Dr. Anna Lichorad serves as medical director.
The center is a leader in leveraging telemedicine to improve forensic health care. Its innovative Tex-TRAC program virtually connects rural hospitals and medical centers in Texas with sexual assault nurse examiners (SANEs) to provide expert forensic exams.
Patients can check provider availability and request an appointment with the ACTS Clinic at forensic-nursing.tamu.edu/actsclinic.
This podcast is the August 2, 2023 news conference with Texas A&M interim president Mark Welsh and local reporters.
Texas A&M interim president Mark Welsh first visit with reporters took place Wednesday in the flag room of the memorial student center.
Topics during the more than 30 minute news conference included the call from the chancellor on July 21 to become acting president and his visit with the board of regents before they approved naming Welsh interim president on July 30.
Welsh, who was in his seventh year as dean of the A&M Bush School, announced naming as interim dean Frank Ashley, who is a veteran A&M university and system administrator.
Welsh also said the search process will not be interrupted for multiple openings for dean and department head positions.
Much of the news conference dealt with the aftermath of the failed hiring of Kathleen McElroy to lead A&M's journalism department and the two week suspension last March of professor Joy Alonzo after she was censured by the University of Texas medical branch in Galveston.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the indoor tennis center at Midtown Park, the firearms manufacturing company coming to Bryan, the Hometown Reunion event, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 31, 2023 special meeting of the Bryan city council, followed by a visit with Texas A&M athletic director Ross Bjork and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Three years in the making, the Bryan city council approves a 30 year interlocal agreement (ILA) with Texas A&M that will bring an indoor tennis center to Midtown Park.
Click HERE to read background information from a July 31, 2023 special meeting of the Bryan city council.Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement that was approved during the July 31, 2023 Bryan council special meeting.
The two story building would hold six tennis courts that could also accommodate 12 pickleball courts and six volleyball courts.
The ILA calls for A&M paying the city up to $675,000 dollars a year to operate and maintain the center that would be located between Big Shots and the Legends Events Center.
A financial analysis of the tennis center cites a cost of $17.5 million dollars to build and equip the facility.The center is projected to generate a net profit in its first year of almost $37,000 dollars, climbing to almost $58,000 dollars in its fifth year of operation.
The center is projected to produce an economic impact of almost $3 million dollars in its first year, climbing to $4.4 million in its fifth year.
Part of the economic impact formula is additional hotel room nights. The center is projected to generate 7,333 additional room nights in year one, climbing to 9,630 room nights in year five.
Click HERE to read and download the financial analysis of the tennis center that was presented during the July 31, 2023 Bryan council special meeting.
After the ILA is signed, construction is expected to be completed in two years.
Theresa Mangapora, Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Food Bank, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the 30th annual Feast of Caring.
This podcast is the audio from the July 23, 2023 special meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
A special meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents began with meeting for three and a half hours in executive session.
Coming out of the closed door discussion, the regents unanimously approved two motions before entering a second executive session.
First, the board accepted the chancellor's recommendation to appoint Mark Welsh as acting president at Texas A&M. The only regents comment came from chairman Bill Mahomes of Dallas, who congratulated the retired general. Welsh, who participated during the first executive session, chose not to visit with reporters.
The regents then agreed to have the system's office of general counsel negotiate a potential settlement of claims made by Kathleen McElroy after she rejected A&M's reduced employment offer to direct a new journalism program.
The motion regarding McElroy also included a statement from regents vice-chairman Bob Albritton of Ft. Worth that system lawyers have been told to do "a thorough investigation (regarding McElroy) as quickly as possible and emphasize that we support the release of its findings to the public."
The regents second executive session resulted in no action regarding unidentified personnel matters identified under section 551.074 of the Texas government code. Under this section, which according to state law "does not require a governmental body to conduct an open meeting:", the regents could (1) "deliberate the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or (2)" "hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee."
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents unanimously approved Mark A. Welsh III as the interim president of Texas A&M University in a special-called meeting Sunday.
Chancellor John Sharp previously named Welsh on July 21 as the acting president of the university. The board’s action was needed to place Welsh into a longer-term role to lead the university. Welsh replaces M. Katherine Banks, who stepped down earlier this month.
“I cannot think of a better person than Mark Welsh to lead Texas A&M right now,” Sharp said. “He has experience running a large organization, but he also is widely respected and universally well-liked in the Aggie community. General Welsh has earned a reputation as a smart, thoughtful and collaborative leader. We are lucky to have him in the president’s office.”
Welsh has been dean of the university’s Bush School of Government and Public Service since 2016, but his time in the academic realm came after a long and decorated career in the United States Air Force.
Starting as a cadet in the United States Air Force Academy, Welsh spent a total of four decades serving the country in the military. Early in his career, he was a pilot with experience flying storied U.S. aircraft, including F-16s and A-10s. But his responsibilities changed, and he became one of the top generals in the Air Force. Welsh ultimately retired from the Air Force in 2016 as the 20th Chief of Staff of the Air Force, a position in which he was responsible for 664,000 active-duty Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve and civilian forces serving in the U.S. and overseas. As a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, he and other service chiefs functioned as military advisers to the Secretary of Defense, National Security Council and President.
Welsh also commanded the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and NATO’s Air Command at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Additionally, he served as associate director of military affairs at the Central Intelligence Agency and as commandant of the United States Air Force Academy.
“I am grateful to the Board of Regents and Chancellor Sharp for their confidence in me to lead this great university during a time of transition,” Welsh said. “As interim president, my primary focus is to ensure our faculty and staff have the resources and support they need to continue their critically important work. I’m deeply committed to Texas A&M, our core values and traditions, and to an environment that values the voice of every member of our faculty, staff and student body. I pledge to every Aggie that I will work tirelessly to represent this great institution in a way that reflects your pride in it.”
Also Sunday, the regents authorized officials to negotiate a potential settlement of claims of Kathleen McElroy, Ph.D., whose candidacy to run Texas A&M University’s journalism program fell apart following failed negotiations. Additionally, the regents directed the System’s Office of General Counsel to complete a thorough investigation as quickly as possible and emphasized that they support the release of its the findings to the public.
Regent Mike Hernandez was not present for the meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the July 27, 2023 meeting of the Texas higher education coordinating board.
The Texas higher education coordinating board approves Texas A&M's request to create two bachelor's degrees in journalism.
Click HERE to read and download information about Texas A&M's journalism program from the Texas higher education coordinating board.
The unanimous vote followed a presentation from A&M provost Alan Sams.
He did not bring up, nor was he asked, about the failed hiring of Kathleen McElroy to direct the journalism program and/or the resignation of president Katherine Banks following national attention regarding McElroy.
Sams says 50 current A&M students and 50 freshmen are expected to be in the new program this fall.
The provost, who is A&M's chief academic officer, says journalism majors will complete a multi-disciplinary degree plan that will also prepare them to work as content creators in corporate communications and in public relations.
Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about gardening kits, irrigation numbers, water usage, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff Wayne Dicky and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners approve the sheriff's request to purchase $229,000 dollars of computers and software as part of a grant funded real time crime center.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky tells WTAW News that this "will allow our personnel and other participating agencies to gather information from various sources that will increase our ability to respond to crime in near real time."
Dicky says this can also be a resource for law enforcement through the seven county Brazos Valley region.
As one example, Dicky says "having our crime analysts work together in this environment will allow us to take a broader approach about property crimes and other crimes happening in the community that we can look at it cohesively and say we're having this same problem as you are, and maybe be able to piece things together better."
And the sheriff also plans after the center begins operations to ask private businessowners for access to their video security systems.
Click HERE to read and download the equipment purchase that was approved at the July 11, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Councilman Paul Torres visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about electric vehicle charging stations, the budget process, recent crime in Downtown Bryan, neighborhood development, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about budget workshops and public feedback, impact fees, indoor tennis courts, charging stations, the possibility of a future conference center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Emily Bell of the management company operating downtown Bryan's Palace Theater for the city of Bryan, and WTAW's Ian Curtis.
The Palace Theater event venue in downtown Bryan reopens next week following renovations.
The marketing director for the management company hired to run the Palace for the city of Bryan says they plan to host concerts every weekend.
Emily Bell also says there will be free performances on First Fridays, beginning with the reopening on August 4.
Bell says changes to the facility included adding a cantina, upgrading seating, adding a turf floor, and replacing the overhead canopy.
A concert schedule can be found online at palacebryantx.com.
College Station city councilman visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs July 21, 2023 about developing the fiscal year 2024 budget, his reaction to the breaking news of the resignation of Texas A&M's president, flexible scheduling for city employees, competition to recruit and retain police officers and firefighters, and the impact of federal pandemic grant money on future city budgets.
This podcast is a visit with Penny Zent of the B/CS Christmas Parade and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan/College Station Christmas parade is facing its biggest obstacle in its nearly 100 year history.
Spokeswoman Penny Zent says the new center median along Texas Avenue does not give enough room for larger parade entries.
She and other parade officials have not been successful finding a wide enough street without a median.
Zent says members of the parade committee will be meeting in August with city officials in an attempt to find another location.
This is after parade committee members have checked numerous locations with no success.
Zent invites people with suggestions, even humorous ones, to post on the parade's Facebook page.
Megan Hancock, Permitting Systems Business Coordinator, and Martin Zimmerman, Assistant Development Services Director, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a new online permitting portal, new development in Bryan, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about center medians on Texas Avenue, the Palace Theatre reopening, the Bryan ISD Hometown Reunion, the passing of David Schmitz, the new president of the BVEDC, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about missiles launched by North Korea, current international issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Transit District (BTD) vice president Jo Marlow and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos Transit District (BTD) has announced receiving a federal grant of more than $9 million dollars for 21 electric buses and five charging stations to serve Brazos County.
BTD will be acquiring 15 vehicles and three charging stations.
Texas A&M transportation services will receive six vehicles and two charging stations.
BTD vice president Jo Marlow says delivery of the vehicles is one to two years away.
And two of the BTD vehicles will be deployed on a new route between downtown Bryan and the area of Northgate and Texas A&M.
Marlow said BTD was one of ten Texas recipients out of 475 applicants for the federal money.
News release from the Brazos Transit District:
Brazos Transit District (BTD) was awarded $9.65 million from the highly coveted FY 2023 Buses and Bus Facilities/Low or No Emissions (Low-No) Grant. This prestigious grant, which was awarded competitively, will enable BTD to procure cutting-edge low or no emission vehicles and equipment in partnership with Texas A&M University Transportation Services.
The FY 2023 Buses and Bus Facilities/Low-No Grant, provided by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), is a testament to BTD, Texas A&M University, and FTA’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. With this grant, BTD will revolutionize its fleet and take further strides toward significantly reducing emissions, improving air quality, and creating a greener future for our community. The FTA grant funds will be used to purchase electric vehicles and related equipment necessary to support the deployment of these advanced vehicles.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been awarded the Buses and Bus Facilities/Low-No Grant,” said John McBeth, President/CEO of BTD. “This grant will enable us to add cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly vehicles to our fleet, aligning with our commitment to sustainability and the well-being of our community. We are excited to improve rider experience by providing cleaner and greener transit options for our passengers while contributing to the overall reduction of carbon emissions.”
“We are delighted to receive this grant and for the opportunity to add to the three battery electric buses we currently have in service. These additional buses will expand our electric fleet to nearly ten percent of our total bus inventory,” said Peter Lange, associate vice president for Transportation Services. “We are grateful to BTD for their commitment and dedication throughout this process and to our elected officials for their efforts in making this possible.”
BTD would like to express our gratitude for the longtime partnership with Transportation Services. We are immensely grateful for their support, and together, we remain steadfast in our mission to create a seamless and efficient transportation system that benefits our community as a whole.
As we move forward, BTD remains steadfast in its pursuit of excellence in sustainable transit operations. With the FY 2023 Buses and Bus Facilities/Low-No Grant, we are confident that we will continue to provide our community with reliable, efficient, and environmentally-conscious transportation options.
BTD would like to express our gratitude to FTA for their support and recognition of our vision for a sustainable future. We also extend our appreciation to our local, state, and federal officials who represent the Bryan and College Station region, whose unwavering commitment and hard work made this grant possible. Special thanks to Senator John Cornyn, Representative John Raney, Congressman Michael McCaul, Brazos County, Texas A&M Transportation Services, City of College Station, City of Bryan, Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living, Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce, Brazos Valley Council of Governments, and Bryan/College Station Metropolitan Planning Organization for letters of support.
News release from Texas A&M university:
Texas A&M University Transportation Services will receive six new electric buses and three charging stations as part of a $9.65 million grant awarded to Brazos Transit District through a federal Department of Transportation grant.
The new electric buses will replace six aging diesel buses and provide substantial operational savings over their diesel counterparts. The new buses are expected to be on campus in 2025.
“We are delighted to receive this grant and for the opportunity to add to the three electric buses we currently have in service. These additional buses will expand our electric fleet to nearly 10 percent of our total bus inventory,” said Peter Lange, associate vice president for Transportation Services. “We are grateful to Brazos Transit District for its commitment and dedication throughout this process and to our elected officials for their efforts in making this possible.”
The grant marks another milestone in Transportation Services’ commitment to providing sustainable transportation options. Last fall, Texas A&M University was reaccredited as a Silver Level Bicycle Friendly University, and this year, Transportation Services' Mobility Master Plan Implementation Team was awarded the university's Sustainability Champion award.
The Federal Transit Administration Buses and Bus Facilities/Low or No Emissions grant proposal was submitted in partnership with Brazos Transit District, which received funding for three electric buses. This achievement illustrates how impactful partnerships can be in enhancing services and improving mobility options for everyone in the Bryan-College Station community.
Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about external factors impacting the budget, what did not make the proposed budget, the opportunity for public input, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains announcements and presentations that were made during the Leadership Brazos alumni luncheon on July 13, 2023. The emcee is Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer.
This podcast contains the remarks of Texas A&M corps of cadets commandant Patrick Michaelis at the July 13, 2023 Leadership Brazos alumni association annual luncheon. Introducing Michaelis is Texas A&M vice president of student affairs Joe Ramirez.
Meagan Brown, BTU’s Public Information Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about awarding a contract for repairs at Lake Bryan, losing an appeal to be reimbursed by FEMA, a new text notification system, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Salvation Army Captain Luis Villanueva and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army has new officers.
Captain Luis Villanueva and his wife Marianne began with the Salvation Army in South America.
They have also served in Utah, Denver, Atlanta, Houston, and Dallas.
After the Villanueva's arrived in B/CS, the Salvation Army launched a back to school supply drive for students from pre-kindergarten through college.
Donations and financial contributions can be made at the Salvation Army office in Bryan.
Financial contributions can also be made online at salvationarmybcs.org.
Additional information from the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army about its back to school supply drive:
Who: The Salvation Army of Bryan/College StationWhat: School supply drive for children in grades Kindergarten – 12th grades and College students. We need notebooks, pens, pencils, glue, rulers, copy paper, folders, erasers, art supplies, calculators, crayons, markers, construction paper, backpacks, etc.
When: July 10 – August 4th (Donors can deliver these items during business hours Mon-Thu 9 am – 4 pm and Fri 9 am – 2 pm)
Where: 2506 Cavitt Ave., Bryan, TX 77801
Why: Every year, families are encountering hardships that are making them decide whether to pay for rent or utilities, or food, and don’t have the means left to get clothes or school supplies. Community help is vital so families don’t have to worry about deciding and they can get the help they need through the school supplies they so much need every year.
College Station Mayor Pro Tem Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024, terminating the agreement with Viasat, neighborhood integrity projects, overnight 18-wheeler parking, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Members of the College Station Police Department visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about current crime trends, an upcoming career fair, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
WTAW's Ian Curtis visits with Caden Jones and Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism office previewing July's First Friday in downtown Bryan and the reopening of the Palace Theater outdoor venue in downtown Bryan.
Chris Lamb, Bryan Firefighter and Community Paramedic Program Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Community Paramedic Program, staying safe in the heat, fire prevention measures during the summer months, emergency vehicles navigating the new medians on Texas Avenue, firefighter recruitment, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Nathan Wood, Chief Public Defender at the Brazos County Public Defenders Office, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the newly created office, creating a list of employers willing to hire persons with a criminal record, and more.
Bryan City Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about staff presentations on next year's budget, what she is hearing from her constituents, a new trolley system, working with the City of College Station, First Friday, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Texas A&M meteorology professor John Nielson-Gammon discusses the recent heat wave and what it might mean for residents throughout the summer.
Stuart Marrs, College Station Fire Department PIO, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about firework safety tips and reminders.
Cameron Giordano, College Station's new fire marshal, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background, what a fire marshal does, firework reminders, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Trudy Hancock, Brazos County Elections Administrator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Vote Center Review Committtee's voting center location recommendations.
Brazos County has hired a consulting firm in hopes of receiving a share of the $3.3 billion of federal funding given to Texas to increase broadband coverage across the state.
Lacey Lively, Communications & Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about firework safety, Fourth of July reminders, swim lessons, upcoming parks and recreation events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Kristy Roe, Brazos County Tax Assessor Collector, visits with WTAW's Mikaylee Supak about the upcoming property tax payment deadline and the multiple payment options.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming workshop items, budget workshops, 18-wheeler overnight parking, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs .
Brazos County Sheriff's Deputy David Wilcox discusses a series of recent phone scams imitating local law enforcement.
Susan Ballabina, Senior Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer at Texas A&M University, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about her time as an extension agent, potential raises for Texas A&M system employees, the legislature's decision about DEI, the new department of hospitality, hotel management and tourism, the 4th of July Fireworks and Drones Show at RELLIS, current exhibits and activities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Councilman Ray Arrington visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about citizen concerns about public transportation, raised medians, College Station's sewer project in a south Bryan neighborhood, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Anthony Blinken's trip to China, global issues, Chinese immigrants being stopped at our borders, Iran in the nuclear discussion, money for Texas A&M's hypersonic research, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 23, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are looking at a $9 million dollar renovation of the county's administration building.
Purchasing agent Charles Wendt shared results of a feasibility study during the commission's May 23rd meeting that focuses on two areas.
The more expensive portion would convert the former church sanctuary from one floor to two floors.
The project also renovates the building's north wing for the county's human resources office and add restrooms.
Click HERE to read and download the feasibility study presentation that was given during the May 23, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
This podcast is a review of the United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) 2022-23 community campaign with chairman Max Crawford, UWBV president Peggi Goss, UWBV development manager Kate Clair, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station Councilman Bob Yancy visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a future convention center, the sewer trunkline project, middle housing zones, the four unrelated ordinance, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains some comments from some public speakers during the June 13, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
A proposed ban on public transit buses on some Bryan streets was removed the agenda of Tuesday's Bryan city council agenda.
That did not keep 11 speakers from telling the council to not consider the ban in the future.
Click HERE to read and download the proposed bus ban that was withdrawn from the agenda of the June 15, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
WTAW News has asked the city of Bryan the reason for the proposed ban.
A city spokeswoman told WTAW News that city staff removed the item from the agenda to "rework the proposed amendment to accommodate unintended concerns that were brought forward."The proposed bus ban would apply to portions of six specific streets along with any Bryan street with a cul-de-sac or dead ends.
The proposal called for no buses on (1) Main Street from West 28th Street to Martin Luther King Jr. Street, (2) Holick Lane from Sulphur Springs Road to East North Avenue, (3) North Rosemary Drive from South Texas Avenue to East 29th Street, (4) Esther Boulevard from Twin Boulevard to East 29th Street, (5) Carter Creek Parkway from East 29th Street to Coulter Drive, and (6) College View Drive from South Texas Avenue to South College Avenue.
The public speakers opposing the bus ban included four administrators at the Brazos Transit District, the director and an employee at the Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living, a member of the Bryan ISD school board, and a consulting engineer working for the transit district.
Jamie Cox, General Manager of Legends Event Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about available space at the center, improved parking, food centric events, open gym times, upcoming summer sports camps, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the sewer trunkline project, the EMS agreement with Bryan, middle housing zoning, the future relationship with the Brazos Transit District, Juneteenth, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 13, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
For the second time in less than three weeks, College Station city council members and city management exchange comments with homeowners in a south Bryan neighborhood who are in the path of a proposed College Station sewer trunkline.
Monday night's 60 minute conversation included nine public speakers living in Beverley Estates who continue to say the construction will result in losing access to their homes and will kill mature oak trees.
City manager Bryan Woods told the homeowners that "we wouldn't do something that we thought would put somebody in danger" "or if affects them (the homeowners) negatively".
Councilmembers Bob Yancy and Linda Harvell said they have lived through similar construction at their homes and without long term damage.
Yancy said "the facts don't justify that fear and anxiety" that has been expressed by opposing homeowners.
One of the homeowners, Jennifer Weber, said their business property in Bryan continues to sustain damage from a College Station waterline project that started in 2003.
Yancy also said he will not be voting for building the sewer line along Rosemary Drive. Then he told the opposing homeowners he wanted assistance in paying the additional cost of $3.8 million dollars "that you guys are asking us (the council) to spend unnecessarily to go around you."
The council was told that results of a $15,000 dollar tree survey and a $50,000 dollar soil study should be ready in four to six weeks.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD school board president Jeff Horak and local reporters following the June 12, 2023 CSISD board of trustees meeting about the selection of a lone finalist for CSISD superintendent.
College Station ISD school board members name their lone finalist for superintendent.
Dr. Tim Harkrider has spent the last ten years as superintendent in Willis.
Before CSISD board members unanimously approved the selection, they received an endorsement during public comments from Willis ISD board member Cliff Williams.
Harkrider's hiring becomes official following a state mandated 21 day waiting period.
This is the first CSISD superintendent who was not an internal promotion since 2006.
CSISD board president Jeff Horak said there were no CSISD employees among the 48 applicants for the position. 15 made the initial cut. Horak said that was followed by six interviews and two being interviewed a second time.
News release from College Station ISD:
The College Station ISD Board of Trustees named Dr. Tim Harkrider the district’s Lone Finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools today.
Harkrider has been the superintendent in Willis ISD for the past 10 years and is tabbed to replace Mike Martindale, who recently retired.
By state law, a finalist for the superintendent position must complete a 21-day waiting period before officially being named the superintendent of schools.
Harkrider was named Texas Association of School Boards Region 6 Superintendent of the Year in 2018, and was one of five finalists in the state competition.
In addition, he earned the 2019-2020 Empowered Superintendent award from the K-12 Chief Technology Officer Council for his work to advance meaningful use of technology in classrooms.
Under Harkrider’s leadership, WIllis ISD has made gains academically and increased index scores in more than 50% of the areas rated by the TEA each year since 2016.
Harkrider has led Willis ISD through a tremendous amount of growth with the passage of bond packages in 2015 ($109.5 million), 2020 ($100.15 million), and 2022 ($143 million).
Before being named Superintendent, Harkrider served as the Willis High School Principal from 2012 to 2013.
Before that, he spent five years as the campus principal at Reagan Middle School and a year as principal at Dickinson Elementary, both in Grand Prairie ISD.
Harkrider started his career in education as a teacher and baseball coach, serving stints in Mt. Enterprise ISD, Union Grove ISD, Pine Tree ISD, Kilgore ISD, and White Settlement ISD.
After earning All-Southwest Conference honors in 1992 and 1993 as a shortstop for the University of Texas baseball team, Harkrider was selected in the 8th round of the Major League Baseball draft in 1993. He spent four years playing professional baseball before an injury ended his career.
He earned his Bachelor of Science from Stephen F. Austin State University, his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington, and his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University.
Harkrider and his wife, Toni, have three children: Dylan (25), Reece (21), and Meredith (13).
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD's lone finalist for superintendent, Tim Harkrider, and local reporters following the June 12, 2023 CSISD board of trustees meeting.
College Station ISD school board members name their lone finalist for superintendent.
Dr. Tim Harkrider has spent the last ten years as superintendent in Willis.
Before CSISD board members unanimously approved the selection, they received an endorsement during public comments from Willis ISD board member Cliff Williams.
Harkrider's hiring becomes official following a state mandated 21 day waiting period.
This is the first CSISD superintendent who was not an internal promotion since 2006.
CSISD board president Jeff Horak said there were no CSISD employees among the 48 applicants for the position. 15 made the initial cut. Horak said that was followed by six interviews and two being interviewed a second time.
News release from College Station ISD:
The College Station ISD Board of Trustees named Dr. Tim Harkrider the district’s Lone Finalist for the position of Superintendent of Schools today.
Harkrider has been the superintendent in Willis ISD for the past 10 years and is tabbed to replace Mike Martindale, who recently retired.
By state law, a finalist for the superintendent position must complete a 21-day waiting period before officially being named the superintendent of schools.
Harkrider was named Texas Association of School Boards Region 6 Superintendent of the Year in 2018, and was one of five finalists in the state competition.
In addition, he earned the 2019-2020 Empowered Superintendent award from the K-12 Chief Technology Officer Council for his work to advance meaningful use of technology in classrooms.
Under Harkrider’s leadership, WIllis ISD has made gains academically and increased index scores in more than 50% of the areas rated by the TEA each year since 2016.
Harkrider has led Willis ISD through a tremendous amount of growth with the passage of bond packages in 2015 ($109.5 million), 2020 ($100.15 million), and 2022 ($143 million).
Before being named Superintendent, Harkrider served as the Willis High School Principal from 2012 to 2013.
Before that, he spent five years as the campus principal at Reagan Middle School and a year as principal at Dickinson Elementary, both in Grand Prairie ISD.
Harkrider started his career in education as a teacher and baseball coach, serving stints in Mt. Enterprise ISD, Union Grove ISD, Pine Tree ISD, Kilgore ISD, and White Settlement ISD.
After earning All-Southwest Conference honors in 1992 and 1993 as a shortstop for the University of Texas baseball team, Harkrider was selected in the 8th round of the Major League Baseball draft in 1993. He spent four years playing professional baseball before an injury ended his career.
He earned his Bachelor of Science from Stephen F. Austin State University, his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Texas at Arlington, and his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Sam Houston State University.
Harkrider and his wife, Toni, have three children: Dylan (25), Reece (21), and Meredith (13).
Stephanie Ddughdhnemimnier, Director of the Chappell Hill Historical Society, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the third annual Brazos Valley Museum Trail.
This podcast contains comments from the June 5, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The video scoreboard at Merrill Green Stadium is being replaced.
Bryan ISD school board members awarded a $158,000 dollar contract during Monday's meeting following years of repairs.
Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw said the video board, which had outdated technology from 2008, was being repaired by someone from Ohio.
About 80 percent of the funding comes from insurance, after the scoreboard was damaged by severe weather.
The remaining funding will come from BISD's general fund.
Administrators also said they will be working on advertising sponsorships.
There was no opposition to board member David Stasny's suggestion to operate the video board only during stadium events. That's after the current board was on during non-event hours.
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the sewer line project, the four unrelated ordinance, action taken against Texas A&M students, the preferred access agreement with Texas A&M, the former Macy's store building, crime and safety in the Northgate district, raised medians, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Meagan Brown, BTU's Public Information Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about stocking Lake Bryan with more fish, what people need to know about fishing at Lake Bryan, the current legislative session, the upcoming American Public Power Association conference, the electric vehicle industry, burying utilities on Texas Avenue, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Kelyn Wardlaw, Executive Director of Unlimited Potential, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the plans and timeline for their new property in College Station.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about College Station's sewer line project in south Bryan, the current legislative session, a potential agreement with Texas A&M for an indoor tennis facility, crime and safety, progress at the Phillips Event Center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 5, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The Bryan ISD school board casts a rare split vote.
Monday's four to two vote supported the administration's recommendation to move a teacher development day from April 2024 to October 2023.
BISD counseling director Donna Willett, who is lead administrator in charge of the school calendar, said they learned in February that the state moved up STAAR and end of course testing by two weeks.
The state's revised schedule conflicted with a half day previously approved by the board for teacher development.
After administrative meetings, the board was asked on Monday to combine the April half day with another half day that was set in October 2023. That would give students one whole day off instead of two half-days.
Voting no were Mark McCall...who expected push back from parents who previously opposed BISD scheduling a fall break in October, and Felicia Benford...who had questions about child care and transportation.
Among those voting yes, board president Julie Harlin and Leo Gonzalez both said it was better to inconvenience families for one full day rather than two half-days.
Also voting yes were David Stasny and Ruthie Waller.
Deidra Davis did not attend Monday's meeting.
Amy Raines, Marketing and Communications Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming events and exhibitions at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
Amy Faulkner, Voices for Children Executive Director, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Shop for CASA back-to-school clothing drive.
United Way of the Brazos Valley President Peggi Goss, Vice President Community Impact Kat Gammon, and incoming Board Chair Razen Thomas visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Community Impact Grant recipients, the process of choosing parter agencies, the upcoming Day of Action, and more.
Markeesha Watson, Lincoln Recreation Center Staff Assistant, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about summer camps, Juneteenth events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the special session, what compression means in regards to taxes, the possibility of a fulltime legislature, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Tracey Calanog of the College Station Noon Lions Club and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The College Station Noon Lions Club will continue a more than 60 year tradition of the club hosting a July 4th event with a morning parade and celebration at Wolf Pen Creek Park.
The club's communications officer, Tracey Calanog, said the event was the result of discussing how to serve the community following the pandemic.
The club is recruiting parade entries in multiple categories.The parade will line up at 8:30 a.m. and start at 9:00.
Following the parade, Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater & Festival Site will host children's activities, live music, train rides, first responder and static displays, veterans groups, free vision screenings by certified Lions Club Vision Screeners, and free watermelon.
Click HERE to be directed to the College Station Noon Lions Club website for the July 4th parade application and more information.
Destination Bryan tourism office special events coordinator Chris Ortegon visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about June's First Friday activities, a preview of the Bryan's inaugural Festa Italiana food and heritage festival on Saturday, June 10, and other summer events.
This podcast contains comments from the May 30, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Homeowners in a suburban development northeast of Bryan attended two Brazos County commission meetings in May attempting to get the county to replace a washed out culvert the homeowners believe is the county's responsibility.
Following the second round of public comments on May 30, county judge Duane Peters and the commission's general counsel Bruce Erratt told the group that there is no record that the culvert on Greenleaf Lane in the Rustic Oaks development is the county's responsibility.
One of the homeowners, Amy Cahill, contends that the portion of Greenleaf Lane that the county accepted in May of 1988 included the culvert. And Cahill said five original residents recalled seeing county employees dragging materials onto the culvert on at least two occasions.
Erratt said he and two county engineers spent hours researching the road since it was first brought to their attention in 2017.
Erratt and Peters told the affected homeowners that it is a crime for county resources to be used to repair a private road.
Peters brought up a past example when he was a commissioner of a county road employee losing their job when they fixed a privately owned road.
This podcast contains comments from the May 30, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
In Brazos County during 2022, there were 222 cases of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of elderly and disabled victims.
That is one of the statistics in a proclamation issued during Tuesday's county commission meeting designating June as elder abuse awareness month.
Click HERE to read and download the proclamation that was issued during the May 30, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Receiving the proclamation, the supervisor of the Bryan office of adult protective services said people "know more about child protective services" and don't realize that adult protective services "is a real thing".
Markesha Lamar also said "People hear APS and they think that we come in and we want to take residents out of their homes. But we do what we can to keep them in the community, ensure their safety and provide them with services."
Derika Bailey, Branch Manager of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the summer kickoff parties, the youth summer reading program, adult summer programs, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Texas House's decision to go home early, school vouchers, teacher pay, the possibility of another special session, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County commissioner Chuck Konderla and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Twice during May, Brazos County commissioners modified requirements to get a mass gathering permit.
Commissioner Chuck Konderla said changes were approved during the May 9 meeting following what was advertised as a "trail ride" in a pasture along Andert Road south of Wixon Valley in April.
Konderla said the April event, which was supposed to have fewer than 500 attendees, drew as many as 1,000.
Konderla heard reports of people staying as late as 4 a.m. blocking the road, "excessive speeding up and down the (county) road in ATV's, the drunkenness", "fistfights in the middle of the road", and hearing loud and "very profane music".
Konderla said party organizers did not have the proper permits when they held an event at the same location May 20.
Konderla said turnout was a couple of dozen.
Konderla thanked a "large enforcement presence" on May 20 that included the sheriff's and precinct two constable offices.
During the commission's meeting on May 30, the permit application was modified again to allow the sheriff's office to use drones to record overhead video of the event.
Click HERE to read and download the mass gathering permit application that was approved at the May 30, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Requirements also include:* Filing an application at least 45 days prior to the event, paying a non-refundable $300 dollar application fee, a minimum $250 dollar health inspection fee, and a minimum $250 dollar fire marshal inspection fee. * A hearing will be held no later than ten days prior to the event and the following representative will be available to attend if necessary. * Provide a certified copy of the agreement between the promoter and the property owner. * List of the name and address of each performer and of their agent who has agreed to appear at the mass gathering including a description of the terms of the agreement. * Financial statement reflecting the funds being supplied to finance the mass gathering and each person supplying the funds. * Describe the steps taken to ensure that minimum standards of health and sanitation will be maintained during the gathering. * Describe the steps taken to ensure the physical health/safety of the persons attending. * Describe the preparation taken to provide adequate medical and nursing care. * Describe how attendance will be limited to the maximum number stated in the event description. * Describe the preparations you will take to provide traffic control. * Describe the steps you will take to ensure that the mass gathering will be conducted in an orderly manner. * Describe the preparations you will take to supervise minors who may attend the mass gathering: * Identify the location on the grounds where the promoter or a representative will be available at all times during the event.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about College Station's sewer trunk line project, impact fees, raised medians in Wellborn, a potential College Station ISD bond, budget priorities, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Theresa Mangapora, Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Food Bank, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about KBTX's Summer Hunger Campaign, the increase of people in need, types of food needed, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Susan Ballabina, Senior Vice President and Chief External Affairs Officer at Texas A&M University, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the university's mission to connect with the community, The Garden's birthday party, Aggie Park, the preferred access agreement with the City of College Station, summer camps and events on campus, the future Aplin Center, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Annual Memorial Day ceremony at Earl Graham Post #159 featuring guest speaker, Lieutenant General John B. Sylvester.
Pat McIntyre from College Station Utilities visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new text program, communicating during outages, a new substation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about current legislative action, the potential vote on Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment, Paxton's accusation of Dade Phelan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative action, the possible impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, infighting in the legislature, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 25, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The city of College Station is entering its seventh year in developing the last leg of a multimillion dollar sewer line expansion along the city limits with Bryan. A nearly two hour discussion at Thursday's city council meeting provided an update on three options.
The city council decided to drop one of the options, locating a sewer trunkline along Pin Oak Creek and Burton Creek in south Bryan, a route that was opposed by residents of Bryan's Garden Acres and Beverley Estates neighborhoods. The council's decision was based on the recommendation from special projects director Jennifer Cain.
One of two options that remains on the table is also opposed by south Bryan residents in Beverley Estates along Rosemary and neighboring streets. That is a gravity fed sewer line that goes downhill without the use of a sewer lift station.
Cain said gravity only sewer lines was the professional recommendation over the use of lift stations.
She also said the city of College Station has 17 lift stations and is in the process of removing three of them with gravity only sewer lines.
Staff and some council members also had opposing views with homeowners about the impact the sewer line construction would have on historic oak trees.
Councilman William Wright brought up that the city could proceed with whatever option without regard to public opinion...noting that is the practice of privately owned utilities.
City manager Bryan Woods and mayor John Nichols said there is no date to return with a recommendation for council action. Nichols did not expect the subject to return in June due to previously scheduled issues.
Click HERE to read and download a summary of the history of the College Station northeast sewer trunk line, provided by the city of College Station.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 25, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Councilman Kevin Boriskie visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his experience on the planning and zoning commission, what he looks at differently as a councilman, his thoughts on the current Texas legislature, College Station's sewer line project, future development in Bryan, rental property integrity, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) public information officer Meagan Brown and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
There are 18,000 new guests at Lake Bryan.Meagan Brown at BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities), which owns Lake Bryan, says Texas Parks and Wildlife stocked the lake this week with 18,000 fingerling Lone Star bass.
The bass joins several other species that includes crappie, catfish, and a few tilapia and redfish.
The fish stocking precedes the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start to summer.
Brown reminds visitors that there is a second gate that will allow visitors to go to the restaurant without paying an entry fee.
And a check of the Lake Bryan website showed all camping spaces have been reserved for Friday through next Monday.
Camping reservations can be made online, along with renting kayaks and paddleboards.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the EMS agreement with the City of College Station, progress in Midtown Park, the current economic climate, the impact of increasing property valuations, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 15, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
College Station is finishing its third year of a stand alone tourism office. That is after the city council decided to break away from a joint operation with Bryan and Brazos County.
During the council's May 15th meeting, members gave multiple suggestions to the director of the tourism office. That was after director Jeremiah Cook made a 15 minute presentation.
Click HERE to read and download tourism office presentation materials from the May 15, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Councilman Bob Yancy, who in a prior life worked at the city of College Station's marketing office, called for the tourism office to "pound the phones, work the phones, make those cold calls. Cold calls lead to appointments, appointments lead to proposals, (and) proposals lead to business."
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha asked about the city's ability to access Texas A&M facilities through a preferred access agreement that was signed ten years ago. A&M agreed to discount rental rates in exchange of A&M receiving a projected $14 million dollars in hotel occupancy tax revenue over a 30 year period to help pay for expanding Kyle Field. When Cunha asked Cook if he "has seen an increased improvement in the preferred access access", Cook said "it's something that we are definitely in conversation about". Cook also said the city "is working with A&M to see what events are best for you all (A&M)", adding that partnership is "ten times more valuable than us (the city) just saying we need space, we need space, we need space."
Councilwoman Linda Harvell pointed out her 30 year professional career in tourism, which included leadership positions with convention and tourism bureaus in Lubbock, Corpus Christi, Denver, and Palm Springs California. She said College Station is missing out on attracting leisure travelers who can fill hotel rooms on Sunday nights through Thursday nights.
Councilman Dennis Maloney wanted more activities and more promotion of the Northgate district.
Councilman William Wright wanted marketing materials to promote the city, pointing out that 75 percent of images used in marketing materials by the tourism office promote A&M.
Mayor John Nichols finished the discussion by telling Cook he "certainly stirred up a bit of a hornet's nest, and I think you did get some good feedback." Nichols also said "I think everybody (on the council) could agree that when you start a new organization, you gotta set priorities. You can't be everybody to everything."
Mike Reilly, former Vice President for News at Berkshire Hathaway Media and Executive Editor of the Omaha World-Herald, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background in newspapers, the future of news operations, where future journalism graduates will find jobs, how journalists can protect the public from AI hoaxes, where people get their news, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 15, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council tries again to reach an agreement with the city of Bryan regarding fire and ambulance services.
The council during its May 15th meeting approved a proposal puts in writing, what has been the practice in recent years.
Click HERE to read and download what was approved at the May 15, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
There will be an automatic response for the most serious fire and medical emergencies and one city can request mutual aid from the other city for the least serious calls.
College Station ambulances, which in recent years has made more runs into Bryan, will get a higher reimbursement rate.
Whichever city ambulance service crosses the border more often, will collect $550 dollars per run from the other city.
The College Station council was told that the Bryan council will consider the agreement on June 13.
That is the same rate that College Station asked for nearly two years ago. The last offer Bryan made to College Station was $240 dollars.
The proposed agreement also addresses hazardous materials calls, where neither city will charge the other for personnel time.
The only charge will be to reimburse the other city for supplies.
Either city can terminate the new agreement with a 30 day notice.
Donnis Baggett, Executive Vice President of Texas Press Association, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about The Eagle and the Waco Tribune-Herald reducing their print editions, where Texans are getting their news, the future of news, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the board chairman of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, Seth McKinney, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
There is a new president/CEO of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation (BVEDC).
Susan Davenport starts July 10 after serving with the Greater Houston Partnership as senior vice president and chief economic development officer.
She has also held five positions with economic development organizations in Austin and was the president of the chamber of commerce in Gainesville, Florida.
BVEDC, which is an economic development organization controlled by the cities of College Station and Bryan, Brazos County, and Texas A&M, conducted a national search.
BVEDC board chairman Seth McKinney told WTAW News that were approximately 40 applicants. That was pared down to 15 who made online presentations. That was followed by six were interviewed online. The search process concluded with in person visits by three finalists.
News release from the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation:
The Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation has selected Susan M. Davenport, Senior Vice President & Chief Economic Development Officer for the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP), as its new President & CEO. Ms. Davenport will relocate to Bryan-College Station and will assume her new role on July 10, 2023.
“Susan has the experience and skillset that make this an incredibly exciting hire to announce,” said Seth McKinney, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Susan has a 20-year track record of success working with local, regional, and state governments as well as tier 1 research universities to bring jobs and innovation to many different sized markets.”
The BVEDC embarked on a national search this spring to identify and recruit a proven executive to lead the organization. Ms. Davenport was selected from among dozens of well-qualified candidates.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the BVEDC and contribute to the growth and prosperity of this vibrant region,” Ms. Davenport said. “I look forward to working with the talented team and collaborating with our partners to attract, retain, and foster businesses that will create jobs and enhance the economic landscape of the Brazos Valley.”
For the past five years, Ms. Davenport has led the creation and execution of a regional, domestic, and international economic development strategy for the 12-county greater Houston region. This strategy has resulted in the relocation of three Fortune 500 company global headquarters as well as hundreds of other companies to the area. Her efforts have resulted in thousands of new jobs and opportunities for regional residents.
Prior to Houston, Ms. Davenport served as President & CEO of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce in Florida. Earlier, Davenport spent 13 years as Senior Vice President of Global Tech Strategies at Opportunity Austin. During her tenure, Opportunity Austin is credited with the creation of 174,000 jobs and enhancing regional payrolls by $8.7 billion.
Ms. Davenport has also worked to retain or expand more than 500 employers and secured almost $100 million in grant funding for various companies through her work with Portfolio Austin, the Central Texas Regional Center for Innovation and Commercialization, the Greater Austin Technology Partnership, and Austin TechLive.
Ms. Davenport holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch. She is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma, and she is an active member of the International Economic Development Council.
College Station city councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha visited with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs May 19, 2023.
Topics include enforcement of the city's ordinance of no more than no more than four unrelated occupants in a residence, the proposed fire department interlocal agreement with the city of Bryan, and the upcoming update of a proposed College Station sewer line that could affect two south Bryan neighborhoods.
This podcast is with state representative Kyle Kacal of College Station and WTAW's Scott DeLucia on May 19, 2023.
This podcast is a visit with state representative John Raney of Bryan and WTAW's Scott DeLucia on May 19, 2023.
This podcast contains comments from the May 17, 2023 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents academic affairs committee.
The Texas A&M system board of regents wants employees and officials at its 11 universities and eight state agencies to not associate their employer to their political or personal beliefs.
That was made clear during Wednesday's meeting of the regents academic affairs committee.
Regent Mike Hernandez of Fort Worth said he has heard system employees cross the line with their political remarks.
Hernandez added that faculty members, administrators, and regents members should follow existing rules.
Regent Jay Graham of Houston said separating personal beliefs from their association with A&M universities and agencies should also apply to personal social media.
Hernandez asked if video recording in classrooms could take place to have a record when someone issues a complaint.
The subject came up as the Texas legislature considers ending faculty tenure and ending university offices and policies on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
City of Bryan communications and marketing director Lacey Lively visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs May 18, 2023 about upcoming events.
This podcast contains comments from the May 16, 2023 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members had two meetings this week regarding the search for the district's new superintendent.
During Tuesday night's regular monthly meeting, consultant Brad Lancaster gave an overview of two surveys about the search. One was with CSISD administrators and teachers. The other was 128 pages of results from 800 online surveys.
Click HERE to read and download results of focus group meetings with CSISD administrators and teachers.
Click HERE to read and download results of CSISD's online survey.
On Wednesday, the board was scheduled to meet behind closed doors to visit with the consultants.
During Tuesday's update, Lancaster reported 48 applicants as of last Friday.
Lancaster also said that the Wednesday meeting would include scheduling future interviews with candidates and how to prepare questions for those interviews.
At the end of Tuesday night's meeting, board president Jeff Horak presented retiring superintendent Mike Martindale with a plaque and board member Darin Paine presented Martindale with an office chair.
Martindale, who is finishing his 16th year in CSISD….the last three as superintendent...and 32 years in public education...is retiring June 30.
This podcast contains comments from the May 2, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council's tourism office presented a review of its third year of operation during this month's regular meeting.
Information shared by director John Friebele included Bryan hotel revenue and the city's collection of hotel occupancy taxes are expected to set records when the fiscal year ends.
Friebele reported revenue at Bryan hotels rose from $19 million dollars during the first year of the pandemic to a projected $36 million dollars this year.
The number of room nights purchased in Bryan hotels rose from 264,000 during the first year of the pandemic to a projected 371,000 this year.
Regarding future business development, Friebele focused on Midtown Park and a request to protect green space for music festivals.
Marketing Bryan tourism efforts between April 1, 2022 and April 30, 2023 has reached more than 16 million impressions.
Friebele said almost 14 million are through what was described as digital ad impressions, along with 564,000 website sessions, and a combined two million hits on Facebook and Instagram.
The city council learned that one-fourth of visitors to Bryan come from Houston, 17 percent come from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, 17 percent come from the region that includes Waco, Temple, and Bryan, seven percent come from Austin, and six percent come from San Antonio.
Friebele's presentation to the Bryan council also included next year's budget request, which includes money to start an ambassador program to train front line workers in the local tourism trade about promoting the city to visitors.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the May 2, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's council meeting, impact fees, the sewer line project, tourism, groundwater, the EMS agreement with Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 16, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County's veterans service officer lost his job Tuesday on a three to two vote by the county commission.
County judge Duane Peters, who hired Pat Patterson in November of 2017, made the recommendation to terminate him.
Peters said he would not reveal the reason "under advice of outside counsel".Peters did say the firing "was a hard decision for me, and I did what I felt like I had to do and did it."
Before the vote, ten veterans who were served by Patterson appealed to let him keep his job.Also voting for termination were Chuck Konderla and Wanda Watson.
Voting against termination were Steve Aldrich and Nancy Berry.
None of the four commissioners made any comments before or after the vote.
Brazos County's website now instructs veterans to contact state officials in Temple and federal officials in Waco for assistance.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his favorite BBQ, Antony Blinken, the fight against Fentanyl, what happens after asylum seekers cross the border, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments recorded May 12, 2023 during a conversation with the president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, Oscar Rodriguez, and Austin attorney Laura Prather.
The state's leading broadcast industry organization asks for public support to block legislation in Austin that they say will water down free speech protections.
The president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, Oscar Rodriguez, characterizes senate bill 896 "as the most important free speech protection that Texans don't realize have and are about to lose."
Bryan Broadcasting, which includes WTAW, is a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters.
SB 896 would change a component of the Texas Citizens Participation Act called SLAPP, which is an acronym for Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.
Rodriguez told representatives of Texas radio and television stations that SB 896 is "a very important and scary bill."
Austin attorney Laura Prather says SB 896 will make it easier to file a lawsuit in retaliation for what somebody said or posted online.
Prather said the "average Texas citizens for tweeting or for doing a Yelp review, could be facing hundreds of thousands of dollars and fighting in courts for years to come."
Business and interest groups oppose senate bill 896, which spans the entire political spectrum. Prather said state lawmakers told her "How in the world did you get Americans For Prosperity, ACLU, Right To Life, and Public Citizen all in the same document?" Prather told them it's "Because they're all savvy enough to know that this law can harm them."
SB 896 received unanimous approval in the Senate and as of May 15 was pending before the House calendars committee after getting a favorable committee recommendation.
Click HERE to read and download Senate Bill 896 as of May 15, 2023.
Click HERE to read and download information presented by the Texas Association of Broadcasters about SB 896 and House Bill 2781.
This podcast contains comments from the May 8, 2023 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M faculty senate speaker Dale Rice ended two years in that position at the May monthly meeting.
Rice answered questions regarding searches for new academic leaders.
He said the search committee recommendations for provost...which is A&M's chief academic officer...were given to the president on May 5.
The search for A&M's next dean of the engineering college was delayed because the president...who is the former dean...chose to conduct a national search.
And the deadline for faculty to apply to be on the search committee for A&M's first dean of the new college of arts and sciences was May 10.
Rice also presented a "state of the senate", summarizing his observations during the two years he served as speaker.
This podcast contains comments from the May 9, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners unanimously approve borrowing more than $37 million dollars for a variety of projects.
Tuesday's vote came after the county's financial adviser and bond attorney secured interest rates of approximately 3.5 percent.
Financial adviser Dennis Waley also reported the interest rate reflected the county's bond rating improved from a "double A" to a "double A plus".
Almost $28 million dollars in bonds will be spent on road and bridge projects.
Another $9 million in certificates of obligation will be spent on five building projects that includes the former Bryan ISD administration building, the courthouse, the county administration building, the county's 9-1-1 and emergency operations center, and adding to the sheriff's department a central receiving and storage facility.
Click HERE to read and download information related to the bonds.
Click HERE to read and download information related to the certificates of obligation.
Jeremiah Cook, Tourism Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about graduation this weekend, live music around town, Mother's Day markets, the value of tourism, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Herrero budget amendment, school vouchers, property tax plans, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative action, workforce training, transportation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 8, 2023 Texas House higher education committee public hearing regarding Senate Bill 18, which would end tenure.
Professors at Texas A&M and Sam Houston State were among those testifying this week before the Texas House higher education committee against a senate bill that would have stopped granting tenure.
After more than three hours of testimony, Senate Bill 18 was left pending in the House committee.
Click HERE to read and download SB 18.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW’s Bill Oliver May 10, 2023 about the end of Title 42, the continuing investigation of the United States military withdrawal from Afghanistan, the debt ceiling negotiations between the house speaker and the president, and his participation in the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce delegation visiting Washington D.C.
Allison Kay, Senior Planner with Development Services, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new historic preservation website, collecting stories from residents, updating the city's historic preservation plan, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 9, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
This week's Brazos County commission meeting included three proclamations recognizing employees in the sheriff's and juvenile services departments.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky and juvenile services director Linda Ricketson thanked their employees and commissioners following proclamations for national correctional officers and employees week, national nurses recognition week, and national law enforcement officers week.
A fourth proclamation was also issued, recognizing national child care providers.
This podcast contains comments from the general manager of the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district, Alan Day, to Brazos County commissioners on May 2, 2023.
The annual report to Brazos County commissioners from the Brazos Valley groundwater conservation district (BVGCD) includes a discussion about water being exported out of Brazos and Robertson counties.
BVGCD's general manager Alan Day said the private company that has permits to export water to Travis, Williamson, Bell, and/or Milam counties has authority to pump more water than the combined total of the cities of Bryan and College Station and Texas A&M.
Day also said the permit holder, UW Brazos Valley Farm LLC, will be paying the groundwater district $7.5 million dollars to ensure water remains available from 300 existing wells belonging to other permit holders.
Asked about the chances of another application from another large water exporter, Day said that would not be economically feasible.
The BVGCD annual report also indicated 6,646 registered or permitted water wells as of December 31, 2022 and the district collecting more than $805,000 dollars in fees during 2022.
The district draws water from six aquifers in Brazos and Robertson counties.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from BVGCD general manager Alan Day during the May 2, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Bryan Councilman Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the future economic impact on the city, what he is hearing from his constituents, making Bryan more family-friendly, property taxes, Bryan ISD, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the Texas House higher education committee hearing on May 9, 2023.
Tuesday at 3:20 a.m., the chairman of the Texas House higher education committee left pending, a senate bill proposed to end diversion, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts at state universities and community colleges.
144 had signed up to testify about Senate Bill 17. 71 spoke in opposition, five spoke in favor, and 68 who signed up were not present to testify.
The eight hour hearing included testimony from four Texas A&M professors and one A&M student.
One professor supported SB 17 and the others were opposed.
Other DEI supporters who spoke in opposition to SB 17 included professors and students at the University of Texas, the University of Houston, Texas State, and administrators at Lee College in Baytown.
In addition to not sending SB 17 to the House floor, the higher education committee chairman also left pending, Senate Bill 18, which would have eliminated tenure at state universities.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce community liasion Royce Hickman and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
Members of the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce have returned to the nation's capitol to visit with federal officials.
Community liaison Royce Hickman presented the chamber's federal legislative agenda during a visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
Topics includes economic development, fiscal responsibility, health care, education, and transportation issues specific to the Brazos Valley.
Hickman says meetings have been arranged with all 38 members of the Texas congressional delegation and the state's two U-S senators.
This podcast contains comments from the May 2, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
A specialized law enforcement tactical rescue vehicle will be shared by the cities of College Station and Bryan, Texas A&M, and Brazos County.
The Bryan city council was the last approval required in an interlocal agreement for the $320,000 dollar vehicle.Before the unanimous vote,
Bryan police chief Eric Buske was asked multiple questions.Buske described the custom built unit as a "pregnant S-U-V" that is covered with heavy armor to withstand rifle shots.
The chief said "the most common place it's going to be used is a standoff when there's bullets being fired, or you have a sniper that's trying to take shots", and "they've used to rescue an officer who has been trapped by gunfire."
The vehicle will be located in College Station.
Buske was asked about co-branding the vehicle with the participating agencies.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the May 2, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the interlocal agreement for the tactical rescue vehicle.
This podcast contains comments from the May 3, 2023 meeting of the Texas House transportation committee.
State lawmakers learn that the high speed passenger train project between Houston and Dallas is not dead.
But the status of where Texas Central is, remains unknown.
Three members of the House Transportation Committee were unsuccessful in getting answers from Texas Central CEO Michael Bui during a committee hearing on Wednesday.
Bui, who represents Texas Central through a Houston consulting company, was there to provide testimony opposing House Bill 2357, which would require high speed rail companies to give the state the same information they give to the federal government.
Click HERE to read and download House Bill 2357 as presented on May 3, 2023.
Bui said requiring the public release of proprietary and confidential information is unprecedented and is an attempt to stop the Texas Central project.
Bui did not answer requests for an update that came from three committee members, two landowners in the path of the railroad who are opposed to the project, and two county officials.
Committee chairman Terry Canales of Edinburg told Bui that "you've hung this over this community's head", "nobody knows what's going on, they've (landowners and local governments) been trying to contact you, you haven't responded", "and I think you at least as a good actor owe them some answers".
Grimes County judge Joe Fauth said "the simple questions are, who are we dealing with, what's the timeline for the project, does the project have money to even exist? If it doesn't, I need to quit wasting your (state lawmakers) time, they (Texas Central) needs to quit wasting out time. We need to move on with our lives in Grimes County."
Fauth said adding "Having access to regularly updated information would greatly benefit our ability in the county to plan for future growth. We would know what traffic patterns might be (and) routes for EMS, school buses, our sheriffs, (and) our volunteer fire departments."
Fauth says Texas Central owes Grimes County $180,000 dollars in property taxes and the company barely made last year's tax payment deadline.
As of Friday (May 5, 2023), the transportation committee recommended HB 2357 to be recommended to the calendars committee with a favorable report without amendments.
This podcast contains comments from the May 2, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
Before the Bryan city council unanimously approves spending $181,000 dollars for school crossing guards next year, the council asked city staff why the cost is not shared with Bryan ISD.
Deputy city manager Hugh Walker guessed that it was possibly a city responsibility since it involves safety on city streets.
The contract that was approved at Tuesday's meeting is the second consecutive year that the council is outsourcing the hiring of crossing guards to a company that Walker says provides the service for 250 cities around Texas.
Before that, the police department hired crossing guards.
Click HERE to read and download background information from the May 2, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the contract approved at the May 2, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
Assistant City Manager Jennifer Prochazka visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about increasing property taxes, impact fees, Veterans Park, middle housing, no more than four enforcement numbers, code enforcement, pool season, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 2, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Two pieces from the 1892 Brazos County courthouse...which was torn down in 1952...now belong to Brazos County.
County commissioners on Tuesday accepted a stairway newel post and a red limestone brick from Bill and Barbara Vance.
Bill Vance is a retired Brazos County judge and state appeals court justice.
Vance said he received the post nearly 50 years ago while he was county judge from his secretary, whose father was also a Brazos County judge.
Current county judge Duane Peters hopes to find a place to display the post when the current courthouse entryway is remodeled.
Vance said the limestone came from a piece of property that he acquired.
Caden Jones of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the May 2023 First Friday activities in downtown Bryan and his experiences as an intern for the organization.
Sam Vernon, Assistant City Engineer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about updating the flood mitigation plan, citizen feedback, an upcoming public meeting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police officer David Simmons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Thanks to the WTAW listener texting Wednesday morning that the parking lot at the College Station post office was blocked by police vehicles.
CSPD officer David Simmons says officers responded to the report of a large box in front of the building that was labeled with the word "FREE".
Simmons says the bomb squad determined that the box contained a new and unassembled chair.
CSPD was contacted at 5:45 a.m. by a concerned citizen. Officers cleared the scene shortly before 7:30.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about property tax increases, the city's street maintenance program, impact fees, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The city of Bryan and Texas A&M are negotiating another major addition to Midtown Park.
Mayor Bobby Gutierrez says a shared indoor tennis facility, which was first brought up during the original design of the Legends Event Center, has the support the A&M system board of regents.
Gutierrez says in addition to providing Bryan residents another location to play tennis, this will give A&M the ability to host S-E-C and NCAA tournaments.
Gutierrez says negotiations include how operations and maintenance costs will be shared.
Tuesday's city council meeting includes discussion the project in executive session behind closed doors.
This podcast contains comments from the May 1, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Monday's Bryan ISD school board meeting included hearing the results of the state's latest surprise security inspections.
BISD's assistant safety and security director Rich Himmel first reported in public, that two unidentified buildings were inspected on April 17.
At one location, an exterior door was found to be unsecured, which is a state violation.
At both locations, one interior door was unsecured. While that is not a state requirement, Himmel said because it is a BISD requirement, that became a state violation.
Himmel then shared what district staff did following the inspections.
Comments from board members Leo Gonzalez and Ruthie Waller and superintendent Ginger Carrabine focused on BISD's additional step to lock interior doors.
Additional information about the inspections were shared with board members behind closed doors during the executive session portion of their meeting.
This podcast is an update on the current United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) community campaign and a preview of the next campaign.
Current campaign chairman Max Crawford, UWBV vice president of community impact Kat Gammon, and development manager Kate Clair visited with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the April 27, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council changes direction on how to spend a $500,000 dollar grant from the Texas General Land Office (GLO) to benefit low and moderate income neighborhoods.
College Station mayor John Nichols thanked city staff and the Texas GLO for granting additional time to change the application.
The changes include adding an emergency generator at the Meyer senior and community center. The application previously included a generator for the Lincoln center.
Two generators were supported by College Station's emergency management coordinator, Tradd Mills, who says that will mean not having to rely on Texas A&M to shelter people during extreme cold or heat.
There was no council opposition that was expressed during their meeting on April 27 to the changes.
During the council's April 13 meeting, the vote was four to three. The divided vote was due to spending grant money on flood warning alarm systems at 20 locations. The revised grant application calls for flood alarms at three locations.
And the state grant will fund a study to assess flood hazard areas in College Station.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 27, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Gene Ballew, College Station Parks and Recreation Athletic Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this weekend's events, summer programs, pickleball courts, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the past week in the legislature during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the relationship between the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker, getting air conditioning in Texas prisons, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Linda Bates, President of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Texas MS 150 ride, what spectators can expect at the event, and the economic impact on the Bryan/College Station community.
Councilwoman Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her background, her experience has mayor of her hometown, the recent city retreat, funding Midtown Park, her district's area bordering College Station, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains remarks from the 2023 Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley (CFBV) tribute luncheon, which was held April 25, 2023.
The 20th anniversary of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley (CFBV) was recognized during Tuesday's annual tribute luncheon.
Foundation president Patricia Gerling said more than $5 million dollars has been distributed and there are more than 120 charitable endowments with assets of more than $11 million dollars.
This year's luncheon recognized Phoebe Watts, Gina and Bill Flores, and Ben Downs.
This podcast contains comments from Patricia Gerling, Watts and her son Byron Soules, Gina and Bill Flores and their son John Flores, and Ben Downs and Glen Brewer.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent retreat, legislation that could take authority away from cities, properties adjacent to Midtown Park, raised medians on Texas Avenue, South College improvement plan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Central Appraisal District (BCAD) chief appraiser Dana Horton and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos Central Appraisal District (BCAD) mailed 80,000 valuation notices on Monday.
Chief appraiser Dana Horton says most property valuations in Brazos County rose by 20 percent from the year before.
Horton says that is based on sales activity of comparable properties.
The BCAD office is now taking informal protests. Horton says that can be done by going to the office, calling 979-774-4100, or sending an e-mail to arb@brazoscad.org.
Horton says informal appeals will be considered until formal protests begin on May 16.
News release from the Brazos Central Appraisal District:
A majority of the 2023 Notices of Appraised Value were placed in the mail on April 24, 2023.
Please be advised that informal reviews are open to all Brazos County property owners/agents.
Due to the volume of protests received in the past few years, informal reviews will now be held in April and May before formal hearings begin and on non-hearing days after formal hearings have begun.
Formal hearings begin on May 16th.
Property owners/agents with multiple properties are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment for informal review as soon as possible after receiving the Notice(s) of Appraised Value.
Please contact the BCAD office at (979) 774-4100 or visit the appraisal district office at 4051 Pendleton Dr, Bryan, Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 5 pm to schedule an informal review or to obtain further information.
This podcast, recorded April 24 2023, is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, J.J. Ramirez and Kyle Salmon of UWBV partner agency Save Our Streets (SOS) Ministries, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the April 13, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council is on its way to starting mandatory inspections of the city's 27,000 rental properties...of which 8,700 are single family homes and duplexes.
This is beyond the staff drafting a voluntary inspection program for property owners.
How this would be implemented, was discussed during the council's April 13, 2023 meeting.
Suggestions included making inspections voluntary for three years before becoming mandatory to beginning mandatory inspections with properties where the city has already received complaints.
City manager Bryan Woods told the council that mandatory inspections would initially be done by city staff.
Some on the council wanted outside inspectors who would charge property owners.There was also discussion about expanding the city's "See, Click, Fix" app.
Since January, the app has generated 15 complaints of rental property.
Mandatory rental inspections was also supported by a member of Texas A&M's student government.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 13, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download staff information from the April 13, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff Wayne Dicky and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County sheriff's office is creating a program where volunteers will check on seniors and other vulnerable populations.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky says the idea of what is nicknamed "R-U-OK" came from commissioner Nancy Berry.
County commissioners approved during their April 18, 2023 meeting, the job description for a volunteer coordinator.
Dicky said volunteers will be asked to call residents living outside of city limits at least one time a week.
When someone does not answer a call or says they need help, Dicky said a deputy can be sent to follow up.
Once the county program is up and running, Dicky said "then I think it would make good sense that we would have conversations with the cities about expanding it into an eventual joint operation."
OPAS' Anne Black visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the lineup for season 51 during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station city councilman Mark Smith visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about being elected to the council after previously serving as the city's public works director, the city's proposed rental inspection ordinance, the future use of Post Oak Mall, and the newly formed and privately operated College Station parks foundation.
State representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative activities that includes budget differences between the Texas house and senate and the reason he voted for a bill that reduces control of city government.
State representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative activities that includes budget differences between the Texas house and senate and the reason he voted for a bill that reduces control of city government.
Jamie Cox, General Manager at Legends Event Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Brazos County A&M Club's Muster event, hosting similar events at Legends, an upcoming Adidas event, volunteer opportunities, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 18, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
In his third year after retiring as Brazos County sheriff, Chris Kirk returned to a county commission meeting.
It was public knowledge that Kirk was receiving proclamations from the county and the city of College Station for Kirk's 24 years as sheriff.
What left Kirk almost speechless, was hearing that the sheriff's administration building will now be in his name.
Kirk said his 40 year career at the sheriff's office began with making a choice for a night job while attending graduate school at Texas A&M to work as a jail officer instead of taking a job as a waiter.
Morayo Suara, Health Promotions Manager at the Brazos Valley Food Bank, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the need for Texans to re-enroll for continuous Medicaid coverage.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a House bill that could limit a city's authority, future annexation, opportunities the state is missing, enforcing the more than four unrelated ordinance, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Acting Diretor Bob Holzweiss visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the 25th anniversary celebration.
Heather Huhnke, incoming commander of College Station VFW Post 12221, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the new VFW post and its installation ceremony.
This podcast contains comments from the April 13, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
The day before parents weekend at Texas A&M, the College Station city council gets an explanation on enforcing the 84 year old ordinance limiting the number of unrelated occupants living under the same roof to four.
City manager Bryan Woods reported at the end of last year a proactive enforcement effort contributed to 180 violations for all of 2022. Woods says half of the violations led to criminal convictions. That compares to a total of 88 violations being issued in the seven years between 2015 and 2021.
WTAW News asked city officials for the number of violations and convictions this year.
A city spokesman said they will work on that request.
Woods also said that more code enforcement officers are needed to maintain the pro-active effort that began at the end of last year.
Councilman Bob Yancy was the first to suggest changing what is a crime to a civil offense for violating that ordinance, which reduces the burden of proof.
The city manager brought up educational efforts starting by A&M officials. That was followed by homeowners stating that their neighborhoods still have student renters who are still violating the ordinance.
A&M's vice president of student affairs and student body president, who attended part of the 90 minute discussion, did not offer any comments.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the April 13, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Colin Killian, Public Communications Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last night's city council meeting, upcoming city events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about homestead exemptions, legislative action, Dade Phelan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about property tax legislation, business taxes, funding higher education, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is with Jeremy Buffam of Connecticut based New Castle Hotels & Resorts and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This week's meeting of the Bryan Business Council included an update from the Connecticut based hotel and resort company that is turning downtown Bryan's LaSalle Hotel into a four star property.
Jeremy Buffam of New Castle Hotels & Resorts told WTAW News that several architects, designers, and consultants are involved in the conversion to a Marriott Tribute boutique hotel.
Buffam says they are "on track" to start construction this fall and reopen at the end of this year.
The hotel, which was built in 1928, will get new guest room furnishings. The hotel will continue to
have 55 rooms.
The project also includes a new heating and air conditioning system, new restaurant equipment and rebranding the restaurant as "Station 36", which Buffam said was the number of the train station that was located in downtown Bryan.
The outdoor plaza will become an area that Buffam says will be an extension of the hotel and restaurant. There will be an outdoor bar and food service area. And there will be a turf area with games and a large television.
Several historical restoration improvements will address the awning on the Main Street side of the building and the terrazzo floor and corridors inside the building.
The Bryan city council last September approved $1 million dollars in incentives as part of a $6 million dollar project.
This podcast is a visit with the director of the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus, Kelly Templin, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
There was a heavy law enforcement presence on the health science center (HSC) and RELLIS campuses Thursday morning.
Social media from Texas A&M police states that the report of an active shooter at the HSC is false. And the same caller reported an active shooter at universities today which were also false.
At the RELLIS campus, director Kelly Templin says multiple agencies responded to what is known as a "swatting" threat.
Templin noted that along with A&M and Blinn police, the response included licensed law enforcement officers who teach and are students at the TEEX law enforcement training center on the RELLIS campus.
WTAW News visit with Templin Thursday at 11:20 a.m. was while RELLIS was in a lockdown.
Templin said there was good communication that led to their response, adding that there will be a review so they can refine for future incidents.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about being sanctioned by the Chinese government, his trip to Taiwan, Emmanuel Macron's statements, aiding other countries, technology, leaked U.S. documents, the budget, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
City Engineer Paul Kaspar visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about flood mitigation, railroad quiet zones, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 11, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council unanimously approve spending more than $5 million dollars on outdoor amenities at Midtown Park
Before the vote, about 30 minutes of discussion included questions about the revenue that has been generated during the first five months of operating the Legends Events Center. The council agreed to hold a future workshop to get specifics. Deputy city manager Hugh Walker provided general information of what has happened and what is going to happen at the multipurpose facility.
Walker also touched on public use thus far at the Legends Events Center and addressing the lack of parking.
As for Bryan council approving the construction contract, mayor Bobby Gutierrez brought up twice, that the funding was within the Midtown Park bond budget.
The city's special projects director, Frank Clark, walked the council through the multiple components of the additions.
That includes four lighted sand volleyball courts, an outdoor terrace seating from the Legends Events Center where visitors can see the sand volleyball courts and the lake, artificial turf between the Legends Events Center and the lake, about one-third of a mile of a multipurpose trail around the lake, building a foundation for the future construction of a building to house kayaks...a structure that may be built by Bryan ISD students...and a floating pier and a floating dock.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD director of accountability, research, evaluation, assessment teaching and learning Dr. Jill Morris and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Twice a year, Bryan ISD conducts an online survey.
The spring survey of ten questions and a place for comments is available through April 23rd.
Last fall, BISD received more than 5,000 responses...3,000 from students, more than 1,000 from BISD employees and more than 1,000 from parents.
200 responses came from community members...which is an important segment according to Jill Morris, who is the administrator in charge of the survey.
Click HERE to be directed to the survey from Bryan ISD's website.
QR codes to the survey are also on BISD's social media.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about citizen comments about College Station's sewer trunk line project, sand volleyball courts, more parking, and other outdoor features at Midtown Park, revenue at the Legends Event Center, discussion with TxDOT, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit recorded April 10, 2023 with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, the director of UWBV partner agency Son-Shine Outreach Center in Madisonville Lisa Wamsley, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver on April 10, 2023.
The April 11, 2023 meeting of the Brazos County commission was the first opportunity for members to discuss behind closed doors, a federal lawsuit filed by a jail inmate.
The lawyer representing the inmate issued a news release stating his client was sexually and physically assaulted in an area that according to a state report was not entered by detention officers for more than five hours.
Dallas attorney Dean Malone also cited the report from the Texas commission on jail standards that a computerized detainee check system was turned off while the assaults were happening.
Brazos County judge Duane Peters told WTAW News that he had no comment about the lawsuit and no comment about jail operations due to the lawsuit.
Peters said he had a brief conversation with sheriff Wayne Dicky about the lawsuit.
Following Tuesday's county commission executive session, which included according to the agenda included an opportunity "to consult with attorney about pending or contemplated litigation and/or a settlement offer", no action was taken on that issue.
News release from Dallas attorney Dean Malone:
On October 8, 2022, a minor pre-trial detainee was housed with three other minors in a certain portion of the Brazos County jail. The three other minors, over the course of several hours, assaulted, sexually assaulted, or facilitated assaulting or sexually assaulting the fourth minor. After an investigation of the horrific assaults, Brazos County admitted to the Texas Commission on Jail Standards (TCJS) that no jailer entered the area in which the assaults occurred for a period of over five hours. Further, Brazos County admitted that a computerized detainee check system was turned off while the assaults were happening.
The TCJS issued a notice of noncompliance to Brazos County. The TCJS notified Brazos County that it failed to comply with minimum jail standards, and that the County’s failure to initiate appropriate corrective action could result in a remedial order being issued and/or enforced. The TCJS indicated that Brazos County violated a jail standard that required jails to have an established procedure for documented, face-to-face observation of all detainees by jailers no less than at specified time intervals. The TCJS Notice of Noncompliance contained the statement: “Self-admission and an internal review conducted by Brazos County revealed that during a serious incident that occurred on October 8, 2022, observation rounds were not conducted for over five (5) hours.” Brazos County had also received a TCJS notice of noncompliance just a few months before the assaults, as a result of an inspection occurring in August 2022.
Constitutional rights lawyer Dean Malone represents the assaulted minor and filed a lawsuit in federal court in Houston on his behalf. Mr. Malone said, “It is bad enough to see what happens to adults in jails across our state, when those required to protect pre-trial detainees fail to do so. It is beyond belief that a minor could be assaulted in such a horrific manner, over several hours, while jailers failed to conduct any security checks at all. This violated all known jail standards. If Brazos County had resolved issues with late detainee checks noted by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards just a few months before, these assaults would have never happened.”
This podcast is a visit with the general manager of the Wickson Creek water district, Kyle Eppler, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County officials have announced applying for a $500,000 dollar grant to buy emergency generators for the Wickson Creek water district.
This follows the loss of water due to the loss of electricity during Winter Storm Uri two years ago.
General manager Kyle Eppler says the water district serves 8,500 customers and 25,000 residents in Brazos, Grimes, and Robertson counties. The service area includes portions of Bryan and College Station.
Eppler says the grant would purchase one and possibly two generators.
News release from Brazos County:
Residents of Brazos County are encouraged to review and provide comments on a grant application to provide a generator for the Wickson Creek Special Utility District.
The winter storm in February 2021 created power outages across the state of Texas. The Wickson Creek Special Utility District fell victim to these outages, as well. Without electricity to operate the pumps, Wickson water customers had to deal with a lack of water as well as electricity.
The CDBG-MIT grant would provide $500,000 to go toward the purchase of a new generator for the Special Utility District, allowing continuous operation and the ability to provide water to customers even in electrical emergencies.
The public may review and comment on the grant application prior to May 3, 2023. The application is posted online at www.BrazosCountyTx.gov.
Hard copies can be viewed in the Brazos County Auditor’s office at 200 South Texas Avenue, Suite 218, Bryan, TX 77803, Monday - Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, or at the Wickson Creek Special Utility District at 8770 East State Highway 21, Bryan, TX 77808, Monday - Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm.
This podcast contains comments from the April 4, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
A 14 member committee is on track to present recommendations about establishing a specialty criminal court in Brazos County for veterans and those with mental health issues.
Committee chairman Bentley Nettles told county commissioners during their April 4 meeting that he expects member reports in two weeks, followed by a final product on May 1.
Nettles says information that is being collected includes the operation of veterans courts in Montgomery, Bell, and Hays counties.
Nettles says state law provides four options...commissioners can do nothing, or provide specialty services in existing local courts, or establish the local specialty court, or participate in a regional court.
Caroline Ask, Solid Waste Division Manager, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about things that you should not be throwing out in your trash, truck fires, the upcoming Household Hazardous Waste and Computer Collection Event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about implementing Article 11, school vouchers, holes in the budget, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Ortegon and Amanda Kile with the Destination Bryan tourism office visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about April 2023 events in downtown Bryan.
Bea Saba, Director of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about a new late fine amnesty program, an upcoming 3D printing workshop, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Christian School headmaster Jeff McMaster and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos Christian School in west Bryan announces a $10 million dollar capital campaign.
The school’s board of trustees chairman, George Jacobus, and headmaster Jeff McMaster say construction will start following the end of the current school year on a new performing arts center, a new sports performance center, and additions to two academic buildings.
This will allow the school to add a class to each grade and grow its enrollment from 500 to between 600 and 650.
The school made the public announcement after campaign leaders received financial commitments of $6.5 million dollars.
News release from Brazos Christian School:
Brazos Christian School announced today the launch of a $10 million transformative capital campaign designed to expand upon its mission and shape future generations of Christian leaders who walk on its campus.
The multi-year campaign – themed “On The Rise” – will consist of four major construction projects aimed to allow Brazos Christian School to better educate and shape the entire student. The project plans to create: space for more classrooms in two existing buildings, advancing the school’s commitment to academic excellence; a new Performing Arts Center to provide bigger opportunities for growth in the arts, theater and music, bringing vibrancy to the campus and investing in the creative gifts of Brazos Christian School students, and a Sports Performance Center to equip athletes to be the best they can be, working as a team and learning how much they’re capable of. These projects will elevate the campus to accommodate more families and advance Brazos Christian School’s ability to serve them as well as the community.
George Jacobus, Chair of the Board at Brazos Christian School, and father of four students at the school, offered: “For over 40 years Brazos Christian has been serving students and families of the Bryan/College Station community. The “On The Rise” campaign will allow us to further the mission that God has called us to. With this new space we will be able to serve over 150 more students, add more elective options, add more fine arts programs and allow our athletes to train in great facilities. These are exciting days for Brazos Christian School!”
Brazos Christian School Headmaster Dr. Jeffrey McMaster added: “We are so excited to be taking the next steps in the mission of Brazos Christian School. We are committed to training, educating and equipping students to impact the world for Jesus, and intentionally seeking to educate the whole child in the process. This project therefore enables us to further not just our academic excellence, but also to greatly expand our fine arts capabilities as well as benefit the athletic success of our program.”
A group of parent volunteers and staff members have been hard at work behind the scenes for the last several months laying out the plans for the On The Rise Capital Campaign. When the school announced the campaign plan and goals to its “Family of Families” at a launch event in its gymnasium on Saturday, they also announced that they have already received financial commitments of $6.5 million to date. Wendee Binford, Head of Logic and Rhetoric Schools, stated “We are excited about the On The Rise Campaign! The new facilities will be a blessing to students, families, teachers, and staff for years to come. We are so grateful for everyone’s support.”
Brazos Christian School Athletic Director Brian Thrift noted: “We are so excited for this amazing commitment to build a new Sports Performance Center and weight room for our campus and our student-athletes. This project will be enjoyed by generations of BCS athletes to come. Our athletes will be able to train in state of the art facilities that will prepare them for the rigors of an athletic season.”
More information about the On The Rise Capital Campaign, including construction plans, conceptual renderings, student testimonials, and ways to get involved can be found at the On The Rise website. Additional questions can be directed to Clay Jackson, Director of Development, at clay.jackson@bcseagles.org.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Christian School's board of trustees chairman George Jacobus and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos Christian School in west Bryan announces a $10 million dollar capital campaign.
The school’s board of trustees chairman, George Jacobus, and headmaster Jeff McMaster say construction will start following the end of the current school year on a new performing arts center, a new sports performance center, and additions to two academic buildings.
This will allow the school to add a class to each grade and grow its enrollment from 500 to between 600 and 650.
The school made the public announcement after campaign leaders received financial commitments of $6.5 million dollars.
News release from Brazos Christian School:
Brazos Christian School announced today the launch of a $10 million transformative capital campaign designed to expand upon its mission and shape future generations of Christian leaders who walk on its campus.
The multi-year campaign – themed “On The Rise” – will consist of four major construction projects aimed to allow Brazos Christian School to better educate and shape the entire student. The project plans to create: space for more classrooms in two existing buildings, advancing the school’s commitment to academic excellence; a new Performing Arts Center to provide bigger opportunities for growth in the arts, theater and music, bringing vibrancy to the campus and investing in the creative gifts of Brazos Christian School students, and a Sports Performance Center to equip athletes to be the best they can be, working as a team and learning how much they’re capable of. These projects will elevate the campus to accommodate more families and advance Brazos Christian School’s ability to serve them as well as the community.
George Jacobus, Chair of the Board at Brazos Christian School, and father of four students at the school, offered: “For over 40 years Brazos Christian has been serving students and families of the Bryan/College Station community. The “On The Rise” campaign will allow us to further the mission that God has called us to. With this new space we will be able to serve over 150 more students, add more elective options, add more fine arts programs and allow our athletes to train in great facilities. These are exciting days for Brazos Christian School!”
Brazos Christian School Headmaster Dr. Jeffrey McMaster added: “We are so excited to be taking the next steps in the mission of Brazos Christian School. We are committed to training, educating and equipping students to impact the world for Jesus, and intentionally seeking to educate the whole child in the process. This project therefore enables us to further not just our academic excellence, but also to greatly expand our fine arts capabilities as well as benefit the athletic success of our program.”
A group of parent volunteers and staff members have been hard at work behind the scenes for the last several months laying out the plans for the On The Rise Capital Campaign. When the school announced the campaign plan and goals to its “Family of Families” at a launch event in its gymnasium on Saturday, they also announced that they have already received financial commitments of $6.5 million to date. Wendee Binford, Head of Logic and Rhetoric Schools, stated “We are excited about the On The Rise Campaign! The new facilities will be a blessing to students, families, teachers, and staff for years to come. We are so grateful for everyone’s support.”
Brazos Christian School Athletic Director Brian Thrift noted: “We are so excited for this amazing commitment to build a new Sports Performance Center and weight room for our campus and our student-athletes. This project will be enjoyed by generations of BCS athletes to come. Our athletes will be able to train in state of the art facilities that will prepare them for the rigors of an athletic season.”
More information about the On The Rise Capital Campaign, including construction plans, conceptual renderings, student testimonials, and ways to get involved can be found at the On The Rise website. Additional questions can be directed to Clay Jackson, Director of Development, at clay.jackson@bcseagles.org.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about scary hours, off campus student housing, hiring and retaining public safety positions, the mutual aid agreement with Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 3, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members follow through on their declaration last week,to pass a resolution during Monday's meeting calling on state lawmakers to not penalize districts for newly implemented tests and accountability standards.
That was part of a resolution that was unanimously adopted.
Board president Julie Harlin invited the entire board to join her in Austin April 28 to present the resolution to state officials.
Board member Ruthie Waller asked central office administrators to inform BISD teachers, adding that not many districts are taking this action.
Click HERE to read and download a copy of the resolution that is shown in the featured image.
This podcast is a visit recorded April 3, 2023 with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss, the director of UWBV partner agency B/CS Prenatal Clinic Lynn Clay Yeager, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell at the Texas department of transportation Bryan district office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Texas department of transportation (TxDOT) invites you to submit your ideas for long range transportation projects.
Bob Colwell at the TxDOT district office in Bryan says that can be done during an open house Tuesday (April 4, 2023) from 5:30 until 7 p.m.
Colwell says suggestions are not limited to highways, but can also include other transportation modes such as walking, bicycling, trolleys, trains, and aircraft.
While the meeting is in Bryan, Colwell says any Texas resident is invited to participate.
In addition to Tuesday's in-person gathering, Colwell says suggestions can be submitted online at connectingtexas2050.com.
News release from the TxDOT Bryan district office:
The Texas Department of Transportation is planning for the future, and public input is crucial as the agency looks to meet the transportation needs of tomorrow.
On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, TxDOT is hosting an open house at Legends Event Center, Banquet Hall, 2533 Midtown Park Blvd., Bryan, Texas 77801 for Connecting Texas 2050, TxDOT’s statewide long-range transportation plan.
With unprecedented population growth, increasing demands on our transportation system, and technological innovations reimagining how we move,
TxDOT wants public input as the agency looks toward 2050.No matter where you work, live, or how you get around, this plan impacts everyone in Texas.
That’s why TxDOT wants to hear from all Texans to help establish the vision, objectives, performance measures, and strategic recommendations for the state’s transportation system through 2050 for all modes.
Comments can be submitted at each open house, online, or by mail. More information can be found here.
Comments must be postmarked or received by Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
The virtual public meeting and in-person open houses will be conducted in English, with Spanish-language materials available online and in-person.
If you need special accommodations, please leave a message at 512-271-2025 at least three working days prior to the in-person open house you wish to attend.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD's assistant director of safety and security Rich Himmel and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Only Bryan ISD school board members and some administrators know the level of safety and security in district buildings.
No information or statements were presented before or after the board during their March 27, 2023 meeting approved an audit report that is required by the Texas Education Code to be conducted every three years.
WTAW News request for a copy of the audit report was denied.
Bryan ISD's assistant director of safety and security Rich Himmel told WTAW News "that we are very happy with the information, the feedback that we get from the state (about the audit). And they are very happy with us."
When asked for specifics about the audit, Himmel said "those results are exempted (from) disclosure to the public. And that's what I can tell you."
WTAW News was told by a representative of the Texas Association of Broadcasters that school districts can decide whether or not to release this report.
Click HERE to read and download the Texas education code Section 37.108, where the safety and security audit is included in the district's "multihazard emergency operations plan".
Meantime, surprise security inspections continue at school district buildings around the state.
In Bryan ISD, officials reported two incidents from inspections last fall. At one unidentified location, an exterior door located behind a locked fence did not close properly. At at second unidentified location, an interior door was not closed and locked. That was something that is not required by the state but is required by the district.
Since then, Himmel said there have been an undisclosed number of surprise inspections. When asked for details, Himmel said "We have been happy with the results" and "there have not been any unpleasant surprises."
Himmel joined Bryan ISD in November 2022 after four years supervising security officers at the Bush Library and before that spending 27 years in southern California with the Orange County sheriff's department.
Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about water tower facts, keeping the towers full, watering season, irrigation checkups, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about property taxes, the proposed budget, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the proposed budget, teacher payments, lobbyists, higher education, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Lacey Lively, Communications and Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about an upcoming public meeting about the Flood Mitigation Plan, a future online survey, the Blue Bunny event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners decide to change the location of its future medical examiner's office.
This is after commissioners approved the purchase of undeveloped land from St. Joseph Regional Health that is located near the St. Joseph hospital in Bryan.
The location of the 11 acre plot is on 29th Street between Broadmoor and Briarcrest.
County judge Duane Peters says the original location, near the Texas A&M's health science center, was a bit small and contained ravines that were too expensive to fill.
Peters was also concerned that time would run out to spend federal pandemic grant money to build the examiner's office.
Peters still plans to reach an agreement with A&M to run the medical examiner's office and train medical students.
Commissioners will take money from the county's contingency fund to pay for the $1.8 dollar purchase, which Peters says was the value from a recent appraisal by St. Joseph's.
Commissioners approved the purchase on a 4-0 vote. Chuck Konderla abstained because he is an employee of the St. Joseph Foundation.
The Brazos Central Appraisal District listed the 2922 value of the property at $1,450,548 dollars. That is after the appraisal district listed the value for ten years, between 2012 and 2021, at around $942,000 dollars.
Click HERE to read and download valuation and other information from the Brazos Central Appraisal District.
Click HERE to read and download the sales agreement that was approved during the March 28, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a bill being introduced by Senator Charles Schwertner, a new sewer line project, the state infringing on city's rights, progress on the mutual aid agreement with College Station, and more during his visit on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 27, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members learn about changes from the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that apply to all public schools around the state.
The opinion after a 30 minute update and discussion at Monday night's meeting...quoting multiple board members..."Anybody have Tums? Rolaids? After that TEA update. Horrible."
Associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra says students are preparing to take new STAAR and end of course exams, where the TEA has not provided how they will grade the results...and the final results won't be known until the start of the next school year.
Ybarra also brought up TEA's plans to change how school districts and campuses are graded...again, something that the state has not shared with school districts.
Ybarra found small print from the TEA that said "It is possible that a campus with an A in 2022 may improved in 2023, and yet receive a B rating."
BISD board president Julie Harlin pointed the finger at the governor, who hires the TEA commissioner.
Harlin said the TEA changes are part of the continuing effort to "redirect money away from public schools to a private school that has no accountability" with TEA.
Board member David Stasny suggested in jest that "I think we have the perfect solution. Let's just convert ourselves to a private school and we're good."
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the March 27, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Comments at Monday night's Bryan ISD board meeting follow observations that were made the week before during a meeting of the Brazos County intergovernmental committee meeting.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Peggi Goss, the director of UWBV partner agency Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley Patricia Lindblom, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about getting information about the withdrawal from Afghanistan, why it is important, last week's drone attack, weapons in Belarus, the situation in Taiwan, TikTok, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Gary Mechler, Director of Water Services, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the City of College Station's new water tower.
This podcast contains comments from the March 21, 2023 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members approve spending almost $74,000 dollars from the 2015 bond issue towards a project requested by the athletic booster club at College Station High School.
The Cougar Club is combining the bond money with more than $107,000 dollars collected in fundraising towards the construction of covered batting cages for the CSHS baseball and softball teams.Before the 6-1 vote,
CSISD chief financial officer Amy Drozd presented the history of the Cougar Club request, which was initially made in November of 2020.Before Drozd began her presentation, the president of the Consolidated High School athletic booster club,
Tracy Melder of the Tiger Club asked CSISD school board members for a similar matching opportunity.After Drozd finished her presentation, came questions from CSISD board members about the process for considering requests from booster clubs to receive school district money.
Drozd said future booster club requests for school district money will go to campus coordinators.
Drozd also said 2015 bond money was spent last year on athletic projects at Consolidated, involving repairs at Tiger Field, the athletic fieldhouse, and softball dugouts.
She also said that Consolidate has covered batting cages.
CSISD board members were told there is about $42,000 dollars in the 2015 bond fund that is available for other qualifying projects.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the joint funding of covered batting cages at College Station High School.
Click below to hear comments from the March 21, 2023 CSISD board meeting.
College Station Police Officer David Simmons visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Easter celebration and gave an update on Friday morning's fatality crash during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the proposed budget, what needs to be taken care of, updates from his committee assignments, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Councilman Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what he looks at differently as a councilman than a citizen, his priorities, his position on the intergovernmental council, Bryan's growth and development, College Station's sewer line project in south Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his attempts to get the legislative session started sooner, school vouchers, property tax legislation, relief for non-property owners, sales tax, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Listen to remarks from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden Veterans Memorial at Veterans Park on Wednesday morning.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about the annual audit report, issues regarding the Northgate district, public private partnerships, the automatic aid relationship with Bryan, the sewer line project in south Bryan, middle housing zoning, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 9, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Public comments during the March 9 College Station city council meeting included a request to decriminalize the possession of misdemeanor amounts of marijuana.
A presentation was made by a representative of a Texas A&M student group "Students for Sensible Drug Policy". Will Leskowitz said the organization "neither condone nor condemn drug use. But we want to simply educate people and bring change to what we believe are harmful drug laws and instead replace them with empathetic and humane evidence based policies."
Leskowitz asked the council to consider what is done in Austin, which he says would end citations and arrests for misdemeanor levels of possession in College Station. If there is probable cause, the substance can be seized, and a drug paraphernalia charge would not be issued in lieu of a possession of marijuana charge. Additionally, Leskowitz asked that no city funds or personnel should be used to conduct THC concentration testing.
Leskowitz also said they had local endorsements. Two said that was not correct.
Texas A&M student body president Case Harris told the city council that student government does not support decriminalization.
And College Station municipal judge Ed Spillane gave WTAW News the following statement: "I did not say that at all. I met with the group at the urging of (now retired) council member (John) Crompton. I told them I did not have jurisdiction over marijuana cases and as a judge cannot take any position over laws concerning marijuana. I also let them know that the laws concerning marijuana are state laws versus local council ordinances. That is all. The statement by that individual attributed to me is one hundred percent incorrect and never said by me. As a judge it is unethical for me to take a stand on criminalization etc. of certain laws since I oversee criminal cases and a judge can’t have an appearance of bias either way. It’s a shame someone would state something like that."
Also asking the council to decriminalize marijuana was a fourth generation College Station resident. Tre Watson said "for officers, they could actually focus on true crime in College Station like thefts, sexual assault, and gun violence, which are all more extreme problems than anyone smoking marijuana."
By state law, the College Station city council could not respond to the request for decriminalizing marijuana, because that was not a part of the meeting agenda.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Topics include ticket sales for the "Fight To Unite" fundraiser on April 14, non-profit agencies invited to apply for grants from UWBV's Youth Leadership Cabinet and to be placed on the state employees charitable campaign list this fall, and a reminder to donate children's books for future distribution.
This podcast is a visit with the Brazos County Public Defender Office chief defender Nathan Wood and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Those who are accused of crimes in Brazos County courts and can not pay for a lawyer will now be represented by the new public defenders office.
Chief defender Nathan Wood leads what will initially be a staff of six attorneys and four other employees.
Wood says the office was created following an increase in the number of criminal cases involving those who can't pay for representation while at the same time there was a decrease in the number of qualified attorneys.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell and Communications Director Colin Killian visit with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about working with new council members, upcoming city events and groundbreakings, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Gary Miller, General Manager, visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about the construction of a new administration office, the current legislative session, reliability, vegetation management, false partnerships with solar companies, solar incentives, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 9, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Texas A&M's vice president for student affairs (VPSA) asks the College Station city council for an amnesty period to stop fining students who violate the rental housing ordinance by having more than four unrelated occupants.
Joe Ramirez says most incoming freshman for next fall have already signed leases, and are unaware of the city ordinance.
Ramirez told the council that he became aware of the ordinance after hearing from students who had been fined.
Councilman William Wright said this is a "pervasive" problem. Wright shared conversations he overheard involving students who believe they can have as many roommates as they want.
A&M's student body president, Case Harris, estimated "90 percent or above" of students are holding what councilman Bob Yancy described was "a bona fide lease from the investor/owner".
The VPSA also announced that the university is bring back an office for students to learn more about off-campus student housing.
Ramirez says next year's freshman class at A&M will be another record of between 13,000 and 14,000.
Congressman Michael McCaul of Austin (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about opening his flagship office in Century Square, testimony about the withdrawal from Afghanistan, China's actions and relationships with other countries, Taiwan, economic development in Texas, the Russian jet and United States drone situation, bank failures, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the fire department operating agreement with the City of College Station, the possibility of another parking facility in Downtown Bryan, charging stations, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 9, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
An expansion of the George H.W. Bush Library and Museum was presented during the last College Station city council meeting.
The CEO of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, Max Angerholzer, said the project is on schedule to open in June of 2024, following the centennial of the birth of the 41st president.
The size of the addition, which Angerholzer compared to the Kyle Field Hall of Champions, will include the Union Pacific locomotive No. 4141 and a retired Marine One helicopter used by Bush.
The building, which will serve as a gateway to the current museum and library, can host 1,500 people for an event.
There will be no admission charge, and the new building will be available for private functions.
Click HERE to read and download images of the expansion project, provided by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, during the March 9, 2023 College Station city council meeting.
Peggi Goss, President/CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Jeannie Mansill from Project Unity visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
Bryan Councilman James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about working with TxDOT on the raised median project, the history of raised medians in the city, alternate options, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jeff Kersten, Chief Financial Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the pandemic's impact, current challenges, how capital projects are paid for, inflation, revenue projections, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Lacey Lively, Communications & Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming meetings, swim lessons, job opportunities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the president of the College Station region of Baylor Scott & White Health, Jason Jennings, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The image associated with this podcast, courtesy of Baylor Scott & White Health (BSW), is the architect's rendering of the second medical office building coming to the BSW College Station hospital campus.
Baylor Scott & White Health (BSW) announces an additional investment of more than $90 million dollars in College Station.
Region president Jason Jennings says that includes a $6.5 million dollar medical clinic and wellness center in the MIdtown district south of the College Station hospital.
A second medical office building by the College Station hospital will include a clinic, a sleep center, therapy services, lab and future growth, along with an ambulatory surgical center. Jennings says that is scheduled to open in the winter of 2025.
The College Station hospital's emergency room is adding 8,000 square feet, resulting in ten more examination rooms, two new trauma bays, and a new private treatment room. Jennings says that reflects the growth in the number of ER patients from 20,000 to 24,000 when the hospital opened to 40,000 a year.
Construction is underway of a new BSW clinic across Wellborn Road from Wellborn Middle School, which Jennings says will open later this year.
BSW is also adding a new nuclear medicine scanner at the College Station hospital, replacing a CT scanner at the College Station hospital which offers newer technology to capture better quality images with reduced motion, and replacing the MRI machine at the clinic on University Drive.
Not taking into account the additions, Baylor Scott and White's College Station region, which includes the Brenham hospital and 15 clinics, employs more than 2,100.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative action in Austin, road construction and development around the city, the impact of student housing, high rises in the Northgate district, middle housing rezoning, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 6, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The city of Bryan has issued permits to Bryan ISD for building the district's new auxiliary services center.
But the permits required building a road the city wants, ahead of the school district's schedule.
That led to Monday's unanimous vote to add to the construction contract to build a road that board president Julie Harlin and member David Stasny says for now, will go to nowhere.
Board members learned they will save money building the quarter mile road now for $1.3 million dollars.
The estimate for building the road later, which would require bringing back construction equipment and people, was estimated at $2.2 million.
Board members also learned there is $3.5 million in contingency and $1.7 million interest income from the 2020 bond fund to pay for the road.
Harlin said she "appreciate that the city has met with us multiple times" "to try and figure out the way forward. And I am happy and thankful to the city that we now have permits to do utilities. That was something we did not have until recently".
United Way of the Brazos Valley development manager Kate Clair and the director of UWBV partner agency NAMI-Brazos Valley (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Jody Schulz visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the March 2, 2023 special meeting of the Bryan city council.
The Bryan city council offers to pay the city of College Station some of the cost of CSFD ambulances crossing city limits.
That proposal in on the agenda for Thursday's College Station city council meeting.
College Station staff is recommending what the agenda says is "continued collaboration and negotiation".
The Bryan council is offering to pay College Station $240 dollars per hour when College Station ambulances cross the city limits.
Next Monday (March 13) begins a termination notice for automatic response to all ambulance and fire calls. The College Station city council made that decision last November and was followed by a notice the city manager sent to the Bryan city council in January.
Click HERE to read and download background information that is part of the agenda for the March 9, 2023 College Station city council meeting, which includes the proposed agreement from the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the March 2, 2023 special meeting of the Bryan city council.
Here is a news release from the city of College Station following the March 2, 2023 Bryan city council meeting:
“About two years ago, the College Station Fire Department identified the need for an additional ambulance to handle our increased call volume. We sometimes did not have enough ambulances available to respond to calls. Before asking College Station taxpayers to fund another ambulance, we sought to ensure we operated as efficiently as possible.For several years, we’ve responded to EMS calls in the City of Bryan disproportionate to the times their personnel respond in College Station. Over a year and a half ago, the cities’ fire departments and city management began working on strategies to reduce the call volume discrepancy. While we’ve found ways to reduce the imbalance, in 2022, we still responded to EMS calls in Bryan (432) nearly four times more often than they responded in College Station (117). We continue to work in good faith with the City of Bryan to close that significant gap.The increasing demands in our community and the call responses to our sister city have created the need for CSFD to put another ambulance into service, costing College Station taxpayers about $1.4 million, which includes roughly $850,000 in recurring annual expenses.The City of College Station is reviewing the City of Bryan’s proposed agreement we received on Tuesday. We remain committed to the health and safety of citizens of both communities and will continue to work with the City of Bryan to devise a fair and equitable plan to “true-up” the cost each year. Our city council will discuss the proposed agreement at its March 9 meeting."
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Transit District vice president Jo Marlow and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A late January meeting between Brazos Transit District (BTD) leaders and Bryan's mayor led to the district's application for a federal grant to fund a nearly $25 million dollar parking garage in Midtown Park.
BTD vice president Jo Marlow tells WTAW News there are multiple components to the proposed project at South College and Rountree.
In addition to parking an estimated 1,000 vehicles, the facility would host a trolley service to take passengers between downtown Bryan and College Station's Northgate district. That would be a throwback to the former Interurban trolley between Bryan and the Texas A&M campus that ended in 1923.
Marlow says the facility would provide charging stations, have access to bicycles and electric scooters, and have a retail component that was also sought by the city.
The grant application followed BTD receiving two acres of land the city council controlled Bryan commerce and development board. There is no additional local contribution in the grant application, which was not required to be considered for this specific federal program.
Diana Clendenin, Senior HR Consultant, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about an upcoming city job fair, opportunities and openings, hiring and retention, attracting new employees, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Speaker's property tax proposal, his take on property taxes, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about March First Friday activities in downtown Bryan...which includes the Bryan ISD showcase and the return of a roller skating area...and a preview of the Pints and Paws event on March 26.
Gwynne Shillings, Special Events and Marketing at the City of Bryan, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about an upcoming dance, Blue Bunny, job opportunities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about their timeline, legislation he has filed, the Texas school system, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M students at the February 28, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting, followed by a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The week after Brazos County commissioners create a committee to study future locations of voting centers, they hear from four Texas A&M students who want the memorial student center returned on a permanent basis.
Two students said but did not provide statistics to show how moving the site of early voting for last November's general election from the MSC to College Station city hall reduced turnout on election day.
Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock told WTAW News you can not compare turnout in one election cycle with another.
All four students brought up the lack of transportation preventing students from leaving campus to go to College Station city hall during last November's early voting.
Hancock told WTAW News that there were not as many students as expected who took advantage of a free shuttle bus between campus and city hall during early voting.
The students were not told that there is a committee to study future voting center locations, where members includes a representative of Texas A&M student affairs.
Hancock, who is on the committee, said they will have recommendations this summer, before election judges are appointed this summer for this fall's election.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and a board member of UWBV partner agency Texas Ramp Project Roy Harrington visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver on February 27, 2023.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M chief operating officer Greg Hartman and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded February 23, 2023.
The city of College Station's plans to build a new sewer line through a south Bryan neighborhood, and the opposition to that project, is being followed by Texas A&M officials.
Chief operating officer Greg Hartman tells WTAW News that the university is not going to get directly involved in the debate involving the route of the sewer line that could impact the Beverley Estates neighborhood.
As A&M continues its study about the future redevelopment of the Hensel Park area west of Beverley Estates, Hartman says the future of a sewer lift station owned by College Station on land owned by the university has not come up yet.
Hartman expects to receive recommendations on redeveloping Hensel Park this summer.
Congressman Michael McCaul of Austin (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the war in Ukraine, improving their air game, China's involvement, how the United States' stockpile has been impacted, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the progress of the new water tower near Rock Prairie Road, what her group is currently working on, what goes on behind the scenes of project planning, the timeline of the new fire station, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 21, 2023 College Station ISD school board meeting.
There is a waiting list of 484 College Station ISD elementary students to get into the district's Kids Klub after school program.
CSISD school board members were told during their February meeting by community education director Chad Gardner that Kids Klub needs to fill 40 vacant positions that can work a full shift between 2:45 until 6:15.
Gardner says staffing has capped enrollment at 758. With full staffing, Kids Klub has room for more than 1,800 students throughout CSISD's 13 elementary campuses.
Gardner listed 14 ways he has attempted to recruit new employees.
Between the January and February CSISD board meetings, Gardner said he hired seven people and lost five.
Gardner also said they are among the victims of the so-called "gig" economy...where their college-aged employees move to higher paying jobs.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the February 21, 2023 CSISD school board meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Kole Taylor and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded February 23, 2023.
Bryan police arrest five local men after watching the comings and goings of people at a home between the city cemetery and Mount Calvary cemetery.
BPD's tactical response team and multiple other officers were involved in Wednesday's apprehension of the men and the search of five vehicles and a home on Paris Street, which is off Waco and south of Old Kurten.
According to BPD arrest reports, officers found seven guns and between one and seven ounces of marijuana, illegal mushrooms, and crack and powder cocaine.
Four of the five men were charged with evading arrest. And three of them were charged with unlawful possession of a weapon.
All five are known to local authorities. According to online records, the group has a combined 55 bookings in the Brazos County jail.
20 year old Martrevious Gafford of College Station was charged with manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and evading arrest. This is Gafford's sixth jail booking since April of 2020.
20 year old Jaylon Walter of College Station was charged with evading arrest. This is Walter's fourth jail booking since June of 2022.
29 year old Deiontre Washington of Bryan was charged with manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a weapon, and evading arrest. This is Washington's 11th jail booking since July of 2012.
30 year old Riheim Phillips of Bryan was charged with manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of a weapon. This is Phillips's 22nd jail booking since February of 2013.
30 year old Malcolm Richmond of Bryan was arrested with manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a firearm, and evading arrest with prior convictions. This is Richmond's 12th jail booking since February of 2014.
Councilman Paul Torres visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background, how he looks at the city differently as a councilman, his plans to increase citizen engagement in his district, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 21, 2023 College Station and Bryan ISD school board meetings.
A common subject at Tuesday's school board meetings in College Station and Bryan was future facilities needs.
In College Station ISD, the board is considering another bond issue. CSISD members heard an overview of the work done by a facilities consultant since last September.
Then the CSISD board agreed to form a committee that will recommend what voters will be asked in a future bond issue.
Consultant Melissa Fleming brought up that their work was part of a requirement the Texas Education Agency (TEA) began in November 2021.
The TEA requirement also involves the board committee, whose members are expected to be named in March.
Click HERE to be directed to seven reports compiled by the College Station ISD consultant.
In Bryan ISD, board members are still working on projects approved by voters in a $175 million dollar bond issue in November 2020.
The BISD board agreed on Tuesday to negotiate a contract with the architect that designed the original projects to do a facilities study where remaining work will take place.
The new assessment covers Bryan High, Stephen F. Austin and Davila Middle schools, BISD's career and technical education (CTE) facilities, and Merrill Green Stadium.
Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw said "it came to light that there some areas that we really needed a little bit more information on before we felt like we were ready to move forward".
Beesaw said the original assessment of Bryan High "not really going to fix the real issues, and some of them would just create more issues".
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine added that the new CTE assessment was sought by an advisory council that also represents community members, business and industry partners, Texas A&M, and Blinn.
Beesaw also answered a question from newly elected board member Leo Gonzalez about negotiating a competitive price for the assessment.
There were no presentation materials during the Bryan ISD board meeting and no additional information was posted on the BISD website.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about discussions at the recent council retreat, what is coming out of Austin, working with College Station ISD, this week's council meeting, Amazon drone deliveries, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and the director of UWBV partner agency American Red Cross Jennifer Young visits with WTAW’s Chelsea Reber.
This podcast contains comments from the February 13, 2023 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate.
Texas A&M faculty members and administrators responds to the governor's call to end hiring practices at all state agencies based on diversity, equity, and inclusion policies.
Interim provost Alan Sams told those attending February's A&M faculty senate meeting that the university's vice president for faculty affairs is directing future search committees to not require diversity statements from applicants.
Dr. Sams says diversity statements were not used to screen a faculty applicant's race or gender. They were used to assess an applicant's philosophy of welcoming inclusiveness.
Sams says the challenge is to come up with another way to show that A&M is a welcoming and inclusive place to live and work and learn.
Other speakers during the discussion included A&M's vice president for faculty affairs Dr. N.K. Anand, vice president and associate provost for diversity Dr. Annie McGowan, and faculty senate speaker-elect Dr. Tracy Hammond.
Councilman William Wright visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background, how he views the city differently on council, being the youngest councilmember, price of homes, his committee assignments, what he would like to see in Austin, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Governor Abbott's state of the state address, property taxes, bail reform, water infrastructure, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Governor Abbott's state of the state address, school safety, drugs at the border, school choice, raised medians, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments form the February 13, 2023 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate.
Monday's meeting of Texas A&M's faculty senate included questions about search committees for provost and dean of the engineering college.
Faculty senate speaker Dale Rice said faculty make up about one-third of the 29 member dean's search committee because this is also a system vice chancellor position. Rice said he has asked the chancellor if more faculty members could be added.
As for the provost search committee, Rice said he would not have accepted the role as co-chairman if he had any doubts about the integrity of the search.
A&M has been without a permanent provost...the university's chief academic officer...since January of 2021.
A&M has been without a permanent dean of the engineering college since Katherine Banks was promoted to president in June of 2021.
Jamie Cox, General Manager of Legends Event Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last weekend's volleyball tournament, how to improve future events, upcoming events on the calendar, open gym times, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last night's Lyle Lovett concert, TxDOT's raised median project down Texas Avenue, last weekend's volleyball tournament at Legends Event Center, College Station's sewer project near Rosemary Drive, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from a Texas A&M system board of regents workshop discussion on February 8, 2023.
The Texas A&M system board of regents plans to take final action in May on a six point plan addressing college affordability.
One of the six points is the cost of on-campus dining.
During a workshop discussion in College Station on February 8, regents Cliff Thomas of Victoria and Jay Graham of Houston were surprised at the price for a slice of pizza on an unidentified campus.
Vice chancellor of academic affairs James Hallmark brought up obstacles on what students are charged for meal plans and ala carte service.
Dr. Hallmark also said that they are not trying to criticize any of the privately owned food service providers who have contracts with system universities.
Hallmark also responded to a concern from regent Bill Mahomes of Dallas that a lower cost option will not reflect negatively on those students.
During the discussion, Hallmark said he was directed by the chancellor to serve on a committee that is negotiating a new contract to provide food service on the flagship campus.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley interim president Peggi Goss, the director of UWBV partner agency Adult and Teen Challenge Jonathan Mitchell, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with the director of the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus, Kelly Templin, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The former military air field in west Bryan that is now the RELLIS campus has been a bomb testing location for 40 years.
But it's been this month that RELLIS director Kelly Templin has received for the first time, inquiries about explosions.
Templin says recent explosions, which were scheduled to end Friday (February 10, 2023), involved is bomb technician training.
Templin says the bomb testing will move soon to a former quarry pit south of the RELLIS campus.
Templin believes the inquiries he and the media have been receiving is due to increased development near the campus, which opened as a military base during World War II.
Jeff Capps, Deputy City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent police and fire department presentations, catalytic converter thefts, the recent police involved shooting, progress of the Rock Prairie water tower, the sewer line project in Beverly Estates, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his committee assignments, the Speaker of the House, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his committee assignments, legislation he has filed, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Fire Department Chief Richard Giusti visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Super Bowl party safety, fire safety preparation, Burn Awareness Week, a new health and wellness initiative for the department, his goals for the department, their relationship with College Station's fire department, planning for a new fire station, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the Bryan Fire Department's new health and wellness initiative as approved during the February 7, 2023 city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the contract for BFD's new health and wellness initiative.
This podcast is the news conference held by College Station police chief Billy Couch on February 8, 2023.
College Station police officers were shot at while attempting to serve a search warrant Wednesday morning.
Police chief Billy Couch said one officer returned fire at a man who fired a shotgun.
The man with the shotgun was killed.
Couch said the gunfire took place inside a duplex on Spring Loop.
There were no injuries to any of the CSPD officers or to three other occupants inside the duplex.
The chief says this was one of an undisclosed number of locations were search warrants were being served as part of what he said was a "complex investigation". No other information was provided about the nature of the investigation.
Spring Loop near the Texas A&M system building was blocked to traffic between 6 and 10 a.m.
Couch says the Texas Rangers are investigating.
Ellen Fuller, Co-Chair of TWTH Aggieland, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about The Wall That Heals traveling exhibit coming to College Station in April.
United Way of the Brazos Valley interim president previews an upcoming telethon with WTAW's Bill Oliver during the agency's update on February 6, 2023.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a sewer line project near the border of Bryan and College Station, the Northgate district, a new sign in front of city hall, soliciting in the city, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 6, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
There are new snags between the Bryan ISD school district and the city of Bryan regarding the construction of BISD's new auxiliary services center in west Bryan.
BISD officials told the city council and the planning and zoning commission last year that among the reasons for not building the complex farther away from the intersection of Leonard Road and Harvey Mitchell Parkway, is the $2.2 million dollar cost of extending Viva Road.
Now, the city is requiring BISD to agree to build the road extension.
The city's proposed agreement requires BISD to reserve the right of way, but defers the start of construction to whenever the city determines the road is needed.
When that happens, BISD would have two years to build the road.
The city's proposed agreement was on the agenda for Monday's BISD board meeting.
The board did not bring up that agreement following a 90 minute executive session.
Instead, a motion was approved supporting unidentified recommendations from their lawyer regarding an undisclosed agenda item that will be brought up at their next meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the city of Bryan's proposed interlocal agreement with Bryan ISD.
In addition to the city's proposed agreement, is the participation in this issue of the Bryan ISD's newest board member.
Leo Gonzalez also chairs the Bryan planning and zoning commission. And Gonzalez voted against BISD's rezoning request for the auxiliary services center.
Gonzalez was not part of Monday's BISD board executive session. That followed an exchange with board president Julie Harlin, who cited an opinion from the Texas attorney general's office.
Dr. Harlin also said that the city of Bryan might not issue permits for the project.
A city of Bryan spokeswoman tells WTAW News that no permits have been denied and no permits have been issued. That is because the city has received incomplete plans from Bryan ISD that are currently being reviewed.
Congressman Michael McCaul of Austin (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Chinese surveillance balloon, President Biden's State of the Union Address, relations with Taiwan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
The Infomaniacs, WTAW's morning show, discussed a recent article from Gizmodo citing Amazon's drone delivery service made less than 10 home deliveries in a month. Listeners called and texted the show with their personal Amazon Prime Air experiences.
Morayo Suara, Brazos Valley Food Bank Health Promotions Manager, and Shannon Avila, Programs Director, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about emergency SNAP benefits ending at the end of February, how that will impact the Brazos Valley Food Bank, and how it will impact SNAP recipients.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Texas agriculture commissioner issued a news release calling on property tax collecting entities to waive penalties and interest for those who were not able to make payments by Tuesday's deadline.
Sid Miller made the request due to the current winter storm.
Click HERE to be directed to the Texas agriculture commissioner's news release.
Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe says that requires legislative action.
Miller's news release stated that any taxing entity that refused to waive penalties and interest for 30 days would result in his asking the governor to add this an emergency item for immediate action in the legislature. Roe says if that happens, she hopes county officials will be at the table.
In Brazos County, the January 31 deadline applied to those making payments in full instead of taking the option of making split payments.
This podcast is a visit with Wes Rapaport of the Texas division of emergency management and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
State officials want to know about your storm damage.
Wes Rapaport at the Texas division of emergency management says a website has been set up to submit information and photos of damage to homes and businesses.
Rapaport says survey information helps identify immediate needs for resources.
The state survey is in addition to filing insurance claims.
The website is https://damage.tdem.texas.gov/
Casey Prescott, Athletics Supervisor for College Station Parks and Recreation, visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about upcoming spring sports leagues for adults and youth during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Ortegon with the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the schedule for the February 2023 "First Friday" in downtown Bryan and how to participate in future First Friday events.
Bea Saba, Director of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about a new partnership with the Harris County Public Library System, an upcoming event celebrating Black History Month, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is the presentation by Bill Flores at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on January 25, 2023.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials.
Retired congressman Bill Flores of Bryan, who is a former energy company executive and the current vice chairman of the ERCOT electric grid board, reviewed the grid's performance during the winter storm that took place before Christmas.
Flores presentation, titled “Energy, Power, & Economic Opportunity”, included the differences between state and federal policymakers and ERCOT's role in managing the electric grid for most of Texas.
This podcast is a recording of the presentation from Texas A&M Real Estate Center economist Jim Gaines during the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on January 25, 2022.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about the winter storm, development near the Bryan-College Station city line and in the Northgate district, working with College Station, the reopening of the Phillips Event Center, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 31, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners unanimously approve creating a committee to study whether to form specialty criminal courts for veterans and/or those with mental health issues.
The 12 member committee also includes two students from Texas A&M's veterans resource center, members of the local American Legion and VFW posts, someone from the local VA clinic, and representatives from six county departments...one from the health district, another representing trial judges, and members from the district attorney, county attorney, public defender, and probation offices.
The committee, created by county judge Duane Peters, is chaired by retired general Bentley Nettles of Bryan...who is an attorney who currently chairs the BTU board of directors and previously served as the director of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
Click HERE to read the resolution that was approved by Brazos County commissioners.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley interim president Peggi Goss, the director of UWBV partner agency BV-CASA Tiger Burton, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD's auxiliary services director Ron Clary and WTAW's Bill Oliver on January 27, 2023.
The state agency in charge of inspecting school districts for building security following the mass shooting in Uvalde has published its inspection report for last fall's semester.
In Bryan ISD, there was one issue during five inspections last fall by the Texas school safety center.
Click HERE to read and download the Texas school safety center statewide report for the fall 2022 semester.
Auxiliary services director Ron Clary, whose responsibilities include building security, told WTAW News that an exterior door located behind a locked fence did not close properly.
A second incident that Clary reported to the BISD board last fall, was an interior door that was not closed and locked...something that is not required by the state but is required by the district.
Clary also reviewed the other components of the state inspections and the equipment and training BISD employees receive.
Patrick McIntyre, College Station Utilities Electric Energy Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about changing air filters, insulation levels, wintertime maintenance, the council's decision to use one electric rate throughout the entire year, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about action in Austin, committees he wants to serve on, water, electric reliability, growth in rural areas, accomplishing things beyond the budget, education, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is the presentation by the executive director of the B/CS metropolitan planning organziation, Dan Rudge, at the B/CS chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on January 25, 2023.
An update on highway projects around Brazos County was part of this week's Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference.
The executive director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization, Dan Rudge, said there $500 million dollars of projects taking place in the next five years.
Rudge said another $1 to $2 billion would fix everything.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials.
The update included the weather-delayed widening of FM 2818 from north of FM 60 to Wellborn Road, construction that recently began on William Joel Bryan Parkway from Texas Avenue to the Bryan post office, and changes starting on Texas Avenue from Highway 21 to University Drive.
Future projects includes widening of Rudder Freeway (Highway 6), which Rudge said includes a diverging diamond interchange at University and changing the exit for northbound traffic in College Station exiting at Texas from the left side to the right side of the freeway.
Another future project is an interchange at Wellborn Road and George Bush Drive, which Rudge says has increased in price from $69 million dollars four years ago to a current estimate of $103 million.
This podcast is the presentation by Texas A&M senior vice president and chief external affairs officer Susan Ballabina at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on January 25, 2023.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials.
A record number of attendees at the chamber of commerce economic outlook conference received an update on new projects and programs that are taking place at Texas A&M.
Senior vice president and chief external affairs officer Susan Ballabina said a decision has not been made where to locate a future performing arts center.
Dr. Ballabina also said west campus is being transformed into what she described as a “cultural corridor” for destination tourism. That includes a new museum by the Bush Library and Museum that "tells the story of impact of Texas A&M", phase two of the Leach teaching gardens, and the upcoming Aplin Center...a $50 million dollar project funded by the founder of the Buc-ee's store chain that Ballabina says will be open to the public.
Ballabina said she and vice president for student affairs Joe Ramirez recently met with city of College Station representatives on "how we maximize the opportunities" and "minimize the challenges" of nearly 68,000 students in regards to off campus housing.
As for enrollment growth, Ballabina said A&M is "consistently we're seeing a little uptick of growth, about 1.5 percent each year. But that's because more and more students are saying yes, and we're happy about that. So again, we want to embrace that and look for ways that that benefits the Brazos Valley".
And Ballabina has opened an office that helps those who want to host a function on the A&M campus.
Councilman Ray Arrington visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about his background, why he ran for city council, his priorities for District 2, Midtown Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January23, 2023 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp tells members of the A&M faculty senate what they have asked state lawmakers to consider in the way of compensation and related issues.
Sharp wants system employees to get comparable health benefits as other state employees.
The chancellor brought up a request to increase pay of employees at A&M system agencies.
When asked about cost of living and merit raises at the flagship university, Sharp and deputy chancellor Billy Hamilton said the board of regents gives each university a range of how much money will go towards raises. Then university presidents decide where in the range they will allocate.
Another issue before state lawmakers is a proposal to end faculty tenure. Sharp is hopeful about what might happen in the Senate, where its leader...the lieutenant governor...called for an end to tenure in February of 2022. Sharp sounded more optimistic about how the proposal will fare in the Texas House.
And Sharp and Hamilton were questioned about the system's position on Senate Bill 147, which would ban residents of four countries from owning property in Texas.
Faculty senate member, professor Reza Langari, brought up the concern from other faculty members who would be impacted by a ban that would affect those with ties to China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.
Deputy chancellor Billy Hamilton said the system's lobbyists are aware of the legislation that was filed by senator Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham. And Sharp said it is hard to imagine that lawmakers would prevent someone from owning a home.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about the Brazos Valley Economic Outlook Conference, the possibility of a recession, Electric Vehicle Fast Charger rates, upcoming area plan meetings, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit recorded January 23, 2023 with United Way of the Brazos Valley interim president Peggi Goss, the director of UWBV partner agency Family Promise Phebe Simmons, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff's deputy David Wilcox and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Two people are being sought in a burglary and theft January 11 at the Hindu Society of the Brazos Valley temple south of College Station.
Thousands of dollars in cash and property was taken.
Video of the suspects that the temple shared with Brazos County Crime Stoppers is on WTAW's social media.
Brazos County sheriff's deputy David Wilcox says these types of crimes doesn't take place often at places of worship.
Wilcox says investigators do not believe this was a hate crime based on religious reasons.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 979-775-TIPS or the sheriff's office.
Councilman Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Texas legislature, what he wants to discuss at the upcoming council retreat, his feeling about the new council, getting people back to work, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
At this week's Blinn College Board of Trustees meeting, Dean Elmer Godeny gave a presentation on the Veterinary Technology program.
This podcast contains comments from the January 17, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Preparations continue for the first group of fifth graders attending Bryan ISD's new Sadberry Intermediate school.
Principal Alfred Scott shared at this week's school board meeting, the process of selecting school colors and the mascot.
Both reflect the school's namesake, O.W. Sadberry Sr., who was the principal of BISD's former Booker T. Washington elementary school from 1949 through 1970.
The Sadberry school colors, royal blue and white, where the colors at Booker T. Washington.
Scott said there was no school mascot at Booker T. Washington. He said former students recalled principal Sadberry's studies at Tuskegee Institute and his love of the Tuskegee Airmen. That is what led to the decision to choose Mustangs as the mascot of the new intermediate school, because the Tuskegee aviators flew P-51 Mustangs.
Joining Scott for the update were principal Sadberry's daughter, Halcyon Watkins, and great-grandson Anthony Neal.
Incoming students from Bonham and Navarro elementary schools and their parents are invited to Sadberry's "Intermediate Night" on February 16 at 6 p.m. at Bonham.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the January 17, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Congressman Michael McCaul of Austin (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Texas universities banning TikTok from campus WiFi, replacement platforms, outdated airline software, the World Economic Summit, energy, raising the debt ceiling, the student loan forgiveness program, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Gerry Farrell, COO of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, gave an update at this week's Brazos County Intergovernmental Committee meeting.
This podcast contains comments from the January 17, 2023 College Station ISD school board workshop and regular meetings.
College Station ISD school board members continue to be pressed for repairs and expansion of athletic facilities at Consolidated High School.
19 students and six parents spoke during the January board meeting. The photo associated with this podcast is Consolidated High School freshman Molly Meadows, who was one of the speakers.
Many called on the board to hold a bond issue this May. The deadline to call a May election is in February. Instead, board members decided they want to first get the findings of a consultant's report that is scheduled for next month.
Board president Jeff Horak said administrators will take care of health and safety issues.
Vice president Joshua Benn, who expressed his frustration with those who say the board favors College Station High School over Consol, said six of the board's seven members are Consol graduates who have children in or are on track to attend Consol.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about CertainTeed coming to Bryan, working with Governor Greg Abbott, working with other counties on development, how low unemployment can be a disadvantage, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Mark Feldhake, Construction Project Manager, provided an update on the new Bryan campus administration building during Tuesday's Blinn Board of Trustees meeting.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) interim president Peggi Goss and the executive director of UWBV partner agency Big Brothers Big Sisters Terri Hays visits with WTAW’s Chelsea Reber.
This podcast contains comments from the January 10, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners learn that inflation has raised the price of materials to maintain county roads by 542 thousand dollars over the last year.
That is according to a spreadsheet commissioners were given by purchasing agent Charles Wendt, who presented a report at the request of commissioner Steve Aldrich.
Click HERE to read and download the spreadsheet that was presented during the January 10, 2023 Brazos County commission meeting.
Wendt said the overall cost increase from last year is 23 percent.He also explained how the county follows state laws in soliciting bids.
This podcast contains comments from the College Station city council meetings on December 8, 2022 and January 12, 2023, and a portion of mayor John Nichols visit on The Infomaniacs on January 11, 2023.
Two members of the College Station city council have asked staff to look into people soliciting while standing in the medians of city streets.
The initial request was made during the December 8, 2022 meeting by councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha. Agreeing to the request was mayor John Nichols.
During the council's January 12, 2023 meeting, Cunha again asked for a staff report, "seeking a statement of specific factual information about that particular group, and if what they were doing fits under our solicitation ordinance, and if it does, did they get a permit?"
Cunha reported in December receiving citizen reports of people in the medians at Texas and George Bush and Texas and Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
The mayor also commented about solicitation during an interview on WTAW's The Infomaniacs on January 11. Nichols said "I'm pretty sure 90 percent of what we see is illegal."
This podcast contains comments from the January 10, 2023 workshop meeting of the Bryan city council.
The Bryan city council, with five new members, will continue the meeting schedule set by the prior council.
Comments before the unanimous vote to hold two meetings on the same day focused on reducing the amount of staff time that was necessary to prepare for more meetings.
The first required meeting is typically the executive session that is held in private, followed by public comments.
That is immediately followed by the second meeting, where public action is taken on agenda topics.
The city charter requires the council to hold two meetings each month.
Speakers in this podcast are city secretary Mary Lynne Stratta, mayor Bobby Gutierrez, and councilmembers James Edge and Marca Ewers-Shurtleff.
This podcast is a visit with BTU public information officer Meghan Brown and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The January meeting of the board of directors at BTU included an update of providing more than 100 times the present demand for power on the RELLIS campus.
BTU is in the process of building a substation and transmission lines serving the RELLIS campus, in part to serve a new data center and other future public and private projects.
BTU spokeswoman Meghan Brown says this is part of their annual review of meeting future demand.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the January 9, 2023 BTU board of directors meeting.
According to documents presented during the meeting, Brazos County did not qualify for at least nine economic development projects last year due to not having enough electricity.
Brown says Bryan/College Station is competing with other parts of the state to increase the amount of available electricity.
Brown says there is maybe a little "heightened level of emergency" due to the growth taking place in the Bryan/College Station area.
This podcast is a visit with the city of Bryan's economic development director, Kevin Russell and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded January 12, 2023.
A Pennsylvania based manufacturer is building a second location in Bryan.
Saint-Gobain, which operates a ceramics plant, will build a 140 million dollar roofing materials plant and distribution center for its CertainTeed subsidary.
The city of Bryan's economic development director, Kevin Russell, says the facility will be located in the Texas Triangle Park. That is the business park in north Bryan that is home to Kristen Distributing and a Federal Express facility that is under construction.
Russell says 130 jobs will be created that will pay at least ten percent above the Brazos County average.
In addition to the sister plant, Russell says another factor in Saint-Gobain's decision was employee training through Bryan ISD's career and techical education complex.
Bryan ISD also played a financial role, giving what CertainTeed described as "millions of dollars" of property tax savings. The exact amount has not been disclosed. WTAW News is waiting for BISD to respond to an open records request that was made before the holiday break which will include that information.
Russell says the major financial incentive was providing 211 acres of free land.
Saint-Gobain is also getting a railroad easement valued at more than $7 million dollars, around $3 million in industrial infrastructure, and $546,000 dollars from the Texas Enterprise Fund.
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about delivery drone service, the new city council, economic challenges, police and fire, their relationships with the City of Bryan, the Brazos Valley Economic Development Council, and Texas A&M University, the Northgate District, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 9, 2023 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers are BISD assistant superintendent for human resources Carol Cune, BISD's athletics director Janice Williamson, BISD's assistant athletics director Dereck Rush, BISD counseling services director Donna Willett, and BISD board president Julie Harlin and member Felicia Benford.
For the second consecutive month, Bryan ISD administrators hold an extensive discussion with school board members about two calendar options for the 2023-24 school year.
The BISD board is scheduled to take action at their next meeting on January 17.
During the board's meeting on January 9, six administrators participated in a calendar update that again focused on an option that for the first time provides a week off during October.
Lauren Hovde, Development Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about commercial and residential numbers, new platting, inspection statistics, demolition numbers, job opportunities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the first week of the legislative session, the amount of money they have to work with, changes he wants to see, property tax reform, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 10, 2023 Bryan city counci meeting.
There is a new contract between the city of Bryan and the Bryan firefighters union.The city council unanimously approved a three year agreement Tuesday night.The council was told the firefighters association adopted the "meet and confer" agreement last weekend.No union representatives spoke during the council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download the contract between the city of Bryan and the Bryan firefighters union that was approved at the January 10, 2023 city council meeting.
Click HERE to read and download a city of Bryan document summarizing the contract between the Bryan firefighters union and the city of Bryan.
Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the January 11, 2023 Bryan city council meeting.
Councilmembers Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, Kevin Boriskie and James Edge thanked the union for agreeing to a new city clause that requires members to do an annual review of their policies and practices to ensure that there is confidence in the fire department. This clause followed complaints about political activty by some firefighters during last year's council election cycle.
Fire chief Richard Guisti explained the intent of a new union clause that allows firefighters to get paid for off duty union business except when engaging in political activity.
The new contract has revisions in other clauses that were sought by the union. A firefighter would be allowed to have a union representative during disciplinary matters. A health and safety committee would meet four times a year. BFD would be required to address staffing in an emergency situation. And there is a goal for firefighters to be paid at the level with eight comparable cities.
The union dropped from its last proposal, the elimination of the city's no tolerance drug and alcohol policy while firefighters are at work.
Also gone from the new proposal, is free health insurance.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming city council retreat, business development, the legislative agenda, solicitation on street corners, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the new CEO and market president of St. Joseph Health, Kimberly Shaw, and WTAW's Bill Oliver, on January 6, 2023.
News release from St. Joseph Health:
St. Joseph Health, a member of St. Luke’s Health, is pleased to announce that Kimberly Shaw, BSN, MBA, FACHE, has been selected to serve as the President of St. Joseph Health, effective December 27.
“I’m excited to return to Texas, where I have deep family roots, in this important role with a health care system as impactful at St. Luke’s Health,” Shaw said. “I look forward to collaborating with the compassionate team of caregivers at St. Joseph Health to continue delivering the high quality compassionate care our communities deserve and have come to expect.”
Kim has more than 30 years of experience in successfully leading in an array of health care settings, including Catholic and faith-based hospitals within CommonSpirit Health.
She joins the Texas Division after serving as the President of Dignity Health St. Rose Dominican San Martin in Las Vegas, Nevada, for the past three years.
“Kim is an inspirational, servant leader who understands the challenges at the bedside for frontline staff and the importance of delivering compassionate high quality care to our communities,” said St. Luke’s Health CEO Doug Lawson. “I have the highest confidence in Kim’s leadership of St. Joseph and her commitment to improving the health of the Brazos Valley community.”
Kim received a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Southwestern Oklahoma State University and a master’s degree in business administration with healthcare focus from Texas Woman’s University.
She rose through the ranks serving in various leadership roles, including Vice President of Patient Care Services, Chief Operating Officer and hospital President.
St. Joseph Health and St. Luke’s Health are excited to welcome Kim to the St. Joseph Health market, and look forward to her leadership as we continue to provide high quality, compassionate services to our patients and the communities we serve.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) interim president Peggi Goss, the executive director of UWBV partner agency Sexual Assault Resource Center-Brazos Valley Lindsey LeBlanc, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the January 9, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members have the recommendations of a 30 member committee that has worked since last September on changing boundaries of elementary and intermediate schools.
Click HERE to read presentation materials from the January 9, 2022 Bryan ISD board meeting.
The BISD board is scheduled to take final action on January 17.
The recommendations were shared during the January 9 BISD board meeting.
Leading the presentation was associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra, who is one of nine BISD administrators on the committee. She said around 250 elementary students will be moved, along with around 600 students beginning fifth grade at the new Sadberry Intermediate school.
The committee included four community members. Speaking was one of the three who is not a former board member. Pastor Sam Hill said there were multiple opportunities to provide opinions, adding that "I'm sure not everybody will be satisfied. I pastor a church and nobody's ever satisfied."
One of nine parents on the committee spoke to the board. David Mervish called on the board to engage in salesmanship about the upcoming changes, in part giving "the dirty facts" that went into the recommendations.
One of the recommendations is moving pre-K from Johnson to Bowen elementary. Johnson principal Amy Thomman said that recommendation was made based on pre-K students not meshing with their open campus layout.
Another recommendation involve decreasing enrollment at Henderson elementary, which is within eight students of building capacity. Henderson elementary assistant principal Diana Alderson talked about parents reaction to the recommendation of moving 73 of 566 students.
Even before the board takes its vote, Dr. Ybarra said they are taking applications from parents of next year's fourth grade students to stay in their present buildings.
And Ybarra said the implementation of the boundary changes will allow students being moved and their parents the opportunity to visit their new campus before the start of the next school year.
Bob Colwell, Spokesman for the TxDOT Bryan District, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a statewide bicycle analysis.
This podcast contains comments from the December 28, 2022 and January 3, 2023 Brazos County commission meetings.
Creating a specialty criminal court for veterans in Brazos County continues to be a topic for public speakers at county commission meetings.
Five speakers appeared during the December 28, 2022 meeting included justice of the peace and Army veteran Terrence Nunn. He said "We have to do something. 22 veterans a day kill themselves. I've had buddies kill themselves. They're not going to seek help. This is not a get out of jail free card. This is the process to give them the help that they (veterans) need."
Lonny Masterson, who works for the Brazos Valley office of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as a veteran peer support specialist, said "I just want Brazos County (commissioners) to know that we're not giving up." "This is something that myself as a veteran, I feel like I owe to my fellow veterans. Sometimes we don't know just how much in a dark place we are, and sometimes that results in things that causes getting justice involved."
Former commissioner Russ Ford, who was a public speaker during the January 3 meeting, repeated that there is enough grant money that a veterans court would not cost Brazos County a penny.
County commissioners previously decided to hold a workshop, but that has not been scheduled yet according to the county's website.
Cheletia Johnson, Supervisor of the Lincoln Recreation Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming events celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
The tourism events coordinator for the Destination Bryan tourism office, Amanda Kile, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about January's First Friday and a review of holiday events.
Lacey Lively, Communications and Marketing Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Bryan Animal Center, signing up for adult leagues, and other things going on around the city during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's sewer system, excess rain, negotiations with the Bryan firefighters union, progress at the Phillips Event Center, applying for the BTU Youth Tour, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Catholic Monsignor John McCaffrey of Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Remembrances continue following the death on New Year's Eve of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Monsignor John McCaffrey of Bryan, who has served Brazos County for 42 years, says the Pope Emeritus was "highly, highly respected and always recognized."
As for Benedict's retirement in 2013, the first to do so in more than 600 years, McCaffrey said it "shows that the future Popes, if they get old and they get tired, they too can retire."
After retirement, McCaffrey said Pope Francis consulted with the Pope Emeritus quite often, adding that Benedict XVI "wasn't as visible (in retirement), but he did speak and he did have a part in the leadership of the church, for sure."
McCaffrey also said the Pope Emeritus gave us an example of how active we can be in retirement, noting "just because you are retired that doesn't mean you stop living. You continue, like his (the Pope Emeritus) spiritual life continues. And his influence in the church continued."
According to Vatican News, Pope Francis will preside at Thursday's Requiem Mass for Benedict XVI.
Topics covered by College Station fire department Capt. Stuart Marrs during his visit with Scott DeLucia and Bill Oliver on WTAW's The Infomaniacs December 30, 2022 includes the cause of automatic fire alarms during the Christmas period cold snap and the recruitment of new firefighters.
Congressman Michael McCaul of Austin (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the race for Speaker of the House, the support for Kevin McCarthy, today's vote, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 28, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners will be investigating whether to establish another specialty court...one dealing with people who have mental health issues.
Before commissioners voted to hold a workshop with stakeholders, they heard from district judge Kyle Hawthorne, who says the concept is new to him.
Hawthorne says one of the things that has to be done, is quantify the number of potential mental health cases in the local courts.
Hawthorne says the local MHMR office is the only provider of mental health services for the local courts.
And it's taking two to three years to complete a mental competency evaluation.
Hawthorne says it is a good idea, but the underlying issue is finding the money to hire mental health professionals.
Commissioners received support for a mental health court from a parent who has taken care of a 37 year old child with mental illness for 25 years.
This podcast is a recording of the swearing in ceremony at the Brazos County administration building on January 1, 2023.
14 Brazos County elected officials were sworn into office the morning of New Year's Day.
That includes five were newly elected. They are are commissioners Chuck Konderla and Wanda Watson, county court at law judge Roy Brantley, justice of the peace Darrell Booker, and constable Hezekiah Carter.
County judge Duane Peters, who was among incumbents who were sworn in, thanked family and friends for attending, noting that he "don't really remember a crowd this large at any of the swearing's that we had before spilling into the atrium."
Other incumbents being sworn in were district judges Kyle Hawthorne and David Hilburn, county court at law judge Amanda Matzke, JP's Kenny Elliott, Rick Hill, and Terrence Nunn, constable Jeff Reeves, district clerk Gabriel Garcia, and county clerk Karen McQueen.
Also being sworn in was Texas 10th court of appeals justice Steve Smith. The former Brazos County district judge, who was elected to his first full term, chose to be sworn in his home county instead of Waco, where the appeals court is based.
This podcast is a visit with Leiha White on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, December 29, 2022.
With the upcoming New Year's weekend, comes annual fireworks reminders from Aggieland Humane Society.
Operations director Leiha White says if you are planning to set off fireworks to let your neighbors know.
Dogs should be inside, in an interior room, even if they have not had past issues with fireworks.
Have a TV, radio, or smart speaker on in the room where the dog is staying to distract them.
Keep a record of the dog's identification from their tags and what is included in their microchip.
White invites animal owners to e-mail their pet's identification to licensing@aggielandhumane.org, which will be put into the shelter's database.
If your pet becomes missing, White says to check the lost and found section on their website.
White says if your pet has been missing for more than three days, also check the adoptables page on their website.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M vice president of student affairs Joe Ramirez from the November 11, 2022 A&M system board of regents workshop meeting.
Texas A&M's structure for recognizing student organizations, which was made after the bonfire collapse in 1999, is changing as a part of the president's reorganization plan.
Vice president of student affairs Joe Ramirez presented during a board of regents workshop in November, breaking down 1,200 organizations into four groups based on affiliation and risk factors.
Ramirez says one of the discoveries that were made by a working group was finding out that members of student organizations included non-students, Blinn students, and A&M staff and faculty.
Going forward, members are limited to Texas A&M students. Each organization will be required to keep a roster of its members. And advisors will go through training.
A former commandant of the corps of cadets, Ramirez also brought up developing student leaders in other organizations.
And all A&M student organizations will have some level of risk management.
Ramirez says student organizations do not have to be recognized by the university. But there are perks that come with recognition.
This podcast is a visit with the interim president/CEO of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Mike Rollins, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A leadership transition continues at the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC).
BVEDC board chairman Seth McKinney tells WTAW News an interim president/CEO starts in January.
Mike Rollins retired in 2019 after 18 years leading Austin's economic development efforts. Before that, he spent 12 years in a similar position in Nashville, Tennessee.
McKinney says "I can't speak highly enough about his background", which covers 40 years in the industry.
There will be a nationwide search for a permanent replacement for Matt Prochaska, who left BVEDC after more than five years at the agency that is governed by the twin cities, Brazos County, and Texas A&M.
Rollins tells WTAW News "I've always been intrigued by the Bryan/College Station area, and always thought that its best times are still in the future. And I'd like to be part of creating the strategy to move forward."
Rollins says he "plans to hit the ground running in January. I'm going to be seeking to get input and comments from community leaders as well as private sector leaders."
This podcast contains comments from the December 20, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
A request by two Brazos County commissioners to hold a workshop before the end of the year related to a proposed specialty criminal court for veterans is not going to happen.
The declaration by county judge Duane Peters during Tuesday's meeting followed comments from commissioner Russ Ford that he was expecting the workshop to take place following next Wednesday's meeting.
Peters was questioned by commissioner Steve Aldrich, who supported holding next week's workshop with the participation of a veterans court organizer from Waco.
Ford and commissioner Irma Cauley wanted a workshop before they leave the elected body at the end of the month.
This podcast contains comments from the December 20, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
This week's Brazos County commission meeting began with a resolution honoring commissioner Irma Cauley, who is retiring after 13 years as the precinct four commissioner.
Cauley's career also included nine years with the county's juvenile services office as a probation and training officer and as a supervisor.
After the resolution was approved, Cauley received a standing ovation by her colleagues and those in the audience.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution.
This podcast contains comments from the December 13, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting.
December's meeting of the College Station ISD school board was the annual discussion of campus population.
While the board officially decided against any boundary changes, the subject was brought up.
Board member Joshua Benn brought up Wellborn Middle School has almost 200 more students than College Station Middle School.
Superintendent Mike Martindale brought up the challenge of balancing campus populations in CSISD's intermediate and middle schools.
The CSISD board also discussed Pecan Trail Intermediate having 316 more students than Cypress Grove.
And there was talk about building the second phase of College Station High School. That's because CSHS is expected to be at 112 percent occupancy next year.
Consolidated High School will be at 94 percent and College View High School at 60 percent capacity.
Administrators also recommended monitoring populations at two elementaries. Pebble Creek is projected to exceed 110 percent capacity and Southwood Valley will near 110 percent capacity in future years.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what he looks at differently as a councilman than a citizen, swearing in the last council member, getting started with a new council, handling priorities in his district, Matt Prochaska leaving the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Peggi Goss and Kate Clair visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the end of the year at UWBV, the 211 help line, what to look forward to in 2023, and more during the weekly United Way of the Brazos Valley update on WTAW.
Theresa Mangapora, Executive Director of the Brazos Valley Food Bank, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a $100,000 matching gift challenge.
College Station Councilman Bob Yancy visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what he would like to accomplish on city council, things he sees differently now as a councilman, communicating with citizens, working with other elected officials, city owned land and property investments, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Anne Reber, Associate Vice President for Student Affairs at Texas A&M University, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about her 28 years at the university, her last 12 years as Dean of Students, and her retirement at the end of the fall semester.
Tim Neeley, College Station's Business Development Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the FAA's Final Environmental Assessment, which puts Amazon one step closer to starting drone delivery in College Station.
Ken Barnes, Director of the Brazos Valley Meals on Wheels program, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the purchase of their facility, which allows them to stay there and make improvements.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about working with Texas A&M students, what is ahead for the city council, planning and zoning, city owned land, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley interim president Peggi Goss and the director of UWBV partner agency Scotty's House child advocacy center Cary Baker visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver on December 12, 2022.
Congressman Michael McCaul of Austin (R-TX) visits WTAW's Scott DeLucia about unfinished business before the holidays, supply chain issues, defending other countries, social media security, Kevin McCarthy, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 8, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
Click the following link to read and download city of College Station presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/120822trashPrez.pdf
There was trash talking during last week's College Station city council meeting.
The first half of a more than hour long discussion about the city's solid waste operations was a staff presentation. That was followed by 40 minutes of comments from public speakers and council members.
Public speakers included Lloyd Smith, who said he represented 14 homeowners who were upset that in their neighborhood there are apartment complexes that have garbage placed on top of garbage cans along sidewalks.
Representing The Barracks neighborhood of more than 800 townhome owners and three thousand residents and businessowners, Aaron Longoria sought long term solutions...particularly during student move in and move out periods.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell said she was surprised at the disparity when the trash pickup charge for a single family home compared with the charge for multi-family structures.
City manager Bryan Woods says there are three ways to address trash collection. One is customers paying more service from the city or private trash haulers...another is more education...and a third method is more enforcement.
Mayor John Nichols said this discussion could continue during next month's city council planning retreat and next summer when they develop the budget for the 2024 fiscal year.
This podcast contains comments from the December 8, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
In April of 2021, the College Station city council approved renovating a 50 unit apartment complex that is occupied by low income residents who are at least 62 years old.
Federal funding was involved in the construction of Oak Hill Apartments on Anderson 40 years ago.
And at the December 8 council meeting, approval was given to authorize a $2.8 million dollar loan for renovating the complex.
The unanimous vote includes paying $1.2 million in fees for the federal loan.
Before the vote, there was discussion about councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha's idea for the city to fund the zero interest loan in order to not pay the fees.
City manager Bryan Woods said that could be done.
City councilmen Dennis Maloney and William Wright wanted to study Cunha's idea. Maloney told Cunha he wanted to talk with the city's financial staff during the next budget cycle to get the ramifications. Maloney then told Cunha "I think it's a really sharp idea."
The city of College Station's community services director Debbie Eller told WTAW News that there is no projected start date to the renovation. But the operator of Oak Hill apartments on Anderson have been notified about the project. When it starts, renovation will be two buildings at a time and is anticipated to take 60 days to complete.
Eller said residents will be provided with temporary places to live during construction. And their belongings will be moved for them and stored on site in portable storage containers. Eller says apartment residents will receive more specific information once the city gets the approval from the Texas attorney general's office.
Click the following link to read and download the 56 pages of information about the Oak Hill apartment renovation project: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/120822OakHillApt.pdf
This podcast is a visit with retired congressman Bill Flores, who is the board vice chairman of the ERCOT electric grid, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Retired congressman Bill Flores of Bryan is in his second year on the board of the electric grid serving most of Texas. Flores also serves as vice chairman of the ERCOT board.
This visit took place after Flores spoke at the recent groundbreaking of the new BTU administration building in north Bryan on December 6, 2022.
Chad Jones, CSPD Recruiting Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recruitment efforts, how the pandemic has affected law enforcement, recruiting trips, requirements for new officers, and more. Shannon Ballard, Citizens Recruiter for CSPD, visits with Scott about non-sworn positions in the department, how to apply, requirements, the employee shortage, and more.
This podcast is a visit with the winner of Bryan city council runoff election, Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Less than ten percent of the registered voters decide the winner of Thursday's runoff election for Bryan city council single member district five.
Marca Ewers-Shurtleff received 497 votes and A.J. Renold 210.
There are about 8,600 registered voters in the west Bryan district.
Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock reported more people voted in advance.
Shurtleff received 377 early and advanced votes and Renold 139.
On election day, Shurtleff received 120 votes and Renold 71.
Megan Brown, BTU Energy Account Manager, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about the Government-in-Action Youth Tour, new fish habitats at Lake Bryan, attacks on substations, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the chairman of the Brazos County RMA board, Barry Moore, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The board of Brazos County's regional mobility authority (RMA) has met for the first time since the defeat of a referendum to increase vehicle registration fees to help fund local transportation projects.
Chairman Barry Moore said supporters of "Prop B" were not able to overcome opponents who talked about toll roads.
Moore said the RMA asking voters again for funding won't come until the RMA shows "value to the community".
Moore thanked voters for approving Brazos County's proposition A, which is a $100 million dollar bond issue for road projects. And he thanked College Station voters for approving the bond issue which will widen Rock Prairie Road east of Baylor Scott & White hospital to Fitch.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) interim president Peggi Goss and Jackie Pacha and Mack Marsh of UWBV partner agency Brazos Valley Center for Independent Living visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about BTU's new building, the city council meeting schedule, new planning and zoning commission members, the Salvation Army mayor's red kettle ring off, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 6, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting, followed by a visit with Mary Parrish of the Brazos County health district and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners were told during Tuesday's meeting that the health district is giving away 10,000 free COVID tests on Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the atrium of the county's administration building.
While Brazos County risk manager Leslie Contreras was making the announcement, she was asked by commissioner Irma Cauley about the accuracy of the tests.
Contreras told Cauley that would be a question to ask the health district.
Mary Parrish at the health district tells WTAW News that the tests are 93 to 98 percent accurate, and 99 percent accurate with positive results.
Parrish reminds those taking COVID tests that the first test should be done two days before attending a holiday event, and take the second test the day of the event.
This podcast is the recording of the December 6, 2022 groundbreaking program at the site of BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) new administration office building.
BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) hosted a groundbreaking program Tuesday morning for its new administration building.
After more than 60 years in downtown Bryan, BTU is moving to north Bryan along the freeway between the Bryan regional athletic complex and the Texas Department of Transportation and DPS buildings.
Construction is expected to continue through the first quarter of 2025.
Once BTU makes their move, the city of Bryan will occupy BTU's former offices.
Speakers at the groundbreaking began with BTU's chief business officer David Werley, who was filling in for general manager Gary Miller due to illness.
Also speaking were the chairman of the BTU board Bentley Nettles and Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez.
Gutierrez then invited retired congressman Bill Flores to speak. Flores, who is in his second year serving on the board of the ERCOT electric grid, also serves as the organizations vice-chair.
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell of the TxDOT district office in Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
If you are interested in more public transit service for seniors and/or the disabled, consider participating in a virtual meeting Tuesday afternoon hosted by the Texas Department of Transportation.
TxDOT Bryan district spokesman Bob Colwell says there are many ways that federal funding for these services can benefit communities.
You can join Tuesday's meeting anytime between 1 and 3 p.m.
Click the following link to be directed to the virtual meeting: https://www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/statewide/fta-5310.html
Matthew Ellis, Staff Planner, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a new planning effort for the Texas/University Redevelopment Area, upcoming public meetings, a timeline for the plan, and more.
This podcast is a report about the 2022 Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo by senior manager Fiona Meyer during the November 15, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/BrCoComm111522BVfair.pdf
For the first time, more than 20,000 attended the Brazos Valley fair and rodeo.
That was one of the records senior manager Fiona Meyer shared with county commissioners in reviewing the 2022 fair.
Meyer told county commissioners that record participation was set in almost every competitive category. That includes creative arts, livestock, mutton busting, rodeo, livestock judging, a high school welding competition, and the first year of the fair's barbecue cook off.
The first year of the fair's barbecue cook off competition brought in 17 teams, including one from Las Vegas.
More than 350 volunteers from 20 local non-profit groups split more than $33,000 dollars by working more than 2,500 hours during the fair.
Commissioners also heard about the assistance the fair received from law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Meyer said EMS provided 199 volunteer hours, 39 security officers worked more than 500 hours, the city of Bryan allowed the fair to once again use their incident command bus, Washington County again loaned their camera trailer to monitor parking lots, and Brazos County's IT department assisted with cameras throughout the grounds of the Brazos County Expo.
Aubrey Nettles, Economic Development and Tourism Marketing Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a variety of community holiday events during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what is left to be done before the end of the session, the first thing a republican-controlled House will do, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Saturday, December 3, is the Salvation Army's annual mayors red kettle ringoff. It will be the first participation in the friendly competition by the newly elected mayors.
College Station mayor John Nichols brought up his participation during the November 21st city council meeting and his November 30th visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
Bryan mayor Bobby Gutierrez visited with WTAW's Bill Oliver about his attempt to continue an undefeated streak for the city of Bryan that started 15 years ago.
Saturday's ringoff is during the noon hour at the Walmart on Briarcrest in Bryan and the College Station Walmart store.
This podcast is a visit with a longtime member of the Bryan/College Station Christmas parade, Penny Zent, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Mitchell Isbell and Jamie Cox visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about opening the Legends Event Center, the state-of-the-art facility, how to access the facility, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the city of Bryan's "Holiday Magic" event December 1 at Sue Haswell Park, downtown Bryan's December First Friday activities, and downtown Bryan's lighted Christmas parade and stroll the evening of December 8.
College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about new boards and committees he will join, funding the Regional Mobility Authority, road and traffic issues, recruiting economic development, redeveloping Post Oak Mall, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) of Austin visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the war in Ukraine, what we should be concerned about, the border situation, what needs to be done before this session comes to a close, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chuck Fleeger, Executive Director of Amber Alert Network Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about missing children and person reports, increased awareness, and how the public can help.
This podcast is a visit with the commanding officer of the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army, Capt. Andrea Israel, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
With two weeks remaining in the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army's Angel Tree children's gift drive, there are still more than 1,000 children to adopt.
Commanding officer Capt. Andrea Israel issued the reminder on Monday that angels can be adopted at all Blue Baker restaurants, the Post Oak Mall food court, and online at salvationarmybcs.org.
Also at the website, you can register to assist with the processing and distribution of gifts and sign up to ring bells at Salvation Army red kettles.
Additional information from the B/CS Salvation Army:
Over 1,000 Angels on The Salvation Army Angel Tree remain unadopted with two weeks until all gifts are due back. The Salvation Army is in dire need of the community to sponsor or “adopt” these angels and return gifts by Monday, December 12th. Each Angel is a child that comes from a Brazos County family in financial need this Christmas season.
Angel Trees are located at Post Oak Mall Food Court and all three Blue Baker locations. Angels can also be adopted online by visiting www.salvationarmybcs.org. Individuals who want to give a financial donation toward Angel Tree can also do so online at www.salvationarmybcs.org.
Last year in 2019, The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station assisted 2,168 children from 871 families in the Brazos County area.
The program is open to families with children ages 0-12 years old. The adoption of angels at various locations around town and receiving of donated gifts in the Post Oak Mall food court area and Angel Tree warehouse will begin November 11th until December 12th each day, except Sundays.
Angel Tree culminates with the distribution of all gifts to enrolled and approved families within the Angel Tree program on December 15th & 16th.
The Salvation Army is currently accepting volunteers for its Angel Tree program. To find out more about the requirements for the Angel Tree Program or how to volunteer, interested parties may call the main office at 979-361-0618 Monday – Thursday 9 am – 4 pm and Fridays 9 am – 2 pm.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Alison Prince, vice president Peggi Goss, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The holidays provide a bit of a pause for those involved in the United Way of the Brazos Valley community campaign.
President Alison Prince says they are at 43 percent of their $1.6 million dollar goal.
And they have been busy with workplace campaigns that will be reflected later in their totals.
UWBV has reached 114 percent of its goal for collecting outside grants. Prince says they continue to pursue more grants that provide funding for programs that includes UWBV's youth leadership cabinet and baby bundles.
The fundraising continues as Prince spends her last week after 14 years with the organization and almost the last eight years as president.
Taking over as UWBV's interim president is vice president Peggi Goss.
Royce Hickman from the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the retirement of Warren Finch, longtime director of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum.
This podcast contains comments from the November 17, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
Before the Bryan city council voted on November 14 to bring a movie theater and bowling alley to Midtown Park, the park's primary opponent was escorted out of the building for being disruptive.
Patrick Giammalva, who opposed the conversion of the former municipal golf course to Midtown Park, returned three days later to the council's last meeting where Andrew Nelson presided as mayor.
Nelson, who was arguably the strongest supporter of Midtown Park, granted an exception to his policy by allowing Giammalva to speak on an item not on the agenda.
Giammalva was applauded after thanking individual councilmen, including Nelson, and appointed city officials.
Earlier this month, Giammalva lost his bid to become a Bryan councilman. Before that, Giammalva was unsuccessful in his bid to unseat Nelson as mayor.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M president Katherine Banks during her appearance at the November 14, 2022 A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M president Katherine Banks spent more than one hour earlier during November's faculty senate meeting fielding questions on a variety of topics.
The first question was whether administrators recognize the stress employees and students have had since her reorganization of the university. Banks said "I think I can unequivocally say that we all respect and are very appreciative of the time, effort, and energy that the faculty community has spent on the MGT path forward changes."
When asked about future budget changes related to the reorganization, Banks said "we're evaluating our budgeting process now. Faculty Senate has a representative on that committee that will assess the current budgeting model." She also says that the A&M's chief financial officer, who "believes we may have a plan of action by this summer but we wouldn't implement it in year one. We would probably have some sort of phased approach over a two year period."
Banks was asked about deferred maintenance, which she says is budgeted for $30 million dollars this year. She was asked about the future of A&M's academic building and said that the "iconic structure" "needs a great deal of tender loving care" that will probably involve a fundraising campaign.
Regarding personnel matters, Banks plans to begin searches for a permanent provost and a dean of the college of architecture next spring. And next spring will be an assessment of the selection process for the dean of A&M's new college of arts and sciences. Additionally, search committees have been established for the next deans of A&M's colleges of engineering and nursing, and candidates for the dean of the business school were interviewed last week.
This podcast contains comments from the November 11, 2022 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting from the commandant of the Texas A&M corps of cadets, retired Army general Patrick Michaelis.
Last August, the Texas A&M system board of regents created a special committee to watch over the corps of cadets.
November's regents meeting included their first conversation in public with the new corps commandant.
Retired Army general Patrick Michaelis was involved in recruiting the last four years before returning to College Station, where he was a cadet as part of the class of 1993.
With this fall's cadet enrollment just over 2,100, Michaelis told the regents that he was confident in reaching 3,000 by the year 2030.
There are 716 freshmen cadets, which is five percent more than 2021.
One of the keys is dropping the attrition rate, which is currently 35 percent. 82 freshmen have left, compared with 135 in 2021. Seven upperclassmen have left, compared with 20 in 2021.
Michaelis says he will receive recommendations by the corps board of visitors in mid January, and after his assessment he will forward his recommendations to A&M's president and the regents.
The commandant provided an update on the corps $400,000 dollar media and marketing campaign that began nine months ago.
This podcast is a visit that the coach of the Bryan High School Shy-Annes dance and drill team, Taylor Torres Martinez, had with WTAW's Bill Oliver the afternoon of November 22, 2022.
Bryan High School's Shy-Annes dance and drill team is in New York City preparing to perform at Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
Coach Taylor Torres Martinez says the 12 seniors are positioned towards the end of the parade entries, just ahead of Santa Claus.
The team members, accompanied by 15 chaperones, departed Bryan last Saturday at 1 a.m.
The team's first rehearsal was Saturday at 6 p.m., followed by rehearsals all day Sunday.
Monday and Tuesday were tourist days where the group saw two shows, visited the flagship Macy's store, and took in Times Square.
Martinez says she has been impressed with the team rehearsals and how they have taken in the sights of New York City.
Martinez adds that she, her husband, and the other chaperones will watch the team walk by their hotel, then run back to their rooms to watch the team's performance on television.
After the parade, the group will enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal before returning to Bryan on Friday.
Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about approving a rezoning request across from Midtown Park, Leo Gonzalez's election to the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees, the city golf course, progress at the Phillips Event Center, economic opportunities around RELLIS, the Bryan Fire Department, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
UWBV president Alison Prince and the director of UWBV partner agency Health For All visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver, November 21 2022.
This podcast contains comments from the November 9, 2022 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents building committee.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BOR110922hensel.pdf
Texas A&M administrators get support from the board of regents to investigate commercial development around Hensel Park, which is located off South College near the border between College Station and Bryan.
The park, which opened in 1946, is still home to a domed pavilion that was featured at the 1964 World's Fair.
During the regents building committee on November 9, committee chairman Michael Plank of Houston questioned the university's liability after a recent visit to the park and being greeted with a sign that he says is so worn out he could not read the lettering. Plank also observed a woman shaving the head of a child and seeing "a couple of folks who looked like perhaps (they were involved in) illicit activity, drug use, etcetera."
Presentation materials to the regents stated that in 3 years there were 33 arrests or formal follow-up by police where case numbers were assigned, and over 3,300 checks were made on suspicious activity.
Regents chairman Tim Leach of Midland wants to protect historic trees that remain after many were moved in recent years from Hensel Park to west campus.
A&M chief operating officer, Greg Hartman says they have done some early brainstorming that includes asking both cities and A&M's agriculture and architecture departments to participate in renovating Hensel Park.
Presentation materials given to the regents provide five bullet points to "revitalizing Hensel Park":
(1) Recognize historic and contemporary elements of 53-acre park site that connects Texas A&M, College Station and Bryan, (2) Offer recreational value to nearby students and longer-term residents, (3) Attract private investors to adjacent land use, (4) Create a vibrant public gathering place, and (5) Lead to improved management of park space, including law enforcement.
The regents were told about the formation of a Hensel Park planning task force, composed of A&M faculty and students, A&M system real estate and facilities representative, city of College Station planners and the parks director, and planners from the city of Bryan.
The regents were told that A&M students will hold listening sessions and work with faculty and city leadership to develop concept plans. Those concept plans are scheduled to be presented in the late spring of 2023 to the task force and then to A&M and system leadership.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police officer David Simmons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A collision between a bus and a wrong way SUV Sunday during the midnight hour on the freeway near the Academy store killed the driver of the SUV, seriously injured a passenger in the SUV, and critically injured the driver of the bus.
College Station police officer David Simmons says there were two rescues. One involved the bus driver being pulled out of his burning vehicle by another CSPD officer. Simmons says a tow truck driver pulled out a passenger in the burning SUV.
Simmons says the investigation continues as to how the SUV, which was going south on the feeder road near Krenek Tap, wound up in the northbound lanes of the freeway, where it was struck by the bus.
Two passengers in the bus being operated by Santa's Wonderland were evaluated at the scene and released.
The officer who rescued the bus driver was taken to the hospital for treatment of burns.
The identity of the driver of the SUV has not been released.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about traffic issues, shopping local, partnering with Texas A&M for possible use of the old Macy's store, annexation, the College Station Fire Department, the Northgate District, holiday events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Mary Parrish of the Brazos County health district and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County health district (BCHD) is promoting flu shots and picking up COVID home testing kids.
District spokeswoman Mary Parrish says there a record number of flu cases in October with 1,525. That compared with 489 in October of 2021 and 125 in October of 2020.
BCHD offers flu vaccines during normal immunization clinic hours Monday through Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Parrish says the health district is distributing free rapid COVID-19 home tests starting Friday, November 18 during normal business hours. Supplies are limited to two tests per person. Parrish says experts suggest taking a rapid COVID-19 test two days before an event and the morning of. If both tests come back negative, there is a low chance of having COVID-19.
Lacey Lively, Communications Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming holiday events, progress at Midtown Park, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the need for a city recreation center, the future medical examiner's office, challenges for the new council, future growth in College Station, his future in politics, and more during his exit interview on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Kevin McCarthy as the new speaker, Donald Trump's announcement to run for president, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Ron Crozier visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Twin City Mission's annual coat and blanket drive this week.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M university chief operating officer Greg Hartman and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Texas A&M system board of regents at its November 10, 2022 without discussion approved a request from the flagship to donate land at the health science center (HSC) to allow Brazos County to build a medical examiner's office.
A&M chief operating officer Greg Hartman, who presented the request during a regents workshop in August, visited with WTAW News after the vote about the evolution of the project during the last couple of years when he was working at the HSC.
The college of medicine will be involved in the day to day operations and another avenue for research.
The new county budget includes $24 million dollars in federal pandemic grant money to build the facility.
Hartman says construction could start as soon as 2024.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials from the August 10, 2022 board of regents workshop meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BOR081022MedEx.pdf
Click the following link to read and download materials from a Brazos County consultant's presentation on July 26, 2022: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/BrCoComm072622MedExPres.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the November 14, 2022 Bryan-College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet.
Speakers are Texas A&M president Katherine Banks, chamber president Glen Brewer announcing ambassador of the year, immediate past board chairman Wade Beckman introducing the volunteer of the year and summarizing his year as chairman, current board chairman Jason Cornelius introducing the citizen of the year and previewing his goals for the upcoming year, and citizen of the year recipient and former congressman Bill Flores.
This podcast contains comments from the November 14, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan council approves a third public-private partnership project at Midtown Park.
A unanimous vote at a special meeting Monday evening awards a 30 year ground lease to create a $26 million dollar movie, bowling, and recreation complex.
The ground lease is with the company running the Queen and Palace theaters for the city.
What is being called "Schulman's Movie Bowl Grille" will have technology advanced auditoriums accommodating movies, e-sports, and conference space.
The complex will also have a bowling center of at least 24 lanes, at least four indoor pickleball courts, and at least three other recreational activities. Those options includes darts, axe throwing, bocce ball, and shuffleboard.
The complex, which will also have an amphitheater and 250 parking spaces, will be built along Midtown Park lake near Villa Maria and South College.
Construction is supposed to start by next August and open in September 2024.
The council is requiring the complex to generate gross sales in its second year of operation of at least $10 million dollars.
When fully operational, city staff expects to collect at least $443,000 dollars a year in rent, property tax revenue, and sales tax collections.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials from the private company building "Schulman's Movie Bowl Grille": https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BryCoun111422SchulmanSlideshow.pdf
Click the following link to read and download city of Bryan presentation materials at the November 14, 2022 city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BryCoun111422SchulmanCityPres.pdf
Click the following link to read and download background information from the city of Bryan: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BryCoun111422MidtownPkSMBGbkgd.pdf
Click the following link to read and download the proposed ground lease involving the "Schulman's Movie Bowl Grille" project: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BryCoun111422MidtownPkSMBG_GroundLease.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the November 10, 2022 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
Click the following link to read and download background information about a new tuition and fee schedule approved during the November 10, 2022 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BOR111022TuitionFees.pdf
The Texas A&M system board of regents unanimously adopts a new tuition and fee schedule for the flagship campus starting next fall.
The new rates also apply to the health science center and the Galveston campus.
The regents agreed with recommendations from president Katherine Banks, who said she wanted to make it clear that no student will pay higher net tuition and fees.
Dr. Banks says the new rate structure eliminates inequities that were found during A&M's academic reorganization.
Dr. Banks says scholarships will be awarded if needed to ensure that no student will pay higher net tuition and fees.
Later in the meeting, regent Jay Graham of Houston congratulated Banks and system chancellor John Sharp.
This podcast is a visit with the president of Oldham Goodwin Capital, Hunter Goodwin, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
What opened nearly 40 years ago as a state of the art advanced defense electronic component manufacturing facility in in College Station has a new owner.
What was originally the Westinghouse building is located next to College Station's Academy store and was in operation between 1983 and 1999.
Purchased in 2016 by Bryan based Oldham Goodwin Capital, it has been sold to a Dallas based real estate company.
Four life science companies take up part of the more than 175,000 square foot facility.
While the purchase price was not announced, a news release stated Oldham Goodwin got a return that is more than five times their original investment.
Oldham Goodwin president Hunter Goodwin told WTAW News that they acquired the property because no one could afford building a comparable structure today. Goodwin said "that was really was kind of our magic pixie dust and our vision"..."getting such a great asset at such a great location in a growing community for such a bargain basement dollar".
Oldham Goodwin will manage the building for the new owner and will continue to develop 25 acres it owns around the Academy store. Hunter Goodwin says "we've got a lot of interesting stuff, I expect, in the near future."
News release from Oldham Goodwin Capital:
Dallas-based Big Sky Medical is the new owner of the Westinghouse Building at Providence Park. Oldham Goodwin Capital, the real estate private equity investment and development arm of Oldham Goodwin, acquired the 175,752 square-foot facility, which anchors the 52-acre College Station research and life science campus, in 2016. The facility had been barely utilized since 1999. Oldham Goodwin developed, leased, and managed the property for six years.
“This sale of the Westinghouse facility to an industry-leader such as Big Sky is the culmination of a collaborative effort to repurpose this facility and park,” said Casey Oldham, CEO & Chief Investment Officer of Oldham Goodwin. “We developed and successfully executed a long-term vision to transform Providence Park into a leading life science campus and added value to the local community.
We are extremely proud of the results and the revolutionary life sciences work that is ongoing which will have meaningful impact in the Brazos Valley and beyond.”
Mike Henderson, Oldham Goodwin Vice President of Investor Relations, says the sale of the Westinghouse Building represents a significant win for Oldham Goodwin Capital’s investors.
“This project resulted in a return greater than five times our original investment and has been a winner since day one.” Henderson noted. “Even in a tough economy with rising interest rates our investors win because we never stop working to aggressively pursue projects like this one that also serve to economically benefit the community.”
“Oldham Goodwin shepherded this project from start to finish and really knocked it out of the park for my investor clients,” says asset manager Scott Dodds. “They are a great group that perseveres when projects go smoothly and when projects hit bumps in the road.”
Hunter Goodwin helped oversee the development of the project on behalf of Oldham Goodwin Capital.
“We see potential in big projects like the Westinghouse building and try to identify investment opportunities for our clients’ future. We are a solution-oriented firm, not just for our investors but for adding economic value to our community as well. The development of Providence Park will be a crucial part of the important life science work being done in the Brazos Valley.”
Big Sky also retained Oldham Goodwin to continue its successful management of the Westinghouse property and hired them to manage other assets purchased by Big Sky in the Brazos Valley.
Originally built in 1983 as a Westinghouse Electronic Systems Group state-of-the-art advanced defense electronic component manufacturing facility, the building was shuttered in 1999. Oldham Goodwin Capital acquired the property in 2016 and set out on a long-term journey to develop a life science hub in the heart of Bryan/College Station. Current tenants in the Westinghouse Building at Providence Park include Matica Biotechnology, Zoetis, Lynntech, and The Texas A&M Center for Innovation in Advanced Development and Manufacturing.
After the sale of the Westinghouse Building, Oldham Goodwin Capital still owns roughly 25 acres in Providence Park and will pursue further development in the life science sector.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Kole Taylor and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded November 10, 2022.
The Bryan police department goes to social media in an attempt to stop rumors following two sexual assaults last weekend.
Officer Kole Taylor says they are getting a lot of questions from people reading social media posts containing incorrect information.
Taylor says their resources are being diverted from the investigation by dealing with unfounded rumors.
Taylor says there are no other sexual assault reports in the city of College Station nor on the Texas A&M campus that are linked to the investigation that is ongoing in Bryan.
CSPD and UPD are assisting with BPD's investigations.
Another unfounded rumor taking up law enforcement resources is the report of someone placing zip-ties on trash cans.
Taylor says to monitor and share updates from law enforcement social media.
And local law enforcement continue to encourage reports of suspicious activity.
This podcast is a recording of the Veterans Day 2022 program at the Bryan American Legion. The host is post 159 commander Dale Hutchcraft. The featured speaker is recently retired Army general and the new commandant of the Texas A&M corps of cadets, Patrick Michaelis.
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Veterans Day, the future of a family recreation center or partnership with YMCA, the purchase of the Macy's store, Amazon's drone delivery service, new people joining the city council, election results, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 9, 2022 Texas A&M system board of regents building committee meeting.
The Texas A&M system board of regents on Thursday approved more than $94 million dollars of additional improvements to athletic facilities on the flagship campus.
Athletics director Ross Bjork explained during the regents building committee on Wednesday about $60 million for upgrades at Blue Bell Park, $25 million at Ellis soccer field and the west campus player development center, and a $9 million dollar track addition to accommodate field events and a warm up track.
The board also gave the green light to the remaining $83.23 million dollars to finish other projects in the Bright development area. This includes the student-athlete academic and wellness center, the Bright-Slocum football center, east plazas, ceremonial drives, and parking.
Also approved, was spending another $735,550 dollars on new Kyle Field suites, which is also in the Bright development area. This will pay for the a new stairway for suite patrons from the new south suite level 350 to the 400 level American Club and the modifications required to join two suites for the new President’s Suite in the south end zone.
Click the following link to read and download background information about the Blue Bell Park upgrades: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BOR111022BlueBellPark.pdf
Click the following link to read and download background information about the Ellis soccer field and west campus player development center project: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BOR111022EllisWestCampusDevCtr.pdf
Click the following link to read and download background information about the track addition: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BOR111022track.pdf
Click the following link to read and download background information regarding the Bright development area, which includes additional funding for new Kyle Field suites: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/BOR111022bright.pdf
Captain Andrea Israel visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Angel Tree Christmas assistance program during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Councilman James Edge visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about election results, voter awareness, transportation funding, needs in the city, new council members, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Ellen Fuller from Wreaths Across America visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Friday's memorial dedication.
Bryan SMD 3 councilman elect Jared Salvato visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 9, 2022.
Bryan single member district one councilman elect Paul Torres visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 9, 2022.
College Station ISD place five board member Kimberly McAdams visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 9, 2022.
This podcast is a visit with the community engagement manager of the Destination Bryan tourism office, Katelyn Brown, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Two local businesses are recognized by the Texas Downtown Association for their contribution to downtown Bryan.
Katelyn Brown with the Destination Bryan tourism office says the Schulman family, which operates the Queen Theatre for the city, received the association's resiliency award.
And Bryan Broadcasting received a statewide award for being the best downtown partner.
The awards recognize cities with a population of 50,000 or more.
News release from the Destination Bryan tourism office:
Destination Bryan brings home two awards from the annual Texas Downtown Association Annual Conference held in San Marcos, TX last week. In the over 50K population, Destination Bryan received the Best Downtown Partner Award with Bryan Broadcasting and the Resiliency Award with The Queen Theatre. For over 35 years the awards program, sponsored by Texas Downtown (TXDT), has recognized outstanding projects, places, and people of Texas downtowns.
The Best Downtown Partner recognizes a local private or civic organization that positively impacts the community and actively contributes to the revitalization efforts of the downtown or commercial district and was awarded to Bryan Broadcasting for their efforts in supporting and promoting events and activities in Downtown Bryan including their partnership with Halloweentown in Downtown.
The Resiliency Award recognizes local projects and programs that were launched in the past year (June 30, 2021 – June 30, 2022). This category is for those projects or programs that do not fit in other categories, but that represent the overall efforts of the downtown or commercial district and their goals for the year. The Queen Theatre took home this award for reopening after the pandemic and adding a high end movie theater to the Downtown area.
Texas Downtown was established in 1985 to connect and serve communities that are committed to downtown vitality. The mission of the organization is to provide members with resources, advocacy, education, and connections. Texas Downtown represents cities of all sizes, economic development organizations, nonprofits including chambers of commerce and merchant groups, and small business owners.
The judges for achievement entries were: Erika Boyd, Texas Travel Alliance; Julie Glover, Downtown Consultant; Danny Holeva, Arts Council of Midland; Kris Larson, Central Houston; and Jordan Maddox, Halff Associates.
For more information about the President’s Awards, the Texas Downtown Conference, or other programs of the Texas Downtown Association, please visit www.texasdowntown.org.
Bryan ISD school board place 3 member elect Leo Gonzalez visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver November 8, 2022.
Bryan ISD school board place 5 member elect David Stasny visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 9, 2022.
Bryan SMD 2 councilman elect Ray Arrington visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on November 9, 2022.
Bryan SMD 6 councilman elect Kevin Boriskie visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on November 8, 2022.
College Station mayor elect John Nichols visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver November 8, 2022, while election night votes are still be tabulated.
College Station city council place 1 member elect Mark Smith visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver November 8, 2022.
College Station city council place 2 member elect William Wright visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 8, 2022.
Brazos County precinct four commissioner-elect Wanda Watson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia November 8, 2022.
College Station city council place 5 member elect Bob Yancy visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 9, 2022.
Congressman Michael McCaul of Austin (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his congressional background, the Foreign Affairs committee, homeland security, the future of the proxy vote, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his final days as mayor, Downtown Bryan's award for Bryan Broadcasting, election results, Bryan's single member districts, his future plans, and more during his last appearance as mayor on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about election results, why some people may not want to run for office, Texas' republican party, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and the founder and director of UWBV partner agency Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach Kim Schams visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Topics includes Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach needing volunteers and UWBV recruiting residents in the service who are interested in reviewing grant applications in the next funding cycle.
Mary Parrish, Workforce Development Coordinator & Public Information Officer for the Brazos County Health District, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about an online survey about COVID-19 and vaccines and provides an update on flu and RSV activity.
This podcast is a recording of the dedication of the Bush Combat Development Complex, which was held November 4, 2022.
The Texas A&M system and the Army Futures Command have dedicated a new combat development complex on the RELLIS campus that is named for president George H.W. Bush.
The $130 million dollar center is made up of the research integration center...the ballistic aero and materials test range for hypersonic and laser systems, which is better known as the "BAM"...and an outdoor testing area for autonomous vehicle systems that is called the innovation proving ground.
The program was emceed by the director of the George H.W. Bush combat development complex, retired Air Force major general Tim Green.
Speakers were A&M system chancellor John Sharp, A&M system board of regents member Bill Mahomes, the deputy commanding officer of the Army Futures Command, lieutenant general Ross Coffman, and one of the children of the 41st president, Neil Bush.
Municipal Court Judge Ed Spillane visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about warrant amnesty and roundup, the Community Living Class, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about First Friday activities in downtown Bryan on November 4, the "Lights On" tree lighting in downtown Bryan November 18, and parade entries still being accepted for the downtown Bryan lighted Christmas parade on December 8.
Ashley Rodriguez from the Bryan Animal Center visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the need for adoptions, benefits of adopting, holiday adoption specials, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about early voting turnout, College Station bond issues, holiday events, comments from Fred Dupriest at city council meetings, the possibility of a medical examiner's office, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) of Waco visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the midterm election, the Republican agenda, political rhetoric and its consequences, inflation, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the incorrect mail ballots, a voter's responsibility to know who they are voting for, a limited ballot, unique voting situations, curbside voting, early voting numbers, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 17, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Two years ago, Texas A&M opened at Wellborn Road and Old Main, the three story innovative learning classroom center.
Better known as the ILBC, two offices on the top floor are being moved to make room for the relocation of KAMU television and radio.
Interim provost Alan Sams told the faculty senate during its October 17 meeting that this was part of KAMU's integration into A&M's new journalism department.
Dr. Sams also brought up the timing of the KAMU move from the shadow of Kyle Field...as A&M athletics is expanding its footprint.
To make room for KAMU, the office for academic innovations and the center for teaching excellence are moving from the ILBC to Nagle Hall and the Blocker Building.
Four faculty senate members aired their opposition.
They told Dr. Sams about the disruption that passing trains would cause at the radio station, moving the current offices farther away from west campus, and the administration "not really talking to any of the other stakeholders in making a decision" about a building that opened in 2020.
This podcast contains comments from the October 25, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
For the third time, the mother of an Iola man charged with the April 2021 mass shooting at Kent Moore Cabinets in Bryan addresses the Brazos County commission.
Dixie Bollin said Tuesday that she has seen no changes in the treatment of her son, Larry, since she last spoke with commissioners seven weeks ago.
Bollin repeated that her son's legal counsel is his father, and that he has not received any discovery evidence from the district attorney's office. A DA's spokeswoman told WTAW News that they have provided all discovery to Larry Bollin's court appointed lawyer. WTAW News has not received a reply to a follow up question if the DA's office recognizes Bollin's father as his legal counsel as stated by the defendant's mother.
Mrs. Bollin also said she and a younger son were contacted by an investigator with the Texas Rangers if they knew about a man wearing a red shirt and driving a red Toyota Tundra truck. She said "there was a guy that was after our son that day" of the shooting. She said Larry "had every right to use self defense. They were after him, a gang at Kent Moore Cabinets." Mrs. Bollin said Larry went to his "bosses several times as well as other co workers and they were denied protection. This gang went on and harassed my son. Could of been avoided, unfortunately." Mrs. Bollin said "the man in the red truck was shooting at our son multiple times while he was in my car." She then said the man in the red truck was arrested and held for several days before being released and was told to leave town.
When asked to comment about Mrs. Bollin's statement, the DA spokeswoman told WTAW News "we cannot comment about the specifics of the investigation and prosecution of Mr. Bollin".
As of October 28, trial dates have not been set for Larry Bollin on charges of murder, attempt to commit capital murder of multiple people, and five counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Larry Bollin remains in the Brazos County jail in lieu of bonds totaling $4.2 million dollars.
Ross Brady, Assistant to the City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the five bond propositions on this election's ballot, the economic impact of the bond issue, the needs for a new fire station, community input, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the general manager of the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District, Alan Day, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A Houston corporation that purchased 9,000 of land in Robertson County in October of last year now has the authority to drill water wells and pump enough water that exceeds the yearly combined total of the cities of Bryan and College Station and Texas A&M.
The drilling permit was approved at the October 20 meeting of the Brazos Valley Groundwater Conservation District.
General manager Alan Day says the corporation can apply for the district's first ever permit to export water outside of Robertson and Brazos counties.
Day says state law does not allow them to block water from leaving the district.
Day says the export permit application will include where the water is going and the purpose of the water.
According to the drilling permit application, the corporation "has identified potential customers and there are ongoing discussions but does not have any agreements yet."
Potential uses are "municipal, industrial, commercial, recreational, agricultural, irrigation, manufacturing, mining, and/or livestock purposes. The Applicant intends to transport up to all of the water from this permit application outside of the boundaries of the District. However, some users and uses may occur within the District."
According to the drilling permit application, the wells will be drilled between Hearne and Calvert and west of Highway 6.
The corporation plans to drill the wells as fast as there is market demand and they can hire drillers.
Day also said the corporation entered a well assistance agreement to pay up to $7.5 million dollars before they start pumping water, to pay for damages if the owners of at least 270 existing wells are impacted.'
Click the following link to read and download the well drilling application: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BVGMD102022UW-BrazosValleyFarmLLC_application.pdf
Click the following link to read and download the well assistance program document: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BVGWD102022WellAssistAgmt.pdf
Lindsey LeBlanc, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Resource Center, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the rise in sexual assault cases in our region, SARC's volunteer shortage, the role of volunteers, the upcoming winter advocate training, and more.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem Buppy Simank visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what needs to be done before next month's election, economic and residential development, Midtown Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what Republicans can do to control inflation, early voting numbers, education numbers, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum October 25, 2022 with College Station mayoral candidates John Nichols and Rick Robison.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum October 25, 2022 with College Station city council place five candidates Nicole Galluci and Bob Yancy.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum October 25, 2022 with College Station city council place two candidates David Levine and William Wright.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum October 25, 2022 with College Station city council place one candidates Aron Collins and Mark Smith.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum October 25, 2022 with Brazos County commission precinct four candidates Timothy Delasandro and Wanda Watson.
This podcast is a visit recorded October 25, 2022 with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies College Station COO Gerry Farrell and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Background of the interview:
The largest employer in the Bryan/College Station biocorridor is growing again.
Groundbreaking took place Tuesday on a $300 million dollar addition at College Station's FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) campus.
The expansion will double FDB's advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing capacity in the U.S.
The addition of approximately 138,000 square feet to the existing (300,000 square feet) campus will create 150 jobs, bringing bring total employment to 1,000.
FDB College Station's chief operating officer Gerry Farrell says manufacturing is expected to start towards the end of 2024.
Tuesday's program also included the presentation of new street signs, changing the name of Biomedical Way to FUJIFILM Way.
News release from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies:
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a world leading contract development and manufacturing organization for biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies, held a groundbreaking ceremony today to celebrate the start of its single-use manufacturing campus expansion project in College Station, Texas. The expansion will add a new cGMP production facility that will be operational by 2024, and is expected to add 150 skilled positions to the site. The expansion will double the Company’s advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing capacity in the U.S.
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies leadership, employees and community partners joined the groundbreaking ceremony with remarks from the following guests:
• Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development and Tourism, Office of Governor Greg Abbott
• Karl Mooney, mayor of the City of College Station
• James Edge, city councilman, City of Bryan, Texas (representing Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson)
• Matt Prochaska, chief executive officer, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation
• Spencer Clements, president and founder, William Cole Companies
• Dr. Gerry Farrell, chief operations officer, Texas and California, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
• Dr. Thomas Page, vice president, engineering & asset development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Texas
“The economic impact of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ new facility in College Station will be immense for Texas,” said Adriana Cruz, executive director of Texas Economic Development and Tourism. “Not only is it a significant capital investment creating 150 new skilled jobs, it will also strengthen Texas’ expertise in biotech and life sciences with what is expected to be the largest single-use CDMO production campus in North America.”
As part of the groundbreaking, College Station mayor Karl Mooney delivered a proclamation changing the name of the street where the FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies facility is located from 3939 Biomedical Way to 3939 Fujifilm Way.
“College Station has become a city of innovation, thanks in considerable measure to our emerging biotech industry,” said Mayor Mooney. “And FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is leading the way here among contract development and manufacturing organizations.”
“The CDMO sector in the U.S. and worldwide is rapidly growing, supporting nearly 400 cell and gene therapies in development or already deployed, most designed to target a broad range of rare diseases,” said Dr. Gerry Farrell, chief operations officer, Texas and California, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. “Designed as a single-use production campus, this site will provide the capacity needed to manufacture these life-impacting advanced therapies.”
This College Station facility expansion will add approximately 138,000 square feet to the existing (300,000 square feet) campus, and provides space for multiple 500L and 2,000L bioreactors and associated purification equipment deploying single-use, disposable-device technology.
Added Dr. Farrell: “We are grateful to our local and state partners for supporting us in this expansion, which will allow College Station to play a central role in advancing the field of advanced therapies.”
The investment is supported by a $1.5 million Texas Enterprise Fund Award to support the job creation, which was previously awarded in December 2021. The Texas Enterprise Fund awards support the creation of quality jobs and leverages private investment for business activities designed to strengthen the economic future of the state.
This podcast is a recording of the groundbreaking program on October 25, 2022 at the $300 million dollar addition of the FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) campus in College Station, TX. The first speaker, who introduces other speakers, is FDB Texas and California chief operating officer Gerry Farrell.
The largest employer in the Bryan/College Station biocorridor is growing again.
Groundbreaking took place Tuesday on a $300 million dollar addition at College Station's FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) campus.
The expansion will double FDB's advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing capacity in the U.S.
The addition of approximately 138,000 square feet to the existing (300,000 square feet) campus will create 150 jobs, bringing bring total employment to 1,000.
FDB College Station's chief operating officer Gerry Farrell says manufacturing is expected to start towards the end of 2024.
Tuesday's program also included the presentation of new street signs, changing the name of Biomedical Way to FUJIFILM Way.
News release from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies:
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a world leading contract development and manufacturing organization for biologics, vaccines, and advanced therapies, held a groundbreaking ceremony today to celebrate the start of its single-use manufacturing campus expansion project in College Station, Texas. The expansion will add a new cGMP production facility that will be operational by 2024, and is expected to add 150 skilled positions to the site. The expansion will double the Company’s advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing capacity in the U.S.
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies leadership, employees and community partners joined the groundbreaking ceremony with remarks from the following guests:
• Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development and Tourism, Office of Governor Greg Abbott
• Karl Mooney, mayor of the City of College Station
• James Edge, city councilman, City of Bryan, Texas (representing Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson)
• Matt Prochaska, chief executive officer, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation
• Spencer Clements, president and founder, William Cole Companies
• Dr. Gerry Farrell, chief operations officer, Texas and California, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
• Dr. Thomas Page, vice president, engineering & asset development, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Texas
“The economic impact of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ new facility in College Station will be immense for Texas,” said Adriana Cruz, executive director of Texas Economic Development and Tourism. “Not only is it a significant capital investment creating 150 new skilled jobs, it will also strengthen Texas’ expertise in biotech and life sciences with what is expected to be the largest single-use CDMO production campus in North America.”
As part of the groundbreaking, College Station mayor Karl Mooney delivered a proclamation changing the name of the street where the FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies facility is located from 3939 Biomedical Way to 3939 Fujifilm Way.
“College Station has become a city of innovation, thanks in considerable measure to our emerging biotech industry,” said Mayor Mooney. “And FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is leading the way here among contract development and manufacturing organizations.”
“The CDMO sector in the U.S. and worldwide is rapidly growing, supporting nearly 400 cell and gene therapies in development or already deployed, most designed to target a broad range of rare diseases,” said Dr. Gerry Farrell, chief operations officer, Texas and California, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. “Designed as a single-use production campus, this site will provide the capacity needed to manufacture these life-impacting advanced therapies.”
This College Station facility expansion will add approximately 138,000 square feet to the existing (300,000 square feet) campus, and provides space for multiple 500L and 2,000L bioreactors and associated purification equipment deploying single-use, disposable-device technology.
Added Dr. Farrell: “We are grateful to our local and state partners for supporting us in this expansion, which will allow College Station to play a central role in advancing the field of advanced therapies.”
The investment is supported by a $1.5 million Texas Enterprise Fund Award to support the job creation, which was previously awarded in December 2021. The Texas Enterprise Fund awards support the creation of quality jobs and leverages private investment for business activities designed to strengthen the economic future of the state.
This podcast contains comments from the October 18, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting and the October 18, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Two local governing bodies recently received requests to slow down traffic to protect children.
College Station ISD school crossing guard Camille Batts told her school board about her attempts to get the attention of speeders and drivers who turn in front of children.
Brazos County commissioners heard from a parent in the Stone Creek Farms development off of FM 1179 east of the Steep Hollow cemetery. Keith Watson says speeders on side streets are placing in danger, the lives of 17 children under the age of 13.
Because remarks were made during public comments, neither the school board or county commissioners could respond to the requests.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County property owners who are used to having their property tax bills by now continue to wait.
The delay was caused by county commissioners failing to set a tax rate until last Thursday because two members skipped multiple meetings.
Tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe says tax bills could be in the mail by Halloween. Now that the tax rate has been set by default, work is underway to prepare statements.
The tax office is in full gear after commissioners on Tuesday ratified the tax rate.
While the ratification vote was unanimous, it required the presence of only three commissioners instead of four to set the tax rate.
Roe encourages property owners to sign up for an e-mail alert on the tax office website at brazostax.org. She says online statements should be available three or four days before they arrive in the snail mail.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley vice-president Peggi Goss and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Subjects includes Friday's "Boo Book Bash", distributing books to children during the "Halloweentown in Downtown Bryan" event.
There is also an invitation to register for Thanksgiving meal baskets for the Rotary Club of Aggieland that will be delivered November 18.
There is also an invitation to plate and/or deliver Thanksgiving meals as part of the 39th "Thanksgiving in the Brazos Valley" event.
More information is online at uwbv.org/holiday
This podcast contains comments from the October 17, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The week after the Bryan city council approves rezoning to allow Bryan ISD to build its transportation, maintenance, and auxiliary services center, school board members hear the revised timeline for awarding a construction contract.
Click the following link for background information from the October 17, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BISD101722haliburton.pdf
The only board member who had a comment was vice president Julie Harlin, who said who said "It's a happy day that we can make plans to move forward."
BISD construction director Paul Buckner said bids are being solicited for rooftop air conditioning units, which will take about a year to be delivered.
Bids are also being sought for the general contractor. Buckner said those bids are scheduled to be opened December 1, the board could award the project in mid-December, and groundbreaking could take place in January.
Substantial completion is projected for March of 2024. Buckner said the transportation and maintenance departments will be the first to move. That will allow for the demolition of the district's current facilities, which have to be done to complete the remainder of the district's third intermediate school.
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine said members of the Ruby Haliburton family remain interested in being involved as much as possible in the project.
The center is named after Ruby Haliburton, who graduated from Bryan ISD's Kemp High School in 1962 and was a BISD school bus driver from 1985 until her death in April of 2021.
This podcast contains comments from the October 17, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting from senate members and interim provost Dr. Alan Sams.
The week after Texas A&M holds their first fall break, members of the faculty senate tells the university's new interim provost they support and oppose the additional days off.
Interim provost Alan Sams tells the faculty senate that they are already talking about next year's fall break schedule.
Dr. Sams also agreed with a faculty senate member who called on the administration to solicit more input from educators.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming election and new council members, the Macy's building, where a new fire department is needed, the length of city council meetings, HOT funds, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the October 20, 2022 special meeting of the Brazos County commission.
The Brazos County portion of property tax bills will have a tax rate decrease of about six cents.
That is the state imposed no new revenue rate after two county commissioners skipped the last chance to set this year's tax rate.
County judge Duane Peters and commissioners Nancy Berry and Irma Cauley all had something to say during Thursday's special meeting about the absences of Steve Aldrich and Russ Ford.
State law required at least four of the five commissioners to participate in the meeting to set the tax rate.
Aldrich last sought a decrease of four cents and Ford wanted a decrease of at least five cents.
The majority initially voted for a one cent decrease as part of adopting the fiscal year 2023 budget. The county judge later offered what he considered a compromise of a three cent decrease.
County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe hopes to have tax bills in the mail by Halloween, which is two to four weeks behind schedule.
Bryan City Secretary Mary Lynne Stratta visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about proposed amendments to the city charter, the city council meeting schedule, broadcasting council meetings, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about working with Unlimited Potential, the old Macy's location, revitalizing Post Oak Mall, the start of early voting, shuttle bus service from campus to College Station City Hall, the Household Hazardous Waste and Computer Collection, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the strategic oil reserve, voting turnout, student loan forgiveness, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 18, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners on Tuesday approve a resolution supporting a referendum question to increase vehicle registration fees by $10 dollars to help fund local transportation projects.
Click HERE to read and download the resolution that was approved during the October 18, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BrCoComm101822_PropBrez.pdf
The three to nothing vote followed remarks by one opponent and one supporter of what is officially known as Proposition "B" on the November general election ballot.
Speaking against Proposition "B" was Ronnie Vitulli, a former mayor of Kurten and one of the unsuccessful candidates in this year's election for county commission in precinct two.
Responding to Vitulli's comments were county commissioner Nancy Berry and the chairman of the Brazos County regional mobility authority, Barry Moore.
The referendum language was composed by the RMA.
This podcast contains comments from city of Bryan deputy manager Hugh Walker from the October 11, 2022 Bryan city council meeting and from Frank Clark's interview on WTAW's The Infomaniacs on October 13, 2022.
The Bryan city council agrees to spend another $165,000 thousand dollars on Midtown Park.
Deputy city manager Hugh Walker says it is to design more outdoor amenities between the Legends Events Center and the lake.
Those amenities includes sand volleyball and a boathouse and dock for rental kayaks.
Click the following link to read and download schematics of the proposed sand volleyball, boathouse, and dock additions from the October 11, 2022 Bryan city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BryCoun101122MidtownPkSchematic.pdf
Click the following link to read and download background information about the design contract from the October 11, 2022 Bryan city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BryCoun101122MidtownPkBkgd.pdf
Click the following link to read and download change order information from the October 11, 2022 Bryan city council meeting. https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BryCoun101122MidtownPkChangeOrder.pdf
Midtown Park project manager Frank Clark said on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that the fence around the lake has been removed.
Clark says construction at the Midtown Park dam, spillway, and extending a 12 foot wide path will continue into next year.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum October 17, 2022 with Bryan mayoral candidates Bobby Gutierrez, Brent Hairston, and Mike Southerland.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum October 17, 2022 with Bryan city council SMD 2 candidates Ray Arrington and Rafael Pena, SMD 3 candidates Jared Salvato and Doris Machinski, and Bryan city council at large candidates Kevin Boriskie and Patrick Giammalva.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum October 17, 2022 with Bryan city council SMD 1 candidates Paul Torres and Raul Santana and Bryan city council SMD 5 candidates Kyle Schumann, Marca Ewers-Shurtleff, and A.J. Renold.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of Brazos Valley president Alison Prince. She and WTAW's Bill Oliver visit about UWBV's participation in the annual Brazos Valley Gives event, the city of Bryan hamburger fry fundraiser for UWBV, and the opportunity to drop off blankets and children's books for UWBV's Books and a Blanket program at Saturday's household hazardous waste collection.
Deputy David Wilcox visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the grant awarded to the Brazos County Sheriff's Office and Unbound Now BCS to combat human trafficking in the Brazos Valley.
College Station assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's upcoming bond issues.
Click the following link for more information from the city of College Station: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/CSbond2022.pdf
This podcast includes interviews with the leader of a Belgian trade delegation to Bryan/College Station, Philippe LaChapelle, and the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Matt Prochaska.
Bryan/College Station again hosted a trade mission with corporate representatives from the Wallonia region of Belgium that includes Bastogne.
While this was the 13th year of the formal exchange, the leader of the Belgian delegation has made more than 30 trips to Texas. Philippe Lachapelle says while Belgium is a small country, it is one of the top ten investors in the United States.
The president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Matt Prochaska, says Bryan/College Station area businesspeople will be going to Belgium next year.
The two day event included the ceremonial grand opening of the U.S. subsidiary of Belgium based gas chromatography company Orthodyne at Texas A&M's institute for preclinical studies.
News release from the Brazos Valley economic development corporation:
Representatives from Belgian technology companies returned to the Brazos Valley October 11-12 to explore opportunities in the U.S. marketplace through the region.
Eleven companies made up this, the second mission in 2022 facilitated by the Walloon Export & Investment Agency (AWEX) in conjunction with the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation and the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES).
The first mission this year was in March. It was the first AWEX-led, in-person mission to the Brazos Valley since the start of the pandemic.
"Each time we are in the community, we can feel the energy of the Brazos Valley environment and how companies would feel at home with the help of the BVEDC, TEES, and their partners," said AWEX Director of Innovation Philippe Lachapelle.
Companies visiting as part of this, the 14th mission to the Brazos Valley, have focuses on a wide range of technology efforts, including kidney health devices, spacecraft components, fire detectors, wearable rescue devices, and information-displaying glasses.
Each mission sees Belgian company representatives meeting with local business, higher education and community leaders as they seek information about the Brazos Valley and why doing business here is advantageous. The majority of meetings took place in the meeting spaces of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, with additional gatherings held at various Texas A&M and community locations.
“The technology mission to Texas from Belgium is a critical global partnership opportunity for Texas A&M Engineering’s research enterprise by identifying collaborative research and development areas, creation of start-ups, and exchange of talent,” said TEES Executive Director of Commercialization & Entrepreneurship Dr. Saurabh Biswas. “These opportunities further our key mission to advance research, innovation and workforce development.”
“Once again, the community is a shining light to the world from a business and economic perspective,” said BVEDC President/CEO Matt Prochaska. “We’re also extremely grateful to the Cities of Bryan and College Station, Brazos County, Texas A&M University and our private industries under the Invest Brazos Valley banner for their continued collaboration in this strategic partnership.”
CELEBRATING ORTHODYNE
Delegates and the Brazos Valley community took time to celebrate Belgium-based gas chromatography company Orthodyne, which launched its U.S. subsidiary in College Station in November 2021. Offices and a laboratory in the Texas A&M Institute for Preclinical Studies (TIPS) were ceremonially opened on the first day of the mission.
Thanks to its partnership with Texas A&M, Orthodyne officials say they have a full commercial capacity and the ability to serve their customers with testing and repairs. They add that projects and orders are increasing, and they anticipate even more growth, especially with the semiconductor market taking greater root in Texas. With growth exceeding expectations, Orthodyne hopes to employ more technicians and technical salespeople by year’s end.
"Texas is where our customers are," said Orthodyne General Manager Eric Streel. "Here in the U.S., most of our customers are based in Austin and Houston and Dallas. Being in College Station, in this Texas Triangle in the middle of the three cities, it was the perfect spot."
According to Streel, the Board of Orthodyne decided to create a U.S. subsidiary in July 2020. For the remainder of the year, AWEX worked with the company to develop its network in the U.S., and in early 2021, the BVEDC assisted Orthodyne to establish itself in America through the International Gateway program. The U.S. company was incorporated in March 2021, with the lab space at TIPS secured in March 2022.
“They could have gone everywhere in the U.S., but they made contacts at Texas A&M and in the Brazos Valley community as well," Lachapelle said. "They are going to hire local people, and they have a very special technology they are bringing to the community that didn’t exist before. That’s the kind of relationship we want to build.”
The BVEDC joined in the ceremonial opening, with Board of Directors Chair Elect Katherine Kleemann bringing greetings and congratulations on behalf of the organization.
This podcast contains comments from each member of the Bryan city council during their October 11, 2022 meeting.
Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson gets unanimous support from the city council to rename Highway 47 for Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp.
Click the following link to read and download the resolution: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BryCoun101122SharpPkwyRez.pdf
The three page resolution, which took eight minutes for the mayor to read, details Sharp's biography from growing up as the son of an oil field worker and a teacher, through his time as a Texas A&M student, to his eight positions in state government before being named chancellor of the Texas A&M system.
The end of resolution states this "will help serve to perpetuate the memory of the chancellor" "for his time-honored legacy of dedication, vision, and outstanding public service which will long benefit the citizens of the city of Bryan".
The resolution goes on to say the naming is to acknowledge and appreciate Sharp "for leading by example, acting as an agent of change, exhibiting the highest level of innovation and exhibiting an outstanding community spirit in his service, while maintaining a superior moral character".
The renaming also has the staff's recommendation for approval due to Sharp's development of the RELLIS campus and A&M expansions in the city of Bryan.
The July before Nelson was elected mayor in 2016, the Bryan city council approved a recommendation from the Brazos County historical commission to name Highway 47 Riverside Parkway.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about approving Bryan ISD's rezoning request for the new transportation, maintenance, and auxiliary services center, his last month as mayor, the renaming of Highway 47 for Texas A&M Chancellor John Sharp, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the border situation, what people are concerned about, inflation, midterm projections, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 11, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
Click the following link to read and download the city of Bryan presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BryCoun101122bisd_CouncilMtgPrez.pdf
Click the following link to read and download the Bryan ISD presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/BryCoun101122bisd_BISDpresentation.pdf
The Bryan city council unanimously approves Bryan ISD's rezoning request for the site of the district's new transportation, maintenance, and auxiliary services center.
While there no votes against the rezoning, a council majority did not support the facility being built within 550 feet of Leonard Road near the intersection with Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
Bryan ISD school board members and administrators in attendance were told that until recently, the council majority was under the impression that the facility was going towards the rear of the property, farther away from Leonard Road.
Mayor Andrew Nelson, who seconded James Edge's motion, said "regardless of whether we knew anything about the change (of the facility location), the train left the station and it's that spot or it's disruptive to the school district".
Edge said he "reluctantly" made the motion, adding "this is a bad location". Edge also said it was the council's "duty to work with the school district, regardless of the fact that they don't seem to want to work with us."
Bobby Gutierrez said he came into the meeting planning to vote for the rezoning "simply because it is the right thing to do for the right time for right now. (It's) the wrong thing to do for the city in general because it's gonna have a lasting impact on what we do in development going forward. But it's the right thing to for the school system. And we do have to put these kids first."
Reuben Marin said he told BISD's current and former superintendent during informal conversations that "I don't believe this is the best location, not with the growth that we're expecting on the west side of town."
Prentiss Madison said "I do like the idea, and compromise, that this facility would be great on the back half of this property."
Buppy Simank said "I will support this but I would have liked to have seen see better communication with BISD and the council", adding "I felt like it's not the best use of the land, but for a matter of time and getting this done I will compromise on what I think is best for the city to do what is best for the school system. Simank also said he "would like to see in the future when there are issues, I would like the school board to sit down with the council and not go to the media the way they have. That was very offensive."
Brent Hairston was the only councilman to enthusiastically support Bryan ISD's request, saying he was "not willing to second guess their opinion." Hairston also said BISD "operated in good faith by compromising and being willing to move it back 550 feet total" from Leonard Road, which is "300 feet from where it was initially located."
Hairston also said they "were on shaky legal ground to begin with". That was the only council response to remarks made by a BISD lawyer. Attorney Ann Greenberg of Austin said "that the Texas Supreme Court has spoken more than once with great clarity in this area, indicating that in balancing legislative priorities, a city's zoning authority must take a backseat to a school district's power to choose the location of its facilities. While the city may regulate construction standards for facilities, it cannot decide location for a public school district."
The council's vote overturned a unanimous planning and zoning commission recommendation to deny the rezoning. Nelson thanked P&Z for doing "an outstanding job", a job that the mayor said "is not to blindly rubber stamp things because we like our staff. It's not to blindly rubber stamp things because we are friends with the applicant".
The three hours taken on this item, which was attended by an audience that spilled outside of city council chambers, began with 40 minutes of public comments where 13 speakers expressed their support for BISD's request. No one spoke in opposition to the rezoning request. Two others called for a resolution to the dispute. Multiple council members said they received calls, e-mails, and letters in support and in opposition.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) vice president Peggi Goss, Matti Carter of UWBV partner agency North Bryan Community Center, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from Meals on Wheels volunteer driver and retired Texas A&M sports announcer Dave South, visiting with WTAW's Scott DeLucia; and Meals on Wheels director Ken Barnes, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan based Meals on Wheels operation, whose volunteers deliver more than 500 meals each week to Brazos and some surrounding counties, has started fundraising to purchase the land and building that it is currently leasing.
That is after learning the property behind St. Anthony's Catholic church near downtown Bryan has been put up for sale.
Assisting director Ken Barnes in publicizing the fundraising effort is volunteer driver and retired Texas A&M sports announcer Dave South.
They say the listing price is $330,000 dollars.
Barnes also responded to the proposal being considered by Brazos County commissioners to give the non profit agency $500,000 dollars in federal pandemic grant money. Barnes says that can be spent on a new facility but it can not be used to purchase its current location. He also says it would cost more to relocate.
Barnes says contingency plans are being developed. If the property is purchased by someone else, Meals on Wheels would have 60 days to vacate.
Those who are interested in learning more about contributing can call Barnes at 979-823-2203.
Meals on Wheels is also participating in the Brazos Valley Gives event, where contributions to more than 150 organizations are being accepted now and the 18 hour day of giving takes place October 18.
This podcast is a pre-election visit with Brazos County Democratic party chairwoman Amy Alge, Brazos County Republican party chairwoman Elianor Vessali, and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan Broadcasting owner Bill Hicks during a celebration of WTAW's 100th birthday on October 7, 2022.
Fire Marshal Eric Dotson and Community Outreach Specialist Meghan Reed visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Fire Prevention Month, smoke detectors, common household extinguishers, upcoming fire department events, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about October's First Friday lineup and previews the upcoming "Halloweentown in Downtown Bryan" event on October 28.
Megan Brown, BTU Energy Account Manager, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about how drought impacts BTU, taking generation offline, Public Power Week, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan ISD Superintendent Ginger Carrabine visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about closing the educational gap after the pandemic, BISD's record high accountability rating, parent engagement, teacher training opportunities, school safety, school finance, and more.
Bryan ISD School Board President Mark McCall visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the district's request to rezone land for the new maintenance and transportation complex.
This podcast contains comments from the October 3, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members were told this week that state inspectors were at an unidentified campus last week conducting a safety check as required by new regulations following the mass shooting in Uvalde.
BISD's maintenance and operations director Ron Clary said inspectors found an undisclosed problem, and that a correction was made on the same day of the state inspection.
While Clary expects more inspections before the end of this semester, he told board members that ongoing safety training involves all BISD employees, not just educators and administrators.
The board also heard from one of BISD's school leadership directors, Crystal Goodman, about safety training.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new recreation center, National Night Out, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Broadcasting's Caitlin Curbello-Rodriguez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this year's Best of the Brazos contest, where you can pick up your publication, and more.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and Charles Coats of UWBV partner agency Habitat For Humanity BCS visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver on October 3, 2022.
Chief Appraiser Dana Horton visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this year's property value statistics including the number of protests, what happens when people don't show up for their appraisal hearing, and more.
Alyssa Halle-Schramm, Long Range Planning Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about National Community Planning Month, shared housing, middle housing, the Texas and University redevelopment plan, the Wellborn redevelopment plan, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Penny Zent, BCS Christmas Parade Chair, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the parade's return in 2022.
Scott Smith, Chief Information Security Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Cybersecurity Awareness Month, password security, software updates, phishing, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chaunte Lowe visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber prior to speaking at Pink Alliance's 19th Annual Surviving and Thriving Luncheon.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about progress at Legends Event Center, availability for local groups, the sustainability of the city's golf course, progress at Phillips Event Center, the controversy of land use by Bryan ISD for their new maintenance and transportation complex, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the agenda, the situation in Iran, the student forgiveness bill, reporting trades, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Public speakers at the September 20 Brazos County commission meeting included two opponents to the November election referendum asking Brazos County voters to approve a $10 dollar increase in vehicle registration fees to provide funding for transportation projects through the Brazos County regional mobility authority (RMA).
WTAW news director Bill Oliver asked RMA chairman Barry Moore to respond to the public speakers and ask other questions regarding the purpose of the RMA.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president Peggi Goss, Ron Crozier of UWBV partner agency Twin City Mission, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Topics include Twin City Mission's annual collection of winter coats and blankets at more than 60 locations, UWBV collecting children's books during the household hazardous waste collection event on October 22, and UWBV distributing children's books October 28 during the "Halloweentown in downtown Bryan" event.
This podcast contains comments from the September 22, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
For almost a year and a half, College Station city staff has been working on a way to stop the construction in single family neighborhoods of Ag-Shacks and similar student rental structures that have as many as ten bedrooms.
The city council tabled action on a proposal during their September 22 meeting after opponents called for another round of meetings with city staff about the "shared housing" ordinance.
Public speakers included a property owner. Madelyne Reed Moore owns a home and two neighboring lots, which are surrounded by student rentals. She says she will lose retirement income if the shared housing category is adopted.
Local civil engineer Veronica Morgan and the president of the Bryan/College Station realtors association Chad Hovde expressed concerns that extended to local homebuilders.
Councilmen John Crompton and Dennis Maloney told opponents to expect a council vote when it returns during their meeting on October 13.
This podcast is a visit with the city of Bryan's public works director Jayson Barfknecht and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The return of near triple digit temperatures has brought back higher water consumption in Bryan and College Station.
Neither city removed voluntary conservation measures following rainfall the two weeks before Labor Day.
Bryan public works director Jayson Barfknecht said it was discussed during the August rain but no action was taken.
Barfknecht said the city of Bryan produced more than 22 million gallons on August 1. After the rain, consumption on September 4, the day before Labor Day, was 9.4 million. On Wednesday (September 21), consumption returned to more than 20 million gallons for the first time since the rain.
College Station water resources coordinator Jennifer Nations said consumption on Thursday (September 22) was 21 million gallons. That's the first day for over 20 million gallons in College Station since August 18. The lowest consumption in College Station after the rain was 14 million gallons.
City of Bryan voluntary water restrictions:
During this time, City of Bryan water customers are requested to voluntarily limit outdoor water use by participating in the following watering schedule for outdoor water use:
For addresses ending in 0, 1, 2 and Commercial Meters: Designated watering days are Thursday and Sunday.
For addresses ending in 3,4,5 and Homeowners Associations: Designated watering days are Tuesday and Friday.
For addresses ending in 6,7,8 and 9: Designated watering days are Wednesday and Saturday.
Outdoor water use is discouraged between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., except with hand-held buckets or hand-held hoses equipped with a positive pistol grip nozzle or other device that automatically shuts off water flow when the hose is not being used. The time restrictions do not apply to the irrigation of commercial plant nurseries, irrigation using reclaimed water, new landscape installation during installation and the first 10 days, and the testing of new irrigation systems or existing irrigation systems being tested or under repair.
City of College Station voluntary water guidelines: No irrigation anywhere between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., and outside of that window on Thursdays and Saturdays for even-numbered addresses and on Wednesdays and Saturdays for odd-numbered addresses.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County commission's continuing stalemate over setting next year's property tax rate may delay the mailing of property tax statements.
County judge Duane Peters says he was told by the tax assessor-collector that because the appraisal district was late in certifying values, the state tax code gives the county until October 22 to decide the tax rate.
The county judge has scheduled separate tax rate meetings for next Monday and Tuesday. Monday is a workshop where there will be no vote. Peters said Tuesday's agenda item will include a vote.
Peters says he has always been open to discuss a compromise with Russ Ford and Steve Aldrich, who have missed three weeks of votes. A state law allows the two commissioners to block tax rate votes because four of the five members have to be present.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and John Baci of UWBV partner agency Catholic Charities of Central Texas visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Jennifer Cain, Capital Projects Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about railroad crossing improvements and closures, the upcoming bond election, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from College Station ISD deputy superintendent Molley Perry during the September 20, 2022 CSISD school board meeting.
Click the following link to read and download additional information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CSISD092022srd-ILA.pdf
The Brazos County sheriff's office and College Station ISD school board members agree to deploy two more school resource deputies.
CSISD deputy superintendent Molley Perry says both will serve intermediate and elementary campuses as a positive law enforcement presence by being mentors and problem solvers.
This will give CSISD nine school resource deputies...joining one who covers the entire district, three at middle schools, and three who are assigned to high schools.
This podcast contains comments from the September 19, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
This week's Bryan ISD school board meeting included a presentation about this week being deaf and hard of hearing awareness week.
BISD's special programs director Jennifer Warren talked about the district's involvement in the Brazos Valley regional day school program.
Warren also introduced BISD's lead interpreter, Kathy Sellers, who also works at the day school program.
Sellers, who is the mother of two deaf children, spoke about her recent appointment by the governor to serve on the board of the Texas School for the Deaf.
Deaf and hard of hearing students from multiple campuses, along with classmates who can hear, led the pledge of allegiance at Monday night's BISD board meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan assistant fire marshal Gerald Burnett and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan firefighters responding to a house fire Wednesday night found when they got inside, a man who was dead.
Assistant fire marshal Gerald Burnett said 9-1-1 received multiple calls from neighbors around the home near 22nd and Pierce, which is north and west of Sue Haswell Park.
Burnett said the 9-1-1 calls reported seeing haze. No neighbors called reporting they heard smoke detectors.
That led firefighters going to neighbor's homes Thursday morning offering smoke detectors as part of BFD's smoke alarm program.
The man's name has not been released because family members are still being notified.
Burnett says they are still investigating where the fire started and what caused the fire.
No firefighters were injured.
The alarm was received Thursday at 9:31 p.m. Firefighters arrived at 9:35, the victim was found at 9:42, and the fire was under control by 9:40 p.m.
Lauren Hovde, Development Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new RV park, cabins, the north Bryan Industrial Park, and more development during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 20, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
On voter registration day, Brazos County commissioners are told that it is too late to move this November's early voting back to Texas A&M's memorial student center (MSC).
During Tuesday's meeting, county clerk Karen McQueen and elections coordinator Krystal Ocon said federal election laws do not give them enough time to change voting locations and get ballots...which contain voting location information...sent to voters serving in the military and working overseas.
Commissioners Nancy Berry and Russ Ford told the audience that they made a mistake when they voted earlier this summer to move early voting from the MSC to College Station city hall.
A commission majority supported returning early voting to the MSC next year and before then to hold a workshop to get correct information about the process of setting voting locations.
While a majority of the 14 public speakers were A&M students, there was also a reference to the more than 25,000 full time employees and the nearly 70,000 students who will be affected.
The MSC will continue to be an election day voting center.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about tonight's city council agenda, a change in the shared housing ordinance, National Night Out, kudos, city growth, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about rising interest rates, inflation, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 19, 2022 groundbreaking of the Aggieland Outfitters store at George Bush and Fairview.
In September 2017, a College Station retailer received rezoning approval by a divided College Station city council to build a new store across George Bush Drive from Kyle Field.
Groundbreaking did not take place until Monday.
The owner of Aggieland Outfitters, Fadi Kalaouze, was allowed to proceed after winning two lawsuits filed by one opponent to the store.
College Station mayor Karl Mooney also spoke at the groundbreaking.
The new store is expected to open, weather permitting, next March.
It is replacing a location that will be demolished as part of the future interchange at George Bush and Wellborn Road.
This podcast is a visit with College Station fire department captain Stuart Marrs and WTAW's Bill Oliver, September 19, 2022.
An apartment fire in College Station Sunday during the noon hour at the Landmark complex on Longmire resulted in five people being taken to the hospital.
The status of those injured are not known. CSFD captain Stuart Marrs says that includes a mother and two young children who were rescued by firefighters through a second floor window.
A fourth person fell and the cause of the fifth injury is not known.
Marrs says a cat living in one of the units was treated at the scene for smoke inhalation, then the cat was taken to the Texas A&M small animal hospital for additional care.
Marrs says investigators traced the origin of the fire to an electrical panel in a first floor apartment in the middle of the 24 unit building..
Firefighters contained the fire to the one unit before it spread into the attic space.
Marrs said the alarm was received Sunday at 12:38 p.m. An ambulance was the first unit to arrive at 12:39. The mother and two young children were rescued at 12:42, water was being applied at 12:50, the fire was stopped at 12:55, and the scene was completely mopped up at 1:25 p.m.
CSFD's CART, or citizen's active response team, was on the scene as was representatives of the local Red Cross office.
This podcast contains an interview with the city of Bryan's economic development director Kevin Russell and comments from Bryan city manager Kean Register during the September 13, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
There are more signs that construction is nearing completion of the city of Bryan’s new Legends multipurpose events center.
City manager Kean Register told the city council this week that completion is scheduled for December 1. Register reported that the epoxy flooring subcontractor is working in the large restrooms on the concourse level. The light duty concrete sidewalks are still being poured with a slight delay because of rain. Waterproofing along the back wall has been completed, and the wood court floor contractor is finishing laying the maple floor. The exterior metal panels should be completed by the end of this week. The landscaper has started work on the sprinkler system at the satellite parking lot, and the patio between the event center and the lake should be poured next week.
The Bryan Business Council on Monday approved spending up to $7,800 dollars to host an employee appreciation event for Bryan ISD employees at the Legends center in December. The city of Bryan’s economic development director, Kevin Russell, said BISD administrators thought that “was a cool idea”. A specific date has not been set.
And the Bryan city council, with no discussion, unanimously approved at this week’s meeting the prices for renting the Legends center.
Click HERE to read and download the Legends rental fee schedule.
Click HERE to read and download background information about Legends rental rates from the agenda of the September 13, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
When the gym is open to public use, there is a $5 dollar daily fee for Bryan residents and $10 dollars for non residents.
There are various prices to rent courts. The hourly rental rate is $50 dollars for pickleball and volleyball and $80 dollars for basketball and futsal. The daily rate ranges from $400 to $650 dollars.
If you want to rent a party room, it is $50 dollars an hour or $400 dollars a day. If you want to rent three party rooms with access to the center’s arcade games, that costs $2,000 dollars a day.
If you want to rent the center’s E-Gaming room that is $300 dollars per hour or $2,400 dollars a day.
If you are planning a large gathering, rent the full meeting room for $250 dollars per hour or $2,000 dollars per day. Add the outdoor patio area to the meeting room, the price is $350 dollars per hour or $2,800 dollars per day.
The daily fee for using the entire Legends Events Center, which includes set up and tear down, is $6,500 dollars a day for a sports tournament, $7,500 dollars a day for a trade show, and $8,000 dollars a day for a cheerleading, dance, or a competition involving mats.
Click the following link to read and download the rate schedule for the Legends Events Center: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BryCoun091322LegendsRatesList.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the September 15, 2022 Bryan planning and zoning commission meeting.
A unanimous Bryan planning and zoning commission recommends for the second time in six weeks to deny Bryan ISD's rezoning request to build a transportation and maintenance center at Leonard Road and Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
Click the following link for background information from Bryan ISD: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BISD091422pz.pdf
Click the following link for background information from the city of Bryan: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BryPZ091522bisd.pdf
P&Z disagreed with the city staff's recommendation to approve the rezoning. P&Z member Jared Salvato said while city staff's responsibility is to look objectively at the request, P&Z's responsibility is to be subjective.
P&Z member Michael Beckendorf made the motion to deny rezoning land he described as "prime commercial real estate".
Other members made references that the BISD facility did not align with the city's comprehensive land use plan.
Some on P&Z also questioned BISD officials why they did not make the land purchase from Blinn College contingent on getting the rezoning.
The P&Z recommendation came the night after BISD school board members met behind closed doors for one hour and 40 minutes to discuss the topic.
BISD board members followed the executive session by approving without public comment, the proposal developed by their consultants that was presented Thursday. It was the same proposal that went to P&Z September 1, which had changes after P&Z denied BISD's original request in August.
After the P&Z meeting, Bryan ISD superintendent Ginger Carrabine issued the following statement: “Bryan ISD staff worked with city staff for 11 months and during that time we received the city planning department’s objective analysis and recommendation of approval on both submissions for the rezoning. Therefore, we are disappointed in the decision tonight. We will reflect on the best action for us to take while continuing to make decisions in the best interest of children.”
The Bryan city council will consider final action on October 11.
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about safety concerns in the Northgate district, the upcoming election season, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 8, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
Click the following link for information from the agenda of the September 8, 2022 College Station city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CScoun090822GreensPrairieRdILA-1.pdf
Click the following link for presentation materials from the city of College Station: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CScoun090822GreensPrairieRdPrez.pdf
An interlocal agreement was approved by at the September 8 College Station city council meeting where Brazos County will spend $4.2 million dollars to widen the section of Greens Prairie Road between two improved sections in the city.
The city's capital projects director, Jennifer Cain, said construction will not start for a couple of years.
While the design is mostly completed, Cain said they have to acquire land from 17 property owners and relocate utilities.
Cain also said the city will have to seek bids instead of adding the county's portion of the road to the city's prior widening contract.
After the road is widened, the road will be annexed into the city and be maintained by the city.
Chief Financial Officer Will Smith visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about finishing the fiscal year, the city's approved budget, the impact of inflation, consumer confidence, city contracts, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 12, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
It has not been a positive start to the fall semester at Texas A&M for some faculty members.
Comments from the September meeting of the A&M faculty senate began with speaker Dale Rice stating some educators who had not contracted COVID during the first two years of the pandemic have recently dealt with the virus.
Rice also brought up what has happened since the senate last month passed a resolution questioning the administration's belief in the idea of shared governance with university educators. Rice says steps are starting in the right direction.
Rice was one of nine people with questions and comments about educators...including teaching assistants and graduate students...starting work in August but not getting paid until September.
In a related item, Rice responded to some faculty members who received an employment contract for the new school year while others did not. Rice said this may be the result of the university's reorganization plan and is something Rice said he has repeatedly communicated to A and M's new vice president of faculty affairs.
Another topic that drew comments from nine members of the faculty senate was A&M's new fall semester schedule. Supporters and opponents talked about the fall semester starting on a Wednesday instead of a Monday, then having no classes on Labor Day for the first time in recent history, and taking a fall break.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about last night's tax rate vote, Councilman Brent Hairston's opposition to the approved tax rate decrease, Bryan ISD's new proposal to the planning and zoning commission, inflation concerns, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about the Inflation Reduction Act, gas prices, consumer firearm and ammunition purchases, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and WTAW's Bill Oliver about becoming a volunteer driver to take people to medical appointments through the "Ride 2 Health" program.
This podcast contains comments from the executive director of the Texas department of criminal justice, Bryan Collier, during the June 24, 2022 meeting of the Texas board of criminal justice.
The director of the Texas prison system told his board on June 24 that it would take 60 days, and possibly less, to complete two investigations of the May escape of Gonzalo Lopez in Leon County.
There was no update from director Bryan Collier during the prison board's meeting on August 26.
Amanda Hernandez, the communications officer for the Texas department of criminal justice told WTAW News that their serious incident report is in draft form and is being reviewed internally.
Hernandez says an independent review is nearing completion. Collier said on June 24 the independent review was made up of corrections consultants that includes three former state corrections directors.
A third investigation is also being conducted by the Texas Rangers.
Lopez escaped May 12 from a prison bus near Centerville.
On June 2, Lopez killed a grandfather and four grandsons from Tomball who were staying at a vacation home near Centerville. Hours later, Lopez died in a shootout with law enforcement near San Antonio.
This podcast contains comments from the September 8, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CScoun090822RentalInspPrez.pdf
The idea of mandatory inspection of College Station's 27,000 rental properties will continue to be explored by the city council.
Following a more than 60 minute discussion, city staff was directed, among other things, to look into the council hiring a third party company to initially inspect complaint driven rental properties...then expand that through the rest of the city.
That was supported by the Texas A&M student senate's community relations chair, Jessica Williams.
Councilman John Crompton thanked the student senate for a 40 page report that disclosed 50 rental properties in College Station were in substandard condition. Crompton said that information ended 15 years of the council "messing around" with the idea of mandatory inspections.
Multiple council members called on city manager Bryan Woods to get A&M administrators involved in bringing back a university office that addresses off-campus housing.
Councilman Dennis Maloney wants rental property owners to add to the standard lease, an easy to understand renters bill of rights.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell brought up the balancing act between the interests of property owners and their tenants.
Councilman Bob Brick applied the illustration of renting vehicles to renting an apartment or a home in the importance of students inspecting rental housing before signing a lease.
City staff options in addition to what is known as "proactive rental inspection", also known as PRI, included:
Maintain current Rental Registration & Short-Term Rental program and process
Focused education and outreach for tenants, property owners, and managers
Develop complaint process and tracking system - evaluate data
Include Proactive Rental Inspection as a part of Rental Registration
Jeff Kersten, Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the 2023 budget and tax rate, sales tax revenues, the upcoming bond election, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 6, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
A multimillion dollar renovation of downtown Bryan's LaSalle Hotel to a Marriott property is expected to be completed in time for the start of next year's Texas A&M football season.
That is after the Bryan city council Tuesday night unanimously voted to give the LaSalle's new owner $1.1 million dollars in incentives.
This is in addition to at least $6 million to be spent by the new owner.
Click the following link to read and download the LaSalle economic development agreement: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BryCoun090622Lasalle380agmt.pdf
Click the following link to read and download the LaSalle plaza redevelopment agreement: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BryCoun090622LasalleLicenseAgmt.pdf
Click the following link to read and download the LaSalle parking agreement: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BryCoun090622LasallePkgAgmt.pdf
Economic development manager Todd McDaniel says half of the city's investment will be renovating the plaza south of the LaSalle, which is owned by the city.
McDaniel estimates the indirect economic impact will be $2.6 million dollars a year. And he says increased revenue from the improved property will pay back the city's incentives in less than six years.
Jeremy Buffam of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, which is based in Connecticut, says he fell in love with the LaSalle after making his first visit a year ago.
Buffam says it will take about a year to complete the renovation, which requires Marriott's design approval to become a Tribute boutique hotel.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra from the September 6, 2022 BISD school board meeting.
Click the following link for presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BISD090622CampusBoundaries.pdf
Bryan ISD school board members during Tuesday's meeting updated its policy regarding changing campus boundaries.
Associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra said one of the reasons is to put current practice in writing, adding "we want to make sure with this policy" that "we're being utterly transparent with this process in advance of beginning it."
Boundaries will be changed before the start of the next school year, when the new Sadberry intermediate campus opens to fifth graders.
Dr. Ybarra also said a few campuses will also need to be adjusted.
Another reason to change campus boundaries is when headcount is under 80 percent of capacity or over 120 percent.
The policy would still allow a student entering the final year at their elementary, intermediate, or middle school to stay if boundaries are changed...as long as the student has their own transportation.
High school students could stay at their original campus under the same condition, although transportation would be provided if they are in a special program.
Deputy Fire Chief Jordan Gallagher visits with WTAW's Chris Dusterhoff about the 2023 fiscal year budget, staffing issues, pay restructuring, recruiting new staff, the community paramedic program, the strategic plan progress, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 1, 2022 Bryan planning and zoning commission meeting and the September 6, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Click the following link to read and download information from the September 1, 2022 Bryan planning and zoning commission meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BryPZ090122bisd.pdf
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials from the September 6, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting; https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BISD090622HalliburtonUpdate.pdf
When voters in Bryan ISD approved a bond package in November 2020, the district's new transportation and maintenance center was supposed to be built and opened in July 2022.
After three proposed sites were rejected, Bryan ISD school board members approved buying land from Blinn College at Leonard Road and Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
The 95 acres is currently zoned for Blinn's proposed west Bryan campus that was never built because Blinn chose to locate at Texas A&M's RELLIS campus.
Bryan ISD's school board failed in its first rezoning attempt before the Bryan planning and zoning commission (P&Z) in August.
A second attempt on September 1 ended when P&Z tabled the request to September 15 to process information that BISD presented at the last minute.
During the September 1 meeting, P&Z member John Bush questioned if what he calls BISD's "industrial use" is the best option for 95 acres of what he described as "high value land".
P&Z members wanted the building to be built more than 550 feet from the intersection. BISD construction director Paul Buckner said that would cost another $9 million dollars. That led P&Z chairman Leo Gonzalez to suggest seeking city assistance and/or BISD selling the property closer to the main streets to offset the district's increased costs.
BISD board members had their first opportunity to review the September 1 P&Z meeting on Tuesday as part of an executive session on several topics. The board adjourned without taking action after the 90 minute discussion behind closed doors.
Before that, BISD board members were presented an update on the impact the delay is having on the new transportation and maintenance complex, as well as the construction of the district's third intermediate school, which shares part of the footprint with the current bus facility.
BISD construction director Paul Buckner says they have put on hold until further notice, ordering rooftop HVAC units for the complex and awarding the construction contract.
Buckner says the new Sadberry intermediate school will be open for fifth graders in the fall of 2023. The board has spent $750,000 dollars to delay construction at Sadberry where BISD buses are located. The delay impacts the construction of back parking lots, a play field, and covered basketball courts.
Buckner said the new transportation and maintenance facility has to be open by February 2024 to finish construction at Sadberry.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Steve Miller about reducing left hand turns and other traffic issues, a potential interlocal agreement with Brazos County, agenda items, the upcoming anniversary of 9/11, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Steve Miller about his reaction to President Joe Biden's speech last week, inflation, the IRS, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the September 6, 2022 groundbreaking at C.C. Creations new custom screen printing facility in north Bryan.
The emcee is Bryan Broadcasting's Mary Mike Hatcher.
Speakers, in order of appearance, are Lucky Simple of C.C. Creations, Glen Brewer of the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce, Bryan city councilman Bobby Gutierrez, John Bush of the Bryan Business Council, Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson, and C.C. Creations owner and CEO Kenny Lawson.
The largest custom screen printer in Texas is Bryan/College Station's C.C. Creations. With Tuesday's groundbreaking of a $33 million dollar facility in north Bryan, owner and CEO Kenny Lawson expects to jump nationally from eighth to number three.
Lawson says their first climate controlled facility is called the legacy campus in recognition of the company's 800 employees.
Production is expected to start by the end of 2023 at the 210,000 square foot facility, which will contain $8 million dollars of equipment.
Lawson says C.C. Creations other facilities in Bryan and College Station will remain open.
News release from C.C. Creations:
In addition to celebrating 40 years in business this year, C.C. Creations has BIG plans to expand the company, starting with breaking ground on their new production facility, the C.C. Creations Legacy Campus.
Slated to open by the end of 2023, the Legacy Campus will be located North Bryan along 2818 at the Bryan Industrial Park.
The addition of the Legacy Campus Production Facility will be a pivotable step in satisfying anticipated growth rates that the company continues to see annually. As a staple in the Brazos Valley, C.C. Creations has served the community as a one-stop-shop for Screen Print, Embroidery, Promotional Products, Signs & Banners and Trophies & Awards for 40 years.
Although, the local name has caught the attention and customer base of many consumers across numerous industries nationwide, by providing the same top-notch customer service and quality of product that has been a foundation of the company’s success since 1982.
To support this growth, the 210,000 SQ. FT. facility will operate with state-of-the-art equipment and techniques, opening up a higher volume of daily capacity for manufacturing.
For example in screen print t-shirt production capacity, our current operation, housed in a 65,000 SQ. FT. facility allows a Daily Print Volume of 25,000 and 7.7 million t-shirts printed annually. The new facility will produce 50,000 daily and 15 million annually.
The C.C. Creations expansion will bring hundreds of additional employment opportunities to the Brazos Valley economic community. The company will be heavily recruiting throughout 2023 to support the operational growth. While a majority of openings will be heavy in production and manufacturing positions, the company will be offering opportunities company wide.
Max Crawford, United Way's Campaign Chair, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber before the 2022-23 Campaign Kickoff Luncheon.
This podcast contains interviews with BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) general manager Gary Miller and the city of Bryan's parks and recreation director David Schmitz on September 2, 2022.
Bryan city council members, city officials, and residents of the Oaks neighborhood east of Blinn College gathered Friday morning (September 2, 2022) to dedicate a bench in memory of the late councilman and longtime neighborhood resident Flynn Adcock.
BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) general manager Gary Miller said the idea originated from Texas A&M AgriLife, where Adcock worked as a research economist.
BTU paid for the bench and marker, which were installed at Camelot Park in front of the park bridge by employees of the parks and recreation department.
There is a nameplate recognizing Adcock's service on the city council and on the BTU board, where he served for eight years before joining the council.
Adcock was also a member of the city's parks and recreation advisory committee for six years.
Parks and recreation director David Schmitz said Adcock was also a member of the community development advisory committee, the board of Hospice Brazos Valley, a past president of the Kiwanis Club and the Brazos County Republican club, and he was active in the Memorial Forest neighborhood association and Oaks neighborhood association...the latter which is the location of Camelot Park.
Tad Fifer with Texas A&M transportation services visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver on the eve of the first Aggie home football weekend about game day traffic and parking reminders.
Chris Ortegon and Amanda Kile with the Destination Bryan tourism office visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about September's First Friday in downtown Bryan, the resumption of shuttle bus service on Texas A&M home football game days between Kyle Field and downtown Bryan, and the second annual Hullabaloo Blues Fest on September 3 and 4 on the stage at Lake Walk in west Bryan.
College Station Police Chief Billy Couch visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Aggie football game day operations, school children safety, stopping for school buses, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 25, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council unanimously approved spending $7.3 million dollars from the general fund to buy the former Macy's store and adjoining parking.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials from the August 25, 2022 College Station city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CScoun082522MacysPrez.pdf
Click the following link to read and download the purchase contract, provided by the city of College Station: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/CScoun082522MacysPurchaseContract.pdf
The vote followed recommendations from city manager Bryan Woods and chief economic development officer Natalie Ruiz to acquire the building to control future development of the property.
The council heard from two opponents during a public hearing. That was followed by comments in support from council members Linda Harvell and Dennis Maloney.
Woods said the city appraised the value of the land, depending on its eventual use, of between $6.5 and $11.5 million dollars.
That is after the current owner bought the property last January for $3.5 million.
the city's purchase includes the two story, 103,000 square foot building and 7.64 acres of land.
Travis Rollins, firefighter and PIO for District 2 VFD, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the department's new 3,000 gallon water tender.
Megan Brown, BTU Energy Account Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about their new facility, natural gas, utility assistance, solar power, transmission congestion, electric vehicles and challenges they present, solar panel installation, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Carl Orozco, Director of Development, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Bryan ISD Build campaign and Habitat's first demolition/new build construction project.
This podcast contains comments from the August 30, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
This week's Brazos County commission meeting began with more than 30 minutes of public comments from two groups of speakers.
At the end of the meeting, a commission majority decided it was too late to consider a request to return early voting for this November's election to the memorial student center (MSC).
And it was too late to schedule another meeting to discuss reducing the proposed property tax rate and spending in next year's Brazos County budget.
Seven Texas A&M students opposed moving early voting from the MSC to College Station city hall.
Six public speakers called on the commission to reduce the property tax rate more than one cent and/or reduce spending in the fiscal year 2023 budget.
Brazos County commissioners will hold public hearings on the tax rate and the budget for the 2023 fiscal year next Tuesday, September 6, starting at nine a.m.
This podcast contains comments from the Bryan city council's August 23, 2022 budget hearing. Speakers are mayor Andrew Nelson, chief financial officer Will Smith, and city manager Kean Register.
The Bryan city council's August 23, 2022 public hearing on the fiscal year 2023 budget included criticism about moving the municipal golf course to develop the new Midtown Park.
The city of Bryan's chief financial officer, Will Smith, said the old golf course was losing $150,000 to $200,000 dollars a year. Operations of the new course at the former Briarcrest Country Club were nearly breaking even.
City manager Kean Register said the Big Shots entertainment center at the new Midtown Park has drawn 330,000 customers in its first six months of operation. That compares to average yearly attendance of 35,000 before the start of Midtown Park's development.
That led mayor Andrew Nelson to say "I just want you despots to know that we're actually enabling great use in the park."
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits WTAW's Scott DeLucia about economic development, inflation, the tax rate, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about President Biden's decision to forgive student loans, the spotlight on Donald Trump due to the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Alison Prince and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the upcoming kickoff of UWBV's 2022-23 community campaign.
Prince also says volunteers are needed for two UWBV programs, the organization's early literacy program and the "Ride To Share" program, where volunteer drivers take people to and from non-emergency medical appointments.
This podcast contains comments from the August 25, 2022 College Station city council meeting. Speakers included police chief Billy Couch, mayor Karl Mooney, councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha, and city manager Bryan Woods.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CScoun082522northgateCouchPres.pdf
College Station's Northgate district includes 30 apartment complexes with 8,800 bedrooms and 31 bars with a combined capacity to hold more than 10,000 customers.
How that impacts the College Station police department's 12 member Northgate unit was discussed at the August 25, 2022 city council meeting.
Police chief Billy Couch said last year, CSPD responded to almost 11,000 calls in Northgate, resulting in 473 arrests.
Couch also reported College Station firefighters in the last three years responded to more than 1,100 medical emergencies. One-third of those calls were for overdoses and unconscious patients.
Couch said CSPD spent nearly $3 million dollars on Northgate enforcement last year, while combined tax revenue from the bars generated $242,000 dollars.
That led the police chief to make a series of recommendations at the Northgate district.
There is no timeline for when the council will consider formal action regarding local laws and regulations in the Northgate district.
City manager Bryan Woods said all stakeholders will be contacted about the enforcement proposals.
What the police chief described as short term recommendations included an ordinance to require cameras within bars, wanding required upon entry, removal of outdoor speakers, removal of dining boxes, and an earlier hour for last call of alcohol.
Medium term recommendations included one-way streets or complete road closures, speed Humps on College Main and Church Ave. to slow traffic, lighted or traditional crosswalks, complete unfinished sidewalks on both sides of University, additional bike lanes, and extending the wall along University separating vehicles from pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Long term recommendations included limiting the number of bars in the interim until a broader solution can be created, requiring conditional use permits "with legitimate conditions for all bars within the city", creating a system for maximum number of bars by district within the city, proximity ordinances for licensed establishments, begin entertainment district fees, and use existing city facilities, including surface parking lots, the promenade area, the city's parking garage, and city right of ways, "to stimulate quality and safe re-development".
This podcast is a recording of Brazos County health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan's appearance August 25, 2022 on the health district's Facebook page.
Brazos County health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan appeared on the health district's Facebook page Thursday to provide an update on four subjects.
His topics were the pandemic, monkeypox, safety information for the start of football season, and the return of mosquitos following recent rainfall.
Dr. Sullivan said the severity of the pandemic has gone down to a medium transmission level and the Omicron BA-5 variant has reached its peak.
As for monkeypox, Sullivan says there are three confirmed cases in Brazos County.
This podcast contains comments from the August 23, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting and a portion of WTAW's The Infomaniacs program on August 24, 2022.
Six months ago, Brazos County commissioners were asked to widen the county's portion of Greens Prairie Road between two improved areas in the city of College Station.
During Tuesday's meeting, commissioners unanimously approved an interlocal agreement (ILA) where the county will spend $4.2 million dollars.
Click the following link to read and download a copy of the Brazos County/city of College Station interlocal agreement: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BrCoComm082322GreensPrairieILA.pdf
County judge Duane Peters says College Station will be responsible for future maintenance.
College Station mayor Karl Mooney, speaking on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, thanked the commission for approving the agreement.
The ILA has yet to be considered by the College Station council.
This podcast is the August 26, 2022 announcement of Texas A&M athletics adding 23 luxury suites at Kyle Field. The emcee is Texas A&M sports announcer Andrew Monaco.
Texas A&M and system officials on Friday made the formal announcement of adding 23 luxury suites at Kyle Field.
This is part of A&M athletics $235 million dollar expansion and renovation package that was approved by the board of regents earlier this year.
Speakers included head football coach Jimbo Fisher, system chancellor John Sharp, president Katherine Banks, athletic director Ross Bjork, and Byron Chambers of the Populous design firm.
News release from Texas A&M athletics:
To strengthen Kyle Field’s position as the country’s premier college football venue, Texas A&M University officials announced Friday a construction project that will feature the addition of 23 new suites to the south end of Kyle Field.
Construction will commence following the final game of the 2022 season with suites expected to be ready for the start of the 2023 Aggie Football season.
“The best football stadium in the country is about to get even better,” Chancellor John Sharp said. “The Kyle Field project will make sure our stadium remains state-of-the-art and second to none.”
“Athletics promotes spirit and unity that connects us as an Aggie Family and to our community,” said Texas A&M University President, M. Katherine Banks. “We are excited to kickoff this project to continue to provide our fans with an excellent environment to enjoy Aggie football and support our great university.”
Gameday at Kyle Field represents one of the iconic atmospheres in college athletics, and the revenue generated each time Aggie Football takes the field in front of the 12th Man is vital to supporting every Texas A&M athletic program and student-athlete on and off the field.
“Our goal is to ensure that Kyle Field, the Home of the 12th Man, remains the pinnacle for college football stadiums,” Director of Athletics Ross Bjork said. “The mission of Texas A&M Athletics is to create opportunities through championship athletics, and we strive toward that goal by continuing to build the foundation of our department. This is a transformative time in college athletics and the addition of these suites will enhance the fan experience at Kyle Field, and the financial component from the new section will help support every student-athlete from our 20 varsity teams at Texas A&M.”
As a part of the project, the first seven rows of Kyle Field’s South Mid Bench sections 240-246 (section 239 will not be impacted) will be removed to make way for the new suites. These changes will not impact season ticket holders during the 2022 season.
Considering these developments and to honor their support of Texas A&M Athletics, the 12th Man Foundation is committed to providing several options to South Mid Bench season ticket holders impacted by this project for seats beyond the 2022 season. This will include the ability to participate in an exclusive seat selection process that will feature available seating options throughout Kyle Field.
Additional information, as well as the option to opt into the exclusive seat selection process, will be communicated this fall to impacted season ticket holders.
12th Man Foundation donors can learn more about the Kyle Field south suites and express interest in securing one of these new suite options by contacting the 12th Man Foundation.
Tommy Shilling, Code Enforcement Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about common code violations, parking, Aggie football game days, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the Bryan city council budget hearing on August 23, 2022.
Rumors that the Arts Council of the Brazos Valley was not going to get grant money from the Bryan city council resulted in seven public speakers and additional audience members attending Tuesday night's budget hearing.
Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson repeatedly confirmed through questions of chief financial officer Will Smith that the proposed fiscal year 2023 budget calls for A-C-B-V funding to continue.
Representatives of some ACBV grant funded agencies and ACBV director Sheree Boegner were not successful in swaying the council to give more money.
Boegner brought up the consequences of the Bryan council not keeping up with city funding that is proportional to what College Station is allocating.
The council unanimously approved the first reading of the fiscal year 2023 budget. Final action on the budget is scheduled for September 6.
The council's first reading on the fiscal year 2023 tax rate is September 6 and final action is scheduled for September 13.
This podcast contains comments from the August 23, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
A split Brazos County commission decided on a proposed property tax rate reduction of one cent in next year's budget.
County judge Duane Peters, who was part of the three to two majority, stated more money was needed to address projects that have been delayed due the pandemic.
Commissioners Russ Ford and Steve Aldrich wanted a lower rate. Aldrich said Brazos County taxpayers will pay $7 million dollars more than needed to execute next year's budget.
Irma Cauley and Nancy Berry joined Peters in approving the tax rate.
After the vote, Cauley attempted to respond to Aldrich. Cauley was interrupted by Aldrich, who in turn was interrupted by Peters as the county judge introduced the next agenda item.
Public hearings for next year's county budget and tax rate were scheduled for the morning of September 6, which is the day after Labor Day.
The tax rate can still be lowered but it can not be raised.
The commission majority approved a proposed rate of 48.35 cents for the 2023 fiscal year.
Brazos County's no new revenue tax rate for the 2023 fiscal year is 42.9411 cents.
Brazos County's 2022 fiscal year property tax rate is 49.35 cents.
Chris Ortegon visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Pints and Paws, downtown gameday shuttles for Texas A&M football games, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from congressman Michael McCaul during the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 24, 2022. Introducing McCaul is Drayton McLane III.
This podcast contains comments from congressman Pete Sessions of Waco during the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 24, 2022. Introducing Sessions is Drayton McLane III.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos Valley economic development corporation president Matt Prochaska, speaking at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook briefing on August 24, 2022. Introducing Prochaska is B/CS chamber board chairman Wade Beckman.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Greens Prairie Road, the annexation law, the Northgate district, Post Oak Mall, Santa's Wonderland, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about today's Brazos Valley Economic Outlook Conference, the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act, primaries in other states, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 10, 2022 Texas A&M system board of regents workshop meeting.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BOR081022remote.pdf
Texas A&M is expanding its presence in downtown Bryan.
The board of regents at its August meeting approved leasing space at the Varisco building.
A&M's chief operations officer, Greg Hartman, told WTAW News that human resources and I-T functions will be occupying four floors of the building.
Hartman made reference to the Varisco building during an update to the regents about A&M developing new guidelines for staff employees who will be allowed to work remotely.
This podcast is a visit with city of College Station water resource coordinator Jennifer Nations and WTAW's Bill Oliver on August 22, 2022.
Water from the sky in recent days replaces groundwater being used for irrigation.
College Station water resource coordinator Jennifer Nations says Monday's consumption in College Station of 18.1 million gallons was the lowest since June 1.
Bryan public works director Jayson Barfknecht says the amount of water used by Bryan customers and sold to the Wickson Creek and Wellborn special utility districts (SUD) dropped from more than 21 million gallons last Tuesday to 13 and a half million on Sunday.
College Station daily water consumption (in millions of gallons):
8/14/2022: 24.1
8/15/2022: 24.7
8/16/2022: 23.7
8/17/2022: 25.1
8/18/2022: 21.3
8/19/2022: 18.7
8/20/2022: 18.7
8/21/2022: 19.2
8/22/2022: 18.1
Daily water consumption by city of Bryan customers and water sold to the Wickson Creek and Wellborn SUD's (in gallons):
8/14/2022: 20,396,000
8/15/2022: 21,206,000
8/16/2022: 21,188,000
8/17/2022: 21,389,000
8/18/2022: 17,697,000
8/19/2022: 13,550,000
8/20/2022: 14,480,000
8/21/2022: 13,509,000
This podcast contains comments from Stephen F. Austin university interim president Steve Westbrook in an address to the SFA community.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/SFAsystem082022.pdf
he Texas A&M university system (TAMUS) might have a new member by the end of the year.
TAMUS is one of four systems that will be pitching Stephen F. Austin (SFA), which is only one of two state schools that remain independent out of 37 around Texas.
Competing with the A&M system are the University of Texas, Texas Tech, and Texas State systems.
The announcement was made by SFA interim president Steve Westbrook to the SFA community last week.
Dr. Westbrook said the SFA regents decided to entertain joining a system and postpone a presidential search...because it is difficult to do both at the same time.
Westbrook says this makes official, informal offers that system representatives have made to SFA over prior years.
Westbrook is a member of a SFA regents subcommittee that will also hear pitches from the systems. He will also be collecting feedback from SFA students, employees, alumni, and community members.
SFA's decision to remain independent or join a system will be made by the end of the fall semester. If the SFA regents decide to join a system, Westbrook says that had to be done before the start of the legislative session in January.
This podcast is a visit with College Station fire department captain Stuart Marrs and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A rookie College Station firefighter volunteered to rescue a dog who was stranded on the island at the University Park dog park lake.
CSFD captain Stuart Marrs said Apollo, a medium sized and friendly pit bull who is afraid of water, accidentally fell into the lake and swam the wrong way to the island.
The firefighter attached his lead rope and made a makeshift muzzle as part of the rescue operation.
Statement from the College Station fire department:
The Engine from Station 6 was dispatched to a public assist at University Park Dog Park concerning a dog that was stranded on the island at the dog park lake.
Upon arrival, CSFD made contact with the dog owner. The dog, a medium sized friendly pitbull was located on the island. The owners said the dog is afraid of water and does not swim. The dog accidentally fell into the water and struggled his way to the island.
The crew made their was around the lake an tried to get the dog to the other side but the area was thick with brush. After attempts at trying to get the dog to come across the water, the decision was made to go get the dog.
A firefighter was placed in a personal flotation devise with a water rescue helmet, and a throw rope was deployed. A long pike pole was also used to help measure the depth and guide the firefighter over to the island.
Once at the island, the firefighter made friends with the dog and was able to attach its lead rope and make a makeshift muzzle on the dog without complication.
He was then able to get under the dogs front legs and pull it into the water with him. They came back across the water without complication.
The dog was successfully rescued and returned to the owners on scene.
The firefighter deconned then the engine returned to service.
This podcast is a visit with city of Bryan deputy city manager Joey Dunn and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
In June of 2021, the Bryan city council approved a contract for outsourcing the operation of the downtown Queen and Palace Theater properties.
The Queen reopened in January 2022 and renovations and additions will be starting soon at the Palace.
Among the changes according to deputy city manager Joey Dunn, is the removal of fixed seating. In its place, will be a terraced type system that allows for more flexibility in the types of events that will be held at the outdoor venue.
Dunn says the stadium seats will be auctioned. Details of that have not been finalized.
Last month, the city's historical landmarks commission approved an addition to the 26th Street side of the Palace for a bar.
Dunn says the Palace is expected to reopen around the time the Texas A&M football team starts conference play.
He says the Queen is being reserved for private functions along with first run movies. Once the city completes its downtown quiet zone project with Union Pacific railroad, Dunn says first run movies are planned at the Palace.
This podcast is from the August 17, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
Click the following link to read and download a 30 day extension of the city of College Station's drought emergency: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CScoun081722DroughtEmergency.pdf
On Wednesday, the day before rain began, the College Station city council extended mayor Karl Mooney's drought emergency declaration for 30 days.
Before the unanimous vote, two councilmembers brought up how the drought had affected city parks.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha said the lake along the Lick Creek Park bicycle trail had dried up.
And councilwoman Linda Harvell was told that turtles were being threatened by the lack of water at Wolf Pen Creek Park.
The mayor observed that the current drought, as of Wednesday and before rainfall, was approaching how bad it was in 2011.
This podcast contains comments from the August 15, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Recognition was given during Monday night's Bryan ISD school board meeting for the lifesaving efforts of a student last March.
Bryan High associate principal Chantel Hluchan said a student collapsed in a restroom.
Classmates went to get teachers. Two teachers were involved in getting and using an automated external defibrillator...better known as an A-E-D...on the student who was unresponsive and did not have a pulse.
One school nurse performed C-P-R for almost nine minutes, and a second nurse and a school resource officer alternated chest compressions.
The student, who was hospitalized, returned to campus 26 days later.
Councilman Bob Brick visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about sunflowers, his focus on arts and neighborhood integrity, bond issues, rezoning land near Baylor Scott and White hospital, the college students returning, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 16, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting and the August 15, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
This week's meetings of the Bryan and College Station ISD's included approving budgets and property tax rates for the 2022-23 school year.
According to a College Station ISD news release, the CSISD board approved the 2022-23 budget and a proposed tax rate, which will require a voter approved tax ratification election (TRE) to be held in November. Under state law, the district’s current 2021-2022 M&O tax rate will be reduced by 6.71 cents for the 2022-2023 year without the approval of the VATRE in November. If the VATRE is approved by voters, the tax rate will be lowered 3.71 cents instead of 6.71 cents. The three cents would generate an estimated $5,015,431 in additional revenue, of which $1,715,431 would be additional state revenue. Based on a board resolution passed in June, the additional revenue will be used to provide an additional four percent increase in salaries for all employees, except administrators, who would receive an additional two percent pay increase.
Click this link to read and download presentation materials from the August 16, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CSISD081622_budget.pdf
Bryan ISD adopted a budget and a property tax rate decrease of almost nine cents. In response to a board member's question about not decreasing the tax rate and applying that money to additional employee pay raises, assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw said that would require a TRE election. Bryan ISD voters approved a TRE in 2017.
Click this link to read and download presentation materials from the August 15, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BISD081522budget.pdf
The city of Bryan’s special projects manager, Frank Clark, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about progress on the major projects at Midtown Park, general public use of the facilities, open spaces, how the drought is impacting the lake construction, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the emergency drought declaration, water consumption, addressing abandoned signs throughout the city, Highway 21, the recent tax rate vote, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 8, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M's faculty senate has adopted a resolution stating that president Katherine Banks is not practicing shared governance of the university with educators.
Click the following link to read and download the resolution: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FacSen080822SharedGovernance.pdf
The resolution was adopted by 80 percent of those attending the August 8, 2022 faculty senate meeting.
Comments from faculty senate members included concerns from students as well as faculty members, to leadership might be hearing, but are not listening and understanding faculty concerns, to the president being under pressure by state lawmakers that includes the lieutenant governor's call to do away from faculty tenure.
Marcy Bartula and Brandi Lampo from Different Day Foundation visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the foundation, their mission, an upcoming fundraiser, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs on Monday, August 15, 2022.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M chief operations officer Greg Hartman and Brazos County judge Duane Peters from the August 10, 2022 workshop meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
The Texas A&M system board of regents is asked to take action in a future meeting to invest in a Brazos County medical examiner's office.
The chief operating officer at the flagship campus, Greg Hartman, told the regents during an August 10 workshop meeting
Hartman says that the county would fund construction of the more than $22 million dollar facility. County judge Duane Peters told the regents that he is confident that county commissioners will approve federal pandemic grant money to pay for the building.
Hartman proposed that the office would be built on land at the health science center (HSC).
The regents are also being asked to pick up the staffing cost, which is estimated at $500,000 dollars a year. Hartman says by state law, employees of a medical examiner's office have to be county employees. There would be a contract between the county and A&M's college of medicine.
Aubrey Nettles, from Visit College Station, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming Business Over Breakfast, the Texas A&M football season, how to work with Visit College Station, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 9, 2022 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents building.
Wednesday's meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents included approval of two more multi million dollar projects at the flagship campus.
One is the $84 million dollar expansion of the Mays Business School. The system's chief facilities officer, Brett McCully, told the regents building committee that construction of the four story structure is slated to start next month and take two years to complete. According to the regents agenda item, there will be "the addition of approximately 82,000 gross square feet of space. The site of the new Business Education Complex will provide optimum visibility of the complex with respect to Raymond Stotzer Parkway, Olsen Boulevard and the student pedestrian mall." "This project will also address a multitude of critical deferred maintenance projects identified for the Wehner Building."
Click the following link for background information about the Mays Business School expansion. https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BOR081022MaysAddition.pdf
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials from the August 9, 2022 board of regents building committee meeting. https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BOR080922MaysPres.pdf
Regents also approved a nearly $9 million dollar climate control replacement at Walton residence hall. A&M's chief financial officer, John Crawford, says this replaces HVAC systems that were installed in 1931. Crawford also said students will continue to live in the dorm as the project starts next month and continues through July of next year.
Click this link to for background information about the Walton Hall HVAC project: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BOR081022WaltonHVAC.pdf
Click this link to read and download presentation materials about the Walton Hall project from the August 9, 2022 board of regents building committee meeting. https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BOR080922WaltonPres.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the August 9, 2022 Bryan city council meeting and portions of a August 10, 2022 interview with Bryan city councilman Bobby Gutierrez and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Click the following link for presentation materials from the August 9, 2022 Bryan city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BryCoun080922budget.pdf
The Bryan city council is split on determining the proposed property tax rate for the fiscal year 2023 budget.
A total of 90 minutes was spent during Tuesday's workshop and regular meeting prior to a 5-2 vote to not change the rate.
The council also set a public hearing for September 6.
The council is scheduled to take a final vote on the tax rate September 13, where the rate can be lowered but not increased.
If the council does not reach a supermajority of five votes, then state law requires the council to adopt what is called a no-new revenue rate. In Bryan, that would decrease the property tax rate by almost three and a half cents.
Initially, four of the seven council members who wanted no change in the tax rate were Buppy Simank, Reuben Marin, Prentiss Madison, and James Edge.
Three others sought a decrease of either one-half or one cent were Brent Hairston, Andrew Nelson, and Bobby Gutierrez.
In Bryan a decrease of one-half cent in the property tax rate would save the owner of a $200,000 dollar home $10 dollars.
After Nelson repeatedly sought a fifth vote, Gutierrez switched to not changing the rate.
The day after the vote, Gutierrez told WTAW News his final vote on the tax rate will be for a decrease. He said Tuesday's vote was because "the meeting was really going nowhere (and) we could not get to a consensus."
During Tuesday's meeting, city of Bryan chief financial officer Will Smith told the council that he is comfortable with having enough cash for the city to operate for 115 days. That would mean keeping the property tax rate the same.
Smith also told the council the national economy is in a recession and there is the possibility that high inflation will continue through 2026.
Kristen Waggener, Communications Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about using closed captioning in city promotional videos, upcoming events, city pool hours, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the senior manager of the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo Fiona Meyer and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo has been announced headline entertainment.
Aaron Watson will be performing Friday night, October 21st, Mark Chesnutt on Saturday night October 22nd, and Mexican norteño bands Los Ligaditos and Los Viejone De Linares on the 23rd.
Senior manager Fiona Meyer says due to the ongoing pandemic, they won't know about meet and greet and other opportunities until it gets closer to the concert dates.
Meyer also said the pandemic also caused more competition to get concerts.
The concerts are included in the $12 dollar gate admission.
Tickets and more information is available online at brazosvalleyfair.com
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his priorities as he reaches the end of his term, how inflation is affecting city decisions and costs, bond issues, the upcoming city council meeting, wildfires, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the FBI raid of Donald Trump's home in Mar A Lago, the FBI, the Inflation Reduction Act, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Nat Rezzoffi Coad, Miss WTAW 1959, visited with WTAW's The Infomaniacs about winning the title, meeting Elvis Presley, moving back to College Station, and more during her appearance on the show.
This podcast contains comments from the August 4, 2022 Bryan planning and zoning commission meeting.
Click on the following link to read and download background information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BryPZ080422cupUnrelated.pdf
For the first time, the Bryan planning and zoning commission (P&Z) is asked to consider granting an exception in the city's neighborhood conservation district regulations to allow more than two unrelated residents in a home.
P&Z unanimously voted against the request following a public hearing on August 4.
The applicant, Sam Hosch, said he and wife were not aware of the restriction when they bought the five bedroom and three bathroom house for their college aged children and the children of close family friends.
City planning administrator Randy Haynes said there was not an option to place limits on the requested conditional use permit. And city staff recommended denying the request.
Ten neighboring homeowners spoke during the P&Z public hearing in opposition, stating that would set a precedent that would result in "Aggie Shack" rental housing.
A unanimous P&Z agreed with staff and neighboring homeowners in denying the request for a conditional use permit.
This podcast is a visit with the president of Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, Patricia Gerling, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley has opened the application period for the fourth annual day of giving known as "Brazos Valley Gives".
Foundation president Patricia Gerling says this year's goal is for 165 non-profit agencies to participate in asking for monetary donations of a combined $1 million dollars.
Gerling estimates that there are more than 18 hundred qualifying non profit agencies in the seven county service area of Brazos, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Burleson, Grimes, and Washington counties.
Click the following link to be directed to the Brazos Valley Gives website: http://brazosvalleygives.org
News release from the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley:
The Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley’s 4th annual Brazos Valley Gives is officially set for Tuesday, October 18, 2022 when nonprofits from throughout the 7-county region will engage donors to “give where you live.”
Registration is underway for Brazos Valley nonprofit organizations to participate in Brazos Valley Gives --- brazosvalleygives.org . Nonprofits that register by Friday noon, August 19, will be eligible for an Early Bird Registration Prize. The final deadline to register is Friday, September 9. We want you and need you!
Brazos Valley Gives is a month-long community giving effort that culminates in 18 hours of online giving on the third Tuesday of October. Giving together as one community to raise money and awareness for local nonprofits. Nonprofits are an important part of our community and provide important quality of life needs throughout the Brazos Valley.
Brazos Valley Gives provides citizens and businesses an easy platform to support the mission and “good works” of local nonprofit organizations that serve the Brazos Valley.
Nonprofits from throughout the 7-county Brazos Valley region are invited to participate. Brazos Valley Gives empowers individual donors and business leaders to come together to support causes close to their hearts.
This day of giving where you live is powered by the Community Foundation, and all donations pass-thru directly to the donor’s charity(ies) of choice. This year’s goal for Brazos Valley Gives is $1,000,000 with 165 participating nonprofits!
Last year’s giving day proved to be one of the most unifying and exciting days of giving for our 7-county region. Our community raised $928,190 that directly went to 154 nonprofits. An additional donation of 11,006 volunteer hours were pledged. Also, each participating nonprofit was eligible for $36,000 in prizes.
Nonprofit organizations are invited to register to participate in Brazos Valley Gives. Registration is open and the deadline for nonprofit registration is Friday, September 9. Nonprofits pay a $150 registration fee; nonprofits that have a charitable endowment fund at the Community Foundation are eligible for a discounted fee of $50. This registration fee is used for administrative-related giving day expenses to include the marketing/promotion of the event regionally.
All 501c3 Brazos Valley nonprofit organizations are invited to register at brazosvalleygives.org or send an email to brazosvalleygives@gmail.com. Donors and businesses that are interested in supporting Brazos Valley Gives can call Patricia Gerling at (979) 589-4305.
About the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley:
Brazos Valley Gives is powered by the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley. We are a Bryan‐based nonprofit and the Brazos Valley’s trusted leader in philanthropy as we raise and steward a $12.1M community endowment for donors and charitable organizations.
The Foundation works with charitably minded individuals, families, and businesses to establish donor‐advised funds and other endowments to fulfill a donor or business’s unique and personal giving goals. The Foundation also strengthens nonprofit organizations through grants and sustaining endowment initiatives, serving as a funding source that is responsible to the community's needs now ‐‐ and into the future.
As a steward of the community’s resources, the Foundation’s mission statement reflects the primary goal of ensuring growth of the fund, while protecting the assets to meet the needs now and well into the future.
For more information, visit www.cfbv.org or call us at 979.589.4305.
This podcast is from WTAW's The Infomaniacs on August 5, 2022. City of College Station assistant director of water services Steven Maldonado and water resource coordinator Jennifer Nations visit with Scott DeLucia about what may lead to mandatory restrictions on outdoor watering and the impact of high water consumption in College Station.
Click the following link to be directed to the city of College Station's website for more information about conserving water: https://www.cstx.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=12410917&pageId=13471275
This podcast is the presentation of the Texas Association of Broadcasters Jason Hightower Award to Bryan Broadcasting's Chelsea Reber on August 4, 2022.
The annual Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB) convention involved three people from Bryan Broadcasting.
News anchor/reporter and co-host of WTAW’s “The Infomaniacs” Chelsea Reber received the TAB’s Jason Hightower Award. This recognizes individuals with at least 10 years experience in the broadcast industry who have demonstrated a proficiency for enterprise and innovation in servicing their stations’ audience, advertisers and communities. The award is named in honor of TAB 2009 Chairman Jason Hightower, the owner/operator of KMOO Mineola, who passed away in March 2009 after battling brain cancer at the age of 37. Hightower, who graduated from Texas A&M in 1999, worked part time at WTAW.
Bryan Broadcasting vice president and general manager Ben Downs moderated a TAB briefing on the industry’s top federal policy priorities in the waning days of the current Congressional session, as well as insights into leading concerns for the coming 2023 state legislative session.
And Bryan Broadcasting chief engineer Chris Dusterhoff led a session titled "Converting RF Links to Data Streams".
This podcast is the August 2022 update from Destination Bryan special events coordinator Chris Ortegon and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from a July 28, 2022 Brazos County commission workshop meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are told if voters approve a $100 million dollar bond issue in this November's election, that could leverage $740 million in state money.
Commissioners will vote August 16 to place the proposal on the November ballot, as well as asking voters to increase vehicle registration fees ten dollars a year to provide another funding source for local transportation projects.
Click this link to read and download proposed Brazos County ballot questions for the November 2022 general election: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BrCoComm080222ElectionOrder.pdf
The commission's consultant, John Polster, said if Brazos County is ready with local matching money and construction plans, the Texas department of transportation will move funding from other areas of the state that are not prepared.
Click this link to read and download presentation materials from consultant John Polster: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BrCoComm072822RoadConsultant.pdf
The proposed election order states that the bond issue would not increase the county's property tax rate. If approved, the money would be applied towards eight projects.
Among them, are the proposed interchange at Wellborn and George Bush, widening Harvey Mitchell north of Easterwood Airport, improving the interchange of Highways 21 and 47 by the RELLIS campus, widening Harvey Road from the freeway to Boonville Road, widening Leonard Road west of Harvey Mitchell, improving Fitch from Arrington to the freeway, and the proposed an eastside loop from Fitch to Highway 6 in north Bryan, and budgeting $20 million dollars to improve to county roads.
Click this link to read and download Brazos County's spreadsheet of proposed highway projects if voters approve a $100 million dollar bond issue in the November 2022 election: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/BrCoComm072822ProposedRoadProjectList.pdf
Ashley Rodriguez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the "Clear the Shelters" promotion, finding adoptable pets online, working with landlords and property owners, Pints and Paws, volunteering, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Senator Manchin's switch, skinny bills, burn pit exposure legislation, Nancy Pelosi traveling to Taiwan, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about car technology and privacy, making Bryan more attractive for remote employees, redevelopment near Hensel Park, funding transportation projects, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Theresa Mangapora of the Brazos Valley Food Bank and WTAW News intern Ian Curtis.
Wednesday (August 3) is the Brazos Valley Food Bank's 29th Feast of Caring fundraiser.
Proceeds from the luncheon goes towards general operating support.
The food bank asks for donations of what one would spend to go out to lunch.
The meal of meat, beans, and rice will be served by local celebrities at the Brazos Center between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.
This podcast contains comments from the July 14, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/CScoun071422UnlimitedPotential.pdf
The College Station city council gives a boost to a local non-profit that works with young adults who have aged out of the foster care system.
During the council's July 14, 2022 meeting, which was the second discussion in as many months with the Unlimited Potential organization, the council agreed to let city staff work on the estimated cost of demolishing a former nursing home complex that the organization owns on Anderson Street across the street from Lemontree Park.
Unlimited Potential was originally going to renovate the structure, but because of its present condition the decision was made to build a new complex of housing and offices for their organization and other social service providers.
The council learned that Unlimited Potential raised $550,000 dollars towards the estimated $4 million dollar project.
Councilman John Crompton proposed the city provide $2 million if the organization raised the rest by May 31, 2023.
Instead, a unanimous council supported mayor Karl Mooney's proposal to direct city staff to determine demolition costs and what city funding might be available to raze the former nursing home building.
This podcast contains comments from the July 28, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council learns voluntary water consumption requests are not being followed.
City manager Bryan Woods reported during the last week of July, College Station set a single day high for consumption. And three of the top five single days for consumption took place during July.
In response to council questions, Woods said city property is being watered during the day at off-peak times.
And city staff told Woods that recycled water is being used on ballfields at Veterans Park.
College Station's voluntary conservation request is to limit outdoor watering to Tuesday through Sundays between 6 p.m. and 10 a.m.
This podcast is the dedication program of Alex Caruso Court at College Station's Castlegate Park on July 30, 2022.
Additional information from: https://blog.cstx.gov/2022/07/30/city-dedicates-alex-caruso-court-with-ceremony-at-castlegate-park/
The city-owned basketball court in College Station’s Castlegate Park was dedicated on Saturday as “Alex Caruso Court.” About 300 people attended the event, and the Chicago Bulls guard spent more than an hour signing autographs.
Caruso grew up down the street and first honed his skills on the Castlegate Court. He played in local church, school, and city leagues before emerging as a standout at A&M Consolidated High School and Texas A&M. In 2020, he became the first College Station-bred athlete to be part of a professional team championship when he helped the Los Angeles Lakers capture the NBA title.
The ceremony included the unveiling of a commemorative marker on the site. Mayor Karl Mooney, former A&M basketball radio analyst Al Pulliam and former A&M Consolidated High School Coach Rick German. Legendary A&M radio broadcaster Dave South served as master of ceremonies.
The College Station City Council approved the naming of the court last year.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County county attorney Earl Gray and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County's county attorney decides not to prosecute Texas A&M football player Ainias Smith following an arrest by Texas A&M police.
Earl Gray tells WTAW News one of the primary reasons for not pursuing a DWI charge after Smith was stopped for speeding, was because Smith's two breath alcohol samples were under the legal limit.
Gray said he did not charge Smith with possessing a marijuana joint because it was in the glove box of the truck that Smith was driving and because Smith denied ownership.
Gray said he could not charge Smith with unlawful carrying of a weapon because a handgun was legally in the glove box, Smith is 21, and there were no other criminal charges.
Gray said he wanted to make it clear that he treats everyone the same.
Smith was stopped in the Northgate district after the bars closed the morning of July 20 after a UPD officer clocked Smith's pickup going 51 in a 35 mile per hour zone.
According to the UPD arrest report, the officer observed four clues of intoxication. And the officer heard Smith say he was "passed out drunk".
The arrest report stated Smith's breath alcohol samples measured .066 and .061.
Matthew Ellis, Staff Planner, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about implementing a middle housing zoning district, redevelopment trends, comparing other cities, upcoming meetings, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 26, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners learn the estimated cost to build a medical examiner's office to perform autopsies will be more than $22 million dollars.
Click the following link to read and download the consultant's report to county commissioners: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/BrCoComm072622MedExPres.pdf
County judge Duane Peters is looking at more than 40 million dollars in federal pandemic grant money as a funding source.
The commission's consultant proposed a 16,000 square foot building that could open as soon as 2026.
By the year 2030, the office is projected to perform 204 autopsies a year for Brazos County and another 104 autopsies a year for surrounding counties.
The office would start with six employees, earning a combined $472,000 dollars a year that does not include county benefits.
Commissioner Steve Aldrich raised the idea of adding a laboratory, which was not included in the consultant's report.
This podcast is a recording of the July 28, 2022 virtual meeting hosted by Brazos County health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan about monkeypox and the COVID pandemic.
City Engineer Paul Kaspar visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about roundabouts, current street projects, raised medians, high water alert systems, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Fire Chief Richard Mann spoke with local media about the near-drowning of 5 year-old Xavier Clifton at Adamson Lagoon and the rescue efforts that saved his life.
Nico Duenas, a College Station lifeguard, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber and Sara Hook about rescuing 5 year-old Xavier Clifton in a near-drowning incident at Adamson Lagoon.
College Station Fire Captain Lauren Nolen visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about her part in the rescue of 5 year-old Xavier Clifton in a near-drowning incident at Adamson Lagoon.
Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) of Waco visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about financial news, upcoming midterm elections, republicans' opinions of Donald Trump, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County deputy emergency management coordinator Jason Ware during the July 26, 2022 county commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are told volunteer fire departments (VFD) have responded to 61 wildfires in the last 30 days.
Deputy emergency management coordinator Jason Ware says no structures have been lost to fires outside of city limits.
Two fires in the last week started from spontaneous combustion of compost piles.
Brazos County VFD's have also provided mutual aid for College Station and Bryan firefighters as well as volunteer departments outside of Brazos County.
Ware says the three primary causes for fires along roads and highways are sparks from trailer chains hitting the pavement, discarded smoking materials, and fireworks around July 4th.
He recommends property owners to mow in a 50 to 70 foot radius of buildings as one way to reduce fire dangers.
This podcast is a visit with Mary Parrish of the Brazos County health district and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A doubling in the number of COVID cases in Brazos County has prompted health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan to hold a virtual meeting Thursday afternoon.
Mary Parrish at the health district says in May, there were 40 to 50 cases a day. That has jumped to between 80 to 100.
Parrish says a good number of people who previously contracted COVID are now getting infected with the latest variant, the Omicron B-A five.
Everyone is invited to ask questions of Doctor Sullivan on the health district's Facebook page starting Thursday at two.
Parrish says the health district continues to offer free COVID vaccinations and boosters each day without an appointment.
This podcast is with city of Bryan public works director Jayson Barfknecht and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The city of Bryan Monday afternoon issued a voluntary water conservation notice.
Public works director Jayson Barfknecht told WTAW News that normal consumption this time of the year is between nine and ten million gallons a day. Consumption before implementing the stage one notice was 24 to 25 million gallons a day.
Another issue is the increase in leaking water lines. Barfknecht said what started last week is a stand by crew is now up to three repair crews.
Barfknecht stated in the city's news release that “While the restrictions put in place at this stage are voluntary, if the community works together, implementing mandatory restrictions can be prevented”.
The stage one measure calls for city of Bryan water customers to do outdoor water after 8 p.m. and before 9 a.m. on the following designated days:
• For addresses ending in 0, 1, 2 and Commercial Meters: Designated watering days are Thursday and Sunday
• For addresses ending in 3,4,5 and Homeowners Associations: Designated watering days are Tuesday and Friday
• For addresses ending in 6,7,8 and 9: Designated watering days are Wednesday and Saturday
The time restrictions do not apply to the irrigation of commercial plant nurseries, irrigation using reclaimed water, new landscape installation during installation and the first 10 days, and the testing of new irrigation systems or existing irrigation systems being tested or under repair.
This podcast is a visit with College Station fire department captain Stuart Marrs and WTAW's Bill Oliver. The photo associated with this podcast is courtesy of the Bryan fire department.
College Station fire and police responded Monday morning shortly before 8:30 to the Holleman Oaks apartments at Holleman and Anderson..
Holleman was closed between Anderson and the H-E-B store because a water line was laid across the street to fire hydrants.
Photos from CSFD shows flames coming out of a second floor unit.
CSFD captain Stuart Marrs said a woman who jumped out of a second floor window was treated for minor injuries at the scene.
A total of 12 units from College Station and Bryan responded to the two alarm fire.
Members of CSFD's volunteer rehab team helped cool down firefighters who were in full gear with outdoor temperatures in the upper 80's and low 90's. And Marrs thanked the Brazos Transit District for providing a shuttle bus that was air conditioned for firefighters taking a break.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
This podcast contains comments from the July 18, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
There will be no change in the number of Bryan police officers in Bryan ISD buildings this coming school year working as school resource officers (SRO).
BISD board members at their last meeting unanimously approved a price increase of about $40,000 dollars to $902,000 dollars. Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw says that represents 75 percent of the city of Bryan's expense. Beesaw said the cost share increase was part of a previous agreement, which the city delayed for a year due to the pandemic.
There is no change of the deployment of nine SRO's and one sergeant. Two are assigned at Bryan High, two at Rudder, one covering Bryan Collegiate, the Mary Catherine Harris campus, and the disciplinary alternative education program (DAEP) building, one at each of the middle schools, one covering Rayburn intermediate and the eastside elementaries, and one covering Long and the westside elementaries.
This podcast is a visit with the founder/CEO of Axle-Box Innovations Caleb Holt, the founder/CEO of nVolve Technologies Kari Myllykoski, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Thanks to the Brazos Valley economic development corporation for sharing how a College Station company contributed to bring two Austin based companies together to start manufacturing pre-fabricated micro-homes in College Station.
nVolve Technologies was hired by Casata Corporation to build 1,000 units to be delivered to Casata rental communities around Texas.
Contributing to nVolve's manufacturing is College Station based Axle-Box Innovations.
Axle-Box founder and CEO Caleb Holt said production starts in August or September.
nVolve founder and CEO Kari Myllykoski said deliveries begin in October to a Casata community in south Austin. That will be followed by delivery to San Marcos and College Station.
Myllykoski says a College Station location has been selected, but can not be disclosed. He says permitting is ongoing.
Holt says "this modular manufactured house model" incorporates "technologies that we hope that both (the cities of) Bryan and College Station will have a chance to sit at the table and have a conversation with and make sure that we can find a way to meet their needs and their codes and restrictions but also at the same time provide affordable housing for the individuals that are looking to stay here full time."
Holt says employment at their Centex Poly Solutions subsidiary is at 35 and there are plans to fill 60 more positions.
nVolve, which employs 25, will also build micro-hones for another client in Missouri at the Lake of the Ozarks.
Joint news release from nVolve and Casata:
nVolve Technologies (“nVolve” or the “Company”), a designer and manufacturer of sustainable, modern, high efficiency building materials, prefabrication assemblies and homes, today announces the formation of a partnership with Casata, the leader in the development of eco-friendly, micro home communities. nVolve will manufacture modular homes to Casata’s specification of unique design parameters for planned micro communities across Texas and throughout the United States over the next few years. Casata plans to build over 1,000 units in Texas market alone in the coming two years.
Casata recently celebrated the grand opening of their first micro home community in South Austin, TX. Additional Texas communities are planned in San Marcos, College Station, East Austin/Bastrop and Houston. Casata is redefining the idea of purposeful living with 400-1,000 square foot micro homes that are modern in design, provide attainable housing, emphasize technology integration, and reduce environmental impact. Casata’s vibrant communities provide cutting edge amenities, open greenspaces, various unique resident events, and a focus on sustainability via low energy and water usage, EV charging stations, and appropriate solar power. Casata and nVolve look forward to collaborating on the design and manufacturing of these eco-friendly homes.
“We envision a bright future for our partnership with nVolve. They have the sustainable materials, construction technologies, and mindset to be a strong partner for Casata. Our micro home communities are designed around modern functional living in an amenity-rich and environmentally conscious community. We see nVolve demonstrating the same core values and we look forward to expanding our relationship as they continue to scale production in their new College Station, Texas facility.”, said Zain Mahmood, Co-Founder & COO of Casata.
NVolve’s College Station factory manufactures both customized Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) and complete architected and prefabricated micro housing units which are deployed on-site for rapid installation. By utilizing advanced and innovative production technologies as well as a professional and flexible workforce, nVolve demonstrates its sincere commitment to revolutionizing the micro, modular construction industry.
“Our partnership with CASATA represents a pivotal step forward for the company,” said nVolve Founder and Chairman, Kari Myllykoski. “We have invested over three years working on engineering the optimal methods to construct high efficiency, modern and technologically integrated homes based on our patent pending FusionSIPTM designs. Our relationship and this agreement with Casata represent an ideal product and value fit, and further validates our efforts. Our proprietary FusionSIPTM Panel System is perfect for creating space-optimized, smaller spaces that are highly functional and ‘live’ beyond their stated size. We are excited about this partnering opportunity with CASATA and look forward to doing our part to help them reach their goal of building the first 1,000 micro homes in Texas and targeted state expansions.”
“Our FusionSIPTM Panel System is getting measurable traction with residential builders,” said nVolve CEO Dave Kowert. “To be successful, new construction needs to be both energy-efficient and cost-effective to build and maintain. Our Panel System and approach to mixing panels and prefab units minimizes the need for on-site sub-contractor labor. Working together with the development team at Casata we will continue to refine and evolve construction efficiencies.”
ABOUT NVOLVE TECHNOLOGIES
Texas-based nVolve architects and manufactures eco-friendly, efficient and modern prefab housing for residential and commercial purposes by leveraging in-house produced FusionSIPTM Panel Systems that can be assembled on-site in less than three weeks by no more than three people. NVolve’s highly engineered and patent-pending product cycle from design to manufacturing and delivery is supported by our business and installation partner network. NVolve continues to develop construction technology solutions for compact, high-quality homes with the latest technology, minimal waste, and the best total cost of ownership, serving the changing demands of younger, environmentally conscious buyers.
For more information, visit: www.nvolvetechnologies.com
ABOUT CASATA
Casata is the first developer of micro, single-family home rental communities across the state of Texas and beyond. With their first community in South Austin, they have pioneered their scalable, highly-amenitized model of micro living. Each independent Casata home is beautifully designed with open, efficient layouts and abundant natural light, and enhanced with smart home technology and large outdoor patios. Each community features multiple exciting events per week, put together by their unique “Campus Alchemist”, along with many other amenities such as EV charging stations. The combination of these elements positions Casata as an attractive alternative to traditional apartment living or single-family rentals.
For more information, visit www.casata.com
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the budget, utility contracts, water conservation, working with Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU), monitoring crime, what is hearing out of Austin, Amazon's drone facility, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 19, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are told at Tuesday's meeting that three of six companies with local economic development agreements are meeting requirements to receive incentives.
For the first time, the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC) outsourced the annual compliance report.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials from the Brazos Valley economic development corporation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/BrCoComm071922bvedcCompliance.pdf
Consultant Shawn Portales says the six companies combined in 2021 to have 1,316 jobs with a combined payroll of $93,859,380 and a combined investment of property, buildings, and equipment of $394,812,301 dollars.
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB), which is one of three companies exceeding requirements to receive incentives, accounts for more than half of the combined jobs and payroll and accounts for more than one-fourth of the combined investment. FDB, which is required to have 100 jobs, had 677. Payroll of $54.9 million dollars exceeds the minimum of $6 million. Investment value of $108,675,000 exceeds the minimum of $70 million.
According to the BVEDC document that was presented to commissioners, FDB's incentive is $417,600 dollars.
Also exceeding minimum requirements were Axis Pipe and Tube and Lubrizol Specialty Products Inc. (LSPI).
LSPI's incentive is a 50% property tax abatement and Axis Pipe and Tube's incentive is a 40% property tax abatement.
Not meeting all minimum requirements were Advanta, Wayfair, and ViaSat.
BVEDC president Matt Prochaska said ViaSat would not be asking for its yearly incentive of a 40% property tax abatement.
Wayfair's incentive is $100,000 dollars and Advanta's incentive is $25,000 dollars.
Commissioner Irma Cauley asked for more information about Advanta maintaining its current employment of 25 people, which is five more than required, but the total payroll declining by $323,000 dollars. Cauley asked if Advanta was giving bonuses to executives and underpaying other employees. Advanta reported an average salary of $79,075.24 when it is required to pay an average salary of $80,000. Advanta reported total wages of $1,976,881 when the minimum is $2.3 million dollars.
City Secretary Mary Lynne Stratta visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about open city council seats, tonight's candidate briefing, recruiting citizens for committees, boards, and commissions, application deadlines, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 18, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials from the July 18, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/BISD071822doi.pdf
A common staffing problem in public schools is finding special education teachers. Bryan ISD board members learned Monday night there are 27 special ed openings.
Associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra told board members all special ed classrooms will be staffed.
Dr. Ybarra said they are looking at restructuring some special ed programs and some classes will be taught by central office staff who have special ed certificates.
The board was also told they may be asked to consider an additional stipend as an incentive for current BISD teachers who are certified but not teaching special ed to switch assignments.
Meantime, in the last month BISD has filled 62 general education vacancies with people who have bachelor's degrees but not state teacher certificates.
That followed the board's decision last month to give administrators that option through BISD's "district of innovation" (DOI) plan.
As of Monday night, BISD has seven general ed teacher vacancies.
Board members also learned the training process for new BISD teachers for the upcoming school year.
This podcast is a visit with city of Bryan project planner Katie Williams and WTAW News intern Sara Hook.
The city of Bryan is proposing three new zoning districts along Highway 47, also known as Riverside Parkway, between the RELLIS campus past the Health Science Center to near Easterwood Airport.
A public meeting will be held Thursday to learn more about the proposed land use changes.
Project planner Katie Williams says the rezoning is meant to protect the land and the land owners.
Williams also says the city of Bryan is extending utilities to the area, and that will bring growth that the zoning districts are meant to capitalize on.
The proposed zoning districts focuses on research and development, retail services, and high density residential to serve RELLIS campus students.
Thursday's meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. in the RELLIS academic complex building #1.
More information is on the city of Bryan's website at bryantx.gov/riverside
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem Buppy Simank visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent budget presentation, commercial and residential water usage, Riverside Parkway, Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU), energy usage during hot temperatures, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about action in the House, inflation, the possibility of Biden declaring a national climate emergency, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a news conference with Bryan/College Station reporters and the new commandant of the Texas A&M corps of cadets, General Patrick Michaelis.
News release from Texas A&M:
Texas A&M University has named Brigadier General Patrick R. Michaelis as the next Commandant of the Corps of Cadets.
The 1993 Aggie graduate starts his new role on Oct. 1, after retiring from his current post as Commanding General, U.S. Army Training Center & Fort Jackson, South Carolina.
Michaelis is a Distinguished Military Graduate of Texas A&M who earned his bachelor’s degree in history in 1993 and commissioned into the Army as a Second Lieutenant of Armor.
“We are at an important inflection point for the Corps of Cadets and I am committed to growing this incredible leadership training program for our students,” said Texas A&M President M. Katherine Banks. “General Michaelis, an outstanding former student who has distinguished himself through a decorated military career, is the right leader at the right time for Texas A&M and the Corps. I look forward to great things under his capable leadership.”
Michaelis has previously served in command roles at Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Lewis, Wash.; and Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Among his many posts, he was the Deputy Commanding General (Operations) for the U.S. Army Recruiting command at Fort Knox; Deputy Commanding Officer (Maneuver) for the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley; the Executive Officer to the Under Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff to the Commander of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command in Iraq for Operation Inherent Resolve. He also commanded operations in Kandahar City, Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, and served in leadership roles in Operations Iraqi Freedom II and Iraqi Freedom 06-08.
Michaelis said he’s “humbled and honored” to be selected to serve as Commandant. “I want to thank President Banks and Vice President Ramirez for the opportunity to once again be a part of this great institution,” Michaelis said. “I first stepped onto the Quad in August of 1989. The leadership experience, the camaraderie, the commitment to academics, and the traditions that defined my Corps experience shaped the character of the person I am today.”
Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez Jr., Texas A&M’s Vice President for Student Affairs, said he’s pleased to welcome Michaelis back to Aggieland.
“Patrick has had a distinguished military career and brings a wealth of experience to this highly visible leadership position at Texas A&M. We are excited to have Patrick back on campus as Commandant and know that he will excel as he leads The Keepers of the Spirit, and Guardians of Tradition into the future.”
Michaelis earned his master’s degree in public administration from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government and a master’s in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College.
His other former positions include assistant professor at the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, and special assistant to the Vice Chief of Staff, Army.
In April this year, the university announced its goal of growing Corps membership from its current number – around 2,100 – to 3,000 in a campaign called “March to 3,000.”
A fresh perspective to the student-led Corps experience and its role in developing leaders of character are among the attributes Michaelis said he plans to bring to the commandant position.
“The marching orders are clear: March to 3,000. As I listen, learn and assess how we are doing, I intend to amplify and adapt priorities and initiatives that allow the Corps of Cadets to remain the pre-eminent leadership and academic experience that continues to produce high-caliber leaders of character for the state and nation.”
The Corps of Cadets is the largest uniformed student body in the nation, outside of the military academies. As the “Keepers of the Spirit,” many of the university’s sacred traditions rely on cadets, such as Muster, Silver Taps and Midnight Yell.
This podcast is a visit with Tim Lomax of the Texas A&M transportation institute and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For the first time, the Texas Transportation Commission commits money to a future interchange at Wellborn Road and George Bush Drive.
Tim Lomax of the Texas A&M transportation institute says the $60 million would go towards a project that he estimates will cost $100 million.
Dr. Lomax says if the state would add another $25 million, he thinks local sources can generate the remaining $15 million.
The public review and comment period on this project began July 8 and will end on Monday, August 6 at 5:00 p.m.
Lomax says it is important for interchange supporters to submit a comment on TxDOT's unified transportation program (UTP) website. If significant public comment is received, additional funding may be approved.
Click the following link to be directed to the online public comment form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2023-UTP-Online-Comment-Form
Click the following link to download a hard copy of the public comment form, which can be mailed to: Texas Department of Transportation
Attention: TPP-UTP
125 E, 11th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/tpp/utp/2023-utp-paper-comment-form.pdf
In addition, a public hearing on the UTP will be held virtually on July 26, 2022 at 2:00 PM. Details for accessing this hearing will be posted here: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/unified-transportation-program.html
This podcast contains comments from the College Station city council meeting that began July 14 and ended in the early morning hours of July 15, 2022.
Click the following link for city of College Station presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CScoun071422amazon.pdf
At 1:24 last Friday morning, the College Station city council unanimously approves a zoning change that allows Amazon to have a drone delivery operation.
Amazon must still get F-A-A approval before drones can be used from a warehouse east of the freeway behind car lots and between Rock Prairie Road and Emerald Parkway.
The council learned the city can not regulate commercial drones.
Nearly three hours was spent on the issue, which included 70 minutes of comments from 14 public speakers.
The first three public speakers were representatives of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Texas A&M University, and the university system who supported the rezoning.
That was followed by 11 speakers from four subdivisions in the drone delivery zone. All opposed or had concerns dealing with privacy, noise, and safety.
Mayor Karl Mooney was among those giving conditional support, "with some concern and a watchful eye."
Councilwoman Linda Harvell told Amazon representatives they are going to have to prove themselves to opponents living in the drone delivery area.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha says residents in Amazon's delivery area have the real power by not ordering if they are opposed to the service in their neighborhood.
Amazon's director of safety and governmental affairs Sean Cassidy answered council questions at length before and after the public hearing.
This podcast contains comments from the July 14, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council's decision add a name to the nature center at Lick Creek Park was not unanimous.
Thursday's 4-1 vote to name the facility for former mayor and councilman Gary Halter followed an exchange between councilmembers Elizabeth Cunha and Dennis Maloney.
Cunha first attempted to delay final action because she wanted to exercise a city policy to discuss Halter's nomination by Maloney.
Maloney told Cunha that the council has final authority and could vote on the nomination.
Cunha then said 96 percent of city facilities are named for people who are White, while the city has zero named for Asians and Hispanics when Asians make up ten percent of the city's population and Hispanics make up 17 percent of College Station's population.
Cunha told Maloney "If the color of his skin might have impacted his opportunities, his opportunities to hold the silver shovel instead of the rusted one, that's what we're being mindful of."
She also said that 22 percent of city facilities are named for former mayors and councilmembers.
Maloney said "The fact that a person's complexion has nothing to with the person's will and his compassion and his love for his community. People who measure things by complexion are by definition racist. I don't buy into it. I don't care what color you are. I don't know what their religion is either. I don't know what their economic background is either. I don't know what their political philosophies are either. I don't care. What I look at is their actions. What did this person do? And did he do a great thing or not? And if he did, I support him."
Supporting the naming of the center for Halter was a member of the city's parks and recreation committee, Don Hellriegel.
Cunha voted no. Voting yes were Maloney, Mooney, Harvell, and John Nichols.
John Crompton abstained for an undisclosed reason, and Bob Brick was absent from the council meeting.
College Station Councilman Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about catching opossums, Amazon's drone facility, Pebble Creek Parkway, the city budget, inflation, funding the Regional Mobility Authority, why he wants to implement a gas tax, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) general manager Gary Miller and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded July 12, 2022.
This podcast contains the remarks of retired CIA spy and retired Bush School director of the intelligence studies programs Jim Olson at the July 14, 2022 Leadership Brazos luncheon.
Professor Olson is introduced by Leadership Brazos chairman Pat Baker.
Will Smith, Chief Financial Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about working for the City of Bryan and Bryan Texas Utilities, challenges with the heat and electricity consumption, the budget, dealing with inflation, sales taxes, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For the first time since the start of the pandemic, was a meeting a group that is involved with dealing with infectious diseases in Brazos County.
One of the presenters at what is normally a quarterly meeting of public and private officials was Brazos County health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan.
Sullivan presented what he described as a "retrospective" of the two and a half years of the pandemic.
He says the current pandemic variant of Omicron is more contagious but less severe.
Hospitals have had a busy summer, but not because of coronavirus. Sullivan said it is tough to pinpoint a reason.
Dr. Sullivan gave another shoutout to local health care workers, saying he is proud to be part of a medical community that continues to show up to work and battle every day.
In addition to monitoring coronavirus, Sullivan says that state and federal agencies are doing a good job of providing updates on monkeypox.
Summertime news releases from the Brazos County health district normally includes mosquitos testing positive for west nile virus. Dr. Sullivan says he has not received any notices this summer. He says it is possible the heat wave and the drought have impacted the mosquito population.
And Sullivan issues a reminder to check on neighbors for heat related illnesses as triple digit temperatures continue.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the budget proposal for fiscal year 2023, how ARPA funds can be used, neighborhood changes, Amazon's drone facility, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his expectations of President Biden's overseas trip, gas prices, increasing military numbers, border security, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the city of College Station's fiscal services director, Mary Ellen Leonard, from the July 12, 2022 city council meeting.
Click the following link to download the city of College Station proposed FY 23 budget document that was presented at the July 12, 2022 city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/CScoun071222BudgetBook.pdf
The College Station city council receives a budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 2023 from staff that includes a one cent decrease in the property tax rate and increases most utility rates by ten percent.
Even with a proposed property tax rate decrease, an estimated increase in property valuation of 11.5%...which fiscal services director Mary Ellen Leonard said could change when final valuation numbers are released...the property tax on a home at the average value in College Station of $324,293 will increase by $183.70.
The proposed budget includes the first increase in electric rates since 2011, along with paying more for trash collection, licenses and permits, and fees for roadway maintenance and drainage. The proposed budget includes the first increase in electric rates since 2011, along with paying more for trash collection, licenses and permits, and fees for roadway maintenance and drainage. That would result in a monthly increase of $13.81 in an average residential utility bill and an monthly increase for multi-family unit customers of $12.40.
The proposal does not call for increasing water and wastewater rates.
City officials are proposing 30 new fulltime equivalent jobs. Identified as "key budget additions" are two more police officers and two more police vehicles, seven firefighters to staff another ambulance crew, three more employees and two more vehicles for trash collection, and a new coordinator/code officer position for the Northgate district.
City employees who are not uniformed police and fire employees would receive a five percent pay increase and would be considered sharing in a merit pay pool of $1.7 million dollars.
Uniformed police and fire employees would receive a 4.5% pay increase, and if they are promoted, they would receive another 2.5% raise.
The budget proposal calls for city employees not paying more for health insurance premiums. The city would pick up the more than 15% price increase.
The budget timeline includes city council budget workshops on July 18, 19, and 20. That is followed by a July 28 public hearing which follows receiving final valuation numbers. Another public hearing on August 3 involves setting the proposed property tax rate. And on August 11, the council will hold a public hearing on the tax rate, consider final adoption of the tax rate, updated fees, and the FY 23 budget.
This podcast contains comments from the July 11, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Members of Texas A&M's faculty senate called on senior administrators to find more money for higher pay raises.
Operations vice president Greg Hartman and human resources vice president Damon Slaydon talked about a study that is underway of comparing salaries.
The VP's were also asked about increasing pay on the Galveston campus due to the higher cost of living there versus College Station and Bryan.
Faculty senate members were also told compensation might be brought up during next month's meeting of the board of regents.
Hartman and Slaydon participated in Monday's meeting to update the faculty senate about the implementation of A&M's reorganization plan.
This podcast is a visit with city of College Station water resources coordinator Jennifer Nations and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Because the city of College Station has declared a drought, city ordinance bans outdoor watering between ten a.m. and six p.m.
Water resource coordinator Jennifer Nations says this is the first time since the city council updated its ordinance in 2019 that calls for restrictions at any time of the year that there is a drought.
College Station was in a water emergency during winter storm Uri in February of last year.
While College Station's ordinance includes fines starting at $25, Nations says no one has been assessed a financial penalty.
Nations says she likes "to follow the practice of educate, not citate."
Enforcement is complaint driven, and is "easily fixed by a) turning off the hose-end sprinkler or b) fixing the timer on the irrigation controller."
Nations says because "evaporative losses can be 50% or higher when watering during the middle of the day", she really doesn’t "think people water during the day on purpose. Most of the time it’s because the controller is off. Quick fix."
This podcast is a visit with Leiha White of Aggieland Humane Society and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
The phrase "it's raining cats and dogs" takes on a different meaning at the Aggieland Humane Society.
Leiha White, visiting on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, talked about the large animal population during triple digit temperatures.
White says there is a lot of airflow through their buildings that includes air exchangers and additional fans.
Outside, there are kiddie sized pools for dogs to keep cool.
White promoted considering arranging foster care for dogs and cats as well as adopting the animals.
Their cat building, which has 51 kennels, is full. And another 130 kittens are in foster care.
More information is online at: https://aggielandhumane.org/
Spokesman Colin Killian visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the busy council season, the city's blog, next week's council meeting agenda, water conservation, a new exhibit at the Lick Creek Nature Center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 6, 2022 Brazos County commission morning budget workshop.
Brazos County commissioners have finished one month of workshop meetings towards developing their fiscal year (FY) 2023 budget.
That includes the possibility of adding 27 more county employees at a cost of $2.7 million dollars. Add proposed pay raises for current employees, that brings the additional payroll cost for Brazos County to more than $4 million.
During a Wednesday morning budget workshop, there was a discussion about some of the proposed 12 additions to the the sheriff's office.
The proposed budget includes adding four more patrol deputies. Chief deputy for law enforcement Paul Martinez said they are in the process of filling their lone patrol vacancy and explained to commissioners the need to add a fourth deputy to each of their four patrol shifts.
Commissioners Steve Aldrich and Russ Ford supported four more patrol deputies. County judge Duane Peters and commissioner Nancy Berry supported two more patrol deputies. Commissioner Irma Cauley was not present at Wednesday morning's workshop.
There are currently 21 vacant positions at the Brazos County jail. Lt. Garrett House, who is the training coordinator for the sheriff's office, explained the need for another jail booking officer while the department has three vacancies in that area.
Also in the proposed FY 2023 Brazos County budget for the sheriff's office, is a compliance officer and two crisis prevention officers for the jail, another deputy for courthouse security, a support service deputy, a background supervisor, and a civilian supervisor.
Commissioners also asked for more information about the district attorney's office proposal to add two positions. First assistant DA Brian Baker provided more information about adding a fourth prosecutor to handle juvenile cases and staffing a proposed pre-trial diversion program.
Commissioners are also considering adding $314,000 dollars to pay for three positions in the district attorney's office that were previously covered by grant money.
other proposed staff additions include a grant writer for the auditor's office and adding staff to family court, information technology, the county clerk, emergency management, and the precinct three justice of the peace office.
There was also discussion about pay raises. Commissioners are declining a proposed seven and a half percent cost of living and a merit raise of up to one percent. Commissioners are also considering raising pay of constables and justices of the peace to match what county commissioners make. The commission salaries of $87,912 would represent a raise for constables and JP's of more than $6,000 dollars.
Click the following link for more information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/BrCoCommBudget070622personnel1600pm.pdf
David Schmitz, Director of Parks and Recreation, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about hot weather challenges, increasing shade, the budget, what is trending in parks, progress at the Phillips Event Center, swimming pools, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M (UPD) Lt. Bobby Richardson and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Three times in the last four weeks, Texas A&M police (UPD) has taken a report of a locked electric scooter or bicycle being taken outside a building.
Anti-theft tips from UPD Lt. Bobby Richardson includes using locks meant for those vehicles and keeping those locks off the ground.
Owners are encouraged to park in well-lit conspicuous areas and whenever possible, take the scooter with you.
Richardson also suggests taking advantage of anti-theft features on the vehicle.
And alarm and tracking systems are available for scooters and bicycles.
The stolen scooters and bicycles were parked outside White Hall, Evans Library, and The Pavilion.
Bryan Councilman Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent budget hearing, tax relief, tax revenue, residential development, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Chip Bill, Americans losing trust in American institutions, finding answers, burn pit registry, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 5, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners finish making decisions about early voting locations and times for the November general election.
Commissioners vote 4-1 to keep five voting centers for early voting. The idea to add four more locations was opposed by the cities of Bryan and College Station.
Bryan city secretary Mary Lynne Stratta said the mayor and city manager asked that they not pay the additional cost of more than $50,000 dollars.
Stratta told commissioners that she was instructed to investigate the cost of buying voting machines to share the cost of conducting joint elections with the city of College Station.
Brazos County Clerk Karen McQueen, who used to run elections, said if the cities conducted their own elections, that would cause voters to cast two ballots...one administered by the cities and the other by the county.
Early voting locations for the November election includes College Station city hall instead of the Memorial Student Center, Arena Hall, Galilee Baptist Church, College Station Utilities training center, and the elections office.
Commissioner Russ Ford and some of the public speakers at Tuesday's meeting sought a voting center for early voting in Kurten. They were told Zion Lutheran Church is not interested and the Kurten Community Center does not meet Americans With Disabilities access requirements.
By a unanimous vote, commissioners expanded hours the first Monday through Friday of early voting to match the second week.
Elections coordinator Krystal Ocon said current election workers are willing to work 14 hour days for two weeks if they get paid more than the current rate of $12 per hour, and if they get paid sooner than the current wait of at least 30 days.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Crime Stoppers program coordinator Rob Santarsiero and WTAW News intern Ian Curtis.
Additional information, along with the photo associated with this podcast, from the Brazos County Crime Stoppers Facebook page:
Brazos County Crime Stoppers is pleased to announce two new programs, the Stash House program in partnership with Texas DPS and Texas Crime Stoppers, and our new show vehicle.
Brazos County Crime Stoppers will pay $1500 for information that leads to the recovery of a significant quantity of illegal narcotics in our community, defined as a quantity that investigators believe is for delivery to dealers. We will also pay $1500 for information that leads to the recovery of a victim of human trafficking. This is in addition to any reward for an arrest in these situations.
If the local investigation into these crimes reveals a potential trans-national connection, we will hand off to DPS in which case they will pay up to $2500 for that information. https://www.dps.texas.gov/.../texas-stash-house-rewards... is the link to the State’s program. We hope that by implementing a local version of this program, we can make a significant dent in those crimes in our area, and continue to keep our community safe.
We’d also like to unveil the new Brazos County CrimeStoppers vehicle! This former patrol car has been repurposed and custom wrapped by CC Creations to help us be more visible throughout Bryan College Station and Brazos County, and will be available for events going forward.
We’d like to thank the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office for helping to make this possible, and to all law enforcement agencies throughout Brazos County for your support and efforts every day.
This podcast contains comments from the June 13, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
The 40th year of the Texas A&M faculty senate is underway.
Speaker Dale Rice said during the June 13, 2022 meeting that this is a time of "celebration, tempered by aspiration."
Entering his second year as speaker, Rice says while the university hires the best and brightest, leadership repeatedly uses outside consultants...specifically noting the president's reorganization.
Rice said "There are times when are views are not sought. And there are times when they are, but then ignored. Occasionally our position matters, but not nearly as often as it should."
Rice says they must redouble efforts in the areas of promotion and tenure, the appointment of university officials, and the "much needed expansion of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts."
This podcast, narrated by WTAW News intern Sara Hook, are remarks from speakers on June 30, 2022 reminding drivers to not drive under the influence during the July 4th weekend.
Representatives of multiple Brazos County agencies came together Thursday to remind drivers to not drive under the influence during the holiday weekend.
The reminders included an additional law enforcement presence as part of the national "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign.
Speakers included Brazos County County Attorney Earl Gray, College Station police chief Billy Couch, and Nancy Winn of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's "Watch UR BAC" education program.
Also in attendance at a news conference outside the College Station police department were representatives of Bryan and Texas A&M police, the Brazos County sheriff's office, the Texas department of public safety, and the Texas Department of Transportation.
News release from AgriLife Extension's "Watch UR BAC" program, the Brazos County sheriff's office, the College Station, Bryan, and Texas A&M police departments, and the Texas department of public safety:
This 4th of July Weekend, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Watch UR BAC Alcohol and Other Drug Awareness Program is partnering with local law enforcement agencies to share the message about the dangers of impaired driving during a news conference on Thursday, June 30, at 1:30 p.m. at the College Station Police Department.
This Independence Day Weekend, law enforcement will participate in the high-visibility national enforcement campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. During this period, local law enforcement will continue to show zero tolerance for impaired driving. Increased state and national messages about the dangers of driving impaired, coupled with enforcement on the road, aim to drastically reduce impaired driving on our nation’s roadways.
Sadly, the statistics prove that we have a lot of work to do to put an end to impaired driving. According to NHTSA, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2020 – a 14% increase from 2019. These deaths were all preventable. Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes – that’s about one person every 45 minutes. This is why Brazos County’s Law Enforcement Agencies are working with NHTSA and the Watch UR BAC Program to remind drivers that impaired driving is not only illegal, but also a matter of life and death. As you celebrate America’s Independence, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
Fatalities from impaired driving crashes are preventable, and drivers must remember that driving impaired by any substance — alcohol or other drugs — is deadly, illegal, and selfish behavior. Please remember: “if you feel different, you drive different”; “buzzed driving is drunk driving”; and “drive high, get a DWI”.
When you choose to drink, planning how you will get home before you start drinking is the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving.
Brazos County’s Law Enforcement Agencies recommends these safe alternatives to driving impaired:
• Remember that it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride-share or taxi service to get home safely.
• Do you have a friend who is about to drink and drive? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.
• If you see a suspected impaired driver on the road, find a safe place to pull over and call 911.
For more information about NHTSA’s Impaired Driving public safety campaigns, including “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving”, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
Captain Stuart Marrs visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about safe alternatives to fireworks, grass fires, firework shows, a customer service survey, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County deputy emergency management director Jason Ware and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Fireworks in Brazos County, outside of city limits, are legal.
But Brazos County deputy emergency management director Jason Ware says it is dangerous to shoot fireworks due to the continuing drought.
His suggestions include having a water source nearby, not shooting fireworks from or towards tall grass or hay fields, and discarding trash generated by fireworks.
The burn ban passed this week by Brazos County commissioners covers controlled burns outside of city limits.
Ware says it takes a separate order to issue a fireworks ban.
Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about June 2022 First Friday activities in downtown Bryan and other Independence Day weekend activities.
Lauren Hovde, Development Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about residential permit numbers, new development, pattern zones, additional staff, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 23, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
College Station's Fun For All playground at Central Park could be getting a amusement style train ride.
Mayor Karl Mooney shared at the last city council meeting that Union Pacific railroad's new public relations director is coming to town to explore his idea.
Mooney, who is a model train enthusiast, visited with U-P officials in Omaha while he was in town for the College World Series.
Mooney also told the council he asked U-P to install a second set of tracks as the city is widening roads at several crossings to prevent future road closures when the railroad decides to add a second set of tracks in College Station.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the citizen bond meeting, a revenue neutral budget, recruitment and retainment, railroad updates, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about President Biden's trip to Europe, consumer confidence, stagflation, the possibility of a more moderate stance, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 28, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are trying to figure out for this November's general election, where early voting will take place and what times early voting will be scheduled.
After more than one hour of comments on Tuesday from commissioners, the elections administrator, the chairs of the Brazos County Republican and Democratic parties, and citizens, commissioners decided to bring this back next Tuesday.
The delay applies to the two weeks of early voting. Commissioners without discussion passed election day voting center locations and times.
County judge Duane Peters did not convince the rest of the commissioners court to accept early voting locations and times as recommended by the elections administrator. Peters said making changes to what was recommended "to me, it looks like a wreck fixin' to happen."
Commissioner Russ Ford continued to push for an early voting center at Zion Lutheran Church in Kurten, he also called for a voting center in south Brazos County, and he supported voting centers at a church in the Castle Heights neighborhood of east Bryan and Texas A&M's memorial student center (MSC).
The proposal given to commissioners moved the MSC to College Station city hall as one of five voting centers during the early voting period.
Commissioner Irma Cauley continued her push to have early voting hours extend into the evening for both weeks of the early voting period.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock repeated comments from past meetings about current difficulty in recruiting election workers, and how that would be aggravated by adding four more voting centers and extending hours during the early voting period.
Hancock also brought up notifying the cities of College Station and Bryan and the College Station, Bryan, and Navasota school districts, which share in the cost.
Click the following link for the list of proposed early voting locations for the November 2022 general election: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BrCoComm062822NovElectLocationsEarlyVoting.pdf
Click the following link for the list of proposed election day locations for the November 2022 general election: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BrCoComm062822NovElectLocationsElectionDay.pdf
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
There are more than 15,000 Brazos County property owners who took advantage of split tax payments last November.
Tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe reminds those taxpayers that the second half is due this Thursday...which also happens to be the deadline for June motor vehicle registration renewals.
Roe thinks the worst thing about coming to the tax office is dealing with the heat while waiting outside in line.
Roe says if you come in person, you have to be in the office by Thursday at 4:30 p.m.
Dropoff payments have to be made by 5:00 p.m.
Payments by mail have to be postmarked by Thursday. Roe suggests taking the envelope inside the post office to get a local postmark.
Online payments will be accepted until midnight.
News release from the Brazos County tax assessor-collector's office:
A mid-week deadline and hot weather forecasts combine to make the upcoming split payment deadline a possible experience in frustration for Brazos County property taxpayers. Deadlines always create long lines and frustration, and the tax office is urging taxpayers to look into options that can make the process easier, accurate, more secure, and a success.
Taxpayers who plan to make the second half split payment of 2021 property taxes in person must arrive at the tax office before 4:30 PM on Thursday June 30. To avoid long lines and extended wait times in the lobby or drive through lanes, taxpayers are urged to take advantage of payment options offered by the office.
Payment options include:
Website payment: www.brazostax.org (functional with tablets and smartphones)
Phone payment: 1-888-254-4339 (automated-need property info to use)
Drop Box External – Lane 1: (payment must be dropped by 5:00 PM)
Drop Box External - Front Door: (payment must be dropped by 5:00 PM)
Mail: U.S. Postal Service postmark determines delivery date
To make life easier, do a little homework, and bring your property information with you. You know what you need to pay. A list of account numbers or copies of your statement go a long way toward speeding up the process and assuring that you will not be surprised with a delinquent notice later.
Payments dropped in either external drop box after 5:00 PM are considered late and are subject to penalty and interest dictated by the Texas Property Tax Code. Split payment information is printed on the tax office statements and account balance information is on the tax office website under property information. The website can also be searched for specific property information.
The tax office, sees a daily average of between 350 and 400 lobby customers, and 100 to 125 customers through the drive through lanes. June 30th is expected to be much busier. Property taxpayers should remember that many residents will also be visiting the office to renew vehicle registrations that are expiring on the same day, so crowds and long lines are expected if you decide to wait for the deadline to make your payment.
The Brazos County Tax Office hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The tax office is located at 4151 County Park Ct. in Bryan, Texas. For information call 979-775-9930.
This podcast is a selection of comments from the June 21, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Click on the following link to read and download information about a telephone survey done in May 2022 regarding the failed November 2021 College Station ISD bond issue: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CSISD062122SurveyBond.pdf
College Station ISD school board members are looking to asking voters again to approve a bond issue that failed last November.
Most of the $5.5 million dollar request would go towards renovating and expanding the Consolidated High School field house, in part to put their sports medicine services on par with College Station High School.
During the June CSISD board meeting, members reviewed the results of a telephone survey that was conducted for the district last month.
A spokesman for the survey of 300 CSISD voters provided two takeaways about the chances of the bond issue passing:
(1) The initial ballot test shows a 15-point deficit in support of the bond with 38% for and 53% against. After voters were given more information, 56% say they would vote for and 40% would vote against it.
(2) The survey company's analysis showed the best messages to communicate the bond proposal are:
(2a) The fieldhouse at Consolidated High School is not comparable to the fieldhouse at College Station High School in its size or condition, and this bond would expand and renovate it, thereby increasing equity of facilities for students in the district.
(2b) The fieldhouse at Consolidated does not have adequate space for sports medicine, and
(2c) This bond issue can be financed using property taxes from its current tax rate. This means the property tax rate will not increase, which was a bullet point that was believed by only one-third of those who were surveyed.
After a review of the survey, College Station ISD board members reviewed a meeting last month of administrators and members of the bond committee that proposed the Consolidated high school project last year.
Some board members said they did not want to keep asking CSISD voters however many times it takes to pass the bond issue.
CSISD administrators were asked to research the cost of holding a special election next May.
No board members expressed support for asking voters this November. CSISD communications director Chuck Glenewinkel said voters will be asked to approve city and county bond issues. Brazos County voters will also be asked to approve increasing the vehicle registration fee for local transportation projects.
This podcast begins with comments from a Brazos Transit District (BTD) to the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization's policy board on June 1, 2022, followed by an interview with BTD general manager Wendy Weedon and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Click on the following link to read and download BTD presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BTD060122.pdf
A public transportation version of ridesharing in College Station and Bryan is being explored by the Brazos Transit District (BTD).
General manager Wendy Weedon says government money is available for what they call microtransit services.
Weedon hopes to have a pilot program started within the next year with a company that works with public transportation agencies.
She says microtransit has become more popular around the country since the start of the pandemic.
Weedon says they are looking at ridesharing as a way to extend service later in the evening, which is BTD customers top request.
Ridesharing was part of a presentation and conversation during a BTD presentation at the June meeting of the Bryan-College Station metropolitan planning organization's (BCS-MPO) policy board.
That presentation included BTD ridership levels in Bryan/College Station and plans to add and replace BTD shelters and benches.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M's Neil Peltier and WTAW News intern Sara Hook.
Tailgating at Texas A&M home football games is going to look a little different this season.
As a multimillion dollar renovation is being completed in the green space between the Association of Former Students and Koldus buildings, the land rush is being replaced by online reservations.
Assistant director of University Center and Special Events Neil Peltier said the change was to allow out-of-town fans more equal access to tailgating spots, as well as to protect and benefit the park.
Peltier also says the online system lets them collect some information about who is utilizing the park.
Reservations for paid spots are open now, and can be booked for the entire football season or select dates.
The free 'Virtual Landrush' will open at 6 p.m. on the Sunday prior to each home game.
News release from Texas A&M:
More tailgating space, a lake for catch-and-release fishing, an amphitheater and a creamery are among the new features awaiting Texas A&M fans when Aggie Park opens on-schedule later this summer.
The Aggie Park project will include dedicated media utilities for national broadcasts, permanent Distinguished Alumni recognition and improved infrastructure. A new building will be constructed on site and operated by The Association of Former Students for year-round use, providing flexible and functional space for Aggie Ring Day and other events.
With the 2.5-year transformation nearly complete, a new online reservation system is being announced for Aggie Park on game-days: No longer will the area be part of the “land rush” in which fans — responding to a bullhorn sounding at noon a day before the big game — take off running in a competition to claim a prime spot to pitch their tents.
Instead, all tailgating in Aggie Park — both free and paid — will require making reservations through the tailgating vendor, Revel XP. This change is expected to make it more convenient for fans and offer out-of-town Aggies equal access to choice spots.
Options In Aggie Park:
The Association is creating Aggie Park with about $35 million in donated funds, including the lead gift given in memory of Shannon Lia Roberts ’86 by her husband, Wayne Roberts ’85. It soon will have more than twice the amount of space for relaxation, studying, picnics, tailgating, concerts, food trucks and more throughout the year.
The majority of the tailgating space is designated for free access. Those areas are detailed in an online map and include War Hymn Lawn, War Hymn Plaza, Post Oak Grove and Throckmorton Lawn. Throckmorton, a late addition, will not be available until the first Southeastern Conference game at Kyle Field this fall, Oct. 29, against University of Mississippi.
The remainder of tailgating space is for those paying Revel XP for a turn-key experience with a range of full-service options, including iced coolers, tables, chairs, linens and more.
Revel XP will handle reservations for both paid and free options.
To reserve a free or paid tailgating spot, visit Texas A&M’s tailgating guidance page.
The timeline for the booking process is different depending on which of the two tailgating options is selected.
Free tailgating: The virtual land rush reservation process will start at 6 p.m. on the Sunday prior to each home game. For instance, for the first game against Sam Houston Sept. 3, the process opens Aug. 28 at 6 p.m.
A few policies:
Individuals may reserve only up to two (2) free 15-by-15 plots per game.
Patrons can’t book more than one game at a time, as reservations do not carry over.
Fans must tailgate in the spots they are assigned.
Selling a free space that was reserved is prohibited and will result in the loss of tailgating privileges.
The old land rush process will continue for tailgating around Reed Arena and other campus locations. The guidelines for tailgating are detailed online.
Paid tailgating: Reservations for paid spots are available now and locations can be booked for the entire football season or select dates.
Direct questions and feedback to 979-862-7547.
City of College Station water resources coordinator Jennifer Nations visits with Scott DeLucia and Bill Oliver on The Infomaniacs, June 24 2022
This podcast contains comments from the June 23, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County commission voted four to one at their June 21 meeting to wait at least until June 28 before implementing a burn ban outside of city limits.
County judge Duane Peters, who voted to table, said rural fire chiefs in Brazos County were split about the ban.
Commissioner Russ Ford, who voted to table, asked citizens outside of city limits to "be diligent and to be very very careful during this time" of dry weather.
Commissioner Steve Aldrich voted against the delay because a ban was supported by the chief of the South Brazos County volunteer fire department, which is located in Aldrich's precinct.
BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) general manager Gary Miller visited with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs on June 23, 2022.
This podcast is the 29th Bryan Rotary 10 business performance awards program that was held June 22, 2022.
The 29th Bryan Rotary 10 business performance awards luncheon was held Wednesday.
The event recognizes the top ten independent, privately held corporations based in Brazos County with sales in fiscal year 2021 between $50,000 and $25 million dollars.
The top ten list, based on the sales growth percentage the last five years, with an increase between 2019 and 2021, is:
(1) 271.4% Dudley Engineering
(2) 191.07% Stafford Barrett Brokers
(3) 173% Blackrock Builders
(4) 133.4% Dietz Consulting
(5) 126.5% FrogSlayer
(6) 126.18% Smart Compliance
(7) 113% Swan Stonarts
(8) 105.1% Arrow S Pest Control
(9) 92.3% Aggieland Roofing
(10) 76.1% Ridgewood Custom Homes
The luncheon also includes two special awards.
Receiving the Anco Insurance lifetime business achievement award was the West, Webb, Albritton, and Gentry law firm.
Receiving the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation's Launch award for start up businesses was Alula Learning.
The luncheon's keynote speaker was the co-founder of Karbach Brewing and Consolidated High School graduate Blake Robertson.
Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson visited with Scott DeLucia June 22, 2022 on WTAW's The Infomaniacs about the continuing lifeguard shortage, a call by other Texas mayors for the legislature to hold a special session, the city of Bryan's budget and bond financing, and cheering on the Texas A&M baseball team at the College World Series.
Congressman Pete Sessions visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on June 22, 2022 about the proposed suspension of the federal gas tax, president Biden's bicycle accident, and working with the Texas A&M system on space force research projects at the system's RELLIS campus.
This podcast contains comments from the June 20, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Click the following link for presentation materials from the June 20, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BISD062022raises.pdf
Salaries for local educators are going up.
Bryan ISD school board members approved pay raises Monday night as recommended by administrators.
Eligible teachers, counselors, librarians, and registered nurses move up on the salary schedule plus another $1,500 dollars. Eligible auxiliary and paraprofessionals in BISD get an average three percent increase. Eligible BISD administrators and professional staff get an average two percent. Eligible BISD food service employees get a raise of two dollars per hour. And the BISD board voted earlier this year to give retention bonuses of two percent this September, one percent this December, and one percent next May.
The unanimous vote followed about one hour of discussion.
Board member Fran Duane, who made the motion to approve pay raises, did not agree with raising the starting teacher pay from $48,000 to $50,000 dollars when a teacher with ten years experience would earn $54,500.
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine told Duane that salary and staffing studies will be done. The superintendent also plans to create a committee of mostly teachers. And administrators are working to increase revenue through higher enrollment.
Board member Felicia Benford asked about recruiting BISD graduates to become teachers, which one of BISD's school leadership directors, Brian Merrell, said was being studied.
Board president Mark McCall and board member David Stasny brought up the budget impact for the next school year and possibly beyond.
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) office in Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station police and the Bryan TxDOT office report the southbound lanes of Highway 6 were closed Monday afternoon for six hours from two crashes.
The first, was a semi that blew a tire and struck a concrete barrier then leaked diesel fuel.
TxDOT spokesman Bob Colwell said that was followed by a distracted driver in a truck pulling an empty horse trailer hit a piece of TxDOT equipment.
Colwell said the equipment, called a "truck mounted attenuator", was placed to protect their employees who were taking care of the diesel spill.
CSPD and TxDOT report no one was injured.
This podcast are comments from Texas A&M university chief operating officer Greg Hartman from the June 13, 2022 faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M's chief operating officer provided an update about the implementation of the university's reorganization plan at the June faculty senate meeting.
Greg Hartman says the president has approved recommendations of seven or eight of the 41 implementation teams. And the remainder are close to finishing well ahead of the September 1 deadline.
Hartman says there is a meeting with the president next week about developing how the changes will be made...particularly in human resources, finance, and I-T.
Hartman says on a weekly basis, there are meetings to address reorganization issues that are falling through the cracks...something that is described as orphan duties.
Hartman says for the next month or two, those involved in the reorganization process are looking to catch something nicknamed "orphan duties"...or things that are falling through the cracks.
And he wants to provide another update at the faculty senate's July meeting and update other A&M organizations on the ongoing implementation of what is known as "the path forward".
More information is online at pathforward.tamu.edu
This podcast contains comments from the June 16, 2022 College Station planning and zoning (P&Z) commission meeting.
Click the following link to read and download background information:
https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/CSPZ061622amazonBkgd.pdf
College Station's planning and zoning commission (P&Z) unanimously recommends a zoning change to allow Amazon to fly drones to deliver orders from behind new car lots off the freeway between Rock Prairie Road and Emerald Parkway.
The city council is scheduled to take final action July 14.
College Station, which would be Amazon's second location for drone delivery, does not have city regulations.
Amazon's spokeswoman told P&Z members that a fleet of 12 to 18 drones would deliver items that are no larger than a shoe box within a four mile radius during daylight hours and fair weather conditions.
City Secretary Tanya Smith visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Council 101 program, the roll of her department, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Art Roach, Assistant Manager for the Community Development Department, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what the department does, challenges with affordable housing, their community development plan, public input, working with contractors, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about The Fed raising rates, his vote on proposed gun legislation, Mayra Flores's victory, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast includes comments from the June 14, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners voted three to two during Tuesday's meeting to include in next year's budget proposal, pay raises of up to eight and a half percent for all county employees.
The proposal calls for a 7.5% cost of living increase and employees being eligible for an additional 1% merit increase.
Voting yes were county judge Duane Peters and commissioners Irma Cauley and Nancy Berry.
Commissioner Steve Aldrich, who voted no, said it was his intent to give raises to 41 fulltime county employees so they would be earning an "average living wage" of $16.41 per hour.
Commissioner Russ Ford, who voted no, said they have not determined if next year's budget can be done without requiring a revenue increase.
County auditor Katie Conner said as of last week, there is enough money to fund the raises without adding new revenue in next year's county budget.
Peters said a budget with no new revenue will be difficult to achieve because 35 percent of the county budget are funding state mandates. Peters also said there may be cuts elsewhere in next year's budget in order to pay for the raises.
The proposed pay raises was one of five items included in the motion that was passed. Aldrich was unsuccessful in separating the raises from the other items, which would (1) keep the employee's share of health insurance premiums the same while increasing the county's share by $564 a year per employee, (2) not change the county's contribution to the Texas County and District Retirement System, (3) not add any money to the county's unemployment insurance fund, and (4) update workers compensation rates.
This podcast is from the June 14, 2022 Bryan city council meeting, where mayor Andrew Nelson presents retired Texas A&M women's basketball head coach Gary Blair with a proclamation designating "Gary Blair Day". Blair, a Bryan resident, thanked the council and called on residents to be active in community affairs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about citizen complaints about rental conditions, the future of rental inspections, Costco's timeline, Juneteenth celebrations, city pool hours, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station city manager Bryan Woods and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The city of College Station continues participating in the mutual aid response to the mass shooting in Uvalde.
City manager Bryan Woods says initially, three people from the police and fire departments were rotated. As of Monday, a fire department chaplain was in Uvalde.
Woods says College Station is reciprocating for being on the receiving end of public safety requests, including assistance following the deaths of George H.W. and Barbara Bush and the Texas A&M bonfire disaster.
The manager says College Station is part of a deployment of an estimated 450 people from 130 agencies.
Jeff Saunders, Director of Texas A&M Task Force 1, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a multi-agency aviation search and rescue exercise happening in several locations throughout the Brazos Valley on Wednesday afternoon.
This podcast is with College Station police Lt. Rodney Sigler and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Lt. Rodney Sigler said CSPD got the call after the prospective buyer noticed the suspect seemed to be in a hurry to unload the F-250 platinum edition truck.
Sigler said after the Montgomery County regional auto theft task force confirmed the truck was stolen, CSPD officers were waiting when the suspect arrived with the truck in a parking lot off Texas Avenue.
The seller was arrested for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, changing the truck's V-I-N, and having a fake title and a fake driver's license.
38 year old Zachary Guyton, who was arrested last Friday, was still in the Brazos County jail Monday where he is held in lieu of bonds totaling $230,000 dollars.
This podcast contains comments from the June 9, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members listen for 30 minutes at the beginning of Thursday's meeting to nine public speakers who are seeking a rental inspection ordinance.
At the end of the meeting, a unanimous council agreed to hold a workshop.
Many of the speakers brought up health issues as the result of toxic mold in rental homes and apartments. One of them said he is still paying for renting what he described as a luxury apartment because he does not want to give up his legal rights. Another said their landlord doesn't care because they can find another tenant due to the demand for rental housing.
Another speaker who said she was a first time renter is scared because she does not know what to look for.
A member of Texas A&M's student senate said a resolution was passed on Wednesday supporting rental inspections.
No date was set when the council will discuss rental inspections.
Pat McIntyre, CSU Electric Energy Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about air conditioning advice, energy tips, rebate opportunities, a new Tesla charging station, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the owner of C.C. Creations Kenny Lawson and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The 40th anniversary of Bryan-College Station based C.C. Creations was celebrated Thursday with a chamber of commerce business after hours event.
Later this summer, the state's largest producer of promotional products breaks ground on a new facility in north Bryan.
Owner Kenny Lawson, who started with the company 36 years ago working part time while he was in college, bought the company in 2015.
Current employment is 510. When the company's "legacy campus" opens next year, employment will rise to more than 750.
Click the following link to see Images of the legacy campus: https://wtaw.com/?p=153871
This podcast contains comments from the June 6, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Click the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BISD060622subs.pdf
For the third straight year, Bryan ISD will be outsourcing the hiring of substitute educators.
Human resources director Carol Cune told the school board this week the district spent almost $2 million dollars for the subs, and another $540,000 to the third party company to cover payroll taxes and associated costs, along with the company's overhead.
While the board's vote was unanimous, member David Stasny still questioned the value of outsourcing versus using BISD employees.
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine says a cost analysis will be done comparing outsourcing to returning the duty to BISD employees.
Board member Ruthie Waller said "I hate that anybody has to pay that kind of money, but it's a service that is well worth the money."
During the 2021-22 school year, BISD's average substitute fill rate was 82 percent. That was as high as 91 percent last December and as low as 66 percent in January, which Cune said was due to the Omicron pandemic surge.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan/College Station attorney Shane Phelps and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
After a two year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Bryan/College Station legal community invites the public to share the annual recognition of the Atticus Finch character from the novel "To Kill A Mockingbird".
Local attorney Shane Phelps says the gathering is really important to get together face to face following the pandemic.
The speakers are the executive director of the Texas association representing prosecutors will talk about why we need defense attorneys, and one of the most famous defense attorneys in the United States will talk about why we need prosecutors.
Those who attend Friday morning's program, which starts at 11:30 in the Brazos County administration building, are invited to wear seersucker attire.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the frequency of meetings, citizen attendance at meetings, development, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the 11 year-old survivor testifying about the Uvalde shooting, inflation, jobs, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 7, 2022 Brazos County commission workshop meeting about the operation of the elections office.
Copy and paste this link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BrCoComm060722elections.pdf
Brazos County commissioners tell a full house attending a workshop meeting Tuesday that Galilee Baptist Church in Bryan, which has been closed as a voting center for primary runoff elections, will be open for all future elections.
The two hour meeting also brought up other operations of the elections office.
Commissioner Russ Ford and one of the other candidates in this year's precinct two Republican primary, Silas Garrett, asked for primary and runoff voting centers in rural locations.
Commissioner Irma Cauley, who represents the district where the church is located, also repeated her call to expand all early voting periods to go past five p.m.
One of this year's county commission primary candidates, Silas Garrett, asked for primary and runoff voting centers in rural locations.
Elections office administrator Trudy Hancock and elections coordinator Krystal Ocon both said finding election workers continues to be a problem.
Those who are interested in becoming election workers can contact their local political party headquarters.
This podcast is a visit with the Democratic Party nominee for precinct four Brazos County commissioner and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Voters in Brazos County commission precinct four now have their candidates for the November general election.
After Monday's deadline passed without a request for a recount, Wanda Watson advances as the Democratic Party nominee by a four vote margin.
Watson plans to continue the door to door campaigning that she credited with getting her the primary victory.
Watson's opponent in the general election is Republican Timothy Delasandro.
This podcast contains comments from the June 1, 2022 meeting of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization's policy board.
Changes in how the 2020 census is being administered is bad news in the twin cities.
The mayors of Bryan/College Station and a Brazos County commissioner heard an update as members of the policy board of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO).
MPO director Dan Rudge said that the official 2020 population numbers are locked in.
Rudge said if any appeals are won, those numbers will be reflected in yearly estimates and not the official 2020 total.
Rudge also said that a census formula that could have qualified for Brazos County to receive an additional $5 million dollars of transportation funding has changed for the worst.
Instead of an overall headcount of 200,000, which Brazos County has exceeded with 204,000, Rudge says the census bureau will requires that that the 200,000 figure come from specific urban areas.
Rudge says that information won't be known until next year.
This podcast contains comments from the June 3, 2022 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
A career Aggie who has three degrees from Texas A&M is the university's new dean of the college of agriculture and life sciences.
That's after the board of regents held a special meeting Friday to unanimously approve the selection of Jeff Savell.
Regents chairman Tim Leach of Midland listed Dr. Savell's many professional accomplishments at A&M since 1982.
That includes teaching more than 12,000 students.
Savell earned his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees from A&M.
The regents appointment also makes him a system vice chancellor.
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents today named a much-decorated professor, Jeffrey W. Savell ‘75, as Vice Chancellor and Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences for Texas A&M.
Dr. Savell is a University Distinguished Professor, Regents Professor and the E.M. “Manny” Rosenthal Chair in the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University. He received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Texas A&M.
His appointment is effective June 6.
“Dr. Savell is a great Aggie who is well-respected within academia and the agricultural community,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “An added bonus – he makes pretty good barbecue!”
Dr. Savell teaches the introductory course in meat science as well as a freshmen class on Texas barbecue. He also leads a graduate course in carcass composition and quality, and team-teaches a graduate and undergraduate course in Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point.
A past president of the American Meat Science Association, Dr. Savell is a member of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame.
“Dr. Savell is a highly recognized scholar who has been identified among the top 2% of most-cited researchers in the world,” said Texas A&M President M. Katherine Banks. “His impact and long tenure at Texas A&M includes teaching 12,000 Aggies and producing 150 graduate students who have become leaders in academia, industry and government.”
This podcast contains comments from the May 26, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
College Station city council members decide to hold a future workshop about the continued effort of a local non profit agency to create transitional housing for 18 to 25 year olds who age out of the foster care system.
At the council's last meeting, the board president of Unlimited Potential, Jacque Flagg, said they are working with young adults who spend their teenage years in group housing.
Mayor Karl Mooney received support to continue discussing how the city can financially support the project.
In May of last year, the council approved allowing staff to review a more than $2 million dollar loan application from Unlimited Potential.
Flagg reported at the last council meeting that the board will have to decide whether they convert 50 units of a closed nursing home on Anderson Street into 25 apartments or demolish and build something new, because the cost is similar.
Flagg says revenue to pay the loan would come from federal government housing vouchers. But she brought up the red tape to qualify and use vouchers.
More information is online at upbrazosvalley.org.
Cheletia Johnson, Supervisor of the Lincoln Recreation Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Juneteenth celebrations throughout the month of June, what the center offers to the community, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Robert Hurst of the Texas department of corrections and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Texas department of criminal justice announced state prison inmate Gonzalo Lopez died Thursday night during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers south of San Antonio.
No law enforcement officers were struck by Lopez's gunfire.
Lopez was driving a pickup that was stolen from a home west of Centerville earlier on Thursday. That was the location where a family of one adult and four children were found dead earlier in the day.
The victims, who lived in the Houston area, had arrived at a vacation home on Wednesday or Thursday.
As of 1:15 a.m. Friday, the Leon County sheriff's office has not released the names of those who died.
Amanda Kile with the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about June's First Friday lineup and June's "Cheers to Craft Beers" fundraiser for Voices For Children.
Director Bea Saba visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the summer reading program, how to sign up for a library card, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police lieutenant Rodney Sigler and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Wednesday afternoon In the parking lot outside the Guaranty Bank building in College Station where Bryan Broadcasting offices are located, took place the latest report of a bank "jugging".
College Station police lieutenant Rodney Sigler says the victim was not injured after two men drove away with an undisclosed amount of cash.
The victim said a car drove up, a man in the passenger seat wearing sunglasses and possibly a mask leaned out the window, pointed a gun at the victim, and demanded her bank deposit bag.
The driver and passenger were in a newer model bright blue four door car with silver and black wheels.
Sigler reminds those transporting bank bags to be aware of their surroundings, and if you think you are being followed, call 9-1-1.
This podcast contains comments from the May 31, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting and WTAW's Bill Oliver's interview with Trudy Hancock.
After two public speakers at Tuesday's Brazos County commission meeting criticized one voting center not being open for last week's primary runoff election, commissioners decide to schedule a workshop meeting on the future use of Galilee Baptist Church.
The speakers were Ann Boney of the local NAACP and a candidate in last week's runoff, Wanda Watson.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock told WTAW News that the church is not normally a voting center for primary runoffs.
Boney and Watson told commissioners that voters were directed to Bryan Ballroom, which they said was inaccessible due to road construction. Hancock told WTAW News the construction was completed by election day.
By state law, commissioners were not allowed to respond to comments from Boney and Watson.
But at the end of the meeting, commissioner Irma Cauley called for a workshop, which was supported by commissioner Nancy Berry.
College Station Mayor Karl Mayor visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about citizen input for the possible bond election, inflation, designing future city facilities, the city budget, annexation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Jerome Powell's visit to the White House, inflation and gas prices, answers to the problems, Uvalde, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the chancellor of the Texas A&M system, John Sharp, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
There will be no tuition increase this fall at all 11 Texas A&M system universities.
Chancellor John Sharp told WTAW News the tuition freeze will also apply to the spring 2022 semester.
Sharp says there was hardly any negative reaction from university presidents who will have manage expenses from the largest 12 month increase in the inflation rate since December 1981.
Board of regents chairman Tim Leach of Midland stated in a news release that they are "very focused on making a college education affordable for all Texans and pledges to make accessibility and fairness our highest priority".
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents will not increase tuition for Fall 2022, Chairman of the Board Tim Leach said today.
“The Board is very focused on making a college education affordable for all Texans and pledges to make accessibility and fairness our highest priority,” Chairman Leach said.
The decision impacts all 11 universities in the Texas A&M System.
“We recognize there is inflation for running universities, but there is inflation on families and students as well,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “We’ve decided to manage our costs rather than raise tuition.”
Chancellor Sharp credited the A&M System’s ability to manage its costs to the state’s elected officials who appropriated more money for higher education last year as well as the A&M System’s conservative fiscal management.
The Consumer Price Index peaked at 8.5 percent for the year ending in March 2022, the largest 12-month advance since December 1981, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Annual inflation rate slowed to 8.3 percent in April, but some economic sectors continued to see higher increases than the overall inflation rate. In April, energy prices were up 30.3%, food at 9.4%, new vehicles at 13.2% and shelter at 5.1%.
This podcast are from the public comment portion of the May 17 and May 24, 2022 Brazos County commission meetings.
Brazos County commissioners were asked in the public comment period during their meetings on May 17 and May 24 to improve road conditions south of College Station.
The residents were referring to portions of I&GN Road, Straub Road, and Stousland Road. They are located west of the Wellborn Road railroad tracks and south of Greens Prairie Road.
Commissioners were asked to use federal pandemic relief money to rebuild the roads and take out curves that are considered more dangerous with the addition of residential subdivisions, a baseball academy, and a wedding venue.
Because the requests came during public comments, state law does not allow commissioners to directly respond to the speakers requests.
Commissioners held two workshops during May to discuss how federal pandemic grant might be spent.
This podcast contains comments from the May 18, 2022 Texas A&M system board of regents building committee meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BOR051922BrightComplexKyleSuites.pdf
Construction starts in June on some of Texas A&M athletics $235 million dollar expansion project.
That follows action during May's A&M system board of regents meeting.
The June start is for A&M's new indoor track and indoor football practice facility. Approval was also given to start after the next football season begin work on new outdoor football practice fields and 25 new Kyle Field suites.
After the next football season, construction starts on new Aggie football practice fields and 25 new Kyle Field suites at the south end of the stadium.
Administrators are still working on the construction contract for among other things, Aggie athletics new academic support center.
Before the board the green light, members heard from the system's chief facilities officer, Brett McCully and the system's vice chancellor for business affairs, Phillip Ray, about what went into staying within their budget dur to 40 year high inflation rates.
This podcast is a visit with Burleson County sheriff's office chief deputy John Pollock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Burleson County sheriff's office announces a dead man's body was found in Lake Somerville Memorial Day morning.
Chief deputy John Pollock says no witnesses saw the 26 year old man enter the water near Welch Park.
The man's name will be released after family members are notified.
Pollock says the man was believed to be living near the Fayette/Colorado County line.
Investigators do not suspect foul play, but an autopsy will be done to determine the cause of death.
Pollock says the man may have been in the water between 24 and 36 hours due to the man's condition and information from his cell phone.
The man's identity was also confirmed after finding documents in his vehicle.
News release from the Burleson County sheriff's office:
On May 30, 2022 at approximately 10:33 AM, the Burleson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a body that was located in the waters of Lake Somerville near Welch Park. The Burleson County Sheriff’s Office, Somerville Police Department, Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and Park Rangers responded to investigate.
Witnesses reported seeing a body floating approximately 20 yards off the shore-line and immediately called 911. A Welch Park worker entered the water and was able to bring the victim to shore. The body of a White/Male, 26 years of age, was identified by investigators on scene. The next of kin has been notified, however, the victim’s name is being temporarily withheld while notification is made to other family members.
It is estimated the victim was in the water between 24 – 36 hours before discovery. At this time there are no witnesses that observed the victim enter the water. Investigators do not suspect foul play but an autopsy will be conducted at the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office in Austin to determine the cause of death.
This podcast is the Bryan American Legion's 2022 Memorial Day program.
Bryan American Legion post 159 hosted the 2022 Memorial Day program.
Post commander Dale Hutchcraft introduced the guest speaker and made remarks later in the program.
Tyson Voekel is president of the Texas A&M Foundation. He also served two tours in Iraq as a company commander for the 82nd Airborne Division.
Voekel is currently serving in the Army Reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel.
This podcast is a visit with the new executive director of Keep Brazos Beautiful (KBB), Allison Batte, and WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
The visit includes an invitation to KBB's annual awards luncheon on August 11.
For sponsorship information and/or buy tickets, call KBB at 979-775-3569.
News release from Keep Brazos Beautiful:
My name is Allison Batte, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new Executive Director for Keep Brazos Beautiful.
I was raised in Beaumont, Texas, and moved to College Station in 2011 to attend Texas A&M University. I graduated from Texas A&M in 2016 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and a concentration in Communication and Media. I recently graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Masters in Public Administration.
Prior to accepting my new position at Keep Brazos Beautiful, I worked for the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce as the Special Projects Coordinator for over four years.
My time at the Chamber allowed me to experience the ins and outs of the nonprofit world while networking with business leaders throughout the community.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, working in the yard, spending time with family and friends, and playing with my dog, Luna.
I am excited to continue working to make Bryan/College Station the best community to live, work, and play!
Jennifer Prochazka, Assistant City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about water towers, upcoming public input meetings, inflation, The Balancing Act, city pools, hiring lifeguards, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the chairwoman of Brazos County Democratic Party, Amy Alge, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The chairwoman of the Brazos County Democratic Party warns to be on alert in social media for posts related to this November's city council elections.
Amy Alge learned that there is no one named Jane Reid running for Bryan mayor.
Alge posted on her Facebook page a screen shot of the fake candidate.
Alge believes whoever is behind this has started liking and following local Democratic pages and leaders to try and get them to spread misinformation.
Statement issued by Amy Alge to Bryan/College Station media:
There is a Facebook page starting to circulate that is completely fake that I thought you should all be aware of. Whoever is behind this has started liking and following local Democratic pages and leaders to try and get us to spread misinformation.
"Jane Reid for Mayor" is a fake campaign and Jane Reid does not show up in our local voter database.
"She" is part of a group of personas on Twitter called "The Resisters" that have similar pages.
I believe this is a ploy to lure in Progressive Democrats and to make us look like idiots. This also has the looks of a foreign based misinformation campaign judging by all of the misspellings.
Allison Batte, Executive Director of Keep Brazos Beautiful, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about her background, her goals for KBB, an upcoming luncheon, and more.
Lexi Durbin with Bryan Parks and Recreation visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about city pools, summer events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 16, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The May 16 meeting of the Bryan ISD school board was the second time in as many months were speakers in the public comment portion of the meeting were asked to hire more educators of color.
Dr. Donna Druery, pastor Marie Nutall, and local attorney Marie Portales Rodriguez also thanked superintendent Ginger Carrabine for meeting with them.
BISD board members did not respond because state law does not allow comments from the governing body on an item that was not on their agenda.
This podcast is a visit with the winner of the Republican primary runoff for Texas House District 12, Kyle Kacal, and WTAW's Bill Oliver, on May 24, 2022.
This podcast is a visit with the winner of the Brazos County commission precinct two runoff election, Chuck Konderla, and WTAW's Bill Oliver on May 24, 2022.
This podcast is a visit with the Democratic nominee for Brazos County precinct four justice of the peace Darrell Booker and WTAW's Bill Oliver on May 24, 2022.
Brazos County Republican nominee for district clerk Gabriel Garcia visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver, May 24 2022.
Democrat candidate for Brazos County precinct four commission candidate Prentiss Madison visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver, May 24 2022.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County elections administrator and WTAW's Bill Oliver on May 25, 2022.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the student housing development across from Blinn College, bonds, impact fees, his priorities before the end of his term, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Uvalde school shooting, possible gun legislature, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is the presentation of B/CS chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer to Brazos County commissioners on May 24, 2022.
The Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce has tabulated the results of its 2022 Chamber Day survey of local economic conditions.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download a copy of the survey results: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BrCoComm052422chamber.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the May 19, 2022 special meeting of the Bryan ISD school board.
One involves the largest employer in the biocorridor. Brazos County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved without discussion, amending an existing economic development agreement with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. The pharmaceutical manufacturer, which currently employs 600, proposes a $300 million dollar expansion. The 138,000 square foot building to produce more vaccines and gene therapies would open in 2025 and employ another 150 people earning an average annual salary of $80,000 dollars. In exchange, the county would reimburse FUJIFILM almost $5 million dollars in property taxes over a ten year period that would start after construction is completed.
Click HERE to read and download the Brazos County agreement with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BrCoComm052422fuji381.pdf
The Bryan ISD school board during a special meeting May 19 approved offering two manufacturing prospects reduced appraised property values if they locate in the district. A Canadian based prospect nicknamed "Project Maple Leaf" is a defense and oil and gas manufacturer. The second prospect, known only as "Project Titan", would build a $150 million dollar facility and employ 130 people. The BISD board had no comments before unanimously approving those agreements and a contract with a legal firm that will submit the agreements to the state comptroller's office.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) comes within $140,000 dollars of its campaign goal of $1.7 million.
UWBV president Alison Prince said two bright spots included exceeding the goal of raising money from community giving events and exceeding the goal of raising grant money that pays for programs outside their 26 partner agencies.
Prince anticipates full grants will be given to the organization's partner agencies.
And she announced the chairman of next year's campaign is Max Crawford of KBTX Media.
This podcast comes from the May 23, 2022 episode of WTAW's The Infomaniacs, featuring the president of the Texas Association of Broadcasters, Oscar Rodriguez.
Bryan Broadcasting has received another honor from the Texas Association of Broadcasters (TAB).
News anchor/reporter and co-host of WTAW's "The Infomaniacs" Chelsea Reber is the recipient of the TAB's Jason Hightower Award. This recognizes individuals with at least 10 years' experience in the broadcast industry who have demonstrated a proficiency for enterprise and innovation in servicing their stations’ audience, advertisers and communities. The award is named in honor of TAB 2009 Chairman Jason Hightower, the owner/operator of KMOO Mineola, who passed away in March 2009 after battling brain cancer at the age of 37. Hightower, who graduated from Texas A&M in 1999, worked part time at WTAW.
And Bryan Broadcasting is a finalist in the Radio Mercury radio commercial contest. Two commercials produced by Bryan Broadcasting for the "Days of Our Eyes" campaign for Urban Optics are among 17 finalists in the category "Creative Radio Campaign by a Radio Station or Group".
Copy and paste the following link to listen to all the finalists in all the Radio Mercury categories: http://radiomercuryawards.com/2022finalists.cfm
From the Radio Mercury Awards website (https://www.radiomercuryawards.com/#latestPosts), this is "the only competition exclusively devoted to radio and audio, was established in 1992 to encourage and reward the development of effective and creative radio commercials. The annual Radio Mercury Awards competition draws entries from advertising agencies, production houses, radio stations and educational institutions across the country. Approximately 21,000 commercials have competed in the Radio Mercury Awards and close to $3.5 million in prizes have been awarded over the past 31 years. The Radio Creative Fund (RCF), a nonprofit corporation funded by the radio industry, governs the Radio Mercury Awards. The Radio Advertising Bureau produces the Radio Mercury Awards."
College Station city councilman John Crompton visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, May 20 2022.
This podcast is a visit with Robert Hurst of the Texas department of criminal justice and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The search for state prison escapee Gonzalo Lopez is scaled back in Leon County, while the coverage area goes statewide.
Robert Hurst with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice says as many as 800 law enforcement officers were in Leon County after Lopez escaped west of Centerville on May 12.
Hurst thanked those who provided food, water, and clothing to those in the manhunt.
He also says TDCJ appreciates the understanding of the families of inmates who have had their visitation suspended by the manhunt. Hurst added they "hope to have visitations back to a regular schedule as soon as possible."
News release from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice:
The search for escapee Gonzalo Lopez is entering a new, expanded phase. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), the Office of Inspector General (OIG), along with numerous law enforcement agencies have concluded an exhaustive ground and air search in Leon County.
A contingent of personnel will remain in the county and will be conducting strategic searches of areas outside the original secured perimeter. The renewed focus by OIG, Texas Rangers, and U.S. Marshals is to leave no stone unturned as they follow leads and track Lopez’s whereabouts.
“Anyone who has knowledge of Lopez’s location should come forward,” said Inspector General Cris Love. “Those found to be helping or harboring him not only will face arrest and prosecution, but I believe they are putting themselves in danger. Lopez has a complete disregard for human life and will do what it takes to avoid capture. We will take this investigation where ever it leads us until Lopez is back in custody.”
Those with information on the suspect should call TDCJ OIG Crime Stoppers at 1-800-832-8477 or 936-437-5171. Lopez is approximately 6’0” feet tall and 190 lbs and was last seen wearing white clothing in a wooded area off of Highway 7 in Leon County. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of Lopez.
This podcast is a visit about replacing state laws with federal laws regarding Name, Image, and Likeness rules for college athletes with Texas congressman Pete Sessions, whose district includes Texas A&M and Baylor universities, and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army's 11th "Doing The Most Good" fundraising luncheon included remarks from former congressman Bill Flores of Bryan.
The theme of Flores message was "Servant Leadership in a Polarized World".
New Bryan city councilman James Edge visited on The Infomaniacs with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on May 19, 2022.
This podcast contains comments from the May 17, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
A unanimous Bryan city council approves rezoning land across Villa Maria from Blinn College to build housing for 254 students.
This was over the objection of neighbors who presented a protest petition, which required at least five of the six councilmen to vote yes.
11 neighborhood opponents to the project at Villa Maria and Red River included the presidents of two homeowner associations and nine other homeowners.
Developer Justin Walton spent 15 minutes addressing neighborhood concerns and the benefit of Blinn students walking across Villa Maria to go to class.
Walton also brought up the Blinn Bryan campus has 9,500 students. That is a number that hasn't been that high in five years. Blinn reported this spring's preliminary enrollment on the Bryan campus was more than 5,300 students.
Other supporters included six students and the owner of another local student housing company.
The Bryan planning and zoning commission endorsed by an eight to one vote. And it was supported by city of Bryan staff.
This podcast is the May 17, 2022 swearing in ceremony of James Edge as Bryan city councilman representing single member district four. Mayor Andrew Nelson presided over the ceremony. Texas 10th district court of appeals justice Steve Smith administered the oath.
The photo associated with this post is courtesy of the city of Bryan.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) vice president Peggi Goss and the executive director of the UWBV partner agency Heart of Texas chapter of the American Red Cross A.J. Renold visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce trip to Washington, D.C., today's city council meeting about the bond election in November, rising prices, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about election results around the country, inflation, the border issue, Jerome Powell's comments, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
It's taken nine months for Blinn College to sell land in west Bryan to Bryan ISD.
Blinn trustees finalized the land sale on Tuesday, the morning after BISD trustees approved what was described as a seventh amendment to buy 95 acres at Harvey Mitchell Parkway and Leonard Road.
According to a Bryan ISD document provided to WTAW News, the amendment changes the purchase price to $4.53 million dollars.
When the transaction was announced last September, the price was $4.65 million. Blinn purchased the land in February 2015 for $3.8 million.
Blinn is selling 95 acres at Harvey Mitchell Parkway and Leonard Road for $4.53 million dollars. When the transaction was announced last September, the price was $4.65 million. Blinn purchased the land in February 2015 for $3.8 million.
The land is the site of BISD's new transportation and maintenance complex. BISD trustees on Monday night agreed to reduce the size of the building by about 10,000 square feet or ten percent of the original design.
That is after the project, budgeted for $31 million dollars in the 2020 BISD bond issue, rose to $38 million in April. Trustees were told the design changes would lower the cost to $36 million.
BISD superintendent Ginger Carrabine says there is money to cover the difference. She also thanked the 2020 bond steering committee for including $5 million dollars in contingency funds.
BISD construction director Paul Buckner says there are fewer spaces in the bus repair shop, but it will still be enough to take care of needs for the ten to 15 years. And Buckner said the warehouse area was reconfigured to handle the same volume of storage while decreasing square footage.
The BISD board was told that construction can be completed by December of next year.
https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BISD051622TransMaint.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials from the May 16, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BISD051622TransMaint.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the program unveiling the design of the Veterans of Brazos Valley memorial that was held May 13, 2022.
Fundraising is underway for the Veterans of Brazos Valley Memorial at the Bryan city cemetery's recently opened Veterans Field.
Officials say the reserved veterans area is the only one of its kind in the Brazos Valley. There are 884 spaces, of which 65 have been reserved as of May 13.
Promoters of the memorial recently unveiled its design and announced it will be dedicated Veterans Day morning at 11.
The memorial includes medallions of each branch of the U.S. military, including the new space force.
There will also be a quote from President George H.W. Bush "...stood where duty required (them) to stand."
Donations to help offset the cost can be mailed to the Brazos Valley Cares veterans organization at Box 9512, College Station 77840. Information about making an online donation can be e-mailed to the local Wreaths Across America chapter at waabrazosvalley@gmail.com.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) vice president Peggi Goss and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) and the College Station sisters who founded the literacy program "Books & A Blanket" have announced UWBV will become the administrator.
Harper Cunningham was 10 years old and Maggie Cunningham was eight when they started the effort. Ten years later, Books & A Blanket has distributed more than 180,000 books and more than 17,000 blankets
UWBV vice president Peggi Goss says this fits nicely under their early literacy efforts that includes seasonal book giveaways.
Harper Cunningham, who is graduating from Consolidated High School, is joining the United Way board as an ex-officio member. The rest of the Cunningham family is in the process of moving to Florida.
News release from United Way of the Brazos Valley:
Books & A Blanket, the local nonprofit organization founded in 2012 by then 10-year-old, Harper Cunningham and her then eight-year-old sister, Maggie, announces that they are transitioning leadership of the organization to United Way of the Brazos Valley. The Books & a Blanket program will become a part of United Way’s Early Literacy Program and continue to provide books and a blanket to area children.
Over the course of 10 years, Books & A Blanket grew from a 10-year-old girl’s idea to an organization dedicated to giving every child access to books at home. The organization garnered national attention when sisters, Harper and Maggie, were featured on The Today Show in 2014. Harper and Maggie have also been awarded a Daily Point of Light award from President Bush’s Points of Light organization in 2015 and the Jefferson Award in 2016.
Harper Cunningham will be graduating from A&M Consolidated High School later in the month and attending the University of Texas in the fall. Additionally, the Cunningham family is in the process of relocating to Florida. The whole family wanted to ensure that the vision of Harper and Maggie lived on in the Brazos Valley, even after their departure.
Harper Cunningham will be appointed as an Ex-Officio member by United Way of the Brazos Valley’s Board of Directors in June where she will be able to remain involved in the strategic direction of the program she built for so many years.
The leadership transition will be celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting event on Friday, July 1, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at the United Way of the Brazos Valley offices located at 1716 Briarcrest Dr., Suite 155, Bryan, TX. This event was rescheduled from May 5 due to weather interruptions.
The following is a letter from Harper to the Brazos Valley community in regards to this transition:
As I look back on the past 10 years of Books and a Blanket, I am so proud of the growth of the organization, how much my sister and I grew in our understanding of how to help others, and how in-awe I am by the amount of support our community gave our simple idea.
It would have been impossible to give out over 180,000 books to children and over 17,000 blankets without the support of many of you today. KBTX News 3 made our commercials, Blue Baker made book shaped cookies and donated the profits, The Eagle helped get the word out, Half Price Books donated books, the Gilreaths (along with the BlueBonnet Quilt Guild) made hundreds of quilts each year, the Etheridge Family donated monthly, and Twin Oaks Landfill gave us a space twice a year to collect books. These and so many more partnerships and relationships played a huge role in ensuring children had access to books with a warm blanket in their home. These organizations were part of Books & a Blanket for 10 years!
My dream for Books & a Blanket is to continue giving books to kids. We often hear from children that they cannot wait to get books each year. I am going off to college next year and that means we need new leadership to keep bringing books to the children in our community. I am thrilled and honored to announce that United Way of the Brazos Valley will be taking over Books & a Blanket to continue our mission of providing literacy and well-being for all, right here in the Brazos Valley!
So, thank you for listening to two little girls who truly believed it was unfair that not all children had access to books.
United Way of the Brazos Valley’s President and CEO, Alison Prince said, “We have always enjoyed working with Maggie, Harper and the Cunningham Family. As we launched our Early Literacy work in 2016, they were mentors to us. Now to be trusted to lead their vision into the future is such an honor for United Way.”
Nearly 30 people are back from the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce first trip to Washington D.C. since the start of the pandemic.
Chamber president Glen Brewer visited with WTAW's Bill Oliver the morning before the delegation flew back from the nation's capitol.
This podcast is a visit with Robert Hurst with the Texas department of criminal justice Robert Hurst and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the circumstances of a prison inmate who escaped in Leon County on May 12, 2022.
As the search continues for a state prison escapee in Leon County, the state prison system (TDCJ) has suspended visitation at 43 units until further notice. Social media from the department of criminal justice told those planning visits to contact the specific unit prior to traveling.
TDCJ has also announced a $15,000 dollar reward for information leading to the capture of Gonzalo Lopez. Anyone with information is asked to contact TDCJ OIG CRIME STOPPERS at 1-800-832-8477 or 936-437-5171 or your local law enforcement agency at 911. You can also leave a tip via the website at https://www.p3tips.com/TipForm.aspx?ID=911#English.
A second reward was announced by the Texas department of public safety. To be eligible for the $7,500 dollar reward, tipsters MUST provide information to authorities using one of the following three methods: (1) Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), (2) Submit a web tip through the DPS website by selecting the fugitive you have information about and then clicking on the link under their picture, or (3) Submit a Facebook tip by clicking the “SUBMIT A TIP” link (under the “About” section).
The escapee stabbed a guard driving a prisoner transport bus on Highway 7 west of Centerville. Lopez also briefly got his hands on the driver's gun belt, but he never got the weapon.
From the TDCJ Facebook page, the TDCJ list of units where visitation has been suspended until further notice:
Region I: Byrd, Duncan, Ellis, Estelle, Ferguson, Goodman, Goree, Holliday, Huntsville, Lewis, Polunsky, Wainwright, and Wynne.
Region II: Beto, Boyd, Coffield, Cole, Hodge, Hutchins, Johnston, Michael, C. Moore, Powledge, Skyview, and Telford.
Region VI: Crain, Halbert, Hamilton, Havins, Hilltop, Hobby, Hughes, Luther, Marlin, Middleton, Mountain View, Murray, Pack, Robertson, San Saba, Sayle, Travis, and Woodman.
This podcast includes the city of College Station's new public works director, Emily Fisher, visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
Topics include the six week closure of the intersection of Wellborn Road and Holleman Drive, the impact of supply chain issues and inflation on current and upcoming projects, and other subjects.
This podcast contains comments from the April 28, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
For years, the College Station city council has talked about how to deal with removing single family homes in traditional residential neighborhoods and replacing them with what are nicknamed Ag Shacks and stealth dorms. That discussion resumed at the last council meeting.
College Station planning and development director Michael Ostrowski reminded the council that city regulations for single family homes includes structures that can have eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms.
The hour long dialogue included staff proposals.
One would establish a "high occupancy overlay district" for structures occupied by more than four unrelated people.
Another proposal is a city initiated "neighborhood character preservation overlay district" that would restrict high occupancy structures.
Councilmembers also heard options to change setback, access, and parking regulations.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials from the April 28, 2022 College Station city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/CScoun042822NeighborhoodIntegrityPres.pdf
Hugh Walker, Deputy City Manager, Frank Clark, Special Projects Manager, and Jamie Cox, Legends Event Center Manager, visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about supply chain and inflation, progress at the Legends Event Center, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 9, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
May's meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate was dominated by what university administrators are doing to implement academic reorganization decisions made by the president last December.
Interim provost Tim Scott announced proposed name changes that have to be approved by the Texas higher education coordinating board by the end of May. One of four department changes involves turning the department of international studies into the expanded department of global languages and cultures.
That includes A&M's stand alone department of Hispanic studies to being a part of the department of global languages and cultures.
Dr. Scott said the new department and moving Hispanic studies into the department of global languages and cultures as a "protection of the degree, the courses, and the faculty". He also acknowledged some will see it as "the first step towards elimination."
A faculty senate member who is a professor in Hispanic studies, Maria Moyna, expressed her opposition, saying "I don't see that anything good that's going to come out of" the move and "I can tell you that one of the problems that has happened over the last ten years has been a systematic disinvestment in this department", "and so now you have the perfect reason to close it."
Dr. Scott said the other name changes going to the coordinating board are (1) the new college of arts and sciences, which combines the colleges of liberal arts, geosciences, and sciences, (2) a new school of fine arts, performance, and visualization that combines dance science from kinesiology, performance studies from liberal arts, and visualization from the college of architecture, (3) the department of socioecological health, which was the department of health promotion and community health sciences, (4) the department of kinesiology and sport management, which was the department of health and kinesiology, and (5) the department of communication and journalism, which was the department of communication.
Other faculty senate members expressed more general comments about A&M's academic reorganization.
Senate member Douglas Benson, who is an associate professor at A&M's college of dentistry in Dallas, said "when changes have to be made, yes it's unsettling", but "we feel like we've had decisions just handed down. And you come to work and you find all of a sudden that something has changed and no one told you why. No one asked your opinion, but it directly affects how you do your job to the betterment of the students and your institution. And when you ask for a why, a lot of times" "to be blunt the answer comes very much across as 'Shut up and sit down and get back in line. Grownups are working here. Just do what you are told.' And that's incredibly distressing."
There was also reaction to an e-mail sent by president Katherine Banks to her plan to share her strategic vision during her state of the university message on September 28. A faculty senate member in A&M's veterinary college, professor John Stallone, said Banks should share her strategic vision now, "in the interest of shared governance and teamwork and faculty morale".
Dr. Banks also wrote that she is "confident that the efforts of our 41 implementation working groups will position us for future success." A faculty senate member in A&M's college of medicine, professor Rajesh Miranda, said many working group meetings have been cancelled...which makes him worried about A&M making bad decisions that will have to be reversed. Dr. Miranda cited the decision of moving the health science center as a separate entity, only to return it as part of the university.
Click below to read the e-mail sent by Texas A&M president Katherine Banks on May 9, 2022. The e-mail was provided by A&M's division of marketing and communications:
Texas A&M Community,
As the spring semester comes to a close, I would like to thank each of you for your hard work and contributions to the success of our students. This semester has brought the advent of many changes. Change can be challenging, but sometimes necessary. The landscape for all universities is crowded and competitive. We must continuously improve, and elevate our expectations while living our core values. This is what will drive us to the next level.
I recognize that these significant changes will have a direct impact on each of you. I assure you, these improvements are not intended to generate widespread reduction in our workforce. We have achieved great things in our educational delivery and research; now, we need to organize our administrative and academic operations to match these formidable strengths.
I am confident that the efforts of our 41 implementation working groups will position us for future success. These changes are critically important and serves as a means to an end. The exciting part is where we are going once these systemic improvements are completed. I look forward to sharing my strategic vision in a State of the University address on Wednesday, September 28. More details will be available soon. I hope you will be able to attend.
Best wishes for a restful and recharging summer break.
M. Katherine Banks, President
This podcast contains comments from the April 28, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
After the College Station city council's bond advisory committee ranks 33 possible projects that could be part of a referendum this November, the council hears about another outdoor recreation idea.
Jake Madewell asked that a roller hockey rink be added to the proposal for pickleball courts at Anderson Park that could be part of a bond issue this November
Taylor Pampinella says there is a Texas A&M club that plays once a week at Neal Park in Bryan, but he said that was not a desirable location because "it's not the safest area".
The council also received four letters supporting the project.
Because Madewell and Pampinella spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting, state law prohibits the council from responding.
This podcast is a visit with Helen Washington of the Brazos Valley African American Heritage & Cultural Society and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Organizers of the annual Juneteenth celebration in Bryan are looking for participants.
Helen Washington of the Brazos Valley African American Heritage & Cultural Society says applications are at Neal recreation center for their gospel Fest and their parade.
The gospel fest is Thursday, June 16, from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Neal center. More information is available by calling Mrs. Harris 979-255-4788 or Mrs. Jackson at 979-218-9699.
The parade is Saturday, June 18, starting at 10 a.m. from Kemp-Carver elementary school and ending at Sadie Thomas park where a variety of activities and vendors from noon until 3 p.m.
Saturday night (June 18) there is a blues fest block party in downtown Bryan along 21st Street between Bryan Avenue and Main Street.
Vendors who are interested in being at the Sadie Thomas park celebration and/or the blues fest can call or text Mrs. Washington at 979-255-8450 to apply for a permit that is required at both locations.
Washington also says more information about their Juneteenth activities is available by calling Isaac Butler at 979-575-8491.
Juneteenth, which is now a federal holiday, was founded in Galveston as the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States.
Bryan Councilman Prentiss Madison visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his budget priorities, the Boys & Girls Club, supply chain issues and inflation, the Castle Heights neighborhood, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce's visit to Washington, D.C., voting no to provide aid to Ukraine, inflation, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and Ron Crozier of UWBV partner agency Twin City Mission visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Lieutenant Tim Israel visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the 11th annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon.
This podcast contains comments from the April 26, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
The Brazos County commission's annual recognition of National Nurses Week (May 6-May 12, 2022) included personal thanks from a county commission and the commission's general counsel.
Commissioner Irma Cauley thanked nurses who were the first to diagnose she had a stroke in January of 2021.
General counsel Bruce Erratt thanked the staff at the county's employee health clinic for his treatment as the second person in the county to get coronavirus.
Also speaking during a proclamation presentation were Julie Anderson, who is a nurse and the Brazos County health district's community health services director, county commissioner Nancy Berry, Brazos County sheriff's chief deputy for corrections Kevin Stuart, Brazos County juvenile detention center Linda Ricketson, and the assistant warden at the Hamilton Unit state prison in west Bryan Annette Martinez.
Jennifer Nations, Water Resources Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about smart watering, Drinking Water Week, testing water safety, tap water, upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 2, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting, the April 28, 2022 College Station city council meeting, and a WTAW Infomaniacs interview with College Station mayor Karl Mooney.
Economic development recruiting was brought up during the latest meetings of the Bryan ISD school board and College Station city council.
Bryan ISD receives a grant of more than $2 million dollars for more tools to address dyslexia among the district's kindergarten through third grade students. Before the BISD board accepted the grant, board president Mark McCall brought up the grant's significance in negotiating a future economic development agreement.
Click HERE to read and download Bryan ISD presentation materials about the dyslexia grant.
College Station councilman Dennis Maloney, who represents the city on the board of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, relayed prospect information that he heard from BVEDC's president that maybe a dozen manufacturers are looking to move to the twin cities. That includes the possibility of a large facility in College Station's Midtown Park. Maloney also reported College Station is the 12th fastest growing city for small businesses in the United States and number one in Texas.
And College Station mayor Karl Mooney said on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that he is talking with an unidentified company about the possibility of being a partner in an indoor recreation center.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) public information officer Meagan Brown and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Local electric generator and provider BTU was ready before the operator of most of the Texas electric power grid told other operators to bring back power plants that were down for maintenance in order to provide electricity this weekend during extremely hot weather.
BTU public information officer Meagan Brown says they are not expecting to issue any customer notifications this weekend.
Brown thinks power grid operator ERCOT is taking a conservative approach in light of Uri about making sure everybody is aware of this weekend's conditions.
And the unseasonably hot temperatures may be an opportunity for BTU to sell excess power, which was done during record cold conditions associated with Uri.
Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism agency visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the lineup for May's First Friday activities in downtown Bryan.
Diane Cisneros from the Bryan Animal Center visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a free rabies vaccination and microchip clinic, how to register, adopting a pet, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the director of Texas A&M's Private Enterprise Research Center Dennis Jansen and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A monthly gauge of economic activity in the twin cities shows an overall recovery from the pandemic.
That's according to the latest College Station-Bryan business cycle index that is compiled by Texas A&M's private enterprise research center (PERC).
Center director Dennis Jansen says the monthly report uses four sets of data...the local unemployment rate, the local number of people who are employed, the total income of workers, and a measure of retail sales that is adjusted for inflation.
Jansen says the segment with the biggest recovery is employment in the local leisure and hospitality industry.
Copy and paste the following link to be directed to PERC reports: http://perc.tamu.edu/Publications
September will mark four years that the PERC report was first published for the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC).
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the April 2022 PERC College Station-Bryan business index report: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/PERC_2022_04.pdf
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the project rankings from the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee, the possibility of a community recreation center, spending federal funds, tax statements, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Supreme Court situation, the idea of a disinformation board, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Welcome and dignitary remarks from Andrew Arrage, Dr. Jin Kim, Mike Stewart, Dr. Yun Jeong Song, Karl Mooney, Bobby Gutierrez, Dr. Scott Lillibridge, and Matt Prochaska.
Matica Bio media Q&A with Andrew Arrage, Dr. Jin Kim, Mike Stewart, Dr. Yun Jeong Song, Karl Mooney, Bobby Gutierrez, Dr. Scott Lillibridge, and Matt Prochaska.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Alison Prince and the director of UWBV partner agency Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach (APO) Kim Schams visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
General Joe Ramirez, Vice President of Student Affairs, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the "March to 3,000" campaign.
This podcast contains comments from the April 26, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
The first week of May is National Correctional Officers and Employees week.
During last week's Brazos County commission meeting, the annual presentation of a proclamation also included thanks from county judge Duane Peters and commissioners Irma Cauley and Nancy Berry to the work that has been done through the pandemic.
Also speaking were the sheriff's office chief deputy for corrections Kevin Stuart, warden Annette Martinez of the Hamilton Unit state prison in west Bryan, O.J. Sills of the federal women's prison camp in Bryan, and Chris Coffey of the juvenile detention center.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the proclamation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/BrCoComm042622ProcCorrOff.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the April 19, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting.
A 58 member committee has submitted its recommendations to change College Station ISD's high school grading and class rank policy.
CSISD board members will consider final action May 17, after hearing the recommendations during the April 19 board meeting.
The proposed changes would apply to this year's CSISD seventh graders attending all three high schools, including for the first time those attending College View alternative high school.
Secondary education director Tiffany Parkerson repeated that the committee was not interested in naming a valedictorian or salutatorian, which would be a change in CSISD policy.
But Parkerson said the committee adopted a consultant's recommendation to name the highest ranking graduate, to comply with state requirements.
The proposed CSISD class rank policy states "The district shall apply the same class rank calculation method and rules for local graduation honors for all students in a graduating class, regardless of the school year in which a student first earned high school credit."
The committee's consensus included a three tiered weighted grading system. Tier one is advanced placement, tier two is advanced placement and academic dual credit, and tier three is all other courses.
The implementation timeline would begin May 18 with an email to families of all students in the class of 2027.
Copy and paste this link to read and download presentation materials from the April 19, 2022 CSISD board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CSISD041922HSgrad-ClassRank.pdf
The executive director of the Brazos Valley solid waste management agency (BVSWMA), Bryan Griesbach, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The operator of the Twin Oaks landfill that serves Bryan and College Station has entered a contract with a company that will build a plant to remove and distribute methane gas.
Bryan Griesbach of the Brazos Valley solid waste management agency (BVSWMA) says a Midland based company is paying for the infrastructure and paying the landfill for the natural gas that is collected.
The plant, which will employ six to seven people, is expected to be operational by early next year.
News release from the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA):
The Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA, Inc.) is pleased to announce an agreement with Midland-based Morrow Energy to develop a renewable natural gas plant at its Twin Oaks Landfill.
This future plant will capture the reliable energy source of landfill gas — a natural byproduct of the decomposition of organic materials within Twin Oaks Landfill — and then distribute it on the energy market as renewable power. The plant is expected to be operational by early 2023.
“This partnership is a great addition to the Twin Oaks Landfill and will help keep the cost of landfill disposal fees market competitive for our residents,” said Bryan City Councilmember Prentiss Madison, who also serves on the BVSWMA board.
College Station Mayor Pro Tem and BVSWMA board chair John Nichols also touted the benefits of the agreement.
“They’re really two-fold,” Nichols said. “The net returns from the gas we sell are a positive return to the residents of both cities. Beyond that, BVSWMA is relieved of the costs associated with mitigating this naturally produced gas, which would have been substantial in both financial and regulatory terms.”
This podcast contains comments from the April 26, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
A proposal from Brazos County judge Duane Peters to allow towing companies to add a fuel charge for the next six months on some tows was tabled.
During Tuesday's commission meeting, Peters was the only vote against the motion made by commissioner Irma Cauley to wait until after holding a workshop on May 5 to discuss raising the base rate for the first time in many years.
Peters proposal calls for temporarily raising non-consent tows in unincorporated areas of Brazos County to $250 dollars for light tows, $350 for medium duty, and $500 dollars for heavy duty tows.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the proposed temporary fuel surcharge order: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BrCoComm042622TowingCharges.pdf
David Higdon, Co-Chair of the Citizens Bond Advisory Committee, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the makeup of the committee, committee meetings, ranking the 33 projects, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) donor relations coordinator Maggie Montoya Gray and two representatives of UWBV partner agency Save Our Streets (S.O.S.) Ministries...founder J.J. Ramirez and executive director Kyle Salmon...visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bea Saba, Director of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System introduces author Kwame Alexander who visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his book with James Patterson, his body of work, an event at the Ringer Library on Sunday, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 19, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members are now reviewing recommendations from their school health advisory council (SHAC).
Most of the discussion during the board's April meeting was one recommendation from the 34 member group.
In human sexuality curriculum, the recommendation is add instruction with parent permission to teach contraception and condom use "in terms of human use reality rates instead of theoretical laboratory rates".
CSISD director of instruction Jeff Mann said this is part of the state board of education's first changes to instructional materials for health and physical education classes in more than 20 years.
This applies to mandatory seventh grade and optional high school health classes.
Mann said a new state law requires parents of affected students to receive multiple requests from the district. The first will come before the start of the next school year.
If the district does not get parental permission, Mann said students do not face negative consequences.
CSISD board members are scheduled to act on SHAC recommendations May 19.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the SHAC presentation from the April 19, 2022 College Station ISD board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CSISD041922shac.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download a health and physical education department presentation from the April 19, 2022 College Station ISD board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CSISD041922HealthPE.pdf
This podcast is the Brazos County health district's presentation of its "Active Living Plan" to county commissioners on April 26, 2022.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the document, which was composed by a 25 member committee during the last two years: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BrCoComm042622ActiveLivingPlan.pdf
While the Brazos County health district has spent more than two years dealing with the pandemic, the agency has also been leading a 25 member committee of public and private organizations developing a report to promote more physical activity by county residents.
Two health district employees presented the 37 page "Active Living Plan" document at this week's county commission meeting.
After introductory comments from Mary Parrish, Dayna Gaytan fielded questions from commissioner Irma Cauley about how the committee's recommendations for county residents to increase physical activity would be implemented.
Information from the report includes 90 percent of Brazos County's population having access to exercise opportunities.
But almost 20 percent of adults are physically inactive and almost 30 percent of adults are obese.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Phillips Event Center, economic development opportunities, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Russia, leadership in the Republican party, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments with Bryan deputy city manager Hugh Walker, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan city council learns the city has received another $2 million dollars in insurance money to cover damages at the Phillips Events Center from damage sustained by winter storm Uri.
Deputy city manager Hugh Walker says some of what is now an $8 million dollar project is being put to changing the interior of the building that opened in 1971.
Walker says eight contractors will be involved in the project.
The council held a special meeting last Friday to award change order contracts that were part of the council's previously approved budget for the renovation.
Walker says the special meeting was needed so that eight contractors who were hired could keep working.
Walker says the reconstruction is expected to take around one year.
Walker estimates the city's share will be $1.7 million, which is $200,000 dollars over what is currently authorized.
This podcast is a visit with Theresa Mangapora of the Brazos Valley Food Bank and WTAW's Bill Oliver about a $2 million dollar grant the agency has received from the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Additional information from the food bank:
Brazos Valley Food Bank (BVFB) contract with the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is for $2,073,618.00. BVFB has not had this level of infusion of funds towards capacity building since its Because Hunger Won’t Wait Capital Campaign back in 2017, that allowed us to move into the facility we currently occupy. This contract is and will be significant for BVFB and its partner agencies.
What will these funds be used for?
In order to distribute more food, BVFB needs to enhance its own distribution infrastructure, as well as that of its partner agencies. For BVFB, this means the purchase of additional trucks, repurpose of our Annex (detached building) into a Produce Rescue Center for additional cold storage space onsite, refurbishing BVFB’s existing Cooler/Freezer, overhead doors, as well as its Produce RePack Room, purchase and install additional food racks and repair some existing, and the purchase of additional equipment.
For Partner Agencies, the means the purchase and awarding of Walk-In Coolers to partner agencies, purchase of Mobile Produce Pods (with a truck and trailer for transport) to drop at partner agencies currently with limited cold storage capacity, and sub-award of agency capacity grants.
Increase BVFB’s Capacity as an Organization through Administrative Enhancements: In order for BVFB to distribute more food, critical staff and vital processes across the organization need adequate resources and support. To do this, BVFB will: build out of additional offices, purchase and install warehouse modular offices, acquisition and installation of warehouse/food Inventory bar coding, including training, acquisition and installation of Client Tracking Software, to be used across all BVFB Programs, increase Property Security Measures, and purchase new computers and copiers.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Central Appraisal District chief appraiser Dana Horton and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
On the eve of the Brazos Central Appraisal District mailing new valuation notices, WTAW News learns there is a new chief appraiser.
Without any fanfare, Mark Price retired last December and chief deputy Dana Horton was promoted.
Horton, who joined BCAD in September 1990, has worked in every department except mapping. And she was chief deputy for more than six years before her promotion on January 1.
Horton says they started preparing Brazos County residential and commercial valuation notices last Wednesday, with plans to get them in the mail this Friday (April 29, 2022).
JJ Ramirez, Executive Director of Save Our Streets Ministries, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Ignite the Next Generation fundraising campaign, plans to renovate and expand, and how people can help.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Alison Prince, the executive director of UWBV partner agency Health For All Liz Dickey, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The conversation includes how Health For All is dealing with an increase of patients and the increase of costs not only from the pandemic but because of record inflation.
Dickey also said the agency's signature fundraiser, "Dance For The Health Of It", is back after an absence due to the pandemic.
Copy and paste the following link to be directed to Health For All's website with more information: https://www.hlth4all.org/dancing-for-the-health-of-it/dfthoi-2020/
CSFD Chief Richard Mann visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his first two years on the job, working with the Bryan Fire Department, interacting with rural fire departments, ISO rating, fighting electric vehicle fires, clearing accidents on the highway, grocery store runs, how inflation is impacting the department, the Northgate district, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Anne Black, Executive Director of OPAS, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about all things OPAS, the upcoming season, and more during her visit on The Infomaniacs.
Councilman Reuben Marin visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about infrastructure projects, progress at Philips Event Center and the city golf course, new city councilman James Edge, his priorities as his time on council wraps up, Midtown Park, development around the Gessner Engineering building, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Skip Richter, Brazos County Extension Horticulturist, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the pollen covering your car and patio furniture, how long it will stick around, and how windy conditions can affect pollen levels.
This podcast contains comments from the April 19, 2022 Blinn College trustees meeting.
More Blinn College buildings on the Bryan campus are getting an interior facelift.
Blinn's board of trustees approved during Tuesday's meeting, a $619,000 dollar contract that addresses interior upgrades in the first floor of the D and H buildings and flooring upgrades in the library.
The contract also covers access control upgrades on all exterior doors of all buildings on the Bryan campus.
Assistant vice chancellor Richard O'Malley told board chairman Jim Kolkhorst the contract was $200,000 dollars under their estimate because the estimate was based on past projects of similar nature.
Trustees also awarded a $412,000 dollar contract to replace an air conditioning chiller on the Bryan campus. O'Malley it will take almost a year to get the chiller due to supply chain issues.
The Blinn board also gave the green light to demolish three dormitories on the Brenham campus. Construction project manager Mark Feldhake said Holleman, Memorial, and Solons halls are coming down because of the upcoming opening of a new residence hall.
Feldhake said the projected demolition price is $487,000 dollars, and the land is expected to be cleared before students return for the fall 2022 semester.
Trustees also approved what is projected to be a more than $1.2 million dollar parking lot expansion on the site of Solons Hall.
Feldhake said the site of Holleman and Memorial halls will become green space.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information from the April 19, 2022 Blinn College trustees meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Blinn041922bldgBkgd.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the April 18, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members Monday night approved the superintendent's recommendation to hire a new principal for next year at Bowen elementary.
According to superintendent Ginger Carrabine, Kim Hendry Guess is a Bryan High graduate who is currently an assistant principal at Rayburn intermediate.
The hiring came after several people during public comments called for hiring a principal who was not White.
One of the public speakers, Bishop Maurice Green Jr., who is Black, said his daughter in law, who did not get an interview with BISD, is a principal in Omaha Nebraska. Green said "Let's hire somebody that looks like them, that talk like them, that look like grandmamma, that look like their mother".
Another public speaker, Donna Druery is a Black woman who said she left BISD as an assistant principal because "of a lack of opportunity and upward mobility for individuals of color."
According to the Texas Education Agency, 19 percent of Bryan ISD students are White, 18 percent are Black, and almost 60 percent are Hispanic.
Fire Chief Joe Warren visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Brazos County Emergency Services District No. 4 calling for a sales tax proposition during the May 7th special election.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about running council meetings, the impact of the inflation rate, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recent poll numbers, the Republican plan, inflation, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the April 14, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
Copy and paste this link to download presentation materials from the city of College Station: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CScoun041422MilHerCtrPrez.pdf
For five years, a non profit organization has been working to build a military heritage center at College Station's Veterans Park...a place which honors the legacy of citizen-soldiers through educational programs, seminars, and thematic exhibits.
An update was given during the last College Station city council meeting by the project spokesman and former Texas A&M system board of regents member John White.
White who began with a review of the project, which dates back to an exhibit in Bastogne, Belgium during the 75th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
Seniors in Texas A&M's college of architecture designed the two story structure.
The first floor includes a theater and an educational hall.
The second floor includes a main exhibit hall, a Hall of Honor, a research library, and an area for archives.
White presented a fundraising update where he said the $8 million dollar campaign with a $4 million endowment was at $500,000 dollars when the pandemic began.
The city council, which previously agreed to a long term lease of park property for the center, was asked to consider financial support.
White said two foundations, the city of Bryan, Brazos County, and Texas A&M are all interested, but "it's on the land of College Station, and they're saying what's College Station doing, then we'll tell you what we'll do after that."
White said the project is also under advisement by the city of College Station's bond advisory committee and two foundations.
Councilman John Crompton asked White about the possibility of partnering with Texas A&M. White said they "are open to collaboration" while they "push forward with foundations and what we're doing."
This podcast contains comments from the April 11, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Members of the Texas A&M faculty senate learned during their April meeting that a hiring freeze of tenure and tenure track faculty positions was done by university leadership.
Speaker Dale Rice relayed a message from faculty affairs vice president N.K. Anand that leadership is assessing an unidentified situation.
Dr. Anand told those attending the virtual meeting that he did not know when the freeze would be lifted.
When one senator aired their concern about the impact the freeze would have on A&M's efforts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, senators were told that diversity candidates in one program were pre-approved.
This podcast contains comments from the April 11, 2022 Bryan Business Council meeting.
There is discussion about opening a new library in the Bryan/College Station biocorridor.
The Bryan Business Council (BBC) at its April meeting talked about pledging up to $50,000 dollars towards what member Jack Valerius said the specialty library located in the Lake Walk area.
Valerius said the library would be a public private partnership with the friends of the B-C-S library system, Lake Walk Innovation Center, the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, and individual donors.
The business council decided to visit with Bryan ISD officials before taking a final vote on the pledge request...which would be one-fifth of the estimated project cost of $250,000 dollars.
BBC members discussed its pledge being a contribution to incorporating I-T elements and a corner of the library being a place to promote Bryan city history and its future.
The image associated with this podcast is a conceptual image from the city of Bryan.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Tuesday's (April 19, 2022) Brazos County commission meeting agenda includes consideration of restricting the location of sexually oriented businesses in unincorporated areas of the county.
County judge Duane Peters tells WTAW News they "couldn't stop a sexually oriented business from coming to Brazos County, but we can create an ordinance that controls at least what they can do and how they run a business and that sort of thing".
Peters added "as we continue to grow, somebody will probably will come up with the idea to do it. We just need to have the ordinance in place. If it's not in place when they decide to open up it's too late."
The proposed 27 page ordinance establishes three groups of businesses. More than seven pages of the proposal lists definitions.
Businesses that are prohibited includes sexually oriented escort service; sexually oriented encounter center; massage parlor; sexually oriented modeling studio; sexually oriented motel; sexually oriented motion picture video viewing area; and sexually oriented media viewing booth.
What the proposal describes as Class I businesses includes sexually oriented media store and sexually oriented novelty store.
What the proposal describes as Class II businesses includes sexually oriented cabaret or theater and sexually oriented motion picture theater.
The proposed ordinance also these businesses to be a certain distance from churches, schools, public parks, child care facilities, what is called "a residential use", and what is called "a place of public assembly".
Business hours are limited, commissioned security officers must on site, businesses and its employees are required to have permits and/or licenses, and there is a video surveillance requirement.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the proposed ordinance: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BrCoComm041922SexBusinessRegsOrder.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download surveillance requirements associated with the proposed ordinance: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BrCoComm041922SexBusinessSurveillance.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the April 14, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
For many years, there has been a sign along Texas Avenue next to the College Station city cemetery announcing the future construction of a car wash.
The city council learned Thursday night that construction can start after the property owner gets permission from the Texas department of transportation, since the business is along a state highway.
Council members expressed concerns about the noise that is generated by car wash equipment and vacuums.
While the developer is required to build a six foot block wall, a council majority supporting Dennis Maloney's suggestion to pursue a taller wall at city expense.
The developer is also required to plant trees and have a buffer space from the cemetery.
The council also has the option of buying the land, which one resident requested to expand the cemetery to the north.
Copy and paste the following link for more information from the city of College Station: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/CScoun041422cemeteryBlog.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the April 12, 2022 joint meeting of the Bryan Business Council and the city council.
The Bryan city council is asked to proceed with a $4 million dollar expansion at Coulter Field airport.
The request came from the Bryan Business Council during a joint meeting with the city council.
Business council member Kenny Lawson said hangars are in demand by private pilots who have considered moving their planes to other airports.
Lawson also said there has been an increase in private aircraft flights due to the pandemic and United pulling out of Easterwood Airport.
There was no opposition expressed from the five city council members who heard the request.
This podcast is a visit with College Station Middle School co-workers and best friends Dawn Oden and Jaime Alvarado and local reporters. Oden is receiving a kidney from Alvarado.
Two employees at College Station middle school who are best friends received support from students and co-workers ahead of an upcoming kidney transplant surgery.
Cheers filled a CSMS hallway Thursday afternoon as the school's attendance clerk...Jamie Alvarado...prepares to donate a kidney to administrative assistant Dawn Oden.
Alvarado kept the match a secret...until Oden accidentally found out from a member of her medical team.
Alvarado says what keeps her going as a donor it is the outcome.
Alvarado says she has no fear. And she is not nervous or anxious about donating because she says the outcome is going to be amazing.
Oden and Alvarado shared their faith, which they believed led them together first as co-workers and now as a kidney donor and recipient.
Oden's surgery is Tuesday. She plans to return to work this July.
Copy and paste this link to watch a video of the ceremonial sendoff by students and employees at College Station Middle School: https://youtu.be/F-IY78_06Zw
This podcast contains comments from the April 11, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
The April meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included repeating its opposition to the president's decision to move 82 faculty librarians to either a staff position or teach in another department.
When a senate member asked if the president considered a March resolution calling on the president to reverse her decision, speaker Dale Rice said no action was taken by the president.
Rice said "our opposition fell on deaf ears. You know, it's president Banks who makes these decisions. And she has not articulated anything other than turning it (faculty librarians) into a service unit." And her decision is "likely to probably destroy a great part of our institution."
Vice president N.K. Anand said the president made her decision based on feedback of the university's outside consultant's report.
Senate members then gave Anand examples of the negative impact of the president's decision.
Senator Catharina Laporte said "This week, I learned of multiple librarians leaving the Texas A&M system and getting jobs in other universities. It would appear that it is almost intentional that they're disbanding the libraries and want the librarians to leave."
Laporte also said "When I have librarians asking for faculty positions and tenured jobs in our department, they actually have provided their CV's (curriculum vitae's). We've had to had a vote on it in our department. It's very difficult for us to make decisions about this. There's no guidelines on how we should evaluate them. (And) Some of them don't teach."
During the discussion, Rice said the faculty senate's executive committee is scheduled to meet with president Katherine Banks April 18.
Bernie Acre visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about fiber installation, how Russia's invasion of Ukraine impacts us, cybersecurity, cellphone vulnerability, protection software, passwords, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Allan Riggs of the Brazos County A&M Club and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County A&M Club's annual observance of Muster is Thursday evening, April 21, at the Brazos County Expo.
Program chairman Allan Riggs says there is no charge to participate in the calling of the names of Aggies and others who have a relationship with the university who have passed on.
Friday, April 15, is the deadline to make a dinner reservation, for which there is a charge.
The guest speaker is Dr. Brett Giroir, a former leader at the A&M Health Science Center who later served as assistant secretary for health at the U.S. department of health and human services.
Copy and paste the following link for more information about the Brazos County A&M Club's Muster dinner and program: https://www.bcamc.org/event-4669844
Copy and paste the following link for more information about Muster from the Texas A&M Association of Former Students: https://www.aggienetwork.com/news/147920/aggie-muster-frequently-asked-questions/
Legendary Texas A&M Football Coach, R.C. Slocum, visits with local media about his cancer survival story and encourages people to not delay their personal medical care. One of Slocum's doctors, Juddi Yeh, MD, medical oncologist/hematologist at Baylor Scott & White, also visited with the media.
This podcast contains comments from the April 11, 2022 meeting of the Bryan Business Council.
An update on Bryan ISD construction projects and programs was presented by superintendent Ginger Carrabine during the April meeting of the Bryan Business Council.
Carrabine talked about BISD hiring a demographer to gather data that will lead to future changes in campus attendance boundaries.
The new superintendent also reported on the status of acquiring the property for building BISD's new maintenance and transportation complex, the delay that is having on the construction of BISD's third intermediate school, and the status of expanding Rudder High School.
Carrabine recapped recent student activities that included a closer relationship with Bryan's Boys and Girls Club.
The director of United Way of the Brazos Valley partner agency Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Brazos Valley Terry Dougherty visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from a Brazos County commission budget workshop meeting that was held April 4, 2022.
Brazos County commissioners hold a budget workshop where they were told where to find money for unplanned purchases.
The list includes $4.2 million dollars to widen the county's portion Greens Prairie Road in-between sections in the city of College Station.
County judge Duane Peters said he met with College Station city manager Bryan Woods about the road widening and how the city would pick up any additional construction expense and future maintenance costs.
Woods told WTAW News "Obviously this is all contingent upon Commissioners Court and Council approval, but generally the terms would be the county providing $4.2M in funding, we would oversee the construction of the project including right away acquisition, etc. and then take over maintenance of the Roadway at the completion of the project. Based on discussions with the contractor and our staff we believe the total cost may exceed the $4.2M County contribution, but the city would propose to cover that difference."
Commissioners were also told where they could find $1 million dollars to replace pipes at the juvenile detention center. Director Linda Ricketson told WTAW News says repairs are to the original building and not to a recent addition. She also says they are still determining the extent of repairs, which will determine a better cost estimate.
And county auditor Katie Conner said $300,000 dollars in the fiscal year 2023 budget was not enough to cover the purchase of new county vehicles. Conner also said that purchase order had to be completed in the next month in order for those vehicles to be delivered during FY 2023. Commissioners were told where to find an additional $391,000 dollars to complete that purchase.
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Family Weekend, inflation, allocating funds, utilities, working with the county on projects, transportation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Mary Parrish of the Brazos County health district and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The pandemic has claimed about 600 lives around the Brazos Valley.
Friday afternoon, flags will be placed in front of the Brazos County health district building in downtown Bryan.
Mary Parrish at the health district says the week long memorial was an idea by Texas A&M's center for population health and aging.
The memorial will be combined with a free pandemic vaccination clinic on Saturday, where family and friends of those who have died from COVID can tie a blue ribbon with the individual's name to a flag.
Saturday's vaccinations and opportunity to place blue ribbons at the flag memorial takes place from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the health district office at Texas Avenue and William Joel Parkway.
Danielle Fifer, President of the Bubba Moore Foundation, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about hitting the $1 million milestone.
Gwynne Shillings, Special Events Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Blue Bunny Breakfast and Egg Hunt, Family Campout, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Valley Food Bank executive director Theresa Mangapora and WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the recent release of the organization's annual report and an invitation to attend BVFB's annual "Mingle For Meals" fundraiser.
Copy and paste the following link for more information and to buy tickets for "Mingle For Meals": https://www.bvfb.org/m4m
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a busy weekend in College Station, a public meeting about Thomas Park, progress at the Fun For All Playground, federal pandemic money, fuel prices, inflation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Title 42, the effort to legalize marijuana, his take on the Ukrainian effort, what is on the current agenda, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 29, 2022 Brazos County commission workshop meeting.
Since Brazos County was founded in 1841, the county judge has been in charge of developing and administering the budget.
That changed last fall when county officials learned the population topped 225,000.
State law now requires Brazos County to hire a budget officer, or until that happens, the county auditor has that responsibility.
The county judge, commissioners, and auditor were in a recent workshop working on a job description...which is far from being finalized.
Click HERE to read the draft job description as of March 29, 2022 of the Brazos County budget officer.
County judge Duane Peters, who previously had a budget officer on his staff, said there is no hurry to hire a budget officer that is hired by a majority of commissioners.
County auditor Katie Conner talked about the transition and what she will be doing in formulating the fiscal year 2023 budget.
Conner responded to comments from county judge Duane Peters and commissioner Steve Aldrich whether the job description for the new budget officer should include being a certified public accountant.
Commissioner Steve Aldrich, who asked for the workshop, asked the county auditor about how future county budgets will be implemented with a budget officer who is hired by a majority of commissioners.
Aldrich also asked the auditor about how the new budget officer will work with commissioners on long range budget planning.
Bryan ISD Superintendent Ginger Carrabine visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her career journey, her big projects in Bryan ISD before becoming superintendent, moving to a smaller school district, retention stipends, catching students up after the pandemic, serving at-risk and economically disadvantaged populations, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Alison Prince, President of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Lynn Yeager, Executive Director of the Prenatal Clinic, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
Jennifer Kingsbury, Marketing Coordinator for Visit College Station, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Dine Around Jones Crossing and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast includes a visit with Brazos Valley economic development corporation communications manager Steve Fullhart and WTAW's Bill Oliver, along with comments from Bryan city councilman Bobby Gutierrez's visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs.
Bryan is a finalist for a new manufacturing plant.
Representatives of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation met behind closed doors with Bryan ISD school board members to discuss what BVEDC communications manager Steve Fullhart said was "Operation Maple Leaf".
Fullhart told WTAW News after meeting with board members that the unidentified company "is very actively considering our community (and) has been for a number of months now."
Fullhart also says Bryan ISD "is a key component of that" and "I think it would be fair to say that we would not be bringing this to Bryan ISD if there was not a significant opportunity for us to score a victory in this project. And I think the BISD trustees know that as well."
Following the executive session, no action was taken by BISD board members about possible economic incentives.
Bryan city councilman Bobby Gutierrez said on WTAW's The Infomaniacs that "we've got a very, very, very good chance of this thing happening (and) coming to fruition."
Gutierrez also said that representatives of a Canadian manufacturer said that the machine shop at Bryan ISD's career and technical education center "is better than 90 percent of all machine shops in Canada."
This podcast contains comments from Chris Ortegon and Amanda Driewer of the Destination Bryan tourism office, as they visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about April's First Friday activities and downtown Bryan's street and art fair on April 9.
Paul Kaspar, City Engineer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about progress at Midtown Park, timeline for the lake's completion, the South College project, road projects, gateway monument signs, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Cassie Medlin of Scotty's House child advocacy center and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos Valley's annual recognition of April's child abuse prevention month begins Thursday.
Cassie Medlin at Scotty's House child advocacy center says you are invited to honor the children who were known abuse victims last year.
That includes 630 children in Brazos County, 90 in Washington County, 82 in Robertson County, 79 in Grimes County, 55 in Burleson County, 35 in Leon County, and 29 in Madison County.
Medlin said statistic show that children in rural counties are twice as likely to be abused compared to children in urban areas.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it is your responsibility to make a report to the Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400, or online at www.txabusehotline.org.
Additional information from Scotty's House about April child abuse prevention month activities around the Brazos Valley and how to report child abuse:
Thursday, March 31
10:30 a.m. the Madison County Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be dedicated at the Madison County Courthouse in Madisonville, with a reception directly following.
2:00 p.m. the Brazos County Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be held at the College Station Police Department, with a reception directly following.
Friday, April 1
Texas Go Blue Day: Thousands of Texans will wear blue, the official color of prevention, to show their support for children. Make sure to snap a photograph and use the hashtag #NCAPM2022 to show your support and emphasize the critical importance of preventing child abuse and/or neglect, and keeping children safe!
First Friday: Please join Voices for Children, Scotty's House, BCS Together and Kappa Alpha Theta to kick off Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and Texas Go Blue Day at the Voices for Children office at 115 N Main Street in downtown Bryan during First Friday. Thousands of Texans will wear blue, the official color of prevention, to show their support for children. Make sure to snap a photograph and use the hashtag #NCAPM2022 and tag Voices for Children and Scotty's House to show your support and emphasize the critical importance of preventing child abuse and/or neglect, and keeping children safe!
Monday, April 4
10:30 a.m. Pinwheel Garden: Scotty’s House, Voices for Children, and representatives from Kappa Alpha Theta, will “plant” the twelfth annual Pinwheel Garden on the lawn at Prosperity Bank, located at 2807 South Texas Avenue in Bryan. A dedication ceremony will be held during the planting. The number of pinwheels planted, 1293, reflects the number of children who received services at Scotty’s House and/or Voices for Children in 2021. The Pinwheel Garden will remain on display throughout the month of April to bring awareness to the child abuse epidemic.
Tuesday, April 5
11:00 a.m. the Burleson County Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be dedicated at the Burleson County Courthouse in Caldwell, with a reception directly following.
2:00 p.m. the Washington County Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be dedicated at the Washington County Courthouse in Brenham, with a reception directly following at the Courthouse Annex.
Wednesday, April 6
10:30 a.m. the Grimes County Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be held at the Grimes County Justice and Business Center in Anderson, with a reception directly following.
Friday, April 8
10:30 a.m. The Leon County Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be held at the Leon County Courthouse in Centerville, with a reception directly following.
1:00 p.m. the Robertson County Blue Ribbon Ceremony will be held at the Robertson County Courthouse in Franklin, with a reception directly following.
To find out how to get involved in child abuse prevention efforts in your community, contact Scotty’s House at 979-703-8813, or visit www.scottyshouse.org, or Voices for Children at979-822-9700, or visit vfcbrazos.org.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it is your responsibility to make a report to the Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400, or online at http://www.txabusehotline.org.
Bryan Councilman Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about growth and how to address it, public transportation, funding, short term rental fees, working with Bryan ISD, operation Maple Leaf, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about aiding Ukraine, Joe Biden's comments about training troops in Ukraine, his first look at Biden's budget, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Co-president of Texas A&M's Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, Trent Reik, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their annual spring fundraiser, Shack-a-Thon.
This podcast is a visit with James Edge, who was the only person to file for a vacancy on the Bryan city council, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The deadline to file for an opening on the Bryan city council closed Monday with only one candidate.
James Edge, who was a district director for retired congressman Bill Flores, can be sworn in as soon as May 10.
That gives him a six month head start on several other new councilmembers who will be elected in November.
Edge will serve the remainder of the term in single member district four, which opened following the death of Flynn Adcock.
The unexpired term continues through November of 2024.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD superintendent Ginger Carrabine and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The wait is over in the Bryan ISD school district, as Ginger Carrabine's appointment as superintendent was finalized by the school board Monday night.
Now that a state required waiting period is over, the board and Carrabine can finalize a contract.
News release from Bryan ISD:
Bryan ISD officially has a new superintendent.
The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees unanimously voted to name Ginger Carrabine as the district’s superintendent during their meeting on Monday, March 28, 2022.
The board of trustees named Carrabine the lone finalist for the position in February, and a mandatory 21 day waiting period followed.
“We’ve watched Ms. Carrabine’s leadership for the majority of this school year, and the unanimous vote of our board of trustees reflects the absolute confidence we have in her,” said Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President Mark McCall. “We paid close attention to the feedback from the public, and also have watched closely as Ms. Carrabine has moved Bryan ISD forward in the right direction. We are excited for the future of our school district under her leadership.”
Carrabine has been in Bryan ISD for over four and a half years serving as chief of staff, deputy superintendent and, since September 2021, interim superintendent. A lifelong educator, prior to coming to Bryan Carrabine served as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary and middle school principal, executive director of curriculum and instruction, and executive director of strategic planning.
“I could not be more excited for the opportunity to continue to lead this fabulous school district,” Carrabine said. “Bryan ISD offers more choices and more opportunities for its students than any school district I’ve seen. Our district is filled with passionate educators who care deeply about their students. My family immediately fell in love with the Bryan community, and this is our home. The future of Bryan ISD is very, very positive.”
Carrabine becomes the 20th superintendent in Bryan ISD history. She succeeds Dr. Christie Whitbeck, who departed Bryan ISD in September 2021 to assume the same position in Fort Bend ISD in the Houston area.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the "Fight To Unite" fundraiser, how that impacts the continuing community campaign, and a reminder to donate children's books and an upcoming book distribution.
This podcast contains comments from the March 21, 2022 meeting of the Brazos County intergovernmental committee.
Construction of the first interstate highway to cross Brazos County is not expected to start for 15 to 20 years.
Dan Rudge with the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization says a seven year feasibility study began last November. That will be followed by environmental studies that will lead to where the interstate will be built.
Representatives of local governments discussed I-14 Monday during a monthly gathering of Brazos County's intergovernmental council.
The group agreed that now is the time to get to the front of line for building I-14 and the I-214 loop that will serve Bryan/College Station.
College Station mayor Karl Mooney reported Madisonville officials are not interested in being in the path of I-14, while Huntsville officials are interested.
Mooney also said San Angelo is also interested in being next for building what will be an interstate connection to I-14.
Mooney said I-14 and I-214 can bring economic development similar to what has happened in Houston along Beltway 8 and more recently, the Grand Parkway.
Kelly Kelbly, Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this weekend's softball tournament at Veterans Park, Pups and Popcorn, the Monarch March, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs. Jay Socol, Communications Director, also discusses an upcoming city job fair.
Jacquita Johnson visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Brazos County Health District and the Albert Schweitzer Fellowship Houston Galveston's Spring into Community Care Health Fair on Saturday, March 26, 2022.
This podcast contains comments from Sara Mendez of the Brazos County health district during the March 21, 2022 meeting of the Brazos County intergovernmental council.
The third year of the coronavirus pandemic began last Thursday.
Through the first two years, Brazos County has had 54,462 cases.
That was among the statistics shared with government officials on Monday from Sara Mendez of the Brazos County health district.
She says there has been a drop in average daily cases since the Omicron surge began two months ago from 850 a day to four...with an average of 10 cases a day the last couple of weeks.
As of March 16, 53.7 percent of Brazos County residents five years and older have been vaccinated.
Mendez says the health district's goal is 70 to 80 percent. The statewide vaccination rate is 64.3 percent and the national rate is 65.3 percent.
She also reported more than 400 pandemic deaths. 20 people who were vaccinated have died, between the ages of 65 and 101. She said most of the 20 had other factors or co-morbidities as contributing factors.
Lauren Hovde, Development Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about development statistics, future projections, Midtown Park, new development throughout the city, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about getting fewer cars on the road, the bus system, park and ride options, College Station swag, the policy regarding naming facilities, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about how the interaction with members of Congress has changed, the House republican conference agenda, task forces, Kevin McCarthy, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 21, 2022 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M's faculty senate passed a resolution at their March meeting...with 96 percent support...in opposition to the president's decision telling 82 librarians who are faculty members to either become a staff employee or take a teaching assignment in another department.
Copy and paste the following link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/FacSen032122RezLibrarians.pdf to read and download the faculty senate resolution.
Before the resolution was discussed, faculty senate speaker Dale Rice said he visited with president Katherine Banks last week, "and I told her that I thought what was happening to the libraries was generating more widespread concern on campus than any other single other proposal out of that group"...the group being a reference to the MGT report recommendations used by Dr. Banks.
Rice also said that faculty librarians who choose to continue faculty positions will move to departments where "many of which won't be welcoming them with open arms if at all."
Before the vote on the resolution, there was more than 40 minutes of comments and questions. Several comments from faculty senate members were directed at the only representative of the Texas A&M administration who spoke at the meeting, interim provost Tim Scott.
Dr. Scott said he has "had a department from (the college of) liberal arts that is open to ten (librarians)", and he has "had a one on one conversation with the dean of the college of education and human development that is also interested in some librarians as well."
He also said "this is not just isolated to libraries, but it is also for those colleagues that are in health that moving to public health or performance studies that may be moving to visual and performing arts."
Scott said also said the resolution was "very sound", adding "I haven't heard one reason yet not to support that resolution, but I'm hearing it...I'm just letting you know that I can't take an opposite approach."
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) community campaign chairman Steve Fullhart, Lions Pride Sports owner Houston Carson, and professional wrestler Jay Anderson of Houston about UWBV's "Fight To Unite" fundraiser on Saturday, March 26 at the city of Bryan's baseball field where the Brazos Valley Bombers play.
This podcast is a report from College Station ISD facilities director Jon Hall during the March 8, 2022 CSISD school board meeting.
The March meeting of the College Station ISD school board included a progress report on projects funded by the voter approved November 2021 bond issue.
Copy and paste this link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CSISD030822BondUpdate.pdf to read and download presentation materials.
CSISD facilities director Jon Hall provided a schedule of what will be $23 million dollars of construction and purchases at four campuses.
Hall's report began with a multiyear renovation of Southwood Valley elementary that starts this summer, which includes the removal of iconic concrete tube window fixtures as part of a renovation of office space.
Hall also summarized what will be a multiple year renovation of Consolidated High School that begins this summer with addressing about half of the restrooms.
The update also included what will be done at Pebble Creek elementary and Cypress Grove intermediate schools.
Hall also brought up the new career and technical education agriculture building and other CTE projects, along with the rest of the project schedule for this summer.
CSISD board members then approved spending almost $8 million dollars on contracts and purchases from the 2021 bond issue.
$3.2 million goes to phase one construction at Southwood Valley, $3.1 million purchases 807 interactive boards for classrooms at 15 campuses, about $739,000 will purchase 505 computers for CSISD middle and high school employees, about $320,000 is for auditorium lighting upgrades at College Station and Consolidated High Schools, about $155,000 is to resurface the track at Consolidated Middle School, and about $138,000 is to replace the boiler at the CSISD natatorium.
Copy and paste this link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CSISD030822bondSWvalley.pdf to read and download more information about the Southwood Valley contract.
Copy and paste this link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CSISD030822bondClassroomInteractiveBoards.pdf to read and download more information about the purchase of classroom interactive boards.
Copy and paste this link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CSISD030822bondComputers.pdf to read and download more information about the computer purchase.
Copy and paste this link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CSISD030822bondAudLighting.pdf to read and download more information about new auditorium lighting.
Copy and paste this link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CSISD030822bondTrackResurf.pdf to read and download more information about the AMCMS track resurfacing.
Copy and paste this link: "https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CSISD030822bondNataBoiler.pdf to read and download more information about the natatorium boiler replacement.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan Broadcasting Publications editor Caitlin Curbello and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Nominations begin Monday, March 21, for the 22nd year of the Best of the Brazos Valley.
Caitlin Curbello at Bryan Broadcasting Publications says at last count, there are more than 130 categories to recognize businesses, organizations, and people.
Nominations can be made online at bestofthebrazos.com, which is where you can also find past winners of the annual competition.
Mayor Pro Tem John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Brazos County Health Department, reporting COVID numbers, how ARPA funds should be spent, city projects, transportation and traffic congestion, getting more flights to Easterwood Airport, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dr. John Blair, archivist at the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the discovery of 15 Aggie veterans who died during WWI and how they are being honored.
Ashley Rodriguez from the Bryan Animal Center visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about changes in the animal ordinance and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 8, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
Copy and paste this link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/BryCoun030822CouncilwomenPrez.pdf
The meeting included a recognition of six women who have served on the city council.
Leading the presentation was city of Bryan assistant city secretary Christina Cabrera.
According to her presentation:
Lucy Giles Harrison was the first woman elected to what was then the Bryan city commission from 1947-1949. She remained very active in the community throughout her life, especially with the cemetery and the library.
Mary Ann Parker served on what was then the Bryan city commission from 1969-1971. Mary Ann was the founder and president of the Bryan Boys Club and the Bryan Girls Club and many other community organizations. She was instrumental in the fight to allow women to attend Texas A&M University; she was one of three Bryan women who filed suit in 1959 to gain entry into the college. The suit was ultimately unsuccessful but helped pave the way for women to gain entry to TAMU beginning in June 1963.
Helen Chavarria served as the place five councilwoman from 1983-1989. She was the first Hispanic woman councilmember and third Hispanic councilmember for the City of Bryan. She also served on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and she is known as a tireless volunteer and role model who has donated countless hours to issues impacting Hispanics and to the advancement of minorities.
Kandy Rose served as the place five councilwoman from 1989-1991 and 1992-1997, then was the place six councilwoman from 1997-2000. She was also mayor pro tem in 1993-1994.
Annette Stephney served as single member district (SMD) two councilwoman from 1995-2001 and 2006-2007 and was mayor pro tem from June 1998 to May 1999. She was the first person elected to SMD 2, the first African American woman to serve on council, and the first African American woman to serve as mayor pro tem.
Ann Horton served as single member district (SMD) four councilwoman from 2007-2014 and was mayor pro tem from 2010-2014. Following her service on the council she represented Brazos County on the Blinn College Board of Trustees.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about living in a post-vaccinated world, recruiting new businesses, getting more flights in and out of Bryan/College Station, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address to Congress, inflation, unemployment, talks with Saudi Arabia about oil, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 10, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CScoun031022NamingFacilities.pdf
Three members of the College Station city council will be working with staff to modify policies on naming city facilities.
One of those serving on the subcommittee, Dennis Maloney, has five specific proposals.
They are to name the green meeting room at the Wolf Pen Creek amphitheater, the Northgate pavilion, the Lick Creek nature center, a part of Veterans Park, and the podium for public comments at city council meetings.
The decision to form a subcommittee came after councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha sought to bring a racial balance to naming city facilities.
The third councilmember on the subcommittee is Bob Brick.
This podcast contains comments from the March 10, 2022 Blinn College trustees meeting. Speakers are trustees Douglas Borchardt, Dennis Crowson, Randy Wells, Jim Kolkhorst, and Charles Moser, along with Blinn CFO Richard Cervantes.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Blinn031022TuitionFeePrez.pdf
Blinn College trustees approve the tuition and fee schedule for the 2022-23 school year.
Before the unanimous vote, came concerns about students continuing to pay a higher share of the cost.
Trustee Douglas Borchardt said in the last 11 years, tuition and fees have increased 22 percent and the amount of state aid has dropped by 26 percent.
Trustee Dennis Crowson, who is a retired Blinn vice president, said out of town students are going to less expensive community colleges.
Blinn's chief financial officer, Richard Cervantes, said one reason why Blinn's rates are higher compared with eight of the state's ten largest community colleges is other schools have a higher property tax rate.
Trustees chairman Jim Kolkhorst says this is expected to cover Blinn's increased costs.
Tuition for Blinn students from Washington County will pay $2 dollars more per credit hour, Texas students outside of Washington County will pay $3 dollars more per credit hour, and students outside Texas will pay $1 dollar more. The general fee for all Blinn students will increase $3 dollars per credit hour.
Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC) president Matt Prochaska visited with WTAW's Bill Oliver March 9, 2022.
The president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC) says more than 20 representatives from ten companies in the French speaking Belgian province of Wallonia were upbeat about last week's visit to Aggieland.
Matt Prochaska also brought up that this was not only the first in person gathering since the start of the pandemic, the trip was planned way before Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Prochaska says another tool for the BVEDC since the Belgian group last visited in 2019 is the defense department designating the twin cities as a defense friendly community.
One Belgian company specializes in defense manufacturing, while others are involved in biopharmaceuticals and technology.
A member of the Belgian delegation said two of the ten companies were planning to locate in the Brazos Valley.
Alison Prince, President of United Way of the Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their upcoming fundraiser, Fight to Unite, and more during her appearance on WTAW.
Crystal Gill, lawn mower racer, visits with WTAW's The Infomaniacs about her mower racing career, the Lone Star Mower Racing Association, and more.
Jo Beth Wolfe, Conventions Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her role with the city, the upcoming Meeting Planner Showcase, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County sheriff's deputy David Wilcox, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Multiple agencies are investigating the deaths of three people Thursday afternoon southeast of College Station.
Brazos County sheriff's deputy David Wilcox says two deputies and a DPS trooper responded to the report of a disturbance with a weapon.
Upon arriving at a home south and east of the Southern Pointe development on Stokes Circle, the three officers encountered a man with a firearm.
Wilcox said the man did not comply with commands. Then the trooper fired their gun, killing the man.
That led to a mass response of law enforcement and first responders.
Wilcox said a search of the area led to the discovery of two people who were deceased. Whether they were shot has not been disclosed.
The relationship between the three people who died has not been disclosed.
And it's not been released if the man who was shot fired his gun.
Megan Brown, BTU Energy Account Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the impact of rising gas prices, their new headquarters, Lake Bryan, solar panels, and more.
This podcast contains comments from the opening reception of a Belgian trade delegation's visit to Bryan/College Station on March 9, 2022.
A relationship between economic development officials from the Belgian province of Wallonia and the Brazos Valley that dates back to 2009 is being renewed in person this week in Aggieland.
Ten companies from the French speaking Belgian province began a two day visit with a reception Wednesday morning at the Brazos Valley economic development corporation offices.
Speakers included Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson, who owns a software company that has ties with the Wallonia province.
Also welcoming the group was Sauraub Biswas, the executive director for commercialization and entrepreneurship with the Texas A&M system's engineering experiment station.
Speaking on behalf of the Belgian delegation was Philippe Lachapelle, the director of technical partnerships and networks of innovation with AWEX, which is the Walloon Export and Foreign Investment Agency.
Dr. Lachapelle said ten companies from the Wallonia province are spending two days in Bryan/College Station. And he said two of the companies are planning to locate in the Brazos Valley.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's bond committee, events, the impact of high gas prices, QR codes, recycling, what citizens can and cannot bring up to the lectern at city council meetings, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, bi-partisan issues, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley youth leadership cabinet (YLC) members Elisabeth Stewart of College Station High School and Lauren Hightower of Consolidated High School and YLC coordinator Maggie Gray visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the YLC's annual "United We Serve" fundraiser that is taking place Thursday, March 10 at all Bryan/College Station DoubleDave's Pizzaworks locations.
Voting is already underway to choose your favorite local celebrity who has decorated a pizza pan. The top two celebrities who raise the most money will have their pizza pans displayed in a DoubleDave's Pizzaworks restaurant!
The United Way Youth Leadership Cabinet is a student led organization that seeks to improve the Brazos Valley by connecting, serving and leading in their community.
Copy and paste the following link to learn more about the "United We Serve" fundraiser: https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/UnitedWeServe
Copy and paste the following link to learn more about UWBV's youth leadership cabinet: https://uwbv.org/youthleadershipcabinet/
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Kole Taylor and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan police arrest five 16 year olds and eight others who were 17 or 18 years old for firing paintballs at people who were not the intended targets.
Officer Kole Taylor says three adults and an 11 year old were not seriously injured after they were struck last Sunday night outside a home near Neal Recreation Center.
All 13 teenagers were arrested on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity.
The 16 year olds were taken to the Brazos County juvenile detention center. The 17 and 18 year olds were taken to the Brazos County jail.
As of Monday afternoon, two were released after posting $3,000 dollar bonds. They were identified as 17 year old Willie Everline of College Station and 18 year old Brandon Keith Walton of Bryan.
As of Monday afternoon, those who remained in jail (shown in the photo top row L-R) were 18 year old Keshundre Hodrick of College Station, 18 year old Demond Merritt of College Station, 18 year old Delvin Morris of Caldwell, (and bottom row L-R) 17 year old Mitreon Robertson of College Station, 18 year old Darius Turner of College Station, and 17 year old Jamarcus Walter of College Station.
This podcast is with assistant College Station city manager Jennifer Prochazka and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station residents are invited to check out 30 possible projects for a bond issue this November.
Assistant city manager Jennifer Prochazka says the gathering at the new city hall council chambers on Monday, March 7 is also an opportunity to tell members of a 23 member bond committee your ideas.
Residents can also vote on their priorities for a city wide bond issue.
City staff will also be available during the come and go gathering, which is from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m.
Copy and paste the following link to learn more information: https://www.cstx.gov/our_community/2022_bond_election
This podcast is a visit with Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver previewing downtown Bryan's March First Friday and a preview of April's Downtown Street and Art Fair.
Additionally, Downtown Bryan's First Friday activities includes building lights in blue and yellow as a show of support for Ukraine. Deputy city manager Hugh Walker says the lights will remain blue and yellow through Sunday.
Friday evening is the presentation of the Texas Music Office's designation of Bryan as a music friendly activity. The presentation at the Grand Stafford Theater begins at 7:30. That is followed by two free concerts.
Police Chief Billy Couch visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his command staff, current crime trends, clearing accidents, patrolling the Northgate District, task forces, the opioid situation, drug dealers, human trafficking, and more.
Deputy City Manager Joey Dunn visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the designation of Bryan as a music friendly community, BCS Modern's groundbreaking for Jordan's Lofts, updates to the Queen Theatre, increasing roof tops in Bryan, development throughout the city, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Peggi Goss and WTAW's Bill Oliver about a children's book collection event that is underway.
Additional information from United Way of the Brazos Valley:
Beginning March 2, United Way of the Brazos Valley is celebrating National Reading Month with a month-long community book drive, collecting new and gently used children’s books. United Way of the Brazos Valley’s Early Literacy Programs work to promote early literacy and access to books across the Brazos Valley. Book donation bins will be available at local businesses across the Brazos Valley.
United Way of the Brazos Valley will distribute the donated books to children through their free book giveaway events throughout the year. At these events, children get to select their own book to take home with them from a wide variety of topics and reading levels. Book Bash events are held throughout the year including Bunny Book Bash, Boo! Book Bash and Jingle Book Bash, as well as smaller book giveaway efforts supported by United Way of the Brazos Valley’s workplace campaign business partners.
United Way of the Brazos Valley is asking the community to donate books for infants, toddlers, children and teens. The types of books that are needed the most are infant board books and early reader children’s books, pre-K through third grade. Bilingual books are also needed for children in the Brazos Valley.
“Education starts early,” said Peggi Goss, Vice President Community Impact at United Way of the Brazos Valley. “The longer we wait, the harder it is to gain ground if a student gets behind. We want to make sure parents know at the very beginning how important it is to interact with their children by reading early and often.”
Two-thirds of children living in poverty grow up with no books at home. Studies show that the number of books in the home is directly linked to reading achievement. Children who grow up with access to books in their homes reach a higher level of education. United Way of the Brazos Valley is tackling this issue to support early literacy for all children.
“Even in the third grade, the first time their reading ability is measured, [success in] those third grade scores impact high school graduations,” Goss said. “We are focused on making sure children have access to early reading and parents are able to spend time reading to their children in order to make them more successful in their education throughout life.”
Donation bins will be available at the following locations across the Brazos Valley:
• United Way of the Brazos Valley Office - 1716 Briarcrest Dr., Suite 155, Bryan, TX 77802
• First Financial Bank locations:
o 1716 Briarcrest Dr., Ste. 400 Bryan, TX 77802
o 2900 S. Texas Ave., Bryan, TX 77802
o 3400 E. State Hwy. 21, Bryan, TX 77808
o 2305 Texas Ave. S., College Station, TX 77840
o 4450 State Hwy. 6 S., College Station, TX 77845
• Navasota Grimes County Chamber of Commerce – 117 S. Lasalle St., Navasota, TX 77868
• University Title Company - 1021 University Dr. E., College Station TX 77840
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car – 1820 Hwy 290 W., Brenham, TX 77833
• Allen Samuels Chevrolet Buick GMC – 4556 Hwy 6, Hearne, TX 77859
• Kawasaki of Caldwell – 185 TX-36, Caldwell, TX 77836
• Brookshire Brothers – 403 E. Main St., Madisonville, TX 77864
United Way of the Brazos Valley’s next Book Bash, Bunny Book Bash, will take place on April 9 at Post Oak Mall. For more information visit, uwbv.org/early-literacy-program
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with Democratic candidate for precinct four Brazos County justice of the peace Darrell Booker on March 2, 2022.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with the winner of Republican primary for judge in Brazos County court at law #2, Roy Brantley, March 1, 2022.
WTAW's Scott DeLucia visits with the winner of the Republican primary for Texas House District 14, John Raney, on March 1, 2022.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with Democratic candidate for Brazos County precinct four justice of the peace Celina Vasquez on March 1, 2022.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with Democratic candidate for precinct four Brazos County commission Wanda Watson on March 1, 2022.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with Democratic candidate for precinct four Brazos County commissioner Prentiss Madison on March 1, 2022.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with Republican candidate for Brazos County district clerk Margaret Meece, March 1 2022.
WTAW's Bill Oliver visits with Republican candidate for Brazos County district clerk Gabriel Garcia on March 1, 2022.
WTAW's Scott DeLucia visits with Republican candidate for Brazos County precinct two commissioner Russ Ford on March 1, 2022.
WTAW's Scott DeLucia visits with Republican candidate for Texas House District 12 Ben Bius on March 2, 2022.
WTAW's Scott DeLucia visits with Republican candidate for Texas House District 12 Kyle Kacal on March 2, 2022.
Republican candidate for Brazos County commission precinct 2 Chuck Konderla visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on March 1, 2022.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem Buppy Simank visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about election night results, renovating the Phillips Event Center, filling the open council seat, his priorities before his term is up, updates to the La Salle Hotel, finding paperwork for the railroad quiet zone in Downtown Bryan, Bryan ISD's new superintendent, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Ukraine-Russia conflict, President Biden's State of the Union address, results from the Texas primaries, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Democratic Party chair Amy Alge and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded February 28, 2022.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Republican Party chair Elianor Vessali and WTAW's Scott Delucia, recorded March 1, 2022.
This podcast is a visit with Mary Parrish of the Brazos County health district and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County health district says a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website measuring a county's pandemic risk uses outdated information.
BCHD spokeswoman Mary Parrish says using CDC's formula, Brazos County on Monday had a low pandemic risk.
Copy and paste this link: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html to be directed to the CDC website.
The CDC website on Monday and Tuesday reported Brazos County had a high pandemic risk.
Parrish said since February 24, the date the CDC used in measuring Brazos County's risk, there has been a decrease in active and probable cases and there are fewer pandemic hospitalizations and a lower hospitalization rate.
Parrish says the most current and accurate pandemic information comes from the county and state websites.
The CDC says a low risk county means residents should get tested if you have symptoms and stay up to date with pandemic vaccines.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Primary election day in Brazos County means 25 voting centers are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock says there is one location change. Due to construction, the center that has been at College Station's Christ United Methodist Church was moved to Living Hope church.
Early voting drew 9,140 voters. There were 7295 Republicans and 1845 Democrats.
Mail ballots were sent to 1,001 Republicans and 612 Democrats. Hancock says 622 Republican mail ballots and 393 democratic mail ballots were returned that complied with new state identification laws.
For those who returned mail ballots that have not complied, Hancock's staff and the county's ballot board have been reaching out to those voters.
Hancock says she has had heartbreaking stories from voters who are homebound and can not leave to come to the office to fix ballots. She hopes the mail is fast enough for those voters to receive new ballots and get them returned by the state deadline of March 7.
Information about voting center locations and sample ballots are at http://brazosvotes.org
Copy and paste this link: https://wtaw.com/2022-candidate-interviews/ to be directed to profiles of candidates in Brazos County contested races.
After voting ends Tuesday night, WTAW News will present returns and interviews on 1620/94.5 and online.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M police Lt. Bobby Richardson and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Texas A&M police received reports of 17 stolen catalytic converters last week.
UPD Lt. Bobby Richardson says most of the targeted vehicles are Honda cars and Toyota trucks.
The thefts took place during daylight hours in large parking lots where the thieves can hide in between parked vehicles.
Prevention tips includes etching vehicle identification and/or drivers license numbers on the converters, welding converters to the vehicle, and adding security devices.
This podcast contains from Ginger Carrabine, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver, followed by comments from the February 25, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
A member of the Bryan ISD administration leadership team for five years is now the lone finalist for superintendent.
Ginger Carrabine's appointment was unanimously approved by BISD board members Friday during a special meeting.
Carrabine began in 2017 as BISD's chief of staff and later became the district's deputy superintendent.
She has been serving as interim superintendent since last September.
Following a state mandated 21 day waiting period, the appointment will become official.
News release from Bryan ISD:
Bryan ISD Interim Superintendent Ginger Carrabine is the lone finalist to fill the district’s open superintendent position.
The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees unanimously named Carrabine as the lone finalist during a special called meeting on Friday, February 25, 2022.
Carrabine has been in Bryan ISD for over four and a half years serving as chief of staff, deputy superintendent and, since September 2021, interim superintendent. A lifelong educator, prior to coming to Bryan Carrabine served as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary and middle school principal, executive director of curriculum and instruction, and executive director of strategic planning.
“All Bryan ISD Trustees believe our school district is on a great trajectory,” said Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President Mark McCall. “After receiving feedback from the community, we believe that Ms. Carrabine is the right person to ensure Bryan ISD continues moving in the right direction. She cares about the people of our district and community, and has the strategic planning expertise to achieve long term success in Bryan ISD.”
Before making this announcement, the board of trustees contracted with the Texas Associations of School Board’s (TASB) Executive Search Services (ESS). They held in-person feedback sessions and posted an online survey, using information from both to compile a profile of the next superintendent.
There will now be a mandatory 21 day waiting period, during which time Ms. Carrabine will continue serving as interim superintendent.
February's meeting of the College Station ISD school board included approval of purchasing nearly $4 million dollars of items that were approved by voters last November.
Chief financial officer Amy Drozd says that included 500 musical instruments totaling almost $2 million. That followed recommendations from CSISD's fine arts and purchasing directors.
The board also approved the purchase of 14 buses at a cost of almost $2, refurbishing the band trailers at Consolidated and College Station High Schools at a cost of $173,000, and spending almost $90,000 to buy 67 laptop charging carts.
Copy and paste the following link https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CSISD021522instruments.pdf to read and download background information about the purchase of musical instruments.
Copy and paste the following link https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CSISD021522buses.pdf to read and download background information about the purchase of buses.
Copy and paste the following link https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CSISD021522BandTrailers.pdf to read and download background information about refurbishing high school band trailers.
Copy and paste the following link https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CSISD021522carts.pdf to read and download background information about the purchase of laptop charging carts.
City of College Station water resource coordinator Jennifer Nations previews the city's "Fix a Leak Week" campaign, and public communications director Jay Socol previews the city's new youth rugby program.
This podcast contains comments from school board members and administrators from the February 21, 2022 Bryan ISD board meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials from Bryan ISD: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BISD022122bonus.pdf
Bryan ISD school board members decide to spend some of their federal pandemic grant money on bonuses next year for returning and new employees.
Returning BISD employees will get two percent in September and new BISD teachers will get $1,000 dollars in September.
Other new BISD employees will not get a September bonus.
All BISD employees will get one percent in December and next May.
This is in addition to any raises that might be given.
News release from Bryan ISD:
The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees has approved the district administration’s request for three stipends for employees who choose to continue to work in Bryan ISD in the 2022-2023 school year and a signing bonus for teachers new to the district. The decision was made during the regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, February 21, 2022.
All full time employees who choose to return to Bryan ISD in the 22-23 school year will receive a stipend in September 2022 that is equal to 2% of their 2021-2022 salary.
Full time employees who stay with Bryan ISD through the semester will also receive a stipend equal to 1% of their annual salary in December 2022, and if they remain with Bryan ISD through the end of the school year, another 1% stipend in May 2023. This is the same as the retention stipend that was given to employees in the 2021-2022 school year.
In summary, if employees remain in Bryan ISD for the next school year, they will receive three retention stipends equal to 4% of their salary.
“As we plan for the next school year, and in light of the dynamics of the pandemic, more than ever, we hope that everyone will return to the district next year to serve our students,” said Bryan ISD Interim
Superintendent Ginger Carrabine. “I’m so thankful to our board of trustees for prioritizing the importance of rewarding our staff for everything they’ve done.”
Additionally, the board of trustees agreed with the administration about the need to continue to recruit highly qualified teachers in a competitive market, approving a $1,000 signing bonus for teachers new
to Bryan ISD in the 2022-2023 school year. Those teachers, along with all employees new to the district, will also receive the 1% stipends in December and May if they remain with the district through the first and second semesters.
“We know that Bryan ISD employees have gone above and beyond since the beginning of the pandemic,” said Bryan ISD Board President Mark McCall. “It’s important we use money from the federal Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund to invest in our own employees, who in turn will provide critical continuity for our students, and to help fill the openings we have with exceptional teachers who want to be a part of our great school district and amazing community.”
This podcast contains comments from the February 15, 2022 Blinn College board of trustees meeting.
Demolition is underway at the site of Blinn College's new Bryan campus administration building.
Chancellor Mary Hensley reported during this month's board of trustees meeting that two houses and a former church at Villa Maria and Nash are expected to be gone by the end of February.
That will be followed by surveying the land.
Houses being removed in Bryan at Villa Maria and Nash, south of William Joel Bryan, is the first step in Blinn College's plan to build a new administration building.
During the same meeting, the board approved facilities director Mark Feldhake's recommendation to negotiate a contract with a construction manager at risk for the nearly $31 million dollar project.
A contract to start construction is expected to be considered by trustees this August, with completion targeted for November 2023.
The 45,000 square foot structure will also house Blinn’s bookstore, police department, and student services that are currently located in leased space at the Tejas Center...which includes academic advising, enrollment services, and financial aid.
The project also includes extending Nash Street into the main campus, along with an accompanying monument sign.
This podcast contains comments from the February 15, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
The most important fundraiser for the Brazos Valley African American Museum will again be a virtual event.
Reservations are still being taken for the museum's 21st annual appreciation event this Saturday evening.
Proceeds operate the museum, offer programs for the community and school children, conduct school outreach and activities, bring in new exhibits, and provide staff development opportunities.
During a recent Brazos County commission meeting, county judge Duane Peters listed this year's honorees...Raymond Arrington of the Red Cross and Carver-Kemp Neighborhood Association; Pastor Seddrick and Mrs. Rebecca Eddington of New Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and H-E-B; Dr. Brian Merrell of Bryan ISD; Fabi Payton of I Heart Bryan; and Dr. Phebe Moore Simmons of Family Promise-Bryan/College Station.
County commissioner Irma Cauley said "these are honorees that have worked throughout Brazos County, accomplishing some outstanding things for our community."
The virtual event includes an auction and comments from featured speaker Dr. Sam Hogue, who is a Texas A&M college of medicine assistant professor.
The museum's invitation states due to COVID-19 and the devastating effect it has had on their ability to generate revenue, your generosity is more important than ever to ensure the museum remains open to the community.
Reservations can be made online at bvaam.org/banquet.
This podcast contains comments from the February 16, 2022 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents academic affairs committee.
The chairman of the Texas A&M system board of regents gets support for developing some way for the poorest of college students to not have to pay until after they graduate.
Tim Leach of Midland floated the idea while talking with presidents of the system's 11 universities during last week's meeting of the board's academic affairs committee.
Leach says the idea comes from a friend who was able to reimburse the college he attended after graduation.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD school board president Mark McCall and WTAW's Bill Oliver, following the February 21, 2022 BISD board meeting.
The Bryan ISD school board will hold a special meeting Friday at noon to possibly name a lone finalist for the district's next superintendent.
Board president Mark McCall visited with WTAW News after Monday night's regular meeting. That included a two hour executive session where the superintendent search was one of the topics.
McCall said they talked about input collected in January by the board's search consultants from the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) and the board's option to end the consultant's contract if a finalist was found at this stage of the search process.
The agenda for Friday's meeting includes the possible termination of the TASB contract.
McCall also brought up what a consultant said during a recent board training retreat, that when the district is replacing a superintendent that brought growth and a positive charged environment, that promoting an internal candidate may be the board's strongest decision.
Friday's meeting agenda also includes adopting criteria for redrawing school board member district boundaries and adopting guidelines for those submitting redistricting proposals and providing comments.
This podcast is a visit with the United Way of the Brazos Valley community campaign chairman Steve Fullhart, the owner of Lions Pride Sports Houston Carson, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
News release from United Way of the Brazos Valley:
United Way of the Brazos Valley has teamed up with Lions Pride Sports to present Fight to Unite on March 26 at 7 p.m. at Edible Field. This family-friendly event will feature professional wrestling matches, VIP meet and greet opportunities with the wrestlers and more. One hundred percent of the proceeds will support United Way of the Brazos Valley’s mission to fight for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the Brazos Valley.
Fight to Unite will feature celebrity guest and “World’s Strongest Man” Mark Henry. Henry currently works as a coach, talent scout and announcer for All Elite Wrestling. During Henry’s 25-year in-ring career, he won multiple championships and he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. A two-time Olympian and Pan American Games gold medalist, Henry has set multiple world records in powerlifting, cementing the “strong man” moniker he carries to this day.
“Fight to Unite is our brand new Spring fundraising event and we are so excited to share it with the community,” said Alison Prince, President and CEO of United Way of the Brazos Valley. “It’s a fun and unique way for everyone to have a great time while also supporting a valuable organization."
Fight to Unite will be the biggest show in Lions Pride Sports history and will showcase the stars of the Brazos Valley's only professional wrestling promotion. Many of the wrestling stars are local residents who train in Bryan at the professional wrestling facility known as the Lions Den. Founded by a former professional wrestler and Brazos Valley native, Houston Carson, Lions Pride Sports is quickly becoming a premiere wrestling school in the State of Texas. Carson prides himself on training local talent to perform entertaining and athletically challenging shows.
Tickets can be purchased at uwbv.org. In addition to event tickets, ticket upgrades and add-ons such as the VIP Experience and t-shirts are also available.
Fight to Unite would not be possible without the generous support of their sponsors, Patterson Architects, Elements Retirement & Investment Consultants, Texas Film Works, Blackmon Mooring, Elite Electric, Kastro Construction Group and Mid South Baking. Businesses interested in sponsoring Fight to Unite can visit uwbv.org or contact Maggie Gray at mgray@uwbv.org.
For more information on Fight to Unite and to purchase tickets, visit uwbv.org.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about bringing a medical examiner's office to Brazos County, plans for using federal pandemic money, transportation, working with Texas A&M University, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about President Biden's speech and his sanctions on Russia, the protests in Canada, how many seats the republicans think they will gain the House, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from one of Bryan ISD's executive directors of school leadership, Brian Merrill, during the February 21, 2022 BISD school board meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials from the BISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BISD022122naming.pdf
Bryan ISD school board members unanimously accept a committee’s unanimous recommendations for naming two new buildings during Monday night's.
Intermediate school three will be named for professor O. W. Sadberry Sr. According to a BISD news release, Sadberry was a Black educator who helped guide Bryan schools through integration in a career from 1949 through 1970.
BISD's new transportation and maintenance complex will be named for Ruby Haliburton. She drove a BISD bus 36 years until her death last April.
One of the district's executive directors for school leadership, Brian Merrill, walked the board through the committee's selection process. That followed more than 300 nominations for the school and almost 300 nominations for the transportation and maintenance complex.
Bryan ISD news release:
The newest campus and facility in Bryan ISD will honor longtime Bryan educators who positively impacted the lives of generations of Bryan students.
At their meeting on Monday, February 21, 2022, the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees approved the recommendations for O. W. Sadberry, Sr. Intermediate School and Ruby Haliburton Maintenance & Transportation Facility.
O.W. Sadberry, Sr., dedicated his life to equal, non-discriminatory education as a human right for all children. Nicknamed “Prof” by his family and friends because he was always teaching someone something, he worked in Bryan schools from 1949 - 1970, serving as principal at Bryan ISD’s Booker T. Washington Elementary School (grades 1-7). After the school burned the year before integration, Sadberry continued to help guide Bryan schools through the integration process. Sadberry also played a critical role in integrating the public library in Bryan, so people of all ages and backgrounds had access to public education and information. There are generations of African-Americans from Bryan who achieved higher education because of Sadberry’s persistence to do whatever it took for his students to rise above segregation and lead a successful life.
From Bryan, Ruby Haliburton graduated from E. A. Kemp High School in 1962. In 1985, she started driving a school bus for Bryan ISD. Over the next 36 years, until her death in April 2021, she was the first and last educator generations of Bryan students saw everyday. Haliburton’s smile, warm heart and ability to connect with students left lasting impressions that made her bus riders look forward to going to school, and doing their best.
“Bryan ISD is proud to be able to honor these two incredibly deserving individuals,” said Bryan ISD Interim Superintendent Ginger Carrabine. “It is clear from the community interest in this process how important it is for Bryan ISD to honor those who have made a profound impact on all students. We hope this honor will allow more people around the Brazos Valley to learn about these incredible individuals and their contributions to our community.”
Bryan ISD received hundreds of submissions for naming the new campus and facility. Two committees, one for each building, made up of Bryan ISD employees, parents and community members, reviewed all of the submissions before unanimously recommending the chosen individuals to the board of trustees, who unanimously approved the selections.
Bryan ISD looks forward to opening these new buildings and celebrating the lives and impact of both O. W. Sadberry, Sr. and Ruby Haliburton.
This podcast contains comments from Blinn College vice chancellor Becky McBride during the February 15, 2022 board of trustees meeting.
Spring enrollment at Blinn College, with about one-fourth of classes still accepting students, is within 642 students of matching last spring's total.
Vice chancellor Becky McBride told the board of trustees last week about ongoing recruitment efforts, which includes hosting their first preview days in two years on the Bryan and Brenham campuses.
McBride said a decrease of 666 online students from last spring was due to students returning to in person classes.
Blinn's partial enrollment report...compared to all of last year's spring semester...shows three fewer students in Bryan, 137 more students at RELLIS, 24 more high school students, and 66 fewer in Brenham.
Sydney Kelley, Marketing & Development Assistant for Arts Council of Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Empty Bowls Jr. fundraiser.
This podcast contains comments from Blinn College chief financial officer Richard Cervantes during the February 15, 2022 board of trustees meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Blinn021522TuitionFees.pdf
The February Blinn College trustees meeting included a preliminary look at the budget and tuition and fee schedules for the 2022-23 school year.
Trustees will be asked next month next month to raise tuition $2.00 a credit hour for Washington County students and $3.00 dollars for Brazos County and other Texas students. General fees would increase $3.00 dollars a credit hour.
Chief financial officer Richard Cervantes is proposing to trade a $25 dollar per course technology fee for online students for charging all students $18 dollars a course.
Presentation materials also included other academic fees at all Blinn locations and the housing and meal rates for Blinn students in Brenham.
During his presentation, Cervantes expressed his concern about budgeting expenses when the national inflation rate is at a 40 year high plus seven percent.
Presentation materials also included proposed budget information for the 22-23 school year. That included the possibility of full time Blinn employees getting a pay raise of one or four percent, and establishing a minimum hourly pay rate of $15 dollars. Cervantes says trustees are expected to vote on employee compensation in June.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M athletics director Ross Bjork during the February 16, 2022 meeting of the A&M system board of regents committee on buildings and physical plant.
The Texas A&M system board of regents approves increasing the cost of the A&M athletics Bright area development project from $205 to $235 million dollars.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/BOR021722bright.pdf
Athletic director Ross Bjork provided details during a meeting of the regents committee on buildings and physical plant.
Bjork said reasons for the cost increase included connecting the indoor track to the Bright building, which will make what was a 100 yard field, 140 yards in length.
Another reason was moving the nutrition center from the current Bright Center into the academic center.
Bjork says the construction schedule would cancel only one indoor track season if all goes right. Construction of a new indoor football facility and indoor track starts in June by demolishing the current indoor track.
Construction of new Kyle Field suites would start after the last home football game in 2022. Bjork said demolition of the current indoor track, which is the site of the new academic center, would start after the football team's last practice for next season's bowl game.
Bjork says the new indoor football facility will open in August 2023, the Bright building renovation in August 2023, the new indoor track in the fall of 2023, the new academic center in the summer of 2024, and a plaza around the academic center and Bright complex would be completed in 2024.
Bjork says details about fundraising will be announced in April. But he said lead gifts have been made to the entire complex and for the academic center.
This podcast contains comments from two Texas A&M students who spoke during the public comment section of the February 17, 2022 board of regents meeting.
Two Texas A&M students spoke during the public comment portion of Thursday's meeting of the A&M system board of regents.
Regents chairman Tim Leach of Midland said the students were granted exemptions to the board's public comment policy by speaking on items not on the agenda.
Audrey Shaw, class of 2024, spoke about A&M president Katherine Banks decision to move The Battalion student newspaper to an expanded journalism department and end its print edition by the end of the semester.
Mia Ogolo, class of 2023, asked for more pandemic protections at all A&M system campuses.
At the end of the meeting, Leach acknowledged a large public attendance by thanking and welcoming "fellow newspaper enthusiasts that I am also one of. We have dog lovers and we have germophobes in the back of the room. I want to thank you all for being here. I think you make our conversation more robust. I also think that by being here, you can hear what this organization is doing to make this a better place."
Councilman Bob Brick visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent city council retreat, the bond committee, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the public comment portion of the February 15, 2022 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD school board members heard from four people during Tuesday night's meeting who want another bond election to consider spending millions on additions and renovations at the Consolidated High School football stadium.
Last November's CSISD PROPOSITION D failed by 385 votes or a margin of almost five percent. 3,228 voted for and 3,613 voted against.
Most of the $5.035 million dollar proposition would have been spent on Consolidated's football fieldhouse, press box, and sound system. The proposition would have also spent money for sound system improvements at the College Station High School football stadium.
Because this item was not on the agenda and the remarks came during the public comments section of the meeting, by state law board members were not allowed to respond.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M faculty senate speaker Dale Rice and student body president Natalie Parks during the faculty senate's February 14, 2022 meeting.
The February meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included comments that criticized university president Katherine Banks decision to end the print edition of The Battalion student newspaper.
On February 10, Banks notified The Battalion to cease the print edition immediately. The following day, Banks issued a news release stating print editions could continue until the end of the spring semester.
The president also informed The Battalion that the newspaper would be moved to A&M's expanded journalism department, ending its status as a student organization.
On February 14, student body president Natalie Parks and faculty senate speaker Dale Rice, who is an associate professor of journalism, criticized Banks decision.
After Parks and Rice spoke at the faculty senate meeting, Banks issued a statement on her stating the working group that is developing the new journalism department will add two students from The Battalion and an undisclosed number of unidentified "media experts".
Copy and paste the following link to read the president's statement: https://president.tamu.edu/messages/feb-14-journalism-working-group-to-include-additional-representatives.html
This podcast is a visit with the College Station region president of Baylor Scott & White Health Jason Jennings and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The president of Baylor Scott and White's College Station region recently announced capital improvements totaling more than $15 million dollars.
Jason Jennings says in addition to the expanded facilities, recruitment is going quite well to hire 60 to 75 more people.
The new hires are associated with the construction of a $6 million dollar primary care clinic and wellness center south of the College Station hospital, adding two more operating rooms at the hospital, opening a physical therapy clinic off Arrington Road, and just closing on buying the land for a primary clinic in Wellborn.
Additions at the College Station hospital also includes an operating room robot, a new MRI unit, a new CT unit, and a nuclear camera for cardiac services.
This podcast contains remarks by three speakers during the public comment portion of the February 15, 2022 Brazos County commission meeting.
Three people called on Brazos County commissioners during Tuesday's meeting to widen the portion of Greens Prairie Road to match the four lane section that is being built by the city of College Station.
The comments also included the city's contractor blocking and damaging the entrance to the Sweetwater subdivision.
Because the remarks were given during the public comment portion of Tuesday's meeting, by state law commissioners could not respond.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince, the executive director of UWBV partner agency Scotty's House child advocacy center Cary Baker, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last year's winter storm, the capital improvement plan, Travis Fields at Bryan Midtown Park, progress at Phillips Event Center, new council district boundaries, tax improvements, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about migrants coming across the Texas border, how President Biden is handling the presidency, the situation between Russia and Ukraine, committees, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell of the Texas Department of Transportation district office in Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Those running for Brazos County commission in precinct two brought up during the chamber of commerce candidates forum the future widening of FM 1179 east of FM 158.
That's a project that is barely off the ground according to Bob Colwell at the Texas Department of Transportation district office in Bryan.
Colwell also says no state money has been budgeted for the project, which is being sought by the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO).
And Colwell says there is no timetable for when TxDOT will get back with the MPO on what is an unfunded project.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Limiting the location of a future landfill in Brazos County was the topic of a recent county commission workshop.
County judge Duane Peters wants an ordinance to restrict where a landfill can be built.
Peters says they are looking for at least one hundred acres that is not located in a flood plain and not in the extraterritorial jurisdictions of any incorporated cities.
Peters says once the county designates a location, that is the only place where a landfill can be built unless the applicant comes before the commission.
Peters also says the designated location does not prevent anything else from being built.
The county judge says he is trying to avoid what happened in Waller County several years ago, when county commissioners were unprepared for an outside company wanting to build a landfill.
This podcast contains comments from the January 18, 2022 Blinn College board of trustees meeting.
At the request of Blinn College administrators, board of trustees approved during its January meeting to move monthly meetings to the morning.
Officially, the board policy was changed from what a 6:30 p.m. start to leaving the start time open.
The board's 6-1 vote to make the change was with the understanding the start time would move to 10 a.m.
The board's longest serving member, Douglas Borchardt, voted no; citing 68 percent of community colleges around the state met in the late afternoon or evening and it would be more convenient for the public.
Board member Charles Moser, who is the retired owner of the Brenham newspaper, said in his professional experience the public would attend meetings at any time if it was on an issue they wanted to express.
Borchardt also said it would be an imposition on students and employees.
Trustees chairman Jim Kolkhorst said it would be more convenient for students and employees.
Borchardt chaired a 10 a.m. committee meeting on February 8, and was present for the first 10 a.m. regular meeting that was held on February 15.
Abigail Noel of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about business activity during the pandemic surge, the "Dining Bryan" promotion that is taking place February 15-28, and the ongoing "bucket list" list of 28 things to do in Bryan.
Municipal court judge Ed Spillane visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming warrant amnesty, the following warrant roundup, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is with the president of the Carver-Kemp Neighborhood Association, Ray Arrington, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan's Carver-Kemp Neighborhood Association is hosting a Black History Month program that takes a different theme.
Association president Ray Arrington says the target audience of Saturday's messages are towards what he says is a lost generation, with the goal of planting seeds with young people to become successful businesspeople.
Arrington says Saturday's program will bring up the rise and fall of Black businesses in Bryan. Arrington said there were 25 to 30 Black owned businesses during the 1960's.
Saturday's event, which also includes vendors and the health district providing pandemic vaccinations, starts at 11 and continues through the afternoon at the Carver Event Center on West MLK in Bryan.
City Secretary Mary Lynne Stratta visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about redrawing city council district boundaries, the new map, Travis Fields grand opening event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the February 9, 2022 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum of the Democratic candidates for precinct two Brazos County commissioner: Prentiss Madison, Wanda Watson, Roy Flores, and Ann Boney.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum, February 9, 2022, of Brazos County commission precinct two Republican candidates Russ Ford, Ronnie Vitulli Sr., Chuck Konderla, and Silas Garrett Jr.
Podcast of Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce candidates forum February 9, 2022 with Republican candidates for House District 14 Ben Bius, Kyle Kacal, and Joshua Hamm.
This podcast is a montage of tributes to Bryan city councilman Flynn Adcock, who died unexpectedly in January 2022, during the February 8, 2022 council meeting.
Bryan city councilmen had their first opportunity during their February 8, 2022 meeting to pay tribute to councilman Flynn Adcock, who died unexpectedly last month.
Adcock's service to the city also included serving on the boards at BTU and the parks and recreation committee.
Mayor Andrew Nelson began with a moment of silence. That was followed by the mayor delivering the invocation, which included remarks about Adcock.
Then the mayor introduced Adcock's wife Donna. Nelson stood in for state representative John Raney, who was sick, and presented Mrs. Adcock with a state flag that flew over the capitol.
An unscheduled nod to Adcock came after a pair of three to three votes. The mayor wished Adcock was there to break those ties.
Tributes to Flynn Adcock from those on the dais began with city manager Kean Register, followed by councilmen Buppy Simank, Brent Hairston, Bobby Gutierrez, Prentiss Madison, and Reuben Marin, and finishing with comments from Andrew Nelson.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the recent city council retreat, where citizens might see short-term impact, emergency services, a future recreation center, impact fees, railroad crossing construction, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislation regarding the postal service, Senator McConnell's comments about January 6th, the House democratic game plan, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president Peggi Goss visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the recognition of 2-1-1 Texas information service on February 11 (2-1-1), and an invitation for agencies in the Brazos Valley to apply for federal funding through the emergency food and shelter program.
News release from United Way of the Brazos Valley about the 2-1-1 Texas service:
2-1-1 Texas is a critical part of United Way’s fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in in the Brazos Valley. On February 11th, we recognize the impact of the 2-1-1 Texas network.
2-1-1 Texas is the lifeline for help – every day 2-1-1 connects Texans to many kinds of community and faith-based resources. Calling 2-1-1 Texas is simple and convenient – the service is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365. Every call is answered by a live, trained expert. These specialists offer comfort, hope, and solutions.
2-1-1 Texas provides connections to many kinds of resources and services, including disaster assistance, employment services, and housing and utility payment assistance.
Here in Brazos Valley, we had over 21,000 calls to 2-1-1 last year. The top three reasons people called 2-1-1 Texas were for health care, housing, and utility assistance.
Our 2-1-1 Texas call center located here in Bryan answered over 47,000 calls from across the state!
2-1-1 Texas data help brings community needs into focus & can inform important decisions made by local & state policymakers.
News release from United Way of the Brazos Valley about agencies applying for federal funding through the emergency food and shelter program.
Brazos County, Grimes County, Leon County, Madison County, Robertson County and Washington County have been awarded federal funds made available through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP).
These counties have been chosen to receive the following amounts to supplement emergency food, rent/mortgage and shelter programs in the counties:
Phase 39 Funding:
•Brazos County – $78,577
•Grimes County – $11,770
•Leon County – $6,994
•Madison County – $4,643
•Robertson County – $6,373
•Washington County – $12,702
ARPA-R Funding:
•Brazos County – $242,864
•Grimes County – $36,379
•Leon County – $21,617
•Madison County – $14,351
•Robertson County – $19,698
•Washington County – $39,259
Any organization working to cover a broad spectrum of the residents in these counties in the areas of emergency food, shelter, rent/mortgage and utility needs is invited to apply.
Visit uwbv.org for more information and to download an application form. Applications are due to United Way by 5 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022. A meeting of the local FEMA Emergency Food & Shelter Board will be held on March 4, 2022 at 11 a.m. via a Zoom meeting. Those who apply will be sent an invitation to join the meeting.
For more application information, contact Peggi Goss at 979-696-4483 ext. 113 or pgoss@uwbv.org.
Raney Whitwell, Community Development Analyst, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about new grants that the city of College Station has received, getting community input and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County district attorney Jarvis Parsons and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Two years in the making, more than 120 people from multiple Brazos County agencies have finalized operating procedures for a joint task force addressing children who are victims of sex trafficking.
District attorney Jarvis Parsons says this is a pro-active step before this becomes a problem in Brazos County.
Parsons says the focus has changed with dealing with five through 18 year old victims who get into the law enforcement and justice systems.
More than 120 people have been involved in the task force. They represent Brazos County law enforcement agencies, victim services groups, medical providers, and prosecutors.
Parsons says the majority of children who are found in local trafficking are not from Brazos County. But he says the recent arrests of nine people in a sting operation is an example of the local demand for the illegal contact.
Task force members got together this week at the Brazos Center for each agency to sign a memorandum of understanding memorializing their protocols.
Parsons says the event was also held to publicize their work as a deterrent.
News release from the Brazos County district attorney's office:
On January 31st at 3 p.m., local Brazos County agencies in partnership with Governor’s Office Child Sex Trafficking Team will publicly commemorate the formation of a task force and protocols to respond to the
commercial sexual exploitation of children within our community.
The protocols are built around some of the following guiding principles:
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Raising awareness to identify and prevent the sexual exploitation of youth.
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Meeting survivors with compassion at every step of their restoration.
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Creating a trusting network of partners to provide an effective and consistent response to exploited youth.
Over the past two years, the Brazos County District Attorneys Office, along with the Office of the Governor and Scotty’s House held multiple summit meetings at the Brazos Center with the purpose of engaging the community on the problem of human trafficking. These summits focused on identifying the signs of sex trafficking in survivors who may present to local law enforcement, hospitals, hotels, schools and any other businesses in Brazos County.
After these initial meetings, Brazos County direct responders and service providers began a workgroup to develop the Brazos County Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Youth Care Coordination Group to develop protocol that would outline the measures our County will take when we become aware of a child that may be a sex trafficking victim.
These protocols will help to quickly get survivors the services they need to heal and restore their lives; and it will aid law enforcement and prosecution by increasing the speed of communication and response across all areas in Brazos County where a victim may come into contact with the community.
Representatives of the Brazos County District Attorneys Office, Scotty’s House Child Advocacy Center, Unbound Bryan College Station (CSEY Victim Service Provider), Child Protective Services, The Department of Public Safety, Brazos County Juvenile Services, the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office, College Station Police Department, Bryan Police Department, Texas A&M University Police Department and Baylor Scott and White Hospital worked together to develop comprehensive protocols for their agencies in the event they come into contact with a victim of commercial sexual exploitation.
Each agency will sign the Memorandum of Understanding memorializing these protocols on January 31st at 3 p.m. at the Brazos Center.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD education foundation director Teresa Benden and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The College Station ISD education foundation's signature fundraiser, 50 Men Who Can Cook, returns Friday night (February 4, 2022) after being cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
Foundation director Teresa Benden says tickets are available through Friday at noon by going online to 50menwhocancook.org.
News release from the College Station ISD education foundation:
It’s really 126 men that plan to cook, but that doesn’t roll off the tongue as easily! They’ll be ready for nearly 1,500 guests at the 14th annual 50 Men Who Can Cook. The celebration is Friday, February 4, from 6:30-9:30 pm at the Brazos County Expo Complex. The adult-only event benefits the College Station ISD Education Foundation which supports all nineteen CSISD campuses.
Proceeds from sponsorships, tickets sales, silent auction, mystery bags, and raffle tickets will fund exciting classroom projects, student scholarships, Senior Hall of Fame recognition, Chrissy’s Closet, staff awards, and other educational programs.
St. Joseph Health is the Top Chef Sponsor for the 4th year. “Our local school system is an integral part of this amazing community and supporting them is an important investment for us,” said Kelly Wood, St. Joseph Health Marketing Coordinator, and Education Foundation board member. “Ensuring that our students and educators are equipped with the tools they need to be their very best is a top priority. We’re proud to support the CSISD Education Foundation.”.
The celebrity chefs, who comprise 60 amateur cooking teams, include teachers and administrators representing every CSISD campus, local news teams, Texas A&M University leaders, bankers, doctors, dentists, engineers, firefighters, police officers, and more!
This year, the event features a raffle for one of two $5,000 shopping sprees at David Gardner’s Jewelers. A chance to win costs just $100 per raffle ticket and only 250 will be sold.
This year’s 50 Men Who Can Cook Chair and Vice-Chair are CSISD Education Foundation Board Members Staci Cocanougher and Mike Newkham. “50 Men Who Can Cook is a fun event that brings together leaders from across our community to help raise funds for our teachers and students,” Cocanougher said. “We’re grateful for everyone that works together to support CSISD schools.”
“50 Men Who Can Cook is one of those unique events that you can’t explain, you just have to experience it,” said CSISD Education Foundation Director Teresa Benden. “We are so thankful for our celebrity chefs who cook the food, sponsors who donate and volunteers who help it run smoothly. It is a group effort and we are so grateful for our community’s support of our local public schools.”
Established in 1999, the College Station ISD Education Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) public corporation. Tax-deductible gifts made to the foundation provide funds for opportunities above and beyond the normal operating budget of the school district which are not available through tax revenues. Its mission is to seek funds and award those funds to students and teachers to bring innovation and excellence to the classroom and to provide opportunities not available through general funding.
Brazos County Elections Administrator Trudy Hancock visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about changes to the voter application, registered voters in Brazos County, the voting process, voting dates and locations, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Jane Cohen and Sherry Frisk that was part of a presentation during the January 27, 2022 College Station city council meeting on the progress of a new military attraction at Veterans Park.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CScoun012722UnkwnSoldier.pdf
College Station city council members received an update during their January 27, 2022 meeting on an addition at Veterans Park next to the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial.
Jane Cohen, representing the group to build the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier Never Forget Garden-Veterans Memorial, says this will be a plaza that will feature a granite monument symbolizing the tomb of the unknown soldier, a granite star, a memorial garden that will surround the plaza.
The goal is to have the plaza completed by the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in July of 2026.
The project's treasurer, Sherry Frisk, says they have collected almost $7,000 dollars and they have received $10,000 in pledges towards the estimated cost of between $70,000 and $100,000 dollars.
Fundraising is being administered through the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley.
Contributions can be mailed to the foundation at Box 2622, Bryan TX, 77805-2622, and identify the contribution for the "Never Forget Garden Fund".
Donation naming options include a garden paver, granite star points, and granite garden entrance pedestals.
For more information, send an e-mail to NFG.bvvm@gmail.com.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Phillips Event Center, his takeaways from last week's economic outlook conference, redistricting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the record number of job openings, the pandemic, the situation in Ukraine and Russia, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization, Dan Rudge, during the chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on January 26, 2022.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/EOC012622mpo.pdf
The 2022 Bryan/College chamber of commerce economic outlook conference included a local transportation update from the director of the B/CS metropolitan planning organization.
Rudge reported the latest changes to the upcoming expansion of Highway 6 in Bryan and College Station includes awarding one construction contract for both phases and moving the exit ramp from the northbound freeway to Texas Avenue in College Station from the left to the right side.
Rudge also had updates about two major projects affecting traffic around Texas A&M. Funding is still being sought for a new interchange at Wellborn Road and George Bush Drive.
And plans have been scaled back for changing University from South College to Wellborn Road. Instead of a tunnel for thru traffic on University between Wellborn and Texas, Rudge said the current concept is for tunnels similar to Wellborn Road near Kyle Field.
This podcast contains comments from the January 27, 2022 College Station city council meeting from councilman John Nichols and mayor Karl Mooney.
After more than ten years of operation, there is enough gas under the trash at Twin Oaks Landfill to start removing the gas.
Instead of spending money to burning off or dispose of the gas some other way, the board that operates the landfill for the cities of College Station and Bryan is negotiating a contract with a private firm to remove the gas and sell it.
An update was provided during the January 27 meeting of the College Station city council. Councilman John Nichols, who chairs the board of the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA), reported they could receive $1 to $2 million dollars a year because the private company bears the construction and operational costs.
Mayor Karl Mooney, who says the gas removal operation could begin before the end of this year, also said an attempt was made to do something similar at the closed Rock Prairie landfill was unsuccessful.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and Kim Schams, the director of UWBV partner agency Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach, visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the January 27, 2022 College Station city council meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download a traffic congestion presentation given during the January 27, 2022 College Station city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CScoun012722TrafficCongestion.pdf
College Station city council members spent more than one hour during their last meeting (January 27, 2022) discussing how to deal with traffic congestion.
After the staff presentation, there were questions about the status of a congestion study at Texas A&M. Councilman John Crompton wants the city's plan to include addressing congestion within one mile of campus...and to get people on and off campus without using automobiles.
City manager Bryan Woods says city staff has expressed their positions to university officials.
Texas A&M transportation services executive director Debbie Lollar tells WTAW News they expect a draft of their final report in the next couple of weeks. After that, the draft will be reviewed and final edits will be made before it is published.
Councilman Crompton also expressed his opposition to Brazos County proposing a bond referendum for roads unless more than half of the county's money benefits College Station. Crompton said that is because more than half of the county's budget comes from College Station residents.
Brian Merrell, Executive Director of School Leadership, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Bryan ISD taking name suggestions for the new intermediate school and maintenance and transportation facility.
Recreation Manager Ana Romero visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about repairs at Lick Creek park, upcoming events and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M's first vice president of academic and strategic collaboration, Susan Ballabina, at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on January 26, 2022.
Battalion Chief Jason Nored visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about becoming a firefighter, who cooks in the fire station, recruiting new firefighters, a search and rescue exercise this weekend, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
The following podcasts contains comments from the January 11, 2022 Bryan city council workshop meeting.
January meetings of the Bryan city council included an economic development recruiting update from the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC).
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the BVEDC presentation to the Bryan city council: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BryCoun011122bvedc.pdf
Matt Prochaska said during the 2021 calendar year, 11 business and industrial prospects made committments to locate in the Bryan/College Station area.
Prochaska also said there was more interest in 2021 by prospective businesses and industries.
And he broke down prospect interest in the city of Bryan during 2021.
Councilmen asked for additional information about 2021 economic development recruiting and committments in Bryan and the EDC's operating and economic development funds.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about today's Economic Outlook Conference, the pandemic, upcoming council activity, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what he hopes to hear from the Federal Reserve, the Texas border crisis, the situation in Russia and Ukraine, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This United Way of the Brazos Valley update features Ron Crozier from Twin City Mission.
This podcast begins with College Station ISD superintendent Mike Martindale's pandemic report during the January 18, 2022 CSISD board meeting. That is followed by comments from the January 18, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting preceding a vote how to spend more pandemic grant money.
This week's College Station and Bryan ISD school board meetings included business dealing with the pandemic.
College Station ISD school board members this week approved without discussion, extending pandemic leave benefits for eligible employees through June 30th. That was after CSISD superintendent Mike Martindale reported this week's start of employee pandemic testing had more tests and a high positivity rate compared with last week.
Copy and paste the following link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CSISD011822covidMemo.pdf to read and download a CSISD memo about extending the deadline for CSISD employee pandemic leave benefits.
Copy and paste the following link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/CSISD011822covidRez.pdf to read and download the CSISD resolution extending the deadline for CSISD employee pandemic leave benefits.
Action at this week's Bryan ISD school board meeting included approving administration recommendations on future spending of federal pandemic grant money. BISD board members still have $14 million to spend from $42 million from the fed's ESSER III program. 20 percent of the $42 million is required to be spend for instruction.
Copy and paste the following link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BISD011822esser.pdf to read and download a Bryan ISD presentation showing the distribution of the district's ESSER III money.
As for other expenses, BISD director of counseling services Donna Willett talked about part of $5 million dollars being spent for two new social workers, along with behavior specialists and campus instruction coaches.
Bryan ISD board members and administrators also discussed education intervention efforts that have been going on and what else can be done for students.
In case you are wondering, ESSER is the fed's acronym for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief.
During a presentation to the College Station City Council, CSFD Chief Richard Mann explained their automatic aid relationship with Bryan Fire, imbalances in the relationship, and how they are attempting to regain balance and equality.
Councilman Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about annexation, citizen reaction to the ROO, increasing flights in and out of Bryan/College Station, bringing in more amenities to College Station, the death of Flynn Adcock, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 18, 2022 Blinn College trustees meeting. Speakers include chief financial officer Richard Cervantes and executive vice chancellor Leighton Schubert.
For the second consecutive year, Blinn College's nursing program gets a $400,000 dollar scholarship gift.
After Blinn's board of trustees accepted the donation during Tuesday's meeting, there was a question about the requirement of spending it all during this calendar year. Executive vice chancellor Leighton Schubert said that was a requirement when the college received an identical gift, and the money was spent.
Blinn has an associate degree nursing program on the RELLIS campus and a vocational nursing program in Brenham.
The gift comes from the Wheeler Foundation, which has contributed $1 million dollars during the last four years.
News release from Blinn College:
During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Blinn College District Board of Trustees accepted a $400,000 gift from the F.W. Bert and Mae Dean Wheeler Foundation that will fund scholarships in support of Blinn nursing students during the 2022 calendar year.
The scholarships support students enrolled in Blinn’s associate degree, vocational nursing, and licensed vocational nursing-transition programs. Over the last four years, Blinn has received a total of $1 million from the Wheeler Foundation in support of Blinn’s nursing students.
Blinn’s two-year Associate Degree Nursing Program prepares students for a nursing career and for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year university. Students who complete Blinn’s ADN Program and pass the NCLEX-RN have a job placement rate between 97 and 100% and are qualified for a wide array of nursing positions, including pediatric, geriatric, hospice, school, and clinical nursing. With the demand soaring in the nursing field, new graduates can expect to make an average of $53,000 per year.
Blinn’s ADN Program is based at the RELLIS Academic Alliance Complex at the RELLIS Campus in Bryan, where students gain hands-on skills utilizing the facility’s 16,000-square-foot simulation laboratories.
Located on the Brenham Campus, Blinn’s Vocational Nursing Program offers students the choice of a 10-month, face-to-face track where students attend class and clinicals each day during the week, and a 12-month, online-blended track where theory courses are taught online and labs and clinicals are taught in person on Fridays and weekends. The online-blended track is designed for working professionals.
According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, almost 98% of Blinn’s graduates from the program during the past three years have found jobs in the profession. Program graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN) and the Nursing Jurisprudence Examination and are considered licensed vocational nurses after passing both exams. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the 2020 annual median pay for vocational nurses was $48,820, and employment is expected to increase 9% between 2020 and 2030, creating 63,800 new jobs nationwide.
The one-year Licensed Vocational Nursing-Transition Program prepares individuals who hold a license to practice as an LVN in Texas and have at least approximately one year of nursing experience to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in one year.
For more information regarding Blinn’s nursing programs, visit www.blinn.edu/nursing.
Jayson Barfknecht, Bryan Public Works Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new treatment plant, the lake at Midtown Park, working with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the capital improvements project list, using federal funds, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs .
This podcast contains comments from the January 10, 2022 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate.
The week before classes resume at Texas A&M, members of the faculty senate get answers to pandemic related questions from administrators.
Topics included why A&M did not move classes online for the start of the semester, finding higher quality masks, if students could be given excused absences when they tell their instructors they were tested for coronavirus, and how to enforce a university policy when students refuse to wear a mask in the classroom after spending five days in quarantine after they were infected.
This podcast contains comments during the January 13, 2022 College Station city council meeting from city councilwoman Linda Harvell.
College Station city councilwoman Linda Harvell reported during their last meeting about the successes during a recent convention of bus tour operators in Grapevine.
Harvell said she joined Kindra Fry of the city's tourism office for College Station's first appearance at that gathering.
Harvell said they received verbal commitments for future tours to College Station, which provides what she calls "clean tourism".
This podcast contains comments from the January 18, 2022 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Bryan High School has a new head football coach and athletic coordinator.
The selection of Pearland High head coach Ricky Tullos was announced during Monday night's BISD school board meeting.
Board members were told 78 applications were received. 12 candidates received an initial interview. That was followed by interviews with two finalists.
BISD athletic director Janice Williamson said Tullos was the number one candidate after the initial screening and after both rounds of interviews.
Williamson told the board "this is a great hire, it's like hitting the ball out of the park."
Board president Mark McCall said Tullos told administrators that BISD "was a destination" position.
A community reception for Tullos will take place Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the BHS gym two. That follows the new head coach spending time with players and the media.
Tullos guided Pearland to four consecutive playoffs. He moved to Pearland after leading George Ranch to the 5A division one state title in 2015.
News release from Bryan ISD:
A veteran football coach with a state championship and extensive playoff experience is heading to Bryan High School to serve as the next coach of the Bryan Vikings Football program.
Ricky Tullos comes to Bryan from Pearland High School, where his teams made the playoffs all four seasons he served as head coach, including winning a district championship.
Prior to that, Tullos served as the head football coach at George Ranch High School, winning the 5A Division 1 State Championship in 2015 with an undefeated 16-0 season.
“I can’t wait to get to Bryan and build relationships with our students, their families, our school and community,” Coach Tullos said. “Coming to Bryan feels like coming home for me and my family. This is where we want to be, and we’re excited to immerse ourselves into the Bryan community and give everything we have.”
Tullos was hired following an extensive process that included feedback from Bryan High School football players, campus faculty, community advisory groups and community leaders.
Interest in the position was very high, with close to 80 coaches applying.
“To bring in someone of Coach Tullos’ caliber and character reinforces that the position of head football coach and athletic coordinator at Bryan High School is highly respected around the state,” said Bryan ISD Interim Superintendent Ginger Carrabine. “We were able to hire someone who matches the feedback we received from so many stakeholders, has a proven track record of winning, including a state championship, and has a passion to connect with students and their families at Bryan High School. We could not be more excited.”
About the Hire
Ricky Tullos has more than 21 years of experience coaching high school football, beginning as a defensive coordinator/assistant baseball coach at Splendora High School before moving on to a position as the passing coordinator, varsity wide receivers and assistant golf coach at Magnolia High School.
In 2007, Tullos returned to his high school alma mater, taking over as the athletic director/head football coach at Cleveland High School. There, his teams were undefeated district champions twice and finished ranked #16 in the final 2008 Class 3A State Rankings. Tullos was also twice selected as district coach of the year.
After a season as co-defensive coordinator at Livingston High School, Tullos took over as the campus athletic coordinator/head football coach at George Ranch High School in Richmond in 2011. His teams were undefeated district champions twice at the 5A level, Tullos won multiple district, Fort Bend County and Houston area coach of the year honors, was the 65th Annual Texas Sports Writers 5A Coach of the Year in 2015, and lead George Ranch to an undefeated 2015 season culminating in a state championship. His team was ranked 26 nationally in the 2015 MaxPreps Tour of Champions.
In 2018, Tullos took over the football program at Pearland High School, serving as athletic coordinator/head football coach. He won the district championship and was named district coach of the year. He led Pearland into the playoffs each season along with serving on the Texas High School Coaches Association Board of Directors.
Tullos graduated from Sam Houston State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education in Physical Education. While at Sam, he was a two-year letterman playing defensive back and special teams. Prior to that, Tullos attended Navarro Junior College, where he also lettered two years playing defensive back and special teams.
Tullos is a certified teacher in physical education, health and special education.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about where the American government is headed, international affairs, action in the House, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Flynn Adcock's passing, how his council seat will be filled, how federal funds will be handled, growth in the city, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about recruiting volunteers for a new medical ride sharing program.
This podcast contains comments from the January 11, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
Tuesday's Bryan city council meeting ended with an update of community support for a woman who was struck by a hit and driver last weekend.
Councilman Bobby Gutierrez said he and his wife visited with the victim who broke her leg in three places after she was hit while walking home along Leonard Road.
Gutierrez says accounts have been set up at First Financial Bank, along with counseling resources, to assist the victim and to ensure donations are spent properly.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan councilmen Brent Hairston, Bobby Gutierrez, Reuben Marin, and Buppy Simank, along with city manager Kean Register, during January 11, 2022 council meeting, about the grand opening of the Big Shots center at Midtown Park.
David Brower, Community Development Analyst, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about an upcoming home buyer education class, what the class will cover, how to register, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 13, 2021 College Station city council meeting.
The College Station city council Thursday night approved rezoning 21 acres of land along Highway 47 in front of the FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies campus for a biocorridor residential and retail development.
One of the partners in the development, Weston Eubanks, told the council they are applying for similar rezoning for 25 acres located on the city of Bryan's side of the biocorridor.
The College Station rezoning allows a mixture of four story residential structures and one to four story commercial buildings.
This podcast contains comments from the January 11, 2022 Bryan city council meeting.
The Bryan city council unanimously approves its annual contract with the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (EDC).
That's after councilman Buppy Simank questioned the cost of restaurant meals involving EDC recruiters and prospects. Simank gave one example of a $1,500 tab where not everyone was involved in economic development recruitment. Simank also said the EDC spends 85 percent of its money in College Station.
In response, EDC president Matt Prochaska listed restaurants in College Station and Bryan that are used in their recruitment efforts.
Simank said he went to city staff that did not include the city manager to get the detailed information that the other council members heard for the first time on Tuesday. That led other council members to receive information when future requests are made by individual members.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BryCoun011122bvedcContractBkgd.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the agreement: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BryCoun011122bvedcContractAgmt.pdf
Frank Clark, Business/Development Liaison, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about BigShots Aggieland, progress and development at Midtown Park, green space in the park, dealing with summer weather, maintenance costs, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new city hall, concerns about growth and emergency response times, preparing for the FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies expansion, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits WTAW's Scott DeLucia about COVID's impact in Washington D.C., the democrat party's rhetoric, getting back to a bi-partisan situation, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Rachel Gaddis with the city of Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The third and final public meeting on the upcoming reconstruction of South College Avenue in Bryan from Villa Maria to Carson is Wednesday.
Rachel Gaddis, who is the project manager for the city of Bryan, says everyone associated with the project will be on hand to field questions.
Gaddis says the meeting also includes detours and other construction related information.
Wednesday's come and go meeting is from 5 until 6:30 p.m. in city council chambers.
The project adds new sidewalks and shared use paths, roundabouts at the intersections of Carson and Williamson, new water and sewer lines, and new storm drainage.
Gaddis says construction is tentatively scheduled to start by the end of April.
Copy and paste the following link for more information: https://www.bryantx.gov/public-invited-to-attend-south-college-avenue-meeting/
The new week at the Brazos County courthouse begins with a new district court judge.
David Hilburn was sworn in as 361st district court judge by his predecessor, Texas 10th court of appeals justice Steve Smith.
Hilburn was appointed by the governor to fill the remainder of Smith's term.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the ongoing community campaign, volunteer opportunities, and a new fundraising event.
Jay Socol, Direction of Communications for the City of College Station, visited with WTAW's The Infomaniacs about new traffic signals around the city.
Cheletia Johnson, Supervisor at the Lincoln Recreation Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about celebrating and commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Chris Ortegon from Destination Bryan visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this month's First Friday event in Downtown Bryan.
David Schmitz, Director of Parks and Recreation, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about returning the the City of Bryan, playground equipment, pools and splash parks, Midtown Park, Travis Fields, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Sherry Frisk, Never Forget Garden Veterans Memorial Treasurer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the new memorial being planned for Veterans Park.
Mike Dzura, Director of Marketing, and Kristi Harvey, Vice President of Marketing, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about BigShots Golf Aggieland, progress at Bryan's Midtown Park, goals for the city this year, business incentives and economic development, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about getting back to session on Monday, January 6th, the role that Donald Trump is playing in the Republican party, people quitting their jobs, the nuclear option and filibuster rule, the child tax credit, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Royce Hickman, B/CS Chamber of Commerce Community Liaison, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the upcoming Economic Outlook Conference, upcoming events and ribbon cuttings, what he is hearing from other chambers across the state, how chambers can stay relevant, communicating with businesses, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Kristi Lester, Voices for Children Recruitment Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about becoming a CASA volunteer, the upcoming training schedule, and more.
This podcast contains comments from the December 14, 2021 Blinn College trustees meeting.
A recently retired member of the Blinn College trustees whose family has been associated with the college for centuries was recognized during the board's December meeting.
Teddy Boehm's connection to Blinn dates back to a great-great uncle who attended in the 1800's when it was a school for German Methodist ministers.
Boehm retired from the board in October after serving eight years. She took over after her husband served 34 years.
Boehm and her husband met while students at Blinn. Boehm's mother also attended, as did her children and some grandchildren.
After a proclamation was read, Boehm was thanked by trustees Jim Kolkhorst, Douglas Borchardt, Charles Moser, Dennis Crowson, and Randy Wells.
Moser noted a member of the Boehm family has been on the board or in an administrative leadership role at Blinn for more than 80 years.
News release from Blinn College:
The Blinn College District Board of Trustees honored former trustee Teddy Boehm for her leadership and service to the College District during its regular meeting Tuesday (December 14, 2021).
Boehm served on the board from October 2013 until October 2021.
“Teddy Boehm’s leadership has made a lasting impact on Blinn College and the communities it serves,” said Jim Kolkhorst, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “It has been a privilege to serve alongside her and to witness firsthand her deep affection for Blinn, its employees, and its students.”
Boehm served one term as board secretary and oversaw a number of key advancements during her tenure on the board, including Blinn’s decision to partner with The Texas A&M University System as a member of the RELLIS Academic Alliance.
Blinn modernized its campuses under Boehm’s leadership, including the construction of the Doyle Coatney Center; Kruse Center; Mill Creek Hall; Ann Gardner Livestock Annex; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Innovation Building, and Prairie Lea Hall on the Brenham Campus, and construction of the Walter C. Schwartz Building, Agriculture and Workforce Education Building, and administration building at the RELLIS Campus.
In addition to new construction, Boehm and her fellow trustees authorized renovations and upgrades to Leroy Dreyer Field, the Old Main Building, the W.L. Moody Jr. Library, the Spencer field block, and the Student Center Dining Hall on the Brenham Campus, and the Central Administrative Services Building, the cast stone replacement project, and the campus beautification project in Bryan.
During Boehm’s tenure, Blinn’s academic programs experienced similar advancements, including the introduction of new degrees in carpentry, cybersecurity, drone technology, facility maintenance, HVAC, simulation and game programming, and water purification. With the launch of new esports, men’s and women’s golf, and men’s and women’s soccer teams, Blinn also increased its extracurricular offerings.
In addition to her service to Blinn and its students, Boehm has served on the boards of Trinity Medical Center, the Lower Colorado River Authority, the Brenham Economic Development Foundation, and the Washington County Women’s Leadership Forum, and has volunteered for the Texas Academy of Family Physicians Foundation, Washington-Burleson County Medical Auxiliary, Washington County Goodfellows, Washington County Historical Commission, German-Texan Heritage Society, Heritage Society of Washington County, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, Burton Cotton Gin Museum, Independence Historical Society, Brenham Fortnightly Club, University of Texas Ex-Students Association, Washington County Council and Washington County Genealogical Society.
This podcast contains comments from the November 17, 2021 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents committee on buildings and physical plant. Speakers include chief facilities officer Brett McCully and Nim Kidd.
Nearly $55 million dollars in new construction has started or will start by January on the RELLIS campus.
That's after three projects were approved November's Texas A&M system board of regents meeting.
More than $29 million will be spent on a warehouse, office, and training building for the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), which is a system agency. Regents approved TDEM director Nim Kidd's recommendation to build 60,000 square feet of storage, 30,020 gross square foot regional headquarters office and operations center, and almost 6,000 square feet for shipping.
Copy and paste this link to read and download background information about the new TDEM building: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bor111821tdem.pdf
More than $20 million will be spent on an industrial distribution building. What is also described as a high-tech research building will be the new home of three programs affiliated with the Texas A&M college of engineering's industrial distribution department.
Copy and paste this link to read and download background information about the industrial distribution building: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bor111821tees.pdf
And regents approved more than $5 million to repair a runway at the former military base for testing self-driving vehicles and other projects.
Copy and paste this link to read and download background information about runway repairs: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/bor111821RELLISrunway.pdf
This podcast is a visit with Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce community liaison Royce Hickman about his job responsibilities and local economic development efforts during WTAW's The Infomaniacs on December 28, 2021.
This podcast contains comments from the December 14, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting. Speakers include CSISD superintendent Mike Martindale and chief financial officer Amy Drozd.
Another layer of pandemic protection is coming to College Station ISD schools.
That's after the CSISD board at December's meeting approved the recommendation from chief financial officer Amy Drozd to place portable air filtration machines in 2,000 classrooms.
Drozd told the board that the devices are expected to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the flu, and other illnesses
The $613,000 dollar purchase, from pandemic grant money, includes 1,500 replacement filters.
Drozd says another pandemic grant source could be used to offset a possible $75,000 dollar annual cost for filters.
The machines are expected to be delivered the first part of next month.
Click HERE to read and download background information about the purifiers: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CSISD121421airBkgd.pdf
Click HERE to read and download a memo from CSISD's purchasing director: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CSISD121421airPurchasing.pdf
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Federal Reserve Board, the Build Back Better plan, his visit on Fox Business, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is an update about the United Way of the Brazos Valley community campaign with UWBV president Alison Prince, campaign chairman Steve Fullhart, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the November 17, 2021 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents academic affairs committee.
How much weight should Texas A&M give to an applicant who has had family members attend the university?
November's meeting of the board of regents academic affairs committee was the second time this year the idea of giving consideration of an applicant's "Aggie Legacy".
The A&M system's chief legal officer, Ray Bonilla, said creating a legacy admissions program would "have to be probably pretty limited and very carefully structured."
Regent Bob Albritton of Fort Worth says "having kids be raised by (Texas A&M) graduates, they already have to me kind of an ingrained a little bit about what they're getting into. And that's a big positive."
Regent Mike Hernandez of Fort Worth, who supports legacy consideration, said "We have more white students than any other legacy group, that goes against the whole other thing, so I understand both sides of it."
Regent Michael Plank of Houston said "One white student versus another white student all other things being equal we have one with a tremendous legacy consideration, I don't see why in the world you wouldn't think about it."
Regent Elaine Mendoza of San Antonio said "I think one thing we need to be careful is that first generation students come from all races."
This podcast is a visit with the commanding officer of the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army, Captain Tim Israel, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan/College Salvation Army thanks those who contributed to record holiday giving this year.
According to commanding officer Tim Israel, as of December 23 red kettle collections topped a record $201,000. The goal was $200,000.
While not setting a record, Israel said there was an increase in the number of volunteer hours ringing bells at more than 20 B/CS red kettle locations.
The Angel Tree gift program assisted a record 2,563 Brazos County children. Those children come from 1,041 families, which is one family above this year's goal.
News release from the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army in Bryan/College Station’s Red Kettle and Angel Tree programs received a record-breaking amount of support this year. The community provided more gifts and made more financial contributions to the red kettle than ever before. The Salvation Army would like to thank everyone who volunteered, donated and took part in the success of the Red Kettle and Angel Tree. These outstanding results allow The Salvation Army in Bryan/College Station to serve a record number of people during the Christmas season and the coming months. Any additional funds raised on December 24th or through the end of the year will help to support our New Pathway of Hope initiative.
Pathway of Hope (PWOH) is a social services initiative, which focuses on breaking the cycle of generational of poverty and homelessness. This program provides a holistic approach which includes spiritual guidance along with strength-based case management that lasts for up to two years. While being enrolled in PWOH, clients can receive services such as job training, childcare and education, housing assistance and community referrals. This program is life changing for families who are willing participants in their own success toward a positive change. There are great incentives in this program that are currently being utilized by enrolled families. If a family is committed and ready to change then they should take the first step in reaching out to start their PWOH journey.
For more information about the Pathway of Hope program, please visit, www.salvationarmybcs.org or call the main office at 979-361-0618 Monday – Thursday 9 am – 4 pm and Fridays 9 am – 2 pm.
This podcast contains comments from the December 14, 2021 Blinn College trustees meeting.
Blinn College trustees continue to question administrators about the continued drop in enrollment.
Trustee and former Blinn vice president Dennis Crowson said headcount district wide is at its lowest level since 2009 and the Bryan campus has its fewest number since 2002.
Blinn vice chancellor of student services Becky McBride said one factor for the decrease was recruiters not being able to visit in person with prospective students and high school counselors due to the pandemic.
McBride says in person visits have returned, including area school districts. She also said they are adding employees to assist in recruiting.
McBride also reported the fewest number of students dropping between the fall and spring semesters in 15 years.
Trustees president Jim Kolkhorst, who noted the importance of the money that Blinn generates from enrollment because of the college's low property tax rate, concluded the conversation by saying "We'll continue to stay engaged. Any resources I think that need to be given to a department that helps to recruit new students, that's something that we to need to make sure we keep our ears to the ground on."
This podcast contains comments from the December 14, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CSISD121421enroll.pdf
College Station ISD school board members express no opposition to recommendations from administrators for controlling campus enrollment numbers.
The recommendations during December's CSISD board meeting would allow discretionary transfers from Pecan Trail to Cypress Grove intermediate schools and from Wellborn to College Station middle schools starting next fall...monitor populations at Pebble Creek and Southwood Valley elementaries, and appoint a long range facility planning committee this fall.
The recommendations from superintendent Mike Martindale and chief financial officer Amy Drozd followed an annual update from a representative of CSISD's outside demographic consulting company.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia December 22, 2021 about his reaction to recent testimony from the Federal Reserve chairman before the House financial services committee, his reaction to Senator Joe Manchin's opposition to Build Back Better, and the prospects for Build Back Better returning in 2022.
The Bryan/College Station chapter executive for United Way of the Brazos Valley partner agency the American Red Cross. AJ Renold, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff's deputy David Wilcox and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Almost every day, law enforcement is dealing with people being targeted by scammers.
Deputy David Wilcox agrees that a new scam targeting sex offenders to pay to give a DNA sample is a little unique.
Wilcox says ten to 12 of Brazos County's 274 registered sex offenders have received a call that is a displayed as a local number.
The intended targets say a Lt. Jarlburrow or a Sgt. Heart are requesting an amount of money is owed for a DNA sample.
Wilcox says offenders are not charged when they give a DNA sample during initial registration or when the offender is released from prison.
Wilcox says the sheriff's office will never ask for payment over the phone. Those who receive a call should not give any information and hang up.
Anyone with information is asked to call the non emergency dispatch phone at 979-361-3888.
Lindsey LeBlanc, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Resource Center and presiding officer of each Brazos Valley SART, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the purpose of the teams, how the members were chosen, and the SART's goals.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about being elected to her first full term, city goals for 2022, the future bond election, the need for a new fire department, Texas A&M President Katherine Banks's new recommendations that could affect College Station, Santa's Wonderland traffic, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M president Katherine Banks and Bryan/College Station news reporters after she announced operational changes that will be implemented by September 1, 2022.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download president Katherine Banks decisions that were announced December 14, 2021: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/TAMUmgtBanksPathForward121421.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the MGT consultants recommendations that were considered by Katherine Banks: "https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/MGTreportTAMU101921.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the December 13, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
The Bryan ISD school board heard from five people during Monday night's meeting who want the Bryan High head football coach to be Viking and Texas A&M alum Todd Howard.
Howard, who recently completed his 30th year in coaching with Montreal in the Canadian Football League, has also coached in the NFL and the collegiate level.
BISD board president Mark McCall said the position of BHS head football coach and athletic coordinator was posted last week, and as of Monday the hiring process was still being finalized. McCall said the process will be publicized after that decision is made.
McCall also said "it was certainly great to see a great show of support for a Bryan High athlete and alumni."
Councilman Brent Hairston visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Bryan's new city attorney and municipal judge, Coulter Airfield, the Varisco Building in Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 13, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting from Butch Felkner, who is the board's consultant leading the search for the district's next superintendent.
Bryan ISD school board members agree this week to take the first step recommended by their consultant in the search for the district's next superintendent.
Butch Felkner of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) says one component is getting an online survey posted on BISD's website by the end of the week and continue through January 20.
Felkner also recommended holding in-person meets with community members, students, and employees on January 12 and 13.
The input received online and in-person will go towards composing a job description.
This podcast is a visit with College Station city councilman Dennis Maloney and WTAW's Bill Oliver on December 15, 2021, the day after winning re-election following a runoff election.
The president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Matt Prochaska, visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver following the December 14, 2021 announcement of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies expansion in the biocorridor.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and vice president Peggi Goss visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about starting the recruitment of volunteer drivers for UWBV's new medical rideshare program.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies expansion, the interlocal agreement, progress in the biocorridor, tax revenue numbers, the Downtown Bryan Lighted Parade, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the house raising the debt limit, if and when President Biden's bill could pass, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Texas CEO Dr. Gerry Farrell, Texas House District 14 representative John Raney, College Station mayor Karl Mooney, Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson, Brazos County judge Duane Peters, Texas A&M university vice president for academic and strategic partnerships Dr. Susan Ballabina, Texas A&M system vice chancellor for research Dr. Joe Elabd, and Brazos Valley economic development corporation board chairman Clint Cooper.
The largest employer in the Bryan/College Station biocorridor has been selected for a $300 million dollar expansion.
Tuesday’s announcement by FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) follows the approval of multiple incentives.
Monday night, the Bryan ISD school board approved limiting the valuation increase on the improved property. The president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Matt Prochaska, says that gives a net tax benefit to the company of $11.3 million and $6.5 million in net revenue to Bryan ISD.
Last Thursday, the College Station city council approved reimbursing FDB $4.9 million dollars in property tax revenue over a ten year period. This is a joint agreement with the Bryan city council, which is scheduled to give its official approval Tuesday evening.
A Brazos County official says the county commission will consider a property tax reimbursement at a future meeting.
And the governor’s office announced FDB will receive $1.5 million from the Texas Enterprise Fund.
The 138,000 square foot addition to increase production of vaccines and gene therapies is expected to open by January 1, 2025.
The expansion is promoted to create 150 more full time equivalent jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000 dollars.
News release from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies:
COLLEGE STATION, Texas, December 14, 2021― FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a world-leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with experience in the development and manufacture of recombinant biopharmaceuticals and viral gene therapies, today announced an expansion of its single-use manufacturing campus in College Station through the addition of a new cGMP production facility that will double the Company’s advanced therapy and vaccine manufacturing capacity in the U.S. This investment is supported by a $1.5 million Texas Enterprise Fund Award to support the creation of approximately 150 skilled positions including manufacturing and operations by 2024.
The investment of approximately $300 million for facility construction is part of a previously announced $850 million global capital investment package initially outlined by FUJIFILM Corporation in June 2021. The investment will further expand FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ manufacturing capabilities to better support its current and future partners in advancing their life-impacting products.
This new facility, expected to be operational by 2024, will add approximately 138,000 sq.ft2 to the existing campus growing the site to 300,000 sq. ft2. The new site will house multiple 500L and 2,000L bioreactors and associated purification equipment deploying single-use technology.
"FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies' expansion is wonderful news for the hardworking people of College Station-Bryan, and it will bring more opportunities for Texans to develop life-saving technology and treatment," said Governor Greg Abbott. "The biotechnology industry is growing at a tremendous rate in Texas, and I thank FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies for their continued investment in the Brazos Valley that will keep the Lone Star State competitive in this field."
“As a leader in the advanced therapy market, this complements FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies’ existing global footprint which now include sites in Watertown, Massachusetts, USA and Darlington, United Kingdom,” said Martin Meeson, chief executive officer, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies.
“As the need for advanced therapies development and manufacturing capacity grows, we will continue to invest in the right technology and talent to support our partners in bringing to market these life-impacting medicines,” said Gerry Farrell, chief operating officer, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Texas. “We are grateful to Governor Greg Abbott, and the State of Texas for its commitment to supporting the growth of the Texas biocorridor, and creating highly-skilled jobs in the state. We are also grateful to the cities of Bryan and College Station and Brazos County for their continued support with this initiative.”
The Texas Enterprise Fund awards support the creation of quality jobs and leverage private investment for business activities designed to strengthen the economic future of the state.
About FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is an industry-leading Biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with locations in Teesside, UK, RTP, North Carolina, College Station, Texas and Hillerød, Denmark. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies has over thirty years of experience in the development and manufacturing of recombinant proteins, vaccines, monoclonal antibodies, among other large molecules, viral products and medical countermeasures expressed in a wide array of microbial, mammalian, and host/virus systems. The company offers a comprehensive list of services from cell line development using its proprietary pAVEway™ microbial and Apollo™X cell line systems to process development, analytical development, clinical and FDA-approved commercial manufacturing. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies is a partnership between FUJIFILM Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation. For more information, go to: www.fujifilmdiosynth.com.
About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM Corporation is an operating company of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation. FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, brings cutting edge solutions to a broad range of global industries by leveraging its depth of knowledge and fundamental technologies developed in its relentless pursuit of innovation. Its proprietary core technologies contribute to the various fields including healthcare, highly functional materials, document solutions and imaging products. These products and services are based on its extensive portfolio of chemical, mechanical, optical, electronic and imaging technologies. For the year ended March 31, 2021, the company had global revenues of $21 billion, at an exchange rate of 106 yen to the dollar. Fujifilm is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and good corporate citizenship. For more information, please visit: https://www.fujifilmholdings.com.
This podcast contains comments from the December 10, 2021 review of Brazos County Crimestoppers 40th anniversary campaign of publicizing 40 cold cases in 40 days. Speakers are
Brazos County Crime Stoppers board member Michael Kuitu, Brazos County sheriff Wayne Dicky, Crime Stoppers coordinator and Brazos County sheriff's deputy Rob Santasiero, and retired Brazos County sheriff and former coordinator Chris Kirk.
Brazos County Crime Stoppers finishes its review of 40 cold cases revisited during the last 40 days as part of the organization's 40th anniversary.
Crime Stoppers coordinator and Brazos County sheriff's deputy Rob Santasiero says 25 cases were closed by tips and other sources.
During the 40 day period, Crime Stoppers received 44 tips, College Station ISD received 48 tips, and Bryan ISD 67 tips.
With retired sheriff and Crime Stoppers coordinator Chris Kirk in attendance, the organization announced there will be a new legacy award in Kirk's name presented annually.
News release from Brazos County Crime Stoppers:
Thank you to all our media partners, law enforcement partners, but especially our community for all your support during this event. It is a tremendous honor to work with you, and an obligation to our community to do our best every day.
Thank you to those outlets and representatives that were able to attend our press conference this morning. For those who were unable, please feel free to contact me for details. Bottom line, this has been more successful than we could have hoped for. We didn’t close the very old cold cases, but every tip was followed up by multiple law enforcement agencies, and any new information is welcome. While the tip quantity didn’t increase greatly, the quality of the information received did. In many cases, information was actionable and either led to an arrest, or in many cases furthering an investigation towards a later arrest.
A total of 44 tips were received by Brazos County Crimestoppers. Some tips were based off Crimestoppers press releases but called in to law enforcement directly.
Two were cleared by arrest, three cleared by arrest but not specifically tip related, three provided additional confirmation to information that we already had. In total 25 of these tips were cleared overall, including a fugitive apprehension yesterday just hours after we ran the press release. Thank you to our community and media partners and to our fellow law enforcement agencies for helping us make that happen.
We also discussed “pattern crimes” that we see often, especially around the holidays. Burglaries, burglaries of vehicles, fraud, and others are common but there are simple things you can do to keep safe. A number of tips are embedded in the below YouTube link, and run on law enforcement media pages commonly as the “9PM Routine”. These are simple things that make the criminal’s job much more difficult, and go a long way to keeping you and your family safe.
The last, and arguably the most notable moment of this morning’s press conference, was the announcement of the Sheriff Christopher C. Kirk Legacy Award, which will be presented annually by Brazos County Crimestoppers. We want to honor the legacy of service above self, and commitment to keeping our community safe that Sheriff Kirk instilled in us during his tenure, by recognizing one individual in our community annually who strives to live up to that legacy. And we have asked Kirk if he would help us in selecting the appropriate first recipient.
All the cases that are still active from the past 40 days can be found here https://youtu.be/w_DKIGCRjZQ on our YouTube channel. We will also run on our homepage at www.brazoscountycrimestoppers.org for the next month or so, and will later be archived on our Open Cases tab. It will also be pinned to the top of our Facebook page. Please feel free to run this on your social media as well, and regardless of how long it takes Crimestoppers Won’t Forget and we’ll continue to bring closure and justice to victims and their families.
This podcast is a visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs with the events coordinator for the Visit College Station tourism agency, Kendra Davis, who previews upcoming city-sponsored holiday events, and communications director Jay Socol, who announces the city employee of the year and other upcoming events.
This podcast is with Blinn College Foundation associate director Phil Shackelford and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The photo associated with this podcast, courtesy of Blinn College Foundation shows (L-R) First Financial Trust senior vice presidents Jeff Wind and Austin Bryan and foundation board chairman Sam Sommer,
The 300th endowed scholarship has been announced by the Blinn College Foundation.
Associate director Phil Shackelford says it comes from the Bryan family of Bryan and the First Financial Trust.
The joint scholarship will go to Blinn students who graduated from Bryan high schools.
The foundation also announced First Financial Trust senior vice president Austin Bryan recently joined their board of directors.
News release from the Blinn College Foundation:
The Blinn College Foundation has reached a significant milestone in helping students reach their educational goals.
Bryan-based First Financial Trust and the Bryan family gifted $15,000 to establish the 300th Blinn College District endowed scholarship administered by the Foundation. The Foundation has received more than $10.5 million in grants and contributions since it was created in 2000.
“The establishment of the Blinn College Foundation’s 300th endowed scholarship demonstrates how deeply our community cares about Blinn College and its students,” said Dr. Mary Hensley, Chancellor of the Blinn College District. “On behalf of everyone at Blinn, I would like to thank the many donors who have generously benefitted so many of our students.”
Sam Sommer, Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors, said the 300th endowed scholarship represents widespread support for the Foundation’s mission.
“We’re very appreciative of the gift from First Financial Trust and the Bryan family that brought us to this milestone,” Sommer said. “Thanks to the tremendous support the Foundation receives from individuals and businesses, we have been able to help thousands of students reach their educational goals.
“Three hundred endowed scholarships represent quite an achievement, and we look forward to the next 300.”
The First Financial Trust and Bryan Family Scholarship will be awarded to graduates of Bryan high schools who attend Blinn.
“Blinn College has been a wonderful member of the Brenham and Bryan-College Station communities,” said Austin Bryan, Senior Vice President of First Financial Trust. “It’s done so much for both communities, and this is an opportunity to give back to Blinn and also benefit needy students in our community.”
Bryan recently joined the Foundation Board of Directors.
“It’s exciting for me to give this donation as I’m just now coming on the board,” he said. “I’d like to be able to send a message to the Foundation that we’re appreciative of the opportunity to be represented but also to reciprocate by helping out.”
The Blinn College Foundation provides financial support for activities and programs that enhance educational opportunities for Blinn students.
Endowed scholarships are available to new and returning students from a wide variety of backgrounds, majors, and experiences. Scholarships are awarded based on high academic achievement, participation in student activities, and community involvement.
Students can apply for 300 Blinn scholarships by completing a single application at www.blinn.edu/scholarships. Prior to applying, students must complete an application for admission to Blinn College at www.applytexas.org.
This podcast contains comments from the December 6, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers include BISD director of student services Shannon McGehee and board members David Stasny and Felicia Benford.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download Bryan ISD presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/BISD120621calendar.pdf
On Monday, December 13, Bryan ISD school board members take action on the 2022-2023 calendar.
The calendar recommended by administrators has the support of 62 percent of parents and community members and more than 70 percent support of employees and students.
It includes six days where students are dismissed early. Board member Felicia Benford and BISD student services director Shannon McGehee addressed concerns from board member David Stasny about what gets accomplished on a short class day and what children will do after school.
For the first time, there is a student/staff holiday in October and protected teacher work days throughout the school year.
Lauren Hovde, Development Administrator, visits with WTAW's Steve Miller about new residential lot proposals, residential and commercial growth, progress at Midtown Park, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Steve Miller about the new city hall, upcoming council meetings, the next meeting's agenda, hotel occupancy, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Steve Miller about passing the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), action in the Senate, vaccine mandates, electric vehicles, cryptocurrency, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
City of College Station officials including Communications Director Jay Socol, Mayor Karl Mooney, and City Manager Bryan Woods spoke at the new city hall dedication and also unveiled the city's first seal.
This podcast is a visit with BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) general manager Gary Miller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The interim president/CEO of the operator of most of the electric grid in Texas recently visited with members of a Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce.
BTU general manager Gary Miller was among those hearing what's being done at ERCOT to not repeat power outages and rolling outages that happened last February.
New rules require electric generators and natural gas companies that supply fuel to generators to certify to ERCOT that they have winterized their facilities.
Miller says BTU has met ERCOT's requirements and is going above and beyond that certification.
BTU provided power without interruption during last February's storm for its customers and sold power to other providers.
BTU customers were not charged the additional cost for electricity during last February's storm. Miller says they will continue to the best of their ability to not put BTU in a financial burden.
Horace Hamilton of Caldwell visited with local media before a wreath ceremony in commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Debbie Lollar, Executive Director of Texas A&M Transportation Services, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Aggies on the M.O.V.E campaign and how to provide feedback.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince, executive director Liz Dickey of the local non-profit medical clinic and UWBV partner agency Health For All, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
In addition to the update on activity and the need for financial support and volunteers at Health For All due to the pandemic, UWBV is asking for children's books that will be distributed during their Jingle Book Bash events during the remainder of December. New and used books can be dropped off at the UWBV offices across Briarcrest from The Eagle (1716 Briarcrest Drive, Suite 155 in Bryan).
This podcast is a visit with the principal of College Station ISD's Forest Ridge elementary school, Terresa Katt, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Students and staff at College Station ISD's Forest Ridge elementary school are still riding the high from this week's visit by Texas education commissioner Mike Morath.
That's according to principal Terresa Katt, who says Morath interacted with students and teachers during Wednesday's appearance.
Katt says it was "delightful" for students and teachers alike to see Morath on the classroom floor interacting with students.
She was surprised that the commissioner asked for feedback on some of his initiatives. Morath told Katt "You guys are working on improvements, well, so am I."
College Station Municipal Court Judge Ed Spillane visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the increase in behavior crimes, current trends, how the pandemic is affecting crime, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan/College Station Salvation Army captain Tim Israel and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army still has about 750 Christmas Angels to be adopted.
Captain Tim Israel also says with less than two weeks remaining, only 300 gifts have been turned in from the 1,100 angels that have been adopted so far.
Volunteers are still needed to sort and distribute gifts.
And volunteers continue to be recruited to ring bells at more than 20 red kettle locations around the twin cities.
Israel said the annual mayor's ring off is Saturday (December 4) during the noon hour. Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson will be at the Briarcrest Walmart and College Station mayor Karl Mooney will be at the College Station Walmart.
More information about donating and volunteering is online at salvationarmybcs.org
Lynn Elliott, Brazos County ESD #1 Board President, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a recognition ceremony they are hosting on Saturday for Jim Carroll, who donated land for fire station #4.
Gwynne Shillings from Bryan Parks and Recreation visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Holiday Magic, Reindeer on the Run, and more holiday events during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Valley Gives co-chair Julie Porter and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Representatives of 154 non-profit agencies participating in October’s Brazos Valley Gives event gathered Tuesday to receive additional incentives and prize money.
Co-chair Julie Porter said more than $110,000 dollars was awarded.
That brought the total given to all the non profits serving the seven county region to $926,880 dollars.
Porter says the leadership team will start meeting in January to lay the groundwork for the fourth annual event that will take place October 18, 2022.
Brazos Valley Gives, powered by the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley, is a one-day online fundraiser for participating non-profits serving the region.
More information is at brazosvalleygives.org
Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver following a November 30, 2021 special meeting of the city council about economic development projects, his thoughts about the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, and city sponsored holiday events.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Brad Mitchell about President Biden's Build Back Better bill, quantitative easing (QE), legislation that could pass by the end of the year, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 16, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting from secondary education director Tiffany Parkerson and superintendent Mike Martindale.
Copy and paste the following link for presentation materials from the November 16, 2021 CSISD board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CSISD111621grade.pdf
Monday (November 29) was originally scheduled to be the last meeting of a 58 member committee that is tasked to recommend changes to College Station ISD's policy regarding grading and class ranking of high school students.
CSISD's secondary education director Tiffany Parkerson told school board members during their November 16th meeting that they will consider proposed changes in January or February instead of December.
Parkerson said the committee, which began meeting September 27, did not start talking about proposed changes until November 8.
Parkerson said that discussion included a consensus of having a three tiered system. Tier one would be advanced placement courses, tier two advanced courses, and tier three all other courses. There was also discussion about dual credit classes in tier one or tier two.
Parkerson said the first group of students to be affected by any changes would be this year's seventh graders.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince, donor relations coordinator Maggie Gray, and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the annual worldwide Giving Tuesday event.
This podcast is a visit with William Skeen of The 100 Club and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Houston based non-profit which provides financial support to the dependents of law enforcement officers and firefighters who are killed or seriously injured also has an annual honors presentation.
Officials of The 100 Club, including executive director William Skeen, recognized nine from Brazos County Monday as local heroes.
Skeen says the lifetime achievement award for law enforcement in their 18 county core service area was presented to retired Brazos County sheriff Chris Kirk.
Officer of the year is deputy Adam Dodson of the Brazos County sheriff's office.
Rookie law enforcement officer of the year is Javier Castillo of the College Station police department.
Six awards were presented to members of the Bryan fire department. Those recipients are Lt. Heath Dozier, apparatus operator Trevor LaRoche, firefighter/paramedic Mason Marino, firefighters Tyler Copeland and Michael Talbert, and probationary firefighter Colton Wiseman was rookie of the year.
Joining Skeen in presenting the awards were Brazos County members of the 100 Club board of directors J.J. Ruffino and George Georgiades.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County tax office is busy enough for county commissioners to spend $137,000 dollars at this week's meeting to buy equipment to process checks and scan mail. Tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe says this will reduce the processing time from two or three days to 20 minutes, comparable to processing paperwork the same way they handle online transactions. Roe says the backlog has become go great that taxpayers are calling her office to ask if their checks have been cashed. Roe says the new equipment will not result in any layoffs.
And if you are among the 11,000 Brazos County property owners who take advantage of split property tax payments, the deadline for the first half is November 30 at 5 p.m. Roe says if you miss that deadline, the entire property tax bill is due by January 31, 2022. Payment options include using the mail, as long as the postmark is November 30 or before. Other options include online payments and using the drop boxes outside the tax office building.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Americans's concerns, the government's control of goods and services, the petroleum reserve, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the November 22, 2021 College Station city council meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the impact fee study update presentation from the November 22, 2021 College Station city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CScoun112221_ImpactStudyUpdates.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the impact fee collection rate presentation from the November 22, 2021 College Station city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CScoun112221_ImpactCollectionRatePrez.pdf
The College Station city council takes more than four hours Monday night to make some changes to the city's impact fee ordinance.
The impact fee is a one time charge or assessment that is imposed on new development at the time the city issues a building permit.
There was a 5-2 vote approving the ordinance as recommended by city staff, providing what was quoted in the agenda as a "five-year update of land use assumptions, capital improvements plans, and maximum assessable impact fees for systemwide water, wastewater, and roadways." That vote followed 40 minutes of comments from developers who opposed the fee increases, other residents who supported the increases, and councilmembers. Voting yes were John Nichols, Bob Brick, Dennis Maloney, John Crompton, and Elizabeth Cunha. Karl Mooney and Linda Harvell voted no. That vote gives the council the authority to raise the maximum impact fee on homebuilders by $17,000 dollars.
Two and a half hours later, after more public comments and two motions failing, there was a unanimous vote approving a ten percent increase in the impact fee collection rates charged to homebuilders. The new rates, which starts March 1, 2022, adds $500 dollars to the cost of new home. How much the city-at-large will still subsidize the cost of new roads, waterlines, and sewer lines was not announced.
The council left for future discussion, what if any changes may come in impact fees for new commercial developments. Also to be determined, what if any grandfathered developments will be exempted from impact fees.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley communications manager Kat Gammon, Blake Jennings of UWBV partner agency On-Ramp Texas, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station City Councilman John Crompton visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about impact fees, increasing commercial development, promoting the city, and more.
This podcast contains comments from the November 17, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents committee meeting on buildings and facilities.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/bor111821BrightIndoorTrack.pdf
he Texas A&M system board of regents approves proceeding with $205 million dollars in new construction for Aggie athletics.
That includes a $125 million dollar expansion and renovation of the Bright football complex, add 31 football suites at the south end of Kyle Field at a cost of $25 million, and build a $55 million dollar indoor track next to the recently opened outdoor facility.
The Bright football complex portion of the project would include a new indoor football practice facility; a new academic support center for student athletes, relocate the Slocum Nutrition Center; and renovate the first and second floors of the complex.
The project start date will be during the current fiscal year. The system's chief facilities officer, Brett McCully, told the regents building and facilities committee that once this is on the system's master capital plan, they can "engage the architect and the construction managers to work through the details." McCully also said "we understand from the scheduling that we need to start the new indoor facilities first, but consistently", and "we've got to work out the details of the rest of the project as we go."
The regents action also appropriates $20.5 million for pre-construction services and related project costs, contingent upon the completion of a Program of Requirements (POR) scoped to the approved budget for the Bright Area Development project.
According to the regents background information, the flagship campus is starting a fundraising effort and plans to replace a minimum of $125 million of the cost with gifts as the debt service source. For the revenue financing service (RFS) debt to be repaid with gifts, the university plans to obtain a guarantee from the 12th Man Foundation to cover any shortfall in gift revenue and any shortfall in total revenue to cover the required 1.15x debt service coverage.
Before construction begins, Texas A&M system policy requires 50 percent of the gift fund money in hand and an additional 25 percent in documented pledges. For any funds not in hand, an unrestricted source of funds must be identified to pay for the project or for the repayment of debt prior to approval for construction.
Quoting the project justification portion of the regents background information:
As a continuation of the premier learning experience at its College Station campus, Texas A&M and the Athletic Department desire to improve the current Bright Complex area with expansion and renovation of their current facilities and surrounding site.
The importance of this project is the continued enhancements of the training and educational support system for the student athletes. The project elevates the athletic and education support programs to the top tier in the collegiate market.
From a big picture perspective, the site exterior improvements will result in a more cohesive Bright Complex area that better organizes the pedestrian and vehicular circulation and provides varied landscape features that create an overall positive environment.
The new Academic Center’s focus is the education, nutrition and overall health of the student athlete, and the current needs of these programs have outgrown their existing home in the Bright building.
The new Indoor Football building will provide an extended playing field and support spaces for the team to utilize both indoor and adjacent outdoor practice fields for more coordinated and efficient workout schedules that aren’t attainable with the current facility.
The renovation of the existing Bright Complex will modernize the player meeting and locker room areas, as well as rehabilitation and coaches areas to create the synergy for the highest caliber of athletic training.
Dovetailed with these improvements is the addition of new premium suites at the south end of Kyle Field for the added benefit to the overall fan experience.
In addition, the Texas A&M System and the Aggie Athletics Department desire to construct a new training and competition venue for the Indoor Track programs. With the proposed enhancements and expansion in the Bright Area Development Project, this facility will be necessary for continuity of training and the future success of the Men’s and Women’s Track programs.
The project will re-establish Texas A&M as a leading host site of both SEC Championship and NCAA National Championship level competitions – providing national exposure for the programs and the university. The facility will consolidate the Indoor and Outdoor Track programs into a single destination on West Campus, allowing for maximum
utilization of student-athlete, coaching, training, and media facilities located at E.B. Cushing Outdoor Track and the West Campus Player Development Center.
This hub will solidify Texas A&M as the gold standard of track and field facilities and be a powerful tool in the recruitment of future national champions.
Aketch Osamba, President of the Matthew Gaines Society, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about dedicating a statue on campus in honor of the black Texas senator, his contributions to the university, what it means for the campus community, and more.
Gary Miller, BTU General Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about winterizing their equipment, emergency response service, building a new generating plant, last year's winter storm, the new restaurant at Lake Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments during the November 16, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting from the district's career and technical education director, Kevin Ross.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials from the November 16, 2021 CSISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/CSISD111621cvhs.pdf
College Station ISD administrators tell school board members their goal to increase enrollment at the district's alternative high school from 82 this year to more than 200 in three years.
According to an update presented during Tuesday's board meeting regarding College View High School, administrators want 45 percent of the student body in one of four career academies.
CSISD's career and technical education (CTE) director Kevin Ross says one of three new options is in hotel and resort management.
The other new programs are digital arts and media influencing and facilities engineering technology.
College View will continue to offer a fire science academy.
Board members were told recruitment efforts are already underway. There are 333 current eighth graders who are not enrolled in athletics and/or fine arts. 469 students taking principles of law classes are targeted for the fire science academy. 181 students taking principles of arts and/or audio-visual and/or photography classes are targeted for the digital arts and media influencer academy. 231 students taking introduction to culinary classes are targeted for the hotel and resort management academy. And 188 students taking introduction to construction and/or ag mechanics classes are targeted for the facilities engineering technology academy.
As for the rest of College View's future enrollment, board members were told 45 percent of the student population will be in a dual credit program with Blinn College, and ten percent will be enrolled in programs to speed up getting their high school diploma.
This podcast contains comments from the November 9, 2021 Bryan city council meeting. Speakers include Bobby Gutierrez, Flynn Adcock, Debbie Albert of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, and Bryan city engineer Paul Kaspar.
Copy and paste this link to read and download a presentation during the November 9, 2021 Bryan city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BryCoun110921TxAve.pdf
The Bryan city council is told that raised medians have cut the crash rates by two-thirds in College Station along University and on Texas between Deacon and Harvey Mitchell.
That was among the reasons a median will be built along Texas between Highway 21 and University.
During a recent discussion about the $31 million dollar project, two councilmen had objections.
Bobby Gutierrez, who has a business at Texas and Coulter, says restricting left turns will decrease property values.
He is also concerned about the Texas Department of Transportation taking away or reducing curb cuts for vehicles getting in and out of business parking lots.
Gutierrez joined Flynn Adcock, who was concerned about semis and delivery vehicles driving through residential neighborhoods because those drivers won't be able to make left turns off Texas and/or from side streets to Texas.
Public comments about the Bryan median project are being taken during a TxDOT virtual meeting on December 8.
This podcast contains comments from the November 16, 2021 Blinn College trustees meeting. The first speaker is Blinn's construction project manager Mark Feldhake.
Tuesday's Blinn College board of trustees meeting was their annual gathering in Brazos County.
Meeting at the Bryan campus student center, there was unanimous approval to hire an architect and start the search for a construction manager for the Bryan campus's new administration building.
At the rest of trustees, Blinn's construction project manager Mark Feldhake repeated the nearly $31 million dollar project involves more than a new home for campus administrators.
The 45,000 square foot building will also house student services, which will move from leased space at the Tejas Center where Blinn pays $240,000 dollars a year to rent.
Blinn's bookstore, police department, and possibly marketing will also be in the new building, which is scheduled to be opened in the fall of 2024.
The project also involves demolishing the former Rivergate church and two homes at Villa Maria and Nash, extend Nash Street to the rest of the Bryan campus, and demolish the current administration building...also known as building "S"...on East 29th.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about raised medians, electric scooters, Bryan's workforce, Lights On! in Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the infrastructure plan, gas prices, continuing resolutions, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince, UWBV campaign chairman and board member Steve Fullhart, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Lieutenants Andrea and Tim Israel helped kick off this year's Angel Tree program during an event at Post Oak Mall. Darius Hunter also spoke about how the Salvation Army has impacted him and his family.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County assistant district attorney Jessica Escue and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A Brazos County district court jury had to wait for prosecutors and law enforcement to execute court orders to force three witnesses to testify.
After two adults were taken to jail and a juvenile was ordered to wear an ankle monitor to monitor their whereabouts, the jury heard about the stabbing death of a Bryan man in July of 2019.
The jury convicted 43 year old Deryl Jackson, Jr. of manslaughter in the death of his brother in law, Jevelle Kinney.
The jury sentenced Jackson to 60 years in prison.
Assistant Brazos County district attorney Jessica Escue says the trial judge issued arrest warrants.
Prosecutors and law enforcement also had to get a search warrant to enter the home of one of the adults. When that woman taken into custody, a juvenile voluntarily appeared before the judge.
A second woman was not found until after the trial began.
Escue says both women remained in jail until after the trial finished.
Escue also says whether either woman faces additional consequences for failing to appear remains under investigation.
Ana Romero, Recreation Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Christmas in the Park, other holiday festivities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a recording of the 2021 Bryan/College Station community Veterans Day program at the Bryan American Legion Post 159. The host is post commander Dale Hutchcraft. The keynote speaker is retired general Kenneth Jones of Iola. Music is provided by the Brazos Valley Community Band.
Kristen Waggener, Communications Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's 150th anniversary, upcoming events, the community Thanksgiving dinner, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about progress on the new water tower, Antonio's Pizza leaving, new development in the Northgate District, scooters, the runoff council election, upcoming holiday events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the infrastructure bill passing, state and local tax deduction (SALT), losing the Brazos Valley after redistricting, United Airlines leaving Easterwood Airport, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Alison Prince of United Way of the Brazos Valley and John Paci with UWBV partner agency Catholic Charities of Central Texas with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson at the burial of a time capsule recognizing the city's 150th anniversary.
Another event with the city of Bryan's sesquicentennial...or 150th anniversary...began Tuesday's city council meeting.
A time capsule was buried by the council...or "entombed" according to mayor Andrew Nelson...in front of the municipal building.
This container was placed next to a time capsule that was buried in 1996. Both will be opened 50 years from their burial.
More than 50 items in the 2021 time capsule includes a WTAW mousepad.
News release from the city of Bryan:
Memories and keepsakes from 2021 will now live on for 50 years, after members of the Bryan City Council buried a time capsule in front of the Bryan Municipal Office Building on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.
The Mayor and Councilmembers were joined by City of Bryan staff and members of the public for the burial.
The time capsule was buried next to the time capsule from 1996, further cementing history in Downtown Bryan. Both capsules will be opened 50 years from their burial.
The 2021 time capsule features items from the City of Bryan, community partners and the community.
Items buried include:
White City of Bryan Hard Hat for Legends Event Center
City Course at the Phillips Event Center Golf Ball
Travis B. Bryan Municipal Golf Course Golf Tees (3)
The Eagle Sesquicentennial Special Publication
City of Bryan 150th Anniversary Challenge Coin
The Good Life Texas Style City of Bryan Challenge Coin
The Good Life Texas Style City of Bryan Recognition of Excellence Challenge Coin
Cyber Warrior Challenge Coin
BRYAN TEXAS sticker
Blue City of Bryan Face Mask
Texas A&M University Resolution Recognizing Bryan as Part of Aggieland
Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) Long Haul Trucker Die-Cast Truck
Texas Coop Power Magazine
Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) Lapel Pin
RP3 Reliable Public Power Provider Lapel Pin
City of Bryan Lapel Pin
150th Anniversary Blue Disc Holiday Ornament
City of Bryan’s 150th Anniversary Magnet
City of Bryan’s 150th Anniversary Sticker
10 postcards – 150th Anniversary:
RELLIS Campus, Texas A&M University System State Highway 21 and Riverside Parkway
Main Street & E. William J. Bryan Pkwy
Arco de Luna – 23rd Street and N. Main Street
Lake Atlas at Lake Walk, HSC Parkway and S. Traditions Drive
Travis Bryan Midtown Park
Early Firefighters – N. Main Street & 26th Street
Downtown Bryan (SW from 26th and Main Streets)
Downtown Bryan Parade – N. Main Street
Cadets from Allen Academy – N. Main Street
S. Parker Lumber Co. – N. Main Street
Grandview Cemetery (Document)
Bryan Police Arm Patch
Bryan Fire Department 150th Anniversary Badge
Screen Cleaner (Downtown Bryan Clock)
3’x5’ White City of Bryan Flag
Midtown Area Plan
White RTIC Cyber Warrior Travel Mug (filled with screen cleaner, pop-socket, stress shield)
Cyber Warrior Mousepad
WTAW Mouse Pad
City Charter
List of current (2020) Council & department heads
2020 Bryan Texas Utilities Annual Report
2020 Bryan Police Department Annual Report
Bryan Fire Department 2019 Annual Report
Bryan Fire Department 2022-2026 Five-Year Strategic Plan
2020 Single Member District Map
Book – Brazos County MEMORIES A Photographic History of the Early Years
Book – Images of America/BRYAN
Booklet – A Guide to Historic Brazos County
City of Bryan’s 150th Anniversary Website Printout
The Laws of Texas 1822-1897, Texas Legislative Action to Incorporate Bryan
City of Bryan Pencil
William Joel Bryan Deed for original Bryan Townsite, Signed November 2, 1869
Travis B. Bryan Midtown Park Layout
Group Photo – Current Council Members
Karla Castillo script (150th Anniversary Thanksgiving Dinner Celebration; November 13, 2021)
150th Table Centerpiece
Public Works water meter
Public Works trucker hat
The 150th Collection Exhibit Artifacts booklet
Destination Bryan / City of Bryan Paper Fan – visit.bryantx.gov
City of Bryan 150th Anniversary Community Thanksgiving Celebration & Dinner Invitation
Destination Bryan t-shirt
2021 Bryan Texas Utilities Calendar
Fiscal Year 2022 Adopted Annual Budget
2021 Texas A&M University Football Schedule
Lake Walk Bryan Koozie and Bag
Remarks from the guest speaker at the B/CS chamber 2021 banquet, the executive director of the Texas A&M system's Bush Combat Development Center, Colonel (Ret.) Ross Guieb, who was introduced by College Station mayor Karl Mooney.
B/CS chamber of commerce board chairman Wade Beckman's remarks during the 2021 chamber annual banquet.
B/CS chamber board chairman Wade Beckman presents the 2021 citizen of the year award to Irma Cauley, followed by remarks from Cauley.
B/CS chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer presents the ambassador of the year award to Papa Joe Foster.
The B/CS chamber of commerce immediate past board chairman, Greg Zweiacker, presents the volunteer of the year award to Mary Mike Hatcher and reflects on the 2021 chamber year.
This podcast contains comments from the November 1, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers are BISD facilities director Paul Buckner and board members Ruthie Waller and David Stasny.
Copy and paste the following link for presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BISD110121warehouse.pdf
Bryan ISD school board members are told the 95 acres of land recently purchased from Blinn College on the district's west side could accommodate more than its intended purpose of a new transportation and maintenance center.
During their November 1st meeting, the board was told BISD's finance and bond committees are considering whether to build a new warehouse complex.
Current plans are repairing the warehouse and annex at a cost of $6.9 million dollars. New construction is estimated to cost $9.7 million.
Board member Ruthie Waller supported replacement, while board member David Stasny wanted to know if repairs are a better value than replacing the space.
The board was also told there was enough land to build a future middle school.
This podcast is a visit with retired congressman Bill Flores of Bryan, who was recently appointed to the board and named vice-chair of the body governing the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
This podcast contains comments from the November 2, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting, followed by a visit with Brazos County general counsel Bruce Erratt and WTAW's Bill Oliver on October 29, 2021.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the real estate sales contract that was approved by the Brazos County commission: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BrCoComm110221bisd.pdf
This week's Brazos County commission meeting included unanimous approval to buy the former Bryan ISD administration building across Texas Avenue from the courthouse.
The BISD school board is scheduled to consider the sale on November 15th.
Commissioners have no immediate plans on what will be done with the building. There was agreement to consider commissioner Russ Ford's idea to study the condition of all county buildings.
The $2.388 million dollar purchase will initially come from unspent money in the county's road and bridge fund. County judge Duane Peters says the fund will be reimbursed.
The commission's general counsel, Bruce Erratt, told WTAW News the price was set by the property's value, which is required by state law when the buyer and seller are governmental units.
Lacey Lively, Chief Information Office of the BVVM, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the annual Veterans Day ceremony, Veterans Park, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Natalie Ruiz, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Costco agreement, the city's plans for the land surrounding Costco, new development, and more.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M system vice chancellor Laylan Copelin and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the system starting to alert employees about what to expect with the president's mandatory pandemic vaccination order.
Thanks to a WTAW listener who sent us an e-mail notifying us the A&M system will be requiring pandemic vaccinations to meet the president's executive order.
System vice chancellor Laylan Copelin tells WTAW News the requirement applies only to those associated with federal contracts and their worksite locations.
The president's order states that of December 8, affected employees must show proof of vaccination, getting a vaccination, or request a medical or religious exemption.
Copelin says the system's notification will come as a federal contract begins or is renewed.
The mandate applies to the A&M system because it has 500 federal contracts that are valued at almost $2 billion dollars.
Chris Ortegon of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about November's First Friday, continuing events associated with the city of Bryan's 150th anniversary, November's "Lights On" and "Wine and Wassail" events, and December's holiday parade in downtown Bryan.
Bryan City Councilman Flynn Adcock visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his first year on city council, BTU and the benefits of having a city owned utility, District 4, upcoming 150th anniversary events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station city council place four winner Elizabeth Cunha and WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 2, 2021.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD school board place one winner Darin Paine and WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 2, 2021.
College Station ISD school board president Mike Nugent visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the results of CSISD's four bond issue votes on November 3, 2021.
This podcast is a visit with College Station city council place six finalist David Levine and WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 2, 2021.
This podcast is a visit with College Station city council place six finalist Dennis Maloney and WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 2, 2021.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD school board place two winner Blaine Decker and WTAW's Bill Oliver on November 2, 2021.
This podcast contains comments from the October 19, 2021 Blinn College trustees meeting. Speakers include trustee Douglas Borchardt, Blinn chief financial officer Richard Cervantes, and Blinn chancellor Mary Hensley.
Blinn College trustees ask during their October meeting about adding at the RELLIS campus, a food truck and a culinary arts program.
Chancellor Mary Hensley said she would ask the Texas A&M system about Blinn operating a food truck. She said a prior attempt by the A&M system, which had agreements with private restaurants, did not work because there were fewer students and fewer employees on the RELLIS campus.
At the Bryan campus, Dr. Hensley said food service is available.
As for the culinary arts program, Hensley told trustees that has been discussed in the past but the issue is finding the space to run a program. Hensley also said Blinn is currently certified for much of the content for a culinary arts program.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about election results, hotel resurgence, the area adjacent to Midtown Park, the city's 150th anniversary, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about election results, how this changes the trajectory of the infrastructure bills, getting Americans back to work, state and local taxes (SALT), and more his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County commissioners during the November 2, 2021 commission meeting.
A divided Brazos County commission approves new precinct boundaries.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the new Brazos County commission precinct boundary map: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/BrCoComm110221RedistrictMap.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to an earlier WTAW web story about redrawing Brazos County commission precinct boundaries: https://wtaw.com/?p=149063
The 3-2 vote follows contentious comments during a redistricting public hearing on where to set the line between precincts two and three.
Precinct two commissioner Russ Ford said he voted no following feedback after contentious redistricting public hearings on where to set the line between precincts two and three.
Precinct four commissioner Irma Cauley told Ford she took public comments into consideration to formally adopt the map which had a majority support last week.
Precinct one commissioner Steve Aldrich voted no after receiving no support on where he would set the boundary.
Ford wanted a boundary along Brushy Creek, which is a dry creek bed. Aldrich wanted that border along Elmo Weedon Road. Cauley and precinct three commissioner Nancy Berry joined county judge Duane Peters in approving the boundary along Highway 30.
Lynn Clary Yeager, Executive Director of the Prenatal Clinic, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
Rob Santarsiero, Brazos County Crimestoppers Program Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the 40th anniversary.
Kendra Davis, Events Coordinator for Visit College Station, visits with WTAW's Steve Miller about Christmas in College Station, Santa's Wonderland, Santa certified hotels, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast includes comments from the public speaker portion of the October 28, 2021 College Station city council meeting, and comments from the October 18, 2021 Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce political forum where Dennis Maloney' was asked if College Station is the best city it can be at its tax rate.
Tristen Lopez, College Station Police Officer, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Halloween safety tips for drivers, trick-or-treaters, and the college crowd.
Danielle Ruiz, Twin Oaks Landfill representative, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Saturday's collection event, acceptable and non-acceptable items, the drive-thru process, and more.
Alsie Bond and Jill Shauer visit with WTAW's Steve Miller about the city’s hamburger cookout benefiting United Way of the Brazos Valley during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Col. Ross Guieb, Executive director, Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC) and Dr. Rodney Bowersox, Executive director, University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics (UCAH)
Associate dean for research, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
This podcast contains comments from the October 25, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting from commissioner Irma Cauley and the pastor of Galilee Baptist Church, Dr. Anthony Ross Sr.
The future of one of Brazos County's voting centers is up in the air, following a discussion at Tuesday's Brazos County commission meeting.
Dr. Anthony Ross Sr., who is the pastor at Galilee Baptist Church in Bryan, says there is no mold.
Ross told commissioners he was told by church staff that election judges did not want to work in that voting center
Commissioner Irma Cauley told Ross that the elections administrator is looking for a new location.
Cauley, who said she votes at that location, also told Ross she would assist him with arranging a meeting.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Steve Miller about the upcoming council meeting, undeveloped land, using solar power, recent accolades for the city, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Steve Miller about progress on the infrastructure bill, what republicans can do right now, what voters should remember one year from now, federal workers who should be working, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is comments from the October 19, 2021 Blinn College board of trustees meeting. Speakers include chancellor Mary Hensley and chief financial officer Richard Cervantes.
There is some optimism about future enrollment increases at Blinn College.
During Blinn's October board of trustees meeting, chancellor Mary Hensley said her "encouraging news" as registration begins for winter minimester and spring semester, was that "for the first time in two years, I'm able to say that we're trending upwards for those registrations as compared to the previous spring."
The agenda for the October board meeting did not include an enrollment update. Responding to a trustee's question, Hensley said there was not any significant change in fall enrollment numbers at any Blinn location.
Hensley and chief financial officer Richard Cervantes reminded the trustees that federal money is reimbursing Blinn for enrollment losses during the pandemic.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince, Charles Coats of UWBV partner agency B/CS Habitat for Humanity, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Almost 116,000 Brazos County property tax statements were mailed with the wrong tax year printed at the top.
Tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe says everything else is correct. And the mistake does not mean getting additional time to pay property taxes.
Roe says they will not be sending another statement.
Instead, property owners will be getting another letter explaining the one mistake on their statement.
News release from Brazos County:
The Brazos County Tax Office has spent the past few months preparing the data necessary to generate and mail just under 116,000 tax statements to Brazos County property owners.
An issue with the statement came to light when the statements actually began to show up in mail boxes this week. The forms that are created in September each year, and delivered to the contracted printer to use for the final information to be added, were printed with the incorrect tax year at the top of the form. The tax office has verified that the correct information was provided to the contractor responsible for the forms and the error occurred there.
The actual information printed on the perforated forms is the 2021 tax roll data, and specifies the 2021 tax year on the payment stubs and in the five-year history provided on the back of the statement. To clarify and avoid confusion, a letter will be sent to Brazos County property owners explaining the mishap, and verifying that the statements mailed are for the 2021 tax year.
Any taxpayer who wishes to have a statement that does not list 2020 at the top of the statement can obtain one from the Brazos County Tax Office website at www.brazostax.org. The statements can be printed, downloaded or emailed to the taxpayer from the property information page when viewed. Please note: the website statements will not include separate payment stubs for split payments. Taxpayers are encouraged to utilize the split payment stubs from the mailed statements.
Shawndra Curry, Division Manager of Engineering and System Planning, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about using drones to gather survey data along Texas Avenue as part of the Texas Avenue Overhead to Underground electric conversion project.
T.J. Schier, COO of BigShots Golf® and Ryan Quinney, Director of Operations speak to the media at the "Nets Up" event.
Ryan Quinney, Director of Operations, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the progress of the facility, the opening date, job opportunities, and more.
Cheletia Johnson, Supervisor of Lincoln Recreation Center, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the fall festival and haunted house, adult activities, senior programs, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with state representative Kyle Kacal of College Station and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Texas legislature on Monday sent to the governor new redistricting maps that keeps Brazos County in one congressional district.
Lawmakers also shifted the boundaries of state representative Kyle Kacal of College Station. HD-12 moved south into what he considers is the heart of the Brazos Valley by picking up Grimes, Madison, Washington, and Walker counties.
Kacal, who announced he is running for re-election next year, gets the rest of Brazos County that is not part of HD-14 and keeps Robertson County. He loses a rural section of McLennan County and all of Falls and Limestone counties.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the Texas House redistricting map, provided by the office of state representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/XGRmapHouseCourtesyTrentAshby.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the Texas Senate redistricting map, provided by the office of state representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/XGRmapSenateCourtesyTrentAshby.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the Texas congressional redistricting map, provided by the office of state representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/XGRmapCongressCourtesyTrentAshby.pdf
There is also a new map for state board of education districts. Copy and paste the following link to read and download the SBOE map, provided by the office of state representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/XGRmapSBOEcourtesyTrentAshby.pdf
Hugh Walker, Deputy City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about progress at Midtown Park, Travis Fields, neighborhood parks, renovating the Phillips Event Center, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation Matt Prochaska, College Station mayor Karl Mooney, and from the Japan Economic Trade Organization (JETRO), JETRO's New York president and United States leader Ken-ichi Kawamoto.
A delegation from the Japanese government's trade organization is spent Wednesday with representatives of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC).
College Station mayor Karl Mooney welcomed members of the Japan Economic Trade Organization (JETRO), led by JETRO New York president and JETRO United States leader Ken-ichi Kawamoto and JETRO Houston chief executive director Masahiro Sakarauchi.
BVEDC president Matt Prochaska says this is the second country they have hosted during the pandemic for an in-person visit.
A third international group will be visiting before the end of the year.
Additional information from a BVEDC news release:
Top trade officials representing Japan visited the Brazos Valley to further develop relations and explore economic and industrial development opportunities.
On October 20, the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation hosted leaders from the Japan External Trade Organization. JETRO promotes mutual trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world and is managed by the country’s Ministry of Economy, Trade & Industry.
The aim of JETRO’s visit was to increase the organization’s awareness of the Brazos Valley’s business advantages and opportunities available to Japanese companies considering Texas, as well as those with operations currently in our community such as FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies and Toyo Ink America. Both companies had representatives meet with JETRO during their trip.
The BVEDC had the opportunity to learn more about Japan’s business reach and goals in the United States and Texas.
Representing JETRO was President of JETRO New York and Leader of JETRO United States Ken-ichi Kawamoto, JETRO Houston Chief Executive Director Masahiro Sakurauchi, and members of the JETRO Houston team.
“Today, we learned the attractiveness to doing business in the Brazos Valley and the many opportunities here in collaborating with the academic side and businesses,” Sakurauchi said. “JETRO is happy to promote the collaboration between Brazos Valley businesses and Japanese businesses.”
A welcome reception began JETRO’s visit and included College Station Mayor Karl Mooney and Invest Brazos Valley Managing Director Amos McDonald with PNC Bank. Following a presentation from and discussion with the BVEDC team, JETRO officials met with leaders from The Texas A&M University System and Texas A&M University, including Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Dr. Joe Elabd and AgriLife Program Manager Heather Hirsch.
“The BVEDC team has been discussing opportunities with JETRO for much of 2021, and we were honored to welcome organization’s representatives in-person to continue those talks,” said BVEDC President/CEO Matt Prochaska. “Showcasing the people and assets of the Brazos Valley, many of which align with the priorities of Japan’s business interests, increases those opportunities for Japanese companies to do business here and for our companies to do business there.”
Recently, JETRO launched a business platform called J-Bridge in order to forge alliances and collaborations between companies in Japan and start-ups and businesses in other countries. Its priority fields include carbon neutral, mobility, retail, healthcare, agriculture and fisheries, and smart cities.
According to data presented by JETRO, as of 2019, Japan is the world’s top foreign direct investor in the United States with total investments of $645 billion. Employment by Japanese companies in Texas has doubled over a ten-year timespan ending in 2018.
The visit is among the latest efforts by the BVEDC and its community partners to strengthen and broaden connections with international companies, governments and organizations. In December, the region will host its annual international technology mission in conjunction with Texas A&M System Technology Commercialization and the Open Worldwide Innovation Network.
This podcast contains comments from the October 19, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting from the district's chief financial officer Amy Drozd and transportation director Hector Silva.
Copy and paste this link to read and download a memo from Amy Drozd to the CSISD school board: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CSISD101921raises.pdf
College Station ISD school board members approve a request from administrators to raise pay for substitute teachers, paraprofessionals, and bus drivers.
A memo from CSISD chief financial officer Amy Drozd says the district has 14 bus driver vacancies and one trainee. That has resulted in mechanics, office staff, and administrators in the transportation department filling in as drivers. CSISD also has to give priority to getting students to and from school over extracurricular trips. The board approved a 50 cent an hour raise for new and current drivers. That would get CSISD to within a dollar a hour of the district's biggest competitor. Additionally, CSISD will give a $1,000 dollar hiring incentive to new drivers and $750 dollars to current CSISD employees who get their CDL and becomes a driver. Transportation director Hector Silva says the incentive is used in Houston area districts, and there is minimal problem of drivers leaving those districts after receiving the hiring bonus.
As for substitute educators, Drozd's memo stated campuses have had to be creative to cover classes when a substitute can not be found. Drozd says students are moving into other classrooms, teachers are giving up free periods, and campus administrators are covering. The board approved a pay increase of five dollars in the daily rate for subs and paras. If the sub has an assignment from 10 to 21 days, the raise would be ten dollars a day.
Raises for subs and paras starts November 1, and for bus drivers starting January 1.
The additional expense is $191,000 dollars. Drozd noted CSISD's total compensation budget is $100 million dollars.
This podcast contains comments from the October 18, 2021 Bryan ISD board meeting from assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw and board member David Stasny.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the agreement approved by the Bryan ISD school board: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BISD101821isenhour.pdf
Bryan ISD school board members Monday night approved a request from administrators to hire a real estate company to assist the district in finding a temporary location to house the district's fleet of 140 buses.
Assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw says this is one of their options. Other possibilities includes parking buses outside BISD campuses and redoing other district properties.
Board member David Stasny suggested contacting the Texas A&M system about a possible location on the RELLIS campus.
A temporary home is needed because BISD's current transportation center is the site for the district's third intermediate school.
If the school board decides on a location selected by the real estate company, the landlord will pay the broker a four percent commission of all base rents.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about their relationship with the fire department, new development, sales tax revenue, Brazos County staying in one congressional district, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the increase in gas prices, inflation, how to bring prices down, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with David Hilburn and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The governor has appointed a new Brazos County district judge.
Local attorney David Hilburn received the news Tuesday afternoon, six weeks after he was interviewed by the governor's staff to fill the vacancy in the 361st district court.
Hilburn has practiced law for 21 years, the first nine as a prosecutor and the last 12 as a defense attorney.
In addition to closing his private practice, he will also be stepping down as chairman of the Brazos County Republican Party.
Hilburn will serve the remainder of the term that was created when Steve Smith was named to the tenth court of appeals.
News release from the governor's office:
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed David Hilburn as Judge of the 361st Judicial District Court in Brazos County for a term set to expire on December 31, 2022, or until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified.
David Hilburn of College Station is an attorney in private practice and has over 20 years of experience in practicing law. He is a member of the State Bar of Texas and the Texas Aggie Bar Association. Additionally, he is a member and previously served as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer of the Brazos County Bar Association. He is a board member and former President of the Children’s Museum of Brazos Valley and member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. Hilburn received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Development from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor degree from South Texas College of Law.
The College Station city council will be looking at regulating outdoor concerts in residential neighborhoods.
That's after Linda Harvell reported during the last council meeting that during the Texas A&M-Alabama football weekend, there was a professionally produced concert in the front yard of a home at Park Place and Dexter south of the Texas A&M campus in the historic Southside neighborhood.
City manager Bryan Woods says the concert was shut down for violating the city's noise ordinance at 10 p.m.
Harvell said she "did not care" that the concert was a private party. She said she received "so many e-mails" and she is aware of multiple complaints being received on the city's online "See, Click, Fix" app.
Councilman John Nichols agreed with Harvell to explore the issue.
College Station city council place six candidates candidates at the B/CS chamber of commerce forum, October 18 2021
This podcast are the comments from College Station city council place four candidates participating at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce forum on October 18, 2021.
This podcast are the comments from College Station ISD school board candidates participating at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce forum on October 18, 2021.
United Way of the Brazos Valley's youth leadership cabinet coordinator Maggie Gray and cabinet member Kimble Schiller of Allen Academy visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about proposing an amendment to the redistricting maps that would keep all of Brazos County in CD-10, the Permanent University Fund, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station ISD Superintendent Mike Martindale visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about CSISD's bond package and breaks down the four different proposals during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp during the October 11, 2021 A&M faculty senate meeting.
The governor on Friday, added higher education funding to the agenda of the legislature's third special session.
That was followed by the House Appropriations Committee being assigned to take up a proposed constitutional amendment that if approved would move half of the money the University of Texas system receives from the permanent university fund (PUF) to other public universities.
On Monday, Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp told the A&M faculty senate the current language of HJR nine and SJR nine keeps their share from the PUF the same.
Sharp said his concern is if the legislation reaches the House floor, there could be an attempt to reduce some portion of A&M's share of the PUF.
The legislation was filed by state lawmakers representing Texas Tech. Sharp says it was done after the University of Texas decided to move to the Southeastern Conference.
Because it's a proposed constitutional amendment, approval is needed by two-thirds of both the Texas House and Senate.
If the legislation is signed, voters would decide in the May 2022 election.
Copy and paste this link to read SJR nine: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/SJR9-PUF_092121.pdf
Copy and paste this link to read the governor's order: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/AbbottSpSessHigherEd101521.pdf
City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the future of electric scooters in College Station, impact fees, inflation, the financial impact of last year's winter storm, the relationship with the City of Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the senior manager of the Brazos Valley Fair and Rodeo Fiona Meyer and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos Valley fair and rodeo celebrates ten years with two weekends of events at the Brazos County Expo.
Senior manager Fiona Meyer says the first weekend, called a kickoff weekend, begins Saturday with a steak cookoff contest that is open to everyone and registrations will be accepted until the time of the event.
The first Saturday (October 16) also includes two welding contests. One involves a competition involving 200 high school students who will pursue a professional certification.
The first Sunday (October 17), there will be a tractor pull.
On Thursday, October 21, all Texas junior exhibitors are eligible to participate in a public speaking competition.
The following weekend, Friday October 22 through Sunday October 24, are traditional events that includes rodeos, concerts, the carnival, and other attractions.
Meyer says volunteers are still be recruited, and their organizations will be paid for volunteer time.
Discounted general admission tickets and carnival wristband are available until October 17 at Producers Cooperative Association and Boot Barn.
More information is online at brazosvalleyfair.org.
This podcast contains comments from the October 11, 2021 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
The annual visit by the chancellor of the Texas A&M system to the A&M faculty senate included questions about a consultant's study that is being prepared for A&M's president.
Chancellor John Sharp said on Monday that president Katherine Banks has not received the report and that he won't see it until faculty senate members get it.
Sharp also responded to a report from The Battalion newspaper that the consultant may include a recommendation to combine A&M's college of liberal arts and the college of sciences.
Sharp says nothing is going to happen without Banks first having what the chancellor described as a "robust discussion" with faculty members.
After Sharp's appearance, faculty senate speaker Dale Rice said the consultant's report adds to the anxiety of educators and researchers dealing with the pandemic.
Rice said this "could mean huge upheaval in their academic lives". He also said "I believe you deserve to be heard, and your views deserve to be taken seriously in the ultimate outcome."
Kristen Waggener, Communications Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the 150th anniversary community dinner, updates to the anniversary website, upcoming anniversary events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bunny Pratt, Events Chair, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Field of Valor, how to tag a flag, and more.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new pay-to-park system, the Northgate District, the future of electric scooters, his takeaways from the Texas Municipal League, the ROO, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the debt ceiling, the jobs report, supply chain issues, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the October 11, 2021 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp tells the A&M faculty senate that their lawyers are reviewing President Biden's announcement mandating pandemic vaccinations for federal contractors, which is in conflict with the governor's executive order.
Sharp says the flagship is the largest federal contractor in higher education. Between the university and the system, they have more than $3 billion dollars in federal contracts.
Sharp believes that close to half of the system's workforce is impacted.
The chancellor says there will be a special meeting of the system's board of regents in the near future to finalize action.
That was one of the pandemic related topics discussed by Sharp and members of the faculty senate. The chancellor responded to members who wanted the option to teach online instead of or in addition to in-person classes. And the chancellor said faculty members can incentivize students for getting vaccinated.
This podcast is a visit with Cary Baker of United Way of the Brazos Valley partner agency Scotty's House child advocacy center, UWBV communications manager Kat Gammon, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the October 5, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the presentation given during the October 5, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BrCoComm100521grant.pdf
Brazos County commissioners have until December 31st of 2024 to spend almost $44.5 million dollars of federal pandemic money.
Four members of a Tyler consulting firm hired by the county shared a presentation of where money can and can not be spent.
Commissioners were told public health and economic impacts of the pandemic is one of the more flexible and broad areas to spend money.
Wastewater and stormwater improvements qualify for pandemic money if they meet the EPA's clean water act.
Before the consultants were hired, commissioners heard public requests for high speed broadband. Commissioners were told 91 percent of Brazos County residents have access. The largest area without broadband is in the northeast portion of Brazos County.
Commissioners says the federal money could also reimburse more than $6 million dollars in revenue losses sustained by Brazos County during the pandemic.
The image associated with this podcast is from Bryan ISD's Twitter account.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD projects manager Paul Buckner during the October 4, 2021 BISD school board meeting.
Copy and paste this link to read and download the presentation from the October 4, 2021 BISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BISD100421bond.pdf
Less than a year since Bryan ISD voters approved a $175 million dollar bond issue, a few projects have been completed and a few more are underway.
BISD school board members learned Monday that the recently completed SFA annex renovation cost $1,966,192 dollars less than expected.
BISD facilities director Paul Buckner says replacing roofs at Jones and Crockett elementary schools has taken more time and an additional $848,277 dollars.
Buckner also reported it cost an additional $598,068 to improve public address systems around BISD.
The board was reminded the construction contract for BISD's third intermediate school is $182,140 dollars under budget.
Members also learned replacing the fence around Merrill Green stadium was $28,500 under budget, BISD's career and technology center getting connected to city sewer was $26,750 under budget, and replacing an rooftop air handling unit at the Bryan High fieldhouse was $65,000 under budget.
Colton Koenig, Senior Services Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about senior programs and events during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bernie Acre, Chief Information Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Cybersecurity Awareness Month, password tips, cybersecurity tips, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Felicia Benford, Health Equity Team Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about two focus groups being held to discuss health equity and disparities related to COVID-19 information in the community.
This podcast contains comments from College Station ISD director of career and technical education Kevin Ross from the September 21, 2021 CSISD school board meeting.
Copy and paste this link to read and download the presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CSISD092121CTE.pdf
An update on College Station ISD's (CSISD) career and technical education (CTE) program was part of the September CSISD board meeting.
Two board members expressed their surprise that 89 percent of CSISD middle and high schools students last year took at least one CTE class.
CTE director Kevin Ross says CSISD 22 programs offering a total of 91 courses. Last year, 6,500 CSISD students in grades 7 through 12 took at least one CTE class.
Ross was asked about a huge push or need to move students through one course of study. He says that comes from the state. And that does not prevent CSISD students from choosing from a variety of courses and programs...something he refers to as the CTE "buffet".
Ross also thanked the board and the committee for endorsing an $8.5 million dollar CTE building as part of next month's $83 million dollar bond issue going before CSISD voters. Ross said last year, 14 percent of CSISD CTE students were enrolled in ag courses.
This podcast is a update, midway through the annual State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC) administered in this region by United Way of the Brazos Valley, with the SECC's coordinator at Texas A&M University Kim Fox, UWBV president Alison Prince, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Texas Municipal League, what he hopes to see from the state government in the future, redistricting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about President Biden's package, other legislation to be concerned about, Senate republicans refusing to raise the debt limit, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the director of CHI St. Joseph EMS, Billy Rice, and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the under utilization of the new College Station pandemic infusion center.
The recently opened pandemic infusion center in College Station is being used at around half capacity.
The EMS director at CHI St. Joseph Health, Billy Rice, says 60 patients can receive services each day at the center.
There is no charge for patients at the state funded facility, which is also a local public-private partnership.
Rice says 95 percent of the appointments can be scheduled for the same day.
Those who have coronavirus in its early stages are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 979-690-4478.
Rice says there is a physician at the center who can make a referral for patients who do not have a physician.
The center is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
This podcast is a visit with Michael Parks of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
$2 million dollars in rent assistance has been given to Brazos County renters affected by the pandemic in the last six months.
The Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) is administering a nearly $7 million dollar grant for the county.
The grant's original expiration date was the end of September. BVCOG executive director Michael Parks says the deadline was extended to December 2022.
But Parks says they are on pace to run out of money as early as next February.
Parks says some can qualify for grants to pay back rent as well as utilities.
Application information is online at brazoscountytx.gov.
For those who live outside Brazos County, Parks says rental assistance is available online at texasrentrelief.com.
James Smith, Capital Improvement Projects Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about two upcoming road projects on Rock Prairie Road and Deacon Road during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Katelyn Brown of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about October 2021 events.
This podcast contains comments from the September 13, 2021 meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate.
Changes in how Texas A&M students appeal allegations of academic misconduct and their grades were discussed during the September meeting of the university's faculty senate.
The director of the honors council, Tim Powers, says combining the honors council investigation with the appeals hearing is designed to reduce a case load that has grown over the last ten years from 30 to 90 a year.
Powers says 83 to 87 percent of the allegations result in some type of sanction.
One faculty senate member asked that they get to appeal honors council decisions. Another member said faculty members need to be better prepared.
Lori Allen, star of TLC's reality shows Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta and Say Yes to the Dress: Bridesmaids, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about thriving after breast cancer, saying vigilant with our health, and more.
Councilman Prentiss Madison visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what he is hearing from his constituents, neighborhood parks, citizens serving on boards and commissions, district meetings, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce has announced the recipients of two awards that will be presented at their annual banquet.
Chamber president Glen Brewer says this year's citizens of the year is Brazos County commissioner Irma Cauley.
Volunteer of the Year is Bryan Broadcasting's Mary Mike Hatcher.
The recipient of the event's third award, chamber ambassador of the year, will be announced during the banquet the evening of November 8.
News release from the B/CS Chamber of Commerce:
The Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce will host their 2021 Annual Banquet on Monday, November 8th at the Hilton College Station. The event is sponsored by the City of College Station.
The Annual Banquet officially serves to welcome new Board Chair Wade Beckman with Shipwreck Grill, Amico Nave Ristorante, 3rd on Main, and Admiral Catering, and to recognize outgoing board members, including Immediate Past Chair Greg Zweiacker, owner of Zweiacker & Associates, for their service to the Chamber. The banquet will also allow the Chamber to recognize its Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Ambassador of the Year.
The Chamber will recognize Irma Cauley, Brazos County Commissioner, as Citizen of the Year. Each year, the Citizen of the Year is chosen based on long term civic contributions to the development and quality of life of the Bryan-College Station community.
Mary Mike Hatcher, with Bryan Broadcasting, will be honored as the 2021 Volunteer of the Year. The Volunteer of the Year award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty in volunteer service to the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce and to our community.
Salvation Army Captain Andrea Israel visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Angel Tree program, who qualifies, how to apply, and more.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about impact fees, federal pandemic money, possibly getting a new congressman, Thomas Park, YMCA, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Dallas Fed President Kaplan's resignation, inflation, his vote on the infrastructure bill, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 21, 2021 meeting of the Blinn College board of trustees meeting.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download enrollment information from the September 21, 2021 Blinn trustees meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Blinn092121enroll.pdf
Blinn College's September enrollment report included discussion by members of the board of trustees and administrators about a five year enrollment drop at the Bryan campus.
While the Bryan campus is designed for 9,500 students, the latest fall enrollment number was 6,100. The highest fall number on the Bryan campus was almost 12,000 in 2017, or the year before Blinn opened its first building on the RELLIS campus.
Fall enrollment numbers are not final because Blinn still has 27 percent of its fall classes yet to start. Blinn has four, eight, and 12 week courses in addition to semester-long classes.
Total headcount as of the trustees meeting was down by 107 students. Chancellor Mary Hensley told trustees the numbers are higher compared to projections from earlier this summer.
Blinn's headcount at Bryan is down more than six hundred from last fall, while RELLIS has the same headcount. The number of students taking online classes is up, and headcount is down among high school students and at the Brenham, Sealy, and Schulenburg campuses.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince, the executive director of UWBV partner agency Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley Ashley Kortis, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M professor and researcher Dr. Marvin Adams and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A Texas A&M professor and researcher who also works for the A&M system is one of 30 appointees to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).
According to an A&M news release, Dr. Marvin Adams is a renowned nuclear engineer who is considered the nation’s foremost academic expert on stewardship of the nuclear stockpile.
Adams is also the system's director of National Laboratories Mission Support, and was instrumental in the System obtaining a federal contract in 2018 to help manage the Los Alamos national laboratories in New Mexico.
According to a news release from the White House, PCAST is the sole body of external advisors charged with making science, technology, and innovation policy recommendations to the President and the White House.
The White House news release also states that the council will provide information "that is needed to inform public policy relating to the economy, worker empowerment, education, energy, the environment, public health, national and homeland security, and racial equity"...among other things.
News release from Texas A&M:
President Joe Biden is turning to a renowned Texas A&M University nuclear engineer to strengthen his panel of top science and technology advisors in areas of national security.
Marvin L. Adams was named Wednesday to the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Adams is the HTRI Professor of Nuclear Engineering, a Regents Fellow and the director of National Laboratories Mission Support for The Texas A&M University System.
The President’s Council is a direct descendant of the scientific advisory committee established by President Eisenhower in 1957 in the weeks after the launch of Sputnik. It is a group of external advisors charged with making science, technology and innovation policy recommendations to the president and the White House.
“I am honored to be selected to serve on the President’s Council,” Adams said. “I am sobered by the responsibility we have to provide sound advice and help the nation in these challenging times.”
The 30 members of the council include leading experts in astrophysics and agriculture, biochemistry, computer engineering, ecology, immunology, nanotechnology, neuroscience, national security, social science and cybersecurity.
Adams, 62, is considered the nation’s foremost academic expert on stewardship of the nuclear stockpile. He has served on many review and advisory bodies related to national security and has years of experience working with the military and U.S. scientists at Lawrence Livermore, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories.
Adams is the only academic on the Stockpile Assessment Team of U.S. Strategic Command, which annually assesses the nation’s nuclear capabilities for the president and Congress.
As a researcher, Adams has advanced the nation’s ability to use complex computational algorithms that help gauge the reliability of weapons systems in an era when explosive nuclear testing is banned.
“He has no peer in his field,” said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M System. “His world-class research capabilities, combined with his first-hand experience in the national labs, make him an outstanding choice for this vital assignment.”
Adams was instrumental in the System obtaining a federal contract in 2018 to help manage the Los Alamos Lab in New Mexico. He joined the Texas A&M faculty in 1992 after more than five years as a computational physicist at Lawrence Livermore.
“Dr. Marvin Adams’ selection to PCAST is an incredible honor and we are proud of his long affiliation and service to Texas A&M,” said M. Katherine Banks, Texas A&M University President. “Dr. Adams has a rare combination of expertise in nuclear weapons and energy and has played an instrumental role with the national labs. He is an excellent choice for this national thought leadership position.”
Adams is the first Texas A&M professor named to the President’s Council since Norman Borlaug, the Nobel Prize winning professor of international agriculture, served in the early 1990s.
“I am grateful to be at Texas A&M,” Adams said. “It’s a university that values service to the nation and provides an environment that has helped me grow through my career.
“As a result, I’ve had incredible, unusual opportunities for service in the interest of U.S. national security.”
William Press, a computer scientist, computational biologist and astrophysicist at The University of Texas at Austin, also was appointed to the panel.
From the White House PCAST news release:
President Biden announced 30 of America’s most distinguished leaders in science and technology as members of his President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). A direct descendent of the scientific advisory committee established by President Eisenhower in 1957 in the weeks after the launch of Sputnik, PCAST is the sole body of external advisors charged with making science, technology, and innovation policy recommendations to the President and the White House.
Drawing from the nation’s most talented and accomplished individuals, President Biden’s PCAST includes 20 elected members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, five MacArthur “Genius” Fellows, two former Cabinet secretaries, and two Nobel laureates. Its members include experts in astrophysics and agriculture, biochemistry and computer engineering, ecology and entrepreneurship, immunology and nanotechnology, neuroscience and national security, social science and cybersecurity, and more.
The members represent the most diverse PCAST in U.S. history. PCAST is traditionally co-chaired by the President’s Science Advisor and 1-2 external co-chairs; since its inception in 1957, no women have ever served as co-chairs. President Biden’s PCAST has two women co-chairs. And, this PCAST reflects the President’s commitment to build an Administration that truly looks like America: for the first time ever, women make up half of PCAST, and people of color and immigrants make up more than one-third of PCAST. Its diversity will help the council bring to bear a wide range of perspectives to address the nation’s most pressing opportunities and challenges, so that science, technology, and engineering benefits all Americans.
“The future of America depends on science and technology like never before,” said PCAST Co-Chair and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Dr. Eric Lander. “President Biden understands that addressing the opportunities and challenges we face – to our health, our planet, our economic prosperity, and our national security – will require harnessing the full power of science and technology. Scientific progress depends on people seeing things in new ways, because they bring different lenses, different experiences, different passions, different questions. This PCAST is uniquely prepared because of its extraordinary scientific breadth, wide range of work experiences, and unprecedented diversity.”
“We are thrilled that some of our most accomplished Americans are willing to step up and serve the nation by being members of PCAST,” said PCAST Co-Chair Dr. Frances Arnold. “Their vast expertise will help the nation build back better through science and technology.”
“Science and technology permeate so many elements of government decision making,” said PCAST Co-Chair Dr. Maria Zuber. “I am excited to bring this historic and brilliant group’s knowledge, experience, and innovative thinking to bear on the nation’s toughest challenges in science and technology and navigate an equitable and inclusive path forward for the nation.”
As directed in the President’s executive order establishing PCAST, the council includes advisors from outside the federal government who are responsible for advising the President “on matters involving policy affecting science, technology, and innovation, as well as on matters involving scientific and technological information that is needed to inform public policy relating to the economy, worker empowerment, education, energy, the environment, public health, national and homeland security, racial equity, and other topics.”
Marvin Adams, Ph.D., P.E., is a nuclear engineer and computational physicist who develops and applies complex computational algorithms to problems related to nuclear energy and national security. He has experience in nuclear reactor physics and design, nuclear weapons analysis and modernization, counterproliferation, and arms control. He chairs the Mission Committee at Los Alamos National Laboratory, which oversees the laboratory’s weapons and global security programs, serves on the Nuclear Effects Advisory Panel for the U.S. Department of Defense, and has served for several years on the Stockpile Assessment Team for U.S. Strategic Command. He is the HTRI Professor of Nuclear Engineering, Regents Fellow, and Director of National Laboratories Mission Support in the Texas A&M University System.
This podcast contains comments from the September 21, 2021 Blinn College board of trustees meeting. Speakers begin with Blinn construction project director Mark Feldhake.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download presentation materials: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Blinn092121BryAdBldg.pdf
Blinn College trustees take the first step in the nearly $31 million dollar addition to the Bryan campus.
Approval was given Tuesday's meeting to seek an architect for the project that includes a new administration building on recently acquired land at Villa Maria and Nash.
The projected cost also includes demolition of a former church and neighboring structures, where the 45,000 square foot building will be located, along with an extension of Nash Street to the rest of the campus, and demolish the current administration building off 29th Street.
The new administration building, which is expected to open during the 2024 fiscal year, will house Blinn's student services, which is currently in the Tejas Center.
The new building will also host Blinn's human resources departments, police, and bookstore.
Blinn is funding the project from its unrestricted cash account. As far as being able to stay within budget, project director Mark Feldhake said "numbers are being difficult right now. We are seeing some numbers come down while other numbers are going up. There's all kinds of difficulties we are experiencing right now."
This podcast contains public comments during the September 21, 2021 College Station ISD board meeting. Speakers were a student, Madeleine DeJesus Gendron, and parents Patrick Gendron, Nancy Plankey Vidile, Natalia Goldberg, and Nataliya Pakhotina.
Esmer Casas, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about National Good Neighbor Day, the neighborhood newsletter, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the current legislative session, redistricting, distributing coronavirus relief funds, property taxes, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with B/CS Christmas Parade committee member Penny Zent and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The 94th B/CS Christmas parade has been cancelled for the second straight year.
Organizers announced on social media Thursday that "we will have to wait for a healthy and happy return in 2022".
Committee member Penny Zent, who has been affiliated with the parade for more than 40 years, said the pandemic topped the list of obstacles.
But the committee is also dealing with the loss of much the parade day staging area to Texas A&M's new parking garage and recreation center.
The committee also lost the volunteer group who helped stage parade entries.
There are also financial concerns of parade sponsors, float entries, bands, and volunteers.
Zent invited organizations who are planning holiday events to share on the parade's social media.
This podcast contains comments from the September 20, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting from associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra and BISD school board members.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the presentation given during the September 20, 2021 BISD school board meeting about a proposed K-6 virtual school: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BISD092021VirtAcad.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download a BISD letter inviting parents of K-6 students who live in BISD to consider a virtual school: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BISDacadInviteLetter.pdf
Governor Abbott recently signed legislation allowing public school districts to offer full time virtual classes.
Bryan ISD school board members during Monday's meeting continued to explore what administrators call a virtual academy for kindergarten through sixth graders.
Five of the seven board members expressed a variety of opinions.
Associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra reported the parents of 171 students are interested in making the move.
Administrators told the board they are promoting the proposed online option to parents who live in the district but do not have their children enrolled in BISD.
Bryan Police Officer Brady Rockett visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recruiting new police officers, qualifications, how to apply, pay, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) partner agency Sexual Assault Resource Center of the Brazos Valley executive director Lindsey LeBlanc, UWBV president Alison Prince, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan Mayor Pro Tem Buppy Simank visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the rise in local COVID cases, how he is handling the pandemic as a business owner, the health district's response to the pandemic, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about funding the government through December, what this means for Brazos County residents, Robert Kaplan, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains an interview with Brazos County elections administrator Trudy Hancock and WTAW's Scott Delucia and an unidentified voter asking Trudy Hancock questions about modified voting machines.
The Brazos County elections office has unveiled modified voting machines using paper ballots, as required by a new state law.
Brazos County voters had the opportunity Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning to use the machines in advance of the November general election.
Elections administrator Trudy Hancock the ballots contain no voter identity information. And the machines are not connected to the internet.
Hancock says voters enter the booth with a blank paper ballot. After voters made their choices on the computer screen, voters print a copy and take it to a scanner to be counted.
Voter registration ends October 4. There are contested elections for College Station city council and College Station ISD school board and a CSISD bond election. Voters statewide will consider eight proposed amendments to the Texas constitution.
Katina Osth of the College Station Noon Lions visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their "Miracle in the Park" event this Saturday at Wolf Pen Creek.
This podcast contains comments during the September 14, 2021 Bryan city council meeting from mayor Andrew Nelson and councilman Prentiss Madison.
Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson announced at the last city council meeting of the city receiving an $11,000 dollar matching grant from the Texas Historical Commission.
The grant is for a monument assessment at Grandview and the Freedmen's area of the Bryan city cemetery.
This follows a recent historical marker being placed at Grandview cemetery. Councilman Prentiss Madison credited the effort of local volunteers.
The mayor also applauded volunteer work that is going on outside the city limits at another African American cemetery...the Canaan cemetery...by the local chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution.
Congressman Pete Sessions welcomes Karumi Duran home after she was separated from her family for seven months. Duran, a DACA recipient since 2013, was denied a return to the United States after a failed interview at the U.S. Consulate General Ciudad Juarez in Mexico.
This podcast contains comments from the September 16, 2021 kickoff event previewing the upcoming "Brazos Valley Gives" fundraiser. Speakers are Patricia Gerling, Julie Porter, and Molly Watson.
More than 135 Brazos Valley non profit agencies are participating in the third annual "Brazos Valley Gives" fundraising campaign that is coordinated by the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley (CFBV).
During Thursday's kickoff event, foundation president Patricia Gerling announced this year's goal is $750,000 dollars. Then Gerling said "I know the Brazos Valley can do a million dollars this year."
The 18 hour day of giving is October 19. Early giving begins Sunday.
As of September 13, contributions can be made to 106 agencies based in Brazos County, 18 in Washington County, six in Burleson County, four based in Grimes County, and one based in Robertson and Madison counties.
Copy and paste the following link to be directed to the Brazos Valley Gives website list of participating agencies: https://www.brazosvalleygives.org/nonprofits?_rs=816047848
Additional information from the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley:
The Community Foundation launched Brazos Valley Gives and the beginning of early giving during its Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce Deluxe Ribbon Cutting on Thursday, September 16. Over 135 nonprofits are participating in the 3rd annual Brazos Valley Gives Day which will be held on Tuesday, October 19. Tom Light Chevrolet joins the Foundation in presenting this year’s Giving Day.
To make a gift to a participating nonprofit, businesses or donors simply log on to brazosvalleygives.org.
Donors choose and give to the nonprofit of their choice. Early giving begins on September 19 and concludes on October 18, with Brazos Valley Gives Day on Tuesday, October 19.
Bryan Broadcasting, KBTX, The Eagle, INSITE, Brenham Banner Press, Lamar Advertising, the Bryan/College Station and Washington County Chambers of Commerce among others are partnering with Brazos Valley Gives to ensure the community is aware and ready for the big day, which supports the good works of nonprofits throughout the 7-county region.
During the inaugural year of Brazos Valley Gives in 2019, more than 100 nonprofits participated with 100% of nonprofits receiving a financial benefit from the $363,686 that was raised. Last year, 136 nonprofits received a financial benefit from $801,462 raised!
“Early giving makes it easy for the donor to give at their convenience. Those gifts are just the spark that the nonprofit needs to build their momentum leading up to Brazos Valley Gives,” stated Molly Watson, Co-Chair.
Brazos Valley Gives is 18 hours of online giving that brings the region together on one day and as one community to raise critical funding and awareness for nonprofit organizations throughout the Brazos Valley. Powered by the Community Foundation, Brazos Valley Gives provides citizens and businesses an easy platform to support the mission and “good works” of local nonprofit organizations that serve the Brazos Valley.
This third annual event has expanded to include nonprofits from throughout the 7-county Brazos Valley region. Brazos Valley Gives empowers individual donors and business leaders to come together to support causes close to their hearts—and, on this day, everyone can be a philanthropist with a $10 minimum donation. “Nonprofits contribute to a wide range of important quality of life needs within our communities including housing, food insecurity, youth development, animal welfare, personal safety, environmental quality, among countless others -- all at the heart of our communities quality of life,” noted Patricia Gerling, President/CEO of the Community Foundation.
Brazos Valley Gives is powered by the Community Foundation, and 100% of all donations benefit the donor’s charity(ies) of choice. As the Brazos Valley’s trusted partner in philanthropy, the Community Foundation powers Brazos Valley Gives. "It is our gift to the community," noted Julie Porter, Co-Chair and immediate past Foundation Board Chair. The goal for Brazos Valley Gives is $750,000.
Visit brazosvalleygives.org to see a list of the nonprofit participants, or for more information send an email to brazosvalleygives@gmail.com. If you are a local citizen or business interested in providing a matching gift to support a nonprofit’s goal or hosting a business fundraiser and presenting a “big check” during Brazos Valley Gives day, please call Molly Watson at (979) 450-4223 or Patricia Gerling at (979) 589- 4305.
Let’s all join in as we strengthen nonprofits, empower donors and build community throughout our beloved Brazos Valley.
College Station Councilman John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the comprehensive plan, infill development, city hall, the health department, health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with BTU general manager Gary Miller and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Copy and paste the following link to see and download a map showing the location of BTU's new administration building: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BTU09132AdminBldgFwyMap.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information from the September 13, 2021 BTU board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BTU091321AdminBldgFwyBkgd.pdf
For the better part of two years, BTU was getting a new administration building on Carson Street on city land where the armory once stood.
On Monday, the BTU board accepted the city's offer to build in north Bryan along the freeway between the Bryan regional athletic complex and state property used by TxDOT and DPS.
BTU general Manager Gary Miller said city officials wanted to keep the former armory property available for development related to the new Midtown Park.
Miller says the new location does not change what services will be offered.
BTU's downtown office is being taken over for more city hall departments.
An architect has been hired to design BTU's new building, which will still have a lobby and a drive-through.
Miller says there is some possibility that construction will start in the 2023 calendar year.
College Station Police Officer Tristen Lopez visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about increasing patrols in the Northgate District during daytime hours.
Thomas Sanders with Bryan Parks & Recreation visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming sports leagues, current events in Bryan, the game day shuttle in Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and donor relations coordinator Maggie Gray visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the start of UWBV's annual community campaign and a recap of their campaign kickoff event.
Emily Fisher, Assistant Director of Capital Projects, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the progress of the city's third water tower off the SH 6 northbound frontage road near Rock Prairie.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the controversial ten acre tract between the International Leadership of Texas school and the Doves Crossing neighborhood, the length of city council meetings, weekend events and visitors, National Night Out, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about tax increases, checks for parents, banking surveillance, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the September 9, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include fiscal services director Mary Ellen Leonard.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the presentation given during the council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CScoun090921BudgetAmendPrez.pdf
Copy and paste the following link for additional information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CScoun090921BudgetAmend.pdf
The city of College Station's fourth amendment to the fiscal year 2021 budget was approved at the last city council meeting.
Expenses listed by fiscal services director Mary Ellen Leonard began with $20,000 dollars to resurface the basketball court that will be named for Consolidated High School and Texas A and M alum Alex Caruso, who recently signed with the Chicago Bulls.
There is $300,000 to fix cloudy water in city pools earlier this summer, and $250,000 in increased costs to repair city streets.
The budget amendment also reflects an additional $7 million dollars in sales tax revenue and an increase of $1.8 million in hotel occupancy tax money that were above budget expectations.
This podcast contains comments from the September 7, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting. Speakers include county judge Duane Peters, commissioner Russ Ford, and sheriff Wayne Dicky.
Brazos County commissioners approve the fiscal year (FY) 2022 budget after voting against a $20,000 dollar law enforcement salary study.
County judge Duane Peters, who was part of the 4-1 vote, said the outside study was not needed. That's after Brazos County compared favorably to Smith and Hays counties, the turnover rate for higher management positions in the sheriff's office is not significant, and noting some detention officers pursing patrol positions with other agencies and the sheriff's office.
Commissioner Russ Ford, who asked for the external salary study, said that would give him additional ammunition along with the internal study.
Sheriff Wayne Dicky also sought the outside study, saying his "experience in talking with other chiefs and sheriffs across the state and across the country is that there is a shortage of peace officers. That shortage of peace officers is creating a competitive market, and we're not competitive."
The majority also brought up the FY 22 budget included a three percent pay raise plus up to a one percent merit raise for Brazos County employees.
This podcast contains comments from the September 9, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers are Kindra Fry of the city's tourism office and councilmembers Linda Harvell and Dennis Maloney.
For the second straight year, the College Station city council has approved giving Santa's Wonderland $150,000 dollars towards the city's holiday marketing campaign.
Kindra Fry at the city's tourism office told the council the hotel occupancy tax money is equivalent to about 20,000 room nights. She estimated 10,000 room nights were generated last year.
Fry also says you have to factor the year round promotional benefit, something that was also brought up by councilmembers Linda Harvell and Dennis Maloney.
$50,000 dollars is for the naming rights to Santa Wonderland's ice rink, and $100,000 is for digital advertising.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the presentation from the September 9, 2021 College Station city council meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CScoun090921SantasWonderlandTourismOfficePrez.pdf
Copy and paste the following link for additional information from the city of College Station: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CScoun090921SantasWonderland.pdf
This podcast is a visit with Bob Colwell of the TxDOT district office in Bryan and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Thanks to tropical storm Nicholas, new bridges on Highway 105 over the Brazos and Navasota Rivers west of Navasota that were supposed to open Tuesday will now open this Friday.
What began as a $23 million dollar project in 2014 grew to more than $33 million. After record rainfall in 2016 and Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the bridges were redesigned.
Bob Colwell at the TxDOT Bryan district office says then traffic is shifted to the new bridges, FM 159 will be closed at the 105 intersection for four weeks to tie in to the new highway. And the old 105 bridges will be demolished.
The project will be completed next spring after the old bridges are demolished.
Ana Romero, Recreation Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about their Eggtober event and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast are comments from Senator Ted Cruz, visiting with local reporters following a visit with students of Texas A&M's Bush School on September 8, 2021.
This podcast contains comments from the September 8, 2021 ribbon cutting of the Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley (CMBV). Speakers are CMBV executive director Ashley Kortis, CMBV board chairwoman Danielle Dickey, and Gerry Farrell of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies.
The Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley (CMBV) has dedicated their newest home in west Bryan's Lake Walk area.
Executive director Ashley Kortis told those attending Wednesday's ribbon cutting that they have future plans for a permanent, stand alone building at Lake Walk.
The CMBV is using 3,000 square feet of commercial space that emphasizes STEAM learning. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
Additional information from the Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley:
The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley is grateful for the support of hundreds of our supporters and community partners for making the dream of relocating to Lake Walk earlier this year a reality. Signature supporters of the relocation include the Eugene Edge Charitable Trust, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, CHI St. Joseph Health, the Nina Astin Winkler Charitable Trust and the Gilbert & Thyra Plass Charitable Trust, as well as support from Lake Walk and The Arts Council of the Brazos Valley.
“The Children's Museum has always been a place for our community to come together to play and learn and I'm certain our next chapter at Lake Walk will continue that legacy”, says Patrick Baker, Vice President, The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley Board of Directors. “I believe our community will enjoy the new, fresh, engaging exhibits and activities they'll find at our new space. We're proud of the partnership and vision we share with our museum sponsors and supporters and we're excited about what the future holds for The Children's Museum and our community.”
The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley has moved into 3,000 square feet of existing commercial space located at 4114 Lake Atlas Drive in Bryan, Texas, with the intent to make Lake Walk their forever home.
“Our commitment to the families of the Brazos Valley remains at the forefront of our minds”, says Ashley Kortis, Executive Director of The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley. “Moving to Lake Walk takes our organization one giant step forward in our desire to become a destination here in Aggieland – a space of imagination and innovation for families in our community and across the world. We are excited to introduce you to our new location and to serve you for years to come as a premiere discovery museum in Texas.”
In addition to the sense of community, Lake Walk offers unmatched proximity to best-in-class innovative companies. Currently home to FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, iBio, and Viasat, Lake Walk provides The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley resources to introduce children to new industries and future opportunities within STEAM fields.
About The Children’s Museum of The Brazos Valley:
The mission of The Children’s Museum of the Brazos Valley is to provide a child-centered, hands-on, interactive environment for learning and discovery. Since 1995, The Children’s Museum has welcomed hundreds
of thousands of visitors through its doors and brought learning through play into actuality. While The Museum began as a museum without walls, today it is home to a variety of different interactive, educational exhibits that foster a love of learning and inspire young minds throughout the years. The Museum also boasts special programming and reading times that are designed for children and families to learn together through play, to put into practice what children are learning in the classroom, and to take practical learning skills home for continued discovery. To learn more, visit www.cmbv.org
This podcast contains comments from the September 7, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Tuesday's Bryan ISD school board workshop meeting included multiple items related to the pandemic.
The board approved giving employees who test positive up to ten days of additional leave, regardless if they are vaccinated and/or wear masks.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information about the additional leave for BISD employees: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BISD090721PandemicEmployeeExtension.pdf
There was no opposition to consider creating virtual classes for kindergarten through sixth grade once the governor signs legislation that was approved during the second special session. Associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra emphasized this option would not be for students who get infected. That option, which was suggested by parents, could begin as soon as the last Tuesday in September.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download background information about the proposed BISD virtual academy: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BISD090721VirtualAcademy.pdf
There were at least three board members who offered ideas to incentivize employees and students over 12 to get vaccinated and for students and employees to wear masks.
Board members were also told there is an agreement with a local clinic to provide vaccinations for BISD employees and students 12 and older, along with rapid testing for employees.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the Bryan ISD pandemic update that was presented during the September 7, 2021 board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BISD090721PandemicUpdate.pdf
This podcast contains comments from city of College Station assistant public works director Emily Fisher and senior engineer Troy Rother during the council's August 26, 2021 meeting.
College Station city council members approved a list of new stop and yield signs during their August 26th meeting.
Assistant public works director Emily Fisher reported on stop signs added in the Southside neighborhood as the result of new sidewalks and crosswalks around Oakwood Intermediate and A&M Consolidated Middle schools.
Senior engineer Troy Rother said stop and yield signs at other locations were the result of neighborhood requests and city traffic studies using federal guidelines.
Copy and paste the following link for more information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CScoun082621AddStopYieldSigns.pdf
In the Southside neighborhood, stop signs were approved at:
Anna Street and Glade Street East
Anna Street and Glade Street West
Glade Street and Anna Street North
Holik Street and Anna Street North
Holik Street and Anna Street South
Holik Street and Park Place South
Park Place and Anderson Street East
Park Place and Anderson Street West
Park Place and Timber Street West
Stop signs were also approved at the following locations:
Creek Meadow Blvd and Cottonwood Creek Ln South
Cottonwood Creek and Long Creek Drive East
Cottonwood Creek and Timber Creek West
Timber Drive and Timber Creek South
Collin Mills Drive and Slocum Hill Drive South
Slocum Hill Drive and Feather Run West
Bandera Bend Drive and Slocum Hill Drive North
Yield signs were approved at the following locations:
Buffalo Creek Loop and Timber Creek North
Buffalo Creek Loop and Timber Creek East
Wild Creek Court and Cottonwood Creek Ln North
Wild Creek Court and Cottonwood Creek Ln South
Crooked Creek path and Cottonwood Creek Ln North
Crooked Creek path and Cottonwood Creek Ln South
Walnut Nook Court and Crooked Creek Path West
Tiger Creek Court and Crooked Creek Path East
Long Creek Lane and Crooked Creek Path West
Lodge Creek Court and Cottonwood Creek Ln South
Oak Meadow Circle and Cottonwood Creek Ln North
Oak Meadow Circle and Cottonwood Creek Ln North
High Creek Court and Cottonwood Creek Ln South
Caney Creek Court and Cottonwood Creek Ln South
Bison Bend Court and Long Creek Ln East
Haskell Hollow Loop and Crosby Creek Court South
Haskell Hollow Loop and Crosby Creek Court North
Collin Mills Drive and Haskell Hollow Loop East
Bandera Bend Drive and Cottonwood Terrace South
Mary Lynne Stratta, City Secretary, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the call for citizens to serve on boards and committees, meeting frequency, how to apply, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD interim superintendent Ginger Carrabine and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan ISD school board members have taken the first step once superintendent Christie Whitbeck leaves for Fort Bend.
Recently promoted deputy superintendent Ginger Carrabine was named Monday as interim superintendent.
Board president Mark McCall says there are a lot of strong leaders where an outside search may not take place for Whitbeck's permanent replacement.
Carrabine says she would like to discuss the job on a permanent basis when the opportunity presents itself.
Carrabine, who followed Whitbeck from Fort Bend to Bryan four years ago, says she and her husband are invested in Bryan and they look forward to staying here.
News release from Bryan ISD:
Bryan ISD Deputy Superintendent Ginger Carrabine will take over as the interim superintendent following Dr. Christie Whitbeck’s departure later this month.
The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees named Carrabine as the interim superintendent during their meeting on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
Carrabine has been in Bryan ISD for four years but is a lifelong educator. She served as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary and middle school principal, executive director of curriculum and
instruction, and executive director of strategic planning, prior to coming to Bryan as chief of staff.
“We’re excited to make this announcement,” said Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President Mark McCall. “Ms. Carrabine has worked closely with Dr. Whitbeck and has been involved in decision making in all facets of work in Bryan ISD, and will ensure continuity throughout our District.”
The Board of Trustees made this decision now to ensure the entire Bryan ISD community knows the plan moving forward, so the great work happening in the school district can continue.
Dr. Whitbeck is the lone finalist for the open superintendent position in Fort Bend ISD, with that Board of Trustees scheduled to take a final vote on Thursday, September 16, 2021.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD school board president Mark McCall and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan ISD school board members have taken the first step once superintendent Christie Whitbeck leaves for Fort Bend.
Recently promoted deputy superintendent Ginger Carrabine was named Monday as interim superintendent.
Board president Mark McCall says there are a lot of strong leaders where an outside search may not take place for Whitbeck's permanent replacement.
Carrabine says she would like to discuss the job on a permanent basis when the opportunity presents itself.
Carrabine, who followed Whitbeck from Fort Bend to Bryan four years ago, says she and her husband are invested in Bryan and they look forward to staying here.
News release from Bryan ISD:
Bryan ISD Deputy Superintendent Ginger Carrabine will take over as the interim superintendent following Dr. Christie Whitbeck’s departure later this month.
The Bryan ISD Board of Trustees named Carrabine as the interim superintendent during their meeting on Tuesday, September 7, 2021.
Carrabine has been in Bryan ISD for four years but is a lifelong educator. She served as a teacher, assistant principal, elementary and middle school principal, executive director of curriculum and
instruction, and executive director of strategic planning, prior to coming to Bryan as chief of staff.
“We’re excited to make this announcement,” said Bryan ISD Board of Trustees President Mark McCall. “Ms. Carrabine has worked closely with Dr. Whitbeck and has been involved in decision making in all facets of work in Bryan ISD, and will ensure continuity throughout our District.”
The Board of Trustees made this decision now to ensure the entire Bryan ISD community knows the plan moving forward, so the great work happening in the school district can continue.
Dr. Whitbeck is the lone finalist for the open superintendent position in Fort Bend ISD, with that Board of Trustees scheduled to take a final vote on Thursday, September 16, 2021.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's budget, property values, capital improvement projects, COVID precautions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the situation in Afghanistan, the infrastructure bill, electric vehicles, medicare, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include Emily Fisher and city manager Bryan Woods.
The College Station city council is told construction is on schedule for widening Harvey Mitchell Parkway from north of the airport to Wellborn Road.
But the expansion is costing the city another $790,000 dollars.
Assistant public works director Emily Fisher says the additional expense is for removing two water lines that were inside one pipe and replacing them with separate pipes.
A change order for individual 18 and 36 inch water lines...that takes up nearly the rest of the project budget...was approved at the last council meeting.
The expansion is scheduled for completion in February of 2023.
Copy and paste the following link for more information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CScoun082621HarveyMitchWidenChangeOrder.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the August 25, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents committee on buildings and physical plant. Speakers begin with system chief financial officer Billy Hamilton and also includes committee chairman Michael Plank and chief facilities officer Brent McCully.
Nearly $2 billion dollars of projects are part of the annual five year capital plan approved at the last Texas A&M system board of regents meeting. The board's new building committee chairman, Michael Plank of Houston, advised there may be a delay in starting future construction. That's because Plank is reviewing the overall process. In the 2022 fiscal year, the system's plan includes $311 million in new projects.
The system's chief financial officer, Billy Hamilton, was surprised to discover 41 percent of the projects involve deferred maintenance. Hamilton also says the flagship campus has 800 buildings, of which requested projects include renovating the Doherty Building, dormitory improvements, and utility upgrades.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the capital projects list: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BOR082521cip.pdf
More buildings on Texas A&M's main campus means the need for more cooling and heating. That's what led the A&M system board of regents at their quarterly meeting to approve spending almost $19 million dollars to replace a satellite utility plant next to the Rudder Theater complex. The system's new chief facilities officer, Brent McCully, says construction starts this month and is projected to be completed in March of 2023.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download more information about the satellite utility plant: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/BOR082621SatUtilPlant.pdf
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M's first chief operating officer, Greg Hartman, in a group ZOOM call with local reporters on August 31, 2021.
An administrative reorganization at Texas A&M by new president Katherine Banks has the university in a pretty exclusive club.
Greg Hartman is starting his fourth month as A&M's new chief operating officer (COO) after moving from leading the A&M health sciences center.
Hartman recently told reporters the COO position, which is used by fewer than a dozen universities, oversees functions that includes facilities, I-T, and human resources...whose customers are A&M employees and students..."to allow folks who do academics and research to do the great work that they do."
At the same time, an outside consultant is finishing their study of A&M's operations. Hartman says "There are some areas where we think there's been some duplication created. And it's not the fault of any one person. It's just a large organization like this. There's a fair amount of momentum over time that allows things to be created different places in responses to real specific incidents. And those structures sort of stay in place and they create a fair amount of underbrush in the organization that you have to kinda clean out every once in a while. I don't expect any kind of massive layoffs or any kind of stuff. That's not what this is about."
Hartman also reported about one-third of A&M employees and students completed mandatory pandemic testing during the first week of the testing period. The positivity rate of that group was 2.7 percent.
Vaccinations and wearing masks continue to be strongly encouraged.
The Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce held its annual economic outlook briefing on September 1, 2021.
Guest speakers were the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC), Matt Prochaska, and congressman Pete Sessions of Waco.
Prochaska was introduced by chamber president Glen Brewer and Sessions was introduced by the chairman of the chamber's business enhancement committee, Doug French of Stylecraft Builders.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the BVEDC slideshow: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/EOB_090121_bvedc.pdf
This podcast is a visit with former Brazos County district judge Steve Smith, who was sworn in September 1, 2021 as a justice on the Texas 10th court of appeals.
After more than 20 years as Brazos County district judge, Steve Smith was sworn in Wednesday as the newest justice on the Texas 10th court of appeals.
The three member appellate court hears approximately 400 criminal and civil appeals a year from lower courts in eighteen counties of Texas.
Smith is only the second Brazos County judge in the 98 year history of the 10th court of appeals.
The geography includes Brazos, Burleson, Robertson, Madison, Walker, Leon, Limestone, Freestone, Navarro, Ellis, McLennan, Falls, Bosque, Coryell, Hamilton, Hill, Johnson, and Somervell counties.
Smith plans on seeking a full term in the November 2022 election to the Waco-based appeals court.
Smith presided over the 361st district court from 1999 until joining the court of appeals. Before that, he served as a county court at law judge and municipal judge in College Station.
Lacey Lively, CIO for Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board, about the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, new statue dedications at Veterans Park, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Katelyn Brown of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about September events.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include assistant public works director Emily Fisher and councilmembers John Nichols, Elizabeth Cunha, and Dennis Maloney.
The College Station city council voted six to one at their last meeting to start eminent domain proceedings to buy more than 102 acres of land to build a park along North Dowling Road.
Councilman Dennis Maloney said parks are just as vital as police and fire.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha said she would vote to pursue eminent domain to acquire land for utilities, but not for parkland.
Valuations from the Brazos Central Appraisal District of the two parcels totals just over $1 million dollars. In September 2017, the council offered $2,498,000 dollars.
Copy and paste the following link to read more information: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/CScoun082621EminentDomain.pdf
Kristen Waggener, Communications and Marketing Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Bryan's 150th anniversary, the new 150 Collection, guided history tours, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 26, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers are the chairman of the city's historical preservation committee chairman Gerald Burgner and city councilwoman Linda Harvell.
This podcast is a recording of the September 1, 2021 special meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents, led by chairman Tim Leach of Midland.
The Texas A&M system board of regents Wednesday afternoon unanimously approved giving Texas A&M president Katherine Banks authority to negotiate and execute a new contract with Aggie football head coach Jimbo Fisher.
The only comments from the regents following a 14 minute executive session was multiple members making and seconding the motion.
After the regents meeting, A&M athletics issued a news release announcing a four year extension to Fisher's contract through the 2031 season.
On January 1, 2022, Fisher's salary is $9 million dollars. His salary on January 1, 2023 will be $9,150,000. In each of the following years, the base salary increases by $100,000 on January 1. All other terms relative to performance incentives and other elements remain the same.
Fisher's new contract follows the regents last Thursday giving Dr. Banks the authority to negotiate and execute contracts with 12 other members of A&M's athletic department.
From Aggie football, that included the offensive coordinator, operations director, strength and conditioning head coach, two assistant defensive line coaches and one assistant coach for tight ends, wide receivers, offensive line, running backs, secondary, and linebackers.
The regents also gave the president authority last Thursday to negotiate and execute a contract with A&M's new head baseball coach.
News release from Texas A&M athletics:
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents voted today to extend the contract for Aggie football coach Jimbo Fisher an additional four years through the 2031 season.
The Board authorized Texas A&M President Katherine Banks to execute the coach's employment contract in conjunction with Director of Athletics Ross Bjork.
“I have great respect for Coach Fisher and his success with our student athletes. His ability to bring out the best in each of them is inspirational. I am confident that he will continue to raise Texas A&M University's football program to new heights," Banks said.
Bjork added, “Coach Fisher continues to demonstrate he is building our program for long-term success and he is a perfect fit for Texas A&M. Providing the appropriate amount of stability and continuity during this important time is critical as we support our football program at the highest level. As one of only five active head coaches to win a national championship, Coach Fisher knows what it takes to lead a comprehensive program on and off the field and develop our young men beyond football. There is momentum in all phases of our program and we are excited about what lies ahead for Aggie Football. We appreciate Coach Fisher’s commitment to Texas A&M.”
Fisher’s contact was extended by four (4) years until December 31, 2031. The terms of the new contract include an annual salary of $9,000,000 starting on January 1, 2022 and will increase to $9,150,000 on January 1, 2023. In each of the following years, the base salary increases by $100,000 on January 1. All other terms relative to performance incentives and other elements remain the same.
“The investment Texas A&M University is making in our program, coaching staff, and facilities speaks to the vision of our leadership and their commitment to long-term success,” Fisher stated. “I am thankful for the unwavering support of the administration, the faculty and staff, our 12th Man Foundation donors, the Aggie Network, and the 12th Man - the largest and loudest student section in the country. It is an honor to be the Head Football Coach at Texas A&M, and although I am proud of the strides we’ve made, we ain’t done yet!”
Fisher was hired at Texas A&M on Dec. 4, 2017 after eight seasons as head coach at Florida State University. Fisher’s three-season coaching record at Texas A&M is 26-10 and his overall record is 109-33 in 11 seasons as a head coach. Fisher’s Aggie teams have compiled a 3-0 record in bowl games, including last year’s 41-27 win over North Carolina in the Capital One Orange Bowl. Fisher’s 2020 team posted a 9-1 record, including an eight-game winning streak to end the season, and finished No. 4 in the final Associated Press Top 25, which was the program’s highest since winning the national championship in 1939.
This podcast is a visit with Burleson County sheriff's office chief deputy John Pollock and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Burleson County sheriff's office chief deputy John Pollock returned to work Monday, two weeks after he was shot in the jaw while serving an arrest warrant.
Pollock says his jaw is wired shut for another six weeks after his mandible was shattered.
He says going to the office on a part time basis is part of his recovery. And he says he is paying attention to his mental health; thanking his wife, children, and all those who have called and texted him.
Pollock sent a news release Tuesday morning identifying two other suspects in an armed robbery earlier this month near Somerville Lake off FM 60 at the Dollar General store.
Arrest warrants have been issued for an unidentified 15 year old and for 18 year old Jayshua Hedge of Houston.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Burleson County sheriff's office at 979-567-4343.
Pollock's news release stated that their investigation has included assistance by the Somerville and Caldwell police departments, Texas park rangers, and the Texas department of public safety.
College Station Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Alex Caruso basketball court dedication, more Dutch Bros locations, Costco, developer neighborhood communications, College Station police officers cleared of any wrongdoing during recent fatal shootings, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the situation in Afghanistan, what happens next, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley President Alison Prince and Campaign Chair Steve Fullhart discuss this year's campaign season, the kick off event, and more during this week's UWBV update on WTAW.
Lindsey LeBlanc, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Resource Center, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their loss of federal and state grants, what that means for SARC, a new campaign to raise money, and more.
This podcast contains comments from the August 17, 2021 Blinn College trustees meeting from director of facilities, planning, and construction Mark Feldhake.
Sometime in the next 12 months, Blinn College could break ground on new buildings on newly acquired land on the Bryan campus.
During the August 17th board of trustees meeting, there was no opposition to starting 11 new master plan projects over the next six years.
Facilities, planning, and construction director Mark Feldhake said the first would be a new Bryan administration and student services building. The $31 million dollar building would be built at Villa Maria and Nash. Blinn will demolish the former Rivergate church and nearby homes, along with the building currently housing the administration office and bookstore along 29th.
Blinn trustees also expressed no opposition to a $13 million dollar Bryan campus library expansion and renovation that would start in fiscal year 2024, and a $245,000 dollar parking and pedestrian improvement project in fiscal year 2025.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download Blinn College master plan construction projects: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Blinn08121MasterPlan.pdf
This podcast contains remarks from the Keep Brazos Beautiful awards luncheon that was held August 25, 2021.
Speakers included KBB board president Dr. Dwayne Raymond, KBB interns Jacqueline Garcia Munoz, Shawnee Chavez, and P. Henry Featherston, Texas A&M interim vice president of student affairs Joe Ramirez, and emcee Kathleen Ninke.
KBB presented the following awards:
Community stewardship award, Bryan Griesbach of the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency
Good neighbor award to Steve Beachy.
Keepers of the kingdom award to Candilyn McLean.
Miller youth award to the Rudder High School Leo Club.
Media awards to Bryan Broadcasting, The Eagle, and KBTX.
Can do recycling award to Ron Schmidt.
Jack and Dorothy Miller beautification awards to Century Square and the Stella Hotel.
Community leadership awards to KBB interns Jacqueline Garcia Munoz, Shawnee Chavez, and P. Henry Featherston
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M president Katherine Banks during the August 25, 2021 meeting of the board of regents finance committee.
The Texas A&M system board of regents approved budgets and new capital projects during their three day August meeting at the RELLIS campus.
The board spent the first day and a half hearing from 20 system executives. Among the presenters was the new president of the flagship campus, Katherine Banks.
She reported A&M is increasing the amount going towards deferred maintenance from $22 million to $30 million a year.
Banks asked for a $20 million dollar renovation of the Doherty building, and she said the Mays business school is expanding, with funding for the $74 million project in part from financial assistance from private gifts.
Dr. Banks also reported this fall's projected enrollment on the main campus is 67,150. That's an increase of 730...or just over one percent...compared to last fall. She said says the number of domestic students applying and who are enrolled in graduate school are up from a year ago, there is a 20 percent decline in the number of international students, and there is a continued emphasis on recruiting minority students.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the Texas A&M fiscal year 2022 budget proposal, provided by the A&M system: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/bor082521BudgetTAMU.pd
Additional information from the Texas A&M system:
The Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents on Thursday approved a $9.6 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2022 and added $551.5 million in new projects to the System’s five-year capital plan.
The new operating budget represents a 53 percent increase although most of the additional money is federal “pass-through” dollars managed by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, the System’s newest state agency.
Excluding this and the additional federal support provided by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF), the A&M System’s day-to-day operations increased 7 percent over the current year. That 7 percent figure includes additional state appropriations and an increase in research funding.
The new five-year capital plan totals more than $1.9 billion, with almost $1.4 billion of previously approved projects that are either in design or under construction.
The $551.5 million in possible future projects, pending the Board’s final approval of each project, includes:
• Exterior renovation of the Academic Building at Texas A&M
• Phase II of The Gardens at Texas A&M
• Dock improvements at the Texas A&M’s Galveston campus
• Parking garage at Tarleton State University
• Dorm renovation at West Texas A&M
• Student Services Building and recreation center expansion at Texas A&M-Commerce
• Renovations to the Borlaug Southern Crop Improvement Center, AgriLife Research
• Nuclear Engineering Education Building for Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
• Physical plant projects and equipment replacement at various campuses and agencies
Kelly Kelbly, Assistant Director of Parks & Recreation, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about fall sports leagues and programs, youth programs, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Councilman Reuben Marin visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the first reading of the city's budget, railroad crossings, future plans for Downtown Bryan, Midtown Park, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 24, 2021 meeting of the Bryan buildings and standards commission.
Copy and paste the following link for background information from the city of Bryan: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BryBldgStandComm082321LaSalleEmails.pdf
Technically declared an unsafe structure last April, the owner of downtown Bryan's LaSalle Hotel has temporary permission to offer all 55 rooms.
The city's building and standards commission on Monday unanimously approved the request. A lawyer representing the hotel, Jess Anderson, cited an e-mail they received from the city's building official.
Commissioners granted the request two months after the hotel owner was down to offering five rooms.
Since the commission's June 21st meeting, windows and frames have been replaced.
Exterior repairs have to be completed by November 1 before the hotel owner can seek a permanent occupancy permit.
This podcast contains comments from Agrilife extension district administrator Eric Zimmerman and Brazos County's new 4-H agent Matt Pfiefer during the August 24, 2021 county commission meeting.
A new Brazos County 4-H agent was introduced at Tuesday's county commission meeting.
For the last year and a half, Matt Pfiefer has been a part of a statewide extension pandemic program that included dropping off supplies in the Brazos County administration building where commission meetings are held.
Pfiefer said he was seeking a more traditional extension position. He was active in 4-H while growing up in Port Lavaca.
Bryan district's extension administrator, Eric Zimmerman, noted Pfiefer's arrival comes with the opening of Brazos County's new extension building and an estimated turnout of 400 at last Saturday's 4-H recruitment event.
Zimmerman said the immediate goal is to grow Brazos County 4-H membership to 750 and eventually to 1,000.
Pfiefer takes over for Avery Martin, who moved to the Brazos Valley Fair.
This podcast contains comments from the August 17, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting. Speakers are CSISD secondary education director Tiffany Parkerson and board members Amanda Green, Geralyn Nolan, and Kimberly McAdams.
There was no opposition from the College Station ISD school board to the idea of creating a committee to review the district's policy on high school grades and class ranking.
CSISD's director of secondary education Tiffany Parkerson briefed the board on the idea during the board's August meeting.
Action to form the committee will be considered during the board's September meeting.
The proposal calls for the committee to develop recommendations for the board to consider as early this December.
Parkerson and superintendent Mike Martindale said if the board approves any changes, they would not affect current students.
Board members Amanda Green and Geralyn Nolan made suggestions of who should be part of the committee. Board member Kimberly McAdams, said administrators need to be clear about how this will be communicated to the public.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's special meeting, self-evaluation for the city council, 380 agreements, development in the biocorridor, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about proposed spending plans, what is going on with the Republican and Democratic parties, banking privacy, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 17, 2021 Blinn College trustees meeting. Speakers include Blinn chancellor Mary Hensley, vice chancellor for student services Becky McBride, and chief financial officer Richard Cervantes.
Blinn College trustees are told at their last meeting to anticipate fall enrollment going down compared to last year.
Chancellor Mary Hensley reported during this month's board of trustees meeting that fall enrollment is 11 percent down from the same date last year, and down 21 percent from last year's official reporting date.
Dr. Hensley says Blinn is not alone. She told trustees the last time she checked, all but about three of the state's 50 community colleges were projecting lower numbers.
The chancellor and chief financial officer Richard Cervantes also answered questions regarding student housing in Brenham, saying rooms remain available for the fall semester.
Vice chancellor for student services Becky McBride reported enrollment during the second summer session that there were 3,920 students district wide. That's a decrease of 747 students from Blinn's record setting headcount during the same period last year.
Last summer, all classes were online. This year during the second summer session, 232 students took classes in person. 109 were Bryan campus students, 53 were high school students, 38 were RELLIS campus students, and 19 were Brenham campus students.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M assistant provost Alicia Dorsey during the August 9, 2021 A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M has started the lengthy process of being reaccredited for the next five years.
When assistant provost Alicia Dorsey presented an update to A&M's faculty senate on August 9, she was in a 24 day sequestration period collecting information.
Dr. Dorsey, who is A&M's liaison with The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), reminded the faculty senate this is a pass/fail process.
According to A&M's accreditation website (https://aa.tamu.edu/Accreditation), the university will submit a compliance certification and institutional summary on September 7.
That's followed by an off site review in November, an on-site review next March, and a final review in December of next year.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County 361st district court judge Steve Smith and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The delta variant has put Brazos County district court jury trials on hold.
361st district judge Steve Smith says that follows a meeting of local judges.
He thanks those who have reported for jury duty since trials resumed a year ago, and he is not aware of negative consequences of jurors who have served since trials resumed last August.
Smith directs residents to continue responding to jury summons notices and those who are scheduled to serve to call the jury services number on Sunday nights.
This podcast contains comments from the August 17, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting. Speakers are juvenile services deputy director Joel Hein and commissioners Irma Cauley and Nancy Berry.
The weekly report to Brazos County commissioners of the population in the juvenile detention center is typically acknowledged with a thank you. That was not the case this week.
A deputy director in the juvenile services department, Joel Hein, presented this week's population report. Hein said on Tuesday "Our numbers this morning are looking better. We have 34 total youth in detention."
That was followed by the reaction from county commissioners Irma Cauley and Nancy Berry. Cauley said "That seems awful high for our department." Berry added "It's up from last week, for sure."
According to county commission meeting minutes, 34 held in juvenile detention August 17 was the same number as the week before.
The meeting minutes showed the population was between 30 and 37 in eight of the ten reports given to commissioners between May 25 and August 10.
Hein also reported there continues to be alternative programs to keep young people out of juvenile detention. Hein said they "are trying to keep the kids involved in something positive."
According to county commission meeting minutes, juvenile services reported the following population reports:
8/17/21: 34
8/10/21: 34
8/3/21: 31
7/27/21: 32
7/20/21: 30
7/6/21: 30
7/2/21: 30
6/22/21: 25
6/15/21: 23
6/8/21: 24
6/1/21: 37
5/25/21: 35
5/18/21: 29
5/11/21: 22
5/4/21: 26
College Station Councilman Bob Brick visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about city taxes, affordable housing, a sales tax increase, quality of life, the new city hall, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the quorum in Austin, resignations, redistricting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 16, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting and the August 17, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting. Speakers are Bryan ISD board president Mark McCall, College Station ISD board members Kimberly McAdams, Geralyn Nolan, Jeff Horak, and president Mike Nugent. The last speaker in this podcast is Brazos County health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan.
A common topic at this week's Bryan ISD (BISD) and College Station ISD (CSISD) school board meetings was wearing masks inside campus buildings.
Public comments during both meetings included parents asking board members to defy the governor's executive order and mandate masks. CSISD board members also heard from two students, and eighth grader and the junior class president at Consolidated High School, who also sought mask requirements.
None of the Bryan ISD board members called for requiring masks. The only BISD board member to speak on this topic, board president Mark McCall, said "I think probably one of the things that we really ultimately want to watch out for is that anybody who wear masks feels just as comfortable as somebody who doesn't wear a mask."
Two CSISD board members spoke about mask requirements. Kimberly McAdams said "Did we think the protocols we had in place last year worked and helped? And then if we say yes to that, which I do, then are we brave enough to put some of those protocols back in place?" And Geralyn Nolan agreed with the Brazos County health authority, the chief medical officer at CHI St. Joseph Health, and the president of the Baylor Scott & White Health College Station region...who according to Nolan "overwhelmingly all three of them said that we need to be wearing masks (and) that they would like to see everyone showing up at schools wearing masks and also that when we all wear masks we see decreased transmissions."
The remaining five CSISD board members did not express an opinion about mandating masks.
Another public speaker at the CSISD meeting was health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan, who recommended masks be worn inside schools and inside buses. Sullivan also said "I recommend that we think about thresholds for where we need to have further mitigation factors and I think that we watch what's happening with other schools very closely."
Sam Vernon and Rachel Gaddis, from Bryan's engineering staff, visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Downtown Bryan quiet zone, the construction steps and timeline, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dr. Brett Giroir visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his time on the White House COVID task force, learning about the coronavirus, possible variants, getting vaccinated, booster shots, at what level decisions should be made, should kids wear masks in school, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dusty Tittle, Brazos County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the new Brazos County Extension office, Friday's open house and his retirement reception, Saturday's 4-H Club Fair, and more.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County property owners for the second year have received a postcard regarding accessing property tax rate information at no charge.
This is the first year similar postcards were sent by smaller counties surrounding Brazos County as well as the rest of state.
Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe says to follow the specific instructions on the postcard to access the free information.
Roe says if you use search engines, you will be directed to websites that want to charge you for the information.
The postcards and the websites were mandated by the legislature two years ago.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download more information from the Brazos County tax office: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BrCoTaxOffice081221.pdf
According to a news release from Kristy Roe, there are two important things that should be remembered about the notice and website:
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The notice is designed to help local property owners be a part of the tax rate setting process for the upcoming tax year. It directs them to a website where they can look up their property and see exactly what is happening as the taxing units take steps to adopt tax rates which will impact them this year. The notice and the website are mandated by legislation that was passed in 2019 by the Texas Legislature.
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Taxpayers need to enter the exact website address as listed on the postcard when they search for the website. Using a browser to search often results in finding websites that charge for the information.
So, while the postcard is not a scam, some people are being scammed. The website is part of mandated government transparency as required by the Texas Legislature. There is a website with this type of information for every county in Texas this year.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president Peggi Goss and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For at least five years, United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) has been investigating how to provide transportation for low income people getting to and from medical appointments.
United Way vice president Peggi Goss says Texas A&M mechanical engineering students created a website connecting patients to volunteer drivers.
Now, United Way is asking everyone to go to their website and vote for their project to receive a $25,000 dollar grant to cover costs.
Copy and paste the following link to be directed to the UWBV voting site: https://www.neighborhoodassist.com/entry/2039903
Goss says you can vote every day through August 27th.
The top 40 out of 200 finalists, who were chosen from 2,000 applicants, will receive 25 thousand dollars.
News release from United Way of the Brazos Valley:
United Way of the Brazos Valley needs community support to win a $25,000 grant from State Farm to fund their Ride2Health program. This rideshare program connects local volunteer drivers to patients needing transportation to non-emergency health care appointments, mental health services and pharmacies.
United Way of the Brazos Valley has been selected as one of the top 200 finalists out of 2,000 nationwide applications. The next step in the grant process is an online vote to decide the top 40 programs to receive funding.
United Way of the Brazos Valley is the only finalist from the Brazos Valley, and one of only 15 organizations selected from the state of Texas.
The voting period begins Aug. 18 and runs until 11:00 pm CST on Aug. 27. Individuals can place up to 10 votes per day during the voting period, for a grand total of 100 votes per person.
Community members are encouraged to go online each day and vote to support this vital program by visiting neighborhoodassist.com/entry/2039903. The link to vote is also available on the United Way of the Brazos Valley’s homepage at uwbv.org.
This $25,000 grant will allow United Way of the Brazos Valley to pilot the program with three local organizations and their patients, including Health For All, HealthPoint and the Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse (BVCASA).
Lack of transportation options can be a significant barrier to accessing health care, mental health services and related preventative services in the Brazos Valley. Nearly 17% of the Brazos Valley population are without health insurance and nearly 20% are living at or below the poverty line. Lack of insurance and low-income are indicators of not obtaining adequate medical care and/or life-saving medications.
“Ride2Health is designed to provide a viable, economical and sustainable solution to non-emergency medical transportation services for low-income individuals and families,” Said Peggi Goss, Vice President Community Impact at United Way of the Brazos Valley. “The program will partner with healthcare organizations and utilize a website designed to connect the volunteer drivers with pre-qualified patients in need of a ride to health care appointments and pharmacies.”
Accessing preventative and maintenance health care is also critical to reducing return visits to emergency rooms and local hospitals and reducing the strain on Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to transport non-emergency medical patients.
Program data shows that Ride2Health could reduce transportation-based no shows and missed appointments, which occur 21% of the time as reported by providers in the program pilot. Reducing no show rates will allow for the overall better use of healthcare resources and will improve equal access to said resources.
United Way of the Brazos Valley fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the Brazos Valley. To learn more about United Way and to vote for Ride2Health, visit uwbv.org.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about riding on the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014, development clusters, the new city hall, COVID concerns, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Afghanistan, the Biden administration, the infrastructure bill, his upcoming town hall meeting, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the August 10, 2021 Bryan city council meeting.
Almost 1,500 property owners are affected by new zoning regulations from south of downtown Bryan to the College Station city limits.
That's after the Bryan city council at its last meeting approved the new Midtown zoning district.
Planning administrator Randy Haynes told the council the language was softened following a contested public hearing in February, changing sentences with the phrase "you shall" with "you should".
Councilman Bobby Gutierrez, who worked on the rezoning as a member of the planning and zoning commission, says the adopted language has real world applications.
Haynes told Gutierrez the language changes did not change the original goals of the new zoning district.
The rezoning began four years ago to address the construction of stealth dorms in Bryan, generating 57 pages of public comments and about 265 people attending three public meetings.
Later in the same meeting, the council denied an appeal of a planning and zoning commission decision to grant a conditional use permit to allow townhomes to be built on Lynn Drive, which is south of Villa Maria and west of South College. The city of Bryan's assistant director of planning and development services, Martin Zimmerman, told Gutierrez the project was an example of what they were looking for in the new Midtown zoning district.
Copy and paste this link to read and download the Midtown zoning district presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BryCoun081021MidtownPrez.pdf
Copy and paste this link to read and download the Lynn Drive conditional use permit appeal presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BryCoun081021LynnDriveAppealPrez.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the August 12, 2021 College Station city council meeting from mayor Karl Mooney and council members Elizabeth Cunha and Dennis Maloney.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the budget presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CScoun081321budget.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the property tax rate presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CScoun081221PropertyTaxRate.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the fee schedule presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/CScoun081221_fees.pdf
A unanimous College Station city council at its last meeting approved the fiscal year 2022 budget, property tax rate, and fee schedule.
Before the budget vote, some council members expressed the reason for their support.
Mayor Karl Mooney cited the construction of the new water tower along the freeway as one example of capital projects that are needed for the growing city. Mooney said water was needed as Baylor Scott & White hospital considers an expansion. A Baylor Scott & White spokesperson told WTAW News they were working on a response to the mayor's statement.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha said she was not going to vote against paying an additional five dollars a month in property taxes on her home because the city can't meet all its needs.
Councilman Dennis Maloney called on the legislature to deal with rising property values.
College Station's property tax rate remains the same, as does electric rates as long as the state does not change rules due to last February's winter storm. Water and wastewater rates are currently being studied.
This podcast is a visit with the executive director of Texas A&M Transportation Services Debbie (Hoffmann) Lollar and WTAW News intern Meg Carter.
Parking tags at Texas A&M are a thing of the past.
Saturday begins parking with the use of license plate readers.
Texas A&M transportation services executive director Debbie (Hoffmann) Lollar says virtual parking has been used on the A&M system's RELLIS campus since it opened.
Adding the technology at the flagship campus provides customers more options.
In addition to parking in assigned spaces, customers can park at selected locations at night.
Students can link one plate to their permit and employees can link up to three. All customers can go online and change the plate assigned to their account anytime.
It is the customer's responsibility to ensure the vehicle they park is registered.
News release from Texas A&M:
When Texas A&M University parking permits expire on Friday, drivers will not be hanging a new tag on their rearview mirrors. Instead, their license plates will serve as permits.
Using license plate recognition technology, Texas A&M Transportation Services can easily confirm license plates students, faculty and staff have linked to their permits. This allows for the elimination of hang tag permits.
“We are excited to provide a new level of convenience and flexibility to our customers with the implementation of virtual permits," said Peter Lange, associate vice president of Transportation Services. "We have one of the most complex parking systems in the country and we have been adopting and adapting license plate recognition technology for several years. We recognize change is hard and we are working to make sure this rollout is as smooth as possible for our campus community.”
Customers must ensure their plates are updated in their parking accounts. Log in, click on "Update Plate" and follow the instructions. Then, simply park in your assigned area with your license plate facing the drive aisle. Customers can update their plate at any time, any day.
Students may link one plate to their permit and employees may link up to three.
“Virtual permits provide customers real-time flexibility to add or correct license plates via smart device or through their parking account,” said Tad Fifer, Transportation Services' web and information designer.
"Customers no longer have to worry about forgetting, losing or improperly displaying their permits – and permits won't get lost in the mail," he said. “The new system furthers our commitment to sustainability, eliminating the need for envelopes, stamps and plastic permits."
Fifer noted that customers must ensure the vehicle they park on campus is linked.
“It is important for customers to link the plate for any vehicle they are parking on campus – whether it’s their personal vehicle, their friend’s vehicle or a rental car,” he said. "Customers must ask themselves, 'What vehicle did I drive today? Is that license plate linked to my permit?'"
Visit transport.tamu.edu for more information.
The city of College Station's solid waste division manager, Caroline Ask, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs about tips and reminders to new and current customers.
State senator Charles Schwertner of Georgetown, whose district includes Brazos County, visited with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on August 12, 2021.
Topics included the continuing second special session of the state legislature, including legislation Schwertner has sponsored, and the pandemic.
City of Bryan development administrator Lauren Hovde visited with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs August 12, 2021.
Topics included the city council this week giving final approval of the new Midtown zoning district, a boom in new residential development, the increase in building permits compared to the same time a year ago, and recently completed commercial development.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan deputy city manager Hugh Walker during the August 10, 2021 city council meeting.
Bryan city council members learned at this week's meeting that construction in one area of the new Midtown Park is behind schedule. Deputy city manager Hugh Walker says completion of the new little league ballfields has been delayed until November due to the weather.
Walker says at the expanded Midtown Park lake, the heavy lifting has been completed on deepening the lake...with all spoiled dirt being removed and taken to the landfill.
Construction of Midtown Park's shared use path should start this month and weather permitting will be completed in January.
There was no mention of what is happening with the Phillips Events Center building, which was closed following damage from the February winter storm. But 50 trees on the golf course are being removed. And a greens replacement project is coming to a close, where golfers will be able to use the new greens September 20th, weather permitting.
Walker's report also included from Midtown Park:
• The first phase of the Bryan Midtown Park Gateway Entrance Sign and Landscaping project has been completed.
• The Interior Driveway concrete arch span bridge culvert has been placed across the creek to connect to the previously constructed roundabout on Midtown Blvd, with anticipated completion by November.
• The Midtown Blvd Extension construction contractor has been working on rough grading of the right of way, as well as some utility work at the Bomber at Williamson Drive intersection. Work should be complete by April 2022.
Elsewhere around the city of Bryan:
• The Coulter Drive Reconstruction Project is scheduled to complete this fall.
• The Woodville Road construction project is complete.
• Pavement on the Palasota Street Project, Phase 1, has been installed along the roadway in various sections, with pavement between Beck Street and the major creek crossing expected to be completed by the end of the month. Construction on the intersection roundabouts will likely begin in October, with overall project completion expected in April.
• The Staunton/Southside culverts are almost complete as part of the Still Creek Culvert Replacement Project. The Woodville and Wilkes Road culverts are installed but the
paving has not been finished at either location. The project is expected to be complete by end of the year but it is heavily weather-dependent.
• A public meeting for the Bristol/Esther Storm Sewer was held last week to show residents the design plans. The project is expected to bid late this year, with construction commencing in early 2022 and anticipated completion by end of 2023.
• TxDOT is scheduled to bid the William Joel Bryan Parkway Project in July of 2022, and the project limits have shortened from Texas Ave to Post Office driveways. BTU has substantially completed the new underground power line conversion.
• TXDOT is scheduled to bid the Phase 1 portion of the Earl Rudder/State Highway 6 Widening Project for bids in late summer of 2022. Phase 1 includes the widening of the main lanes of Hwy 6 to 6 lanes. Phase 2 of the project is scheduled to bid in 2024 and will include all the bridge improvements through the project limits.
• The Texas Avenue Phase 1 design from Old Hearne Road to 15th Street is complete, and includes the traffic signal installation at the Waco Street & Hwy 21 intersection recently realigned next to the American Legion. Phase 1 is expected to bid in December 2021. In addition to individual property owner meetings, the design team has been working with the fire and police departments on the median design for access/break points to facilitate emergency needs. TXDOT’s current plan is to construct the remainder of the project in two more phases, with Phase 2 installing raised medians and Phase 3 constructing the shared use path and sidewalks and intersection improvements.
• Construction on the first phase of the Downtown Quiet Zone improvements began last week. Future phases proceeding into construction will be dependent on Union Pacific making their improvements to their rail infrastructure, including quad gates at Groesbeck.
• Staff began to remove dead trees at the City Course last week, and approximately fifty trees will be removed over the next two weeks or so.
• The City Course greens sprigging project entered its 3rd week, and Phillips Event Center staff plans to transition back to the regular greens on September 20th.
• The Grandview Cemetery Association will have their historic marker dedication on Saturday, September 4th , tentatively set for 10:00 a.m. at the Grandview Cemetery.
• The First Ever Back to School Skate Jam is Friday, August 13th at 5:30 p.m. at the Williamson Skate Park. The event is free and includes prizes, music, and pizza. For more information, see “The Calendar” at: bryantx.gov.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County budget officer Irene Jett during the August 10, 2021 county commission meeting about the proposed addition of 21 county employees and the elimination of seven positions in the fiscal year 2022 budget.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the Brazos County budget presentation from the August 10, 2021 meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BrCoComm081021BudgetPrez.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the 218 page proposed Brazos County fiscal year 2022 budget: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BrCoComm081021ProposedBudget.pdf
Brazos County's proposed fiscal year 2022 budget was unveiled at this week's county commission meeting. After nearly two months of budget workshops, the only reaction from commissioners on Tuesday was thanking employees who put the proposal together.
A cover letter from county judge Duane Peters that's part of the 218 page budget document states in part that the $18 million dollar increase in general fund spending was due to increased needs during the pandemic.
The proposed budget also includes adding 21 positions and eliminating seven. That would bring next year's proposed county workforce to 964. That is an increase of 136 from nine years ago.
Among the proposed additions presented by budget officer Irene Jett is another clerk in the tax assessor-collector's office, the Brazos County Expo adding a second senior manager and four part time attendants, and someone to scan district court files so that the gym can reopen in the county's administration building, which is a former church.
The county's proposed property tax rate would drop 15-hundredths of one cent.
Public hearings on the proposed county budget and tax rate will be held the afternoon of August 31st.
Bryan city councilman and mayor pro tem Buppy Simank visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Topics include a review of this week's council meeting and Simank's work as a council representative on the BTU board and the Brazos County health district board.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about the Senate's passage of an infrastructure bill and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs on Wednesday, August 11, 2021.
This podcast contains comments from the August 9, 2021 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting.
The August meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included taking one hour and 40 minutes to finalize language in a one page resolution, calling on the governor to let individual institutions decide how to handle the pandemic.
Speaker Dale Rice thanked the A&M body, saying "this was an incredibly important step that we pass a resolution." He also thanked members "for the very civil debate and discussion that we had as a part of this process. I am really proud of the faculty senate."
Rice said as they were adopting a resolution, so did the faculty council at the University of Texas. Rice said "I do think it's wonderful that the two flagship institutions of the state have both made statements about the importance of being able to control what is actually happening to us."
The one page document ends with "Whereas, the University is being constrained in its protective and preventive measures by forces outside its control; therefore, be it Resolved, That the Faculty Senate of Texas A&M University urges that individual institutions be allowed to make their own decisions involving the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic based on sound scientific evidence, local health conditions, and public health standards."
The faculty senate took time to change language as well as address grammar issues. At least two times, members were asked to not leave the meeting because they were close to not having enough for a quorum.
The faculty senate's bylaws calls for meetings to end at 6:00 p.m. When it was discovered the final vote on the resolution was made at 6:01 p.m., members approved extending the meeting 15 minutes and voted again.
Copy and paste this link to read and download the adopted resolution and a news release from the Texas A&M faculty senate: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FacSen081021AppdResNewsRelease.pdf
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M interim I-T vice president and chief information officer Ed Pierson during the July 12, 2021 A&M faculty senate meeting.
Texas A&M's information technology department is in the process of moving more than 37,000 employee e-mail accounts to a new platform.
The move to Microsoft 365 was among the topics discussed during the July meeting of A&M's faculty senate meeting by interim I-T vice president and chief information officer Ed Pierson.
Pierson also said A&M students will continue to be connected to the Google platform. Pierson has also been keeping tabs on when Google will start charging for services that are currently free.
Pierson said the department spent the summer for a return to in-person instruction after adjusting to remote learning during the pandemic last year. That included the flagship campus having a total of 8,700 wireless access points by September.
Another online priority is security. Pierson says isolated online environments have gone away.
Pierson's presentation also shared the following statistics of A&M's I-T department:
The department protects more than 787,000 active identities.
There are more than 44,000 unique devices on the A&M network each day, using 4,000 miles of a campus cable network that is equivalent to driving from College Station to Spokane Washington and back.
A&M's I-T network processes 220 million e-mails each month. If each e-mail is printed on one sheet of paper, the monthly stack would be more than 13 miles tall.
A&M's I-T department blocks over 20 billion attacks each month, blocks over 30 million malicious e-mails each month, and more than six million files are scanned for classified and sensitive information each month.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download Pierson's presentation: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/FacSen071221InfTech.pdf
Christie Whitbeck, Bryan ISD Superintendent, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new pandemic guidelines from TEA, opportunities for kids who have fallen behind, worst case scenarios, COVID testing, staffing, advice for parents, and more about the upcoming school year during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Mike Martindale, College Station ISD Superintendent, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new pandemic guidelines from TEA, virtual learning options, worst case scenarios, extra-curricular activities, staffing, and more about the upcoming school year during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with judge Steve Smith and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For only the second time, a Brazos County district judge will be serving on the tenth court of appeals.
This is after Governor Abbott announced on Friday, appointing Steve Smith to fill an unexpired term that ends in December of next year.
Smith told WTAW News the appellate position "hasn't necessarily been in my career (goals), but when the opportunity presented itself for us to have a judge on the court from the Brazos County area, I felt it would be a good idea to apply."
The three member tenth court of appeals hears approximately 400 criminal and civil appeals a year from lower courts in eighteen counties of Texas.
The geography includes Brazos, Burleson, Robertson, Madison, Walker, Leon, Limestone, Freestone, Navarro, Ellis, McLennan, Falls, Bosque, Coryell, Hamilton, Hill, Johnson, and Somervell counties.
Smith plans on seeking a full term in the November 2022 election to the Waco-based appeals court.
Smith has presided over the 361st district court since 1999. Before that, he served as a county court at law judge and municipal judge in College Station.
News release from Governor Abbott's office:
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Steve Smith to the Tenth Court of Appeals for a term set to expire on December 31, 2022, or until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified.
Steve Smith of College Station is Judge of the 361st District Court in Brazos County and previously served as Judge of the County Court at Law No. 1 and as Presiding Judge and Associate Municipal Judge for College Station.
He is board certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. He is a member of the American Judges Association, American Bar Association, and the State Bar of Texas and its Judicial Section, where he served as chair.
Additionally, he is faculty member of the National Judicial College, former faculty member of the Board for the Texas Center for the Judiciary and the Texas Justice Court Training Center, and former faculty member and former board member of the Texas Municipal Courts Association.
He is a board member and vice-chair of Fosters Home for Children in Stephenville and former trustee for Abilene Christian University (ACU).
Smith received a Bachelor of Music Education from ACU and a Juris Doctor degree from The University of Texas School of Law.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners will be hiring a consultant to assist in the spending of federal pandemic grant money.
County judge Duane Peters says one possible use for the grant money is mental health services.
WTAW News visited with Peters after county commissioners were asked by a local rural broadband provider during Tuesday's meeting to spend grant money on extending fiberoptic coverage.
Peters says multiple companies have inquired about grants to build broadband service outside city limits.
This podcast is the groundbreaking program for Bryan ISD's third intermediate school, held on August 6, 2021. The program begins with performances from the Rudder and Bryan high school pep bands and follows with remarks from BISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck, BISD school board president Mark McCall, and Bryan city councilman Prentiss Madison.
Those participating in Friday's groundbreaking of Bryan ISD's third intermediate school included third grade students from nearby Bonham elementary.
BISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck said the new school will not only affect those students, "the decisions that our board has made, that our community has made, will make a difference for students whose parents are not even born yet. And that is the reality, that is the responsibility, the opportunity and the privilege that we have to think about how many lives we are affecting that we don't even know at this time."
Dr. Whitbeck also said "our community told us through surveys and feedback that they wanted smaller intermediate schools. And we listened. And our board listened. And our voters listened."
BISD school board president Mark McCall recalled the superintendent's first day on the job, responding to an issue regarding bus routes that led to voters approving last November's bond issue that included a new transportation and maintenance complex and building intermediate school three on land next to the current transportation center.
Bryan city councilman Prentiss Madison, whose district includes the new school, congratulated BISD officials and said he looked forward to its opening in August 2023.
This Bryan ISD's first new school building since groundbreaking for Rudder High in 2008.
Yvette Dela Torre, Deputy Local Registrar, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about how to get a birth certificate, misinformation, alternative forms of identification and supporting documents, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Katelyn Brown of the Destination Bryan tourism office and WTAW's Bill Oliver about August events and her visits with businessowners about how they are addressing the pandemic surge.
This podcast contains comments from the August 2, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers include assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw.
Three major storms in nine months contributed to the Bryan ISD school district paying an additional $333,000 dollars for property, general liability, and automobile insurance in the upcoming year.
But BISD assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw told the board before this week's unanimous vote that administrators had planned for an increase of $650,000 dollars.
The fiscal year 2021 cost was $1,299,532.
The cost for fiscal year 2022 is $1,633,548.
The coverage also includes a new three percent deductible for damage from wind storms. The deductible for hail damage to BISD buildings remains at three percent.
BISD had major claims from hail storms in May of last year and this April, along with February's winter storm.
Will Smith, Chief Financial Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his recent presentation to the city council, the city's general fund, construction growth, federal pandemic money, new positions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners at this week's meeting approved spending up to $7,000 dollars for an outside engineer to do what was described as "structural assessments" of two buildings.
There will be a physical inspection of the county's road and bridge building. County judge Duane Peters that review will go towards deciding whether to repair or replace the building.
Commissioners are also paying for a review of prior inspections and engineering reports at the parking garage in downtown Bryan, where the east portion of that building has county probation offices.
While the garage is operated by the Brazos Transit District, Peters says it was built on county land and at some point the county will own the building.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the contract that was approved at the August 3, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BrCoComm080321gessner.pdf
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about today's Feast of Caring, setting a tax rate, ongoing COVID issues, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last week's veterans healthcare town hall meeting, the bipartisan infrastructure bill, the rent issue, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Kole Taylor and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan police department has announced the activity in the first three months of a new mental health unit.
Officer Kole Taylor says this is the result of an increase of police interactions with citizens who have mental illnesses.
In the first three months, the unit has responded to 112 calls for service, completed 73 home visits and made 191 telephone follow up visits.
Three officers have a full time assignment with the mental health unit, 30 more officers have been through mental health peace officer training, and the rest of the force has training in de-escalating mental health situations.
News release from the Bryan police department:
In an effort to meet community needs, the Bryan Police Department formed a Mental Health Unit in April of 2021. Across the country, there has been a significant increase in the awareness of law enforcement interactions with people suffering from mental illness. These interactions often turn violent based on a lack of trust from the mental health consumer with law enforcement. The Mental Health Unit officers have obtained extensive training and are equipped to deescalate a situation to prevent a violent confrontation between a mental health consumer and law enforcement. Our officers work collaboratively with the community and local Mental Health Authorities to divert people in mental health crisis from jails to behavioral treatment facilities.
The unit is comprised of three officers who have received specific training on how to help people who may be experiencing a mental health crisis. Mental Health Unit officers respond to call for service that directly involve mental health consumers in crisis. Additionally, these officers build a bond with mental health consumers through occasional home visits and follow-up phone contacts. During these contacts officers will ensure mental health consumers are not in crisis, make scheduled doctor’s visits, and are taking prescribed medications. Our hope is by taking a proactive approach we can reduce the number of police interactions with mental health consumers in our community who are in crisis.
Because there are only three officers assigned to the Mental Health Unit, and they will not be working 24 hours, 7 days a week, the Bryan Police Department also provided Mental Health Peace Officer training to 30 additional officers. This training focused on recognition of persons in crisis, communication skills, and de-escalation techniques. We anticipate these officers will be able to provide a more in-depth response to mental health calls when the Mental Health Unit is not available.
To date, the Mental Health Unit has responded to 112 calls for service involving mental health consumers in crisis. They have completed 73 home visits and conducted 191 follow-up phone contacts.
Registration is now open for non-profit organizations wanting to participate in this year's Brazos Valley Gives event. Co-chair Molly Watson visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the registration process, this year's event goals, and more.
This podcast contains comments from the August 2, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers include five speakers during the citizens comments portion of the meeting, along with superintendent Christie Whitbeck, one of the district's executive directors of school leadership Brian Merrill, and board members David Stasny, Ruthie Waller, and Mark McCall.
Bryan ISD administrators and school board members heard the last two weeks from opponents of switching he/she references to they/their in the student code of conduct and student handbook.
Monday afternoon, board members listened to nearly 20 minutes of comments from opponents. Then the board unanimously approved a switch, but not to they/their.
According to BISD spokesman Matt LeBlanc, the switch was from using pronouns to nouns.
LeBlanc told WTAW News the board's decision was "based on the feedback, including from people who spoke in the meeting that had previously reached out, changed the student handbook to read more academically".
Board president Mark McCall said the switch was only to improve the readability of the document.
The board's vote also changed the definition of bullying, which was opposed by one BISD parent because it was incomplete.
Monday's vote also included dress code changes allowing secondary students to wear athletic shorts, and high school students being allowed to wear hair that is described as having an "unnatural color".
Copy and paste this link to read and download background information that was presented during the August 2, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BISD080221HandbookCodeConductPres.pdf
Copy and paste this link to read and download the Bryan ISD student handbook that was sent to WTAW News August 3, 2021: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BISDStudentHandbook080321.pdf
Copy and paste this link to read and download the Bryan ISD student code of conduct that was sent to WTAW News August 3, 2021: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/BISDStudentCodeConduct080321.pdf
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County health district director Santos Navarrette and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County health district is getting ten more employees as part of a first ever CDC grant administered by the state.
Health district director Santos Navarrette says all the new employees will be trained first to deal with the pandemic.
$400,000 dollars will hire three people for what Navarrette says is a health equity partnership to address health disparities among those living in two zip codes...77803 and 77840.
$1.5 million will hire seven people who Navarrette describes as diverse staff members to add and expand some existing clinical services to five days a week.
Navarrette says there is enough room in the current health district building to accommodate the new employees. They will occupy space formerly used by temporary employees providing pandemic response services.
The new positions include a family nurse practitioner, registered nurses, a workforce development coordinator, a biller/coder, administrative support staff, a health equity coordinator, and two community health workers. Positions will be posted the first week of August on the Brazos County website at www.brazoscountytx.gov.
Navarrette's goal to have the new employees working by the day after Labor Day.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Kole Taylor and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan police is investigating two reports from businessowners who have paid scammers instead of their employees.
Officer Kole Taylor says payroll employees have received spoof e-mails from scammers who changed bank account information.
Taylor asks those who handle payroll to confirm the bank account changes with the employee.
If you catch someone sending a spoof e-mail, Taylor says to not only delete it but add that address to your spam filter.
This podcast contains comments from the July 29, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting. Speakers are superintendent Mike Martindale, chief administrative officer Molley Perry, and board member Kimberly McAdams.
A special meeting of the College Station ISD school board July 29th was in part for the annual approval of the district's student code of conduct.
Before the four board members who attended approved recommendations that reflected changes in state law, CSISD's chief administrative officer fielded questions about required reporting and the local chain of command when students are disciplined.
Among other things, Molley Perry brought up CSISD's annual review of disciplinary procedures and the chain of command and required reporting when students are disciplined.
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the student code of conduct memo from the July 29, 2021 CSISD board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CSISD072921StudentCodeMemo.pdf
Copy and paste the following link to read and download the student code of conduct handbook approved at the July 29, 2021 CSISD board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CSISD072921StudentCode.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the July 19, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers include Kelli Norgaard, Mark McCall, and Barbara Ybarra.
The agenda for the next Bryan ISD school board meeting (Monday, August 2) includes consideration of changes in the student handbook and code of conduct.
During the BISD board's July 19th meeting, the proposal from school leadership director Kelli Norgaard switching "he/she" references to "they/their" and adding what she described as more compassionate language. That followed a review by an outside consultant.
There are two proposed changes to BISD's dress code, where secondary students can start wearing athletic shorts, and high school students will be allowed to wear hair that is described as having an "unnatural color".
Board president Mark McCall discussed with associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra, a recommendation that McCall said gives less weight to social studies grades given to third and fourth grade students.
And Norgaard said on July 19 that there may be more changes for the board to consider during the August 2 meeting. The document to be considered August 2 was not part of the board agenda that was made available to the public.
Alyssa Halle-Schramm, Long Range Planning Administrator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's comprehensive plan, citizen outreach, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from College Station ISD superintendent Mike Martindale during the July 20, 2021 CSISD school board meeting.
The July 20th meeting of the College Station ISD school board included approval of all recommended personnel decisions.
But board members received an e-mail from a concerned citizen about hiring a new elementary school principal with a lack of experience at that grade level.
CSISD superintendent Mike Martindale, who made the recommendation to select former College Station High School assistant principal Chris Southard as principal at Spring Creek elementary, explained the hiring process for the position.
Martindale said his career path included becoming an elementary principal after teaching then becoming an assistant middle school principal.
This Saturday, the Brazos Valley African American Museum is celebrating 15 years in the community. Matthew LeBlanc, board member, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the celebration and the launch of their new campaign, The 500.
Hendrix Broussard visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the BVAAM's 15th birthday party, a new campaign, and more during his visit on The Infomaniacs.
Councilman Bobby Gutierrez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about today's health department news conference, COVID protocols, bringing new companies to Bryan, competing with College Station, the Bryan Business Council, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast are the remarks of Texas A&M system board of regents chairman Tim Leach during a special meeting on July 28, 2021.
The Texas A&M system board of regents voted 8-1 to direct A&M's president to allow Texas and Oklahoma to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Voting no was Mike Hernandez of Ft. Worth.
Wednesday's vote followed an executive session lasting two hours and 14 minutes.
After the vote, those who immediately exited through the back door of the A&M Memorial Student Center's Bethancourt Ballroom included all the regents, chancellor John Sharp, deputy chancellor Billy Hamilton, system lawyers Ray Bonilla and Brooks Moore, A&M president Katherine Banks, and A&M athletic director Ross Bjork.
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The Board of Regents of The Texas A&M University System voted to issue the following statement Wednesday after its meeting to discuss possible expansion of the Southeastern Conference:
The decision in 2011 to join the Southeastern Conference has strengthened the position of Texas A&M University as a national leader in college athletics.
As college athletics go through the historic changes we are experiencing today, Texas A&M competes at the highest level with many of the top universities in the country — on the field, on the court, and in the classroom.
As members of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, we are proud of the Texas A&M athletic department and its tremendous success over the past decade. We are proud to be the largest university in Texas and in the SEC. We are proud to have rock-solid financials, the best fan base in America and 550,000 former students who compete and succeed across the globe.
We have the utmost confidence in Texas A&M President M. Katherine Banks and Athletic Director Ross Bjork to navigate discussions with our SEC conference partners.
Although the Board had concerns about the communication process relating to this matter, today the Board received the information it needed to properly consider the long-term ramifications of a possible expansion. President Banks and Athletic Director Bjork briefed board members after they participated in meetings yesterday and today with the SEC Commissioner’s Office.
The board concluded that this expansion would enhance the long-term value of the SEC to student athletes and all of the institutions they represent — including Texas A&M.
Therefore The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents Board directs Texas A&M President M. Katherine Banks to vote in favor of extending formal invitations to the University of Oklahoma and the University of Texas to join the conference in 2025 when the SEC presidents consider the matter.
As developments unfold, the leadership at Texas A&M will continue to analyze our opportunities and make decisions based on what’s best for our flagship university.
This podcast contains comments from the July 20, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting. Speakers include CSISD's chief financial officer Amy Drozd and superintendent Mike Martindale.
College Station ISD school board members approved two financial incentives during their July 20th meeting.
Unanimous votes included the recommendation from CSISD chief financial officer Amy Drozd for qualifying auxiliary service employees getting bonuses up to $500 dollars for meeting attendance and other requirements. Drozd says the intent to relieve the strain on the district's transportation, custodial, and food service departments.
The board also approved Drozd's recommendation for retention bonuses for returning CSISD employees in all departments of up to $1,500 dollars.
The incentives were approved the day after CSISD hosted what superintendent Mike Martindale said was a successful and first ever job fair to recruit bus drivers, custodians, and food service employees. Martindale reported the district was 100 percent staffed for custodians and the district was ahead of the curve for filling food service positions.
The CSISD board also approved the pay schedule for the 2021-22 school year. Bullet points include:
• Increase the beginning teacher salary from $45,500 to $47,000
• Ensure each eligible teacher receives at least a $1,000 increase from their current annual base salary
• Stipend schedule modifications as needed for reporting, market and equity purposes
• 1.5% pay increase from the midpoint for all other pay groups (Administrative/Professional, Clerical/Paraprofessional, Auxiliary)
• Increase the employer contribution to most health insurance plan options
• Implementation of a pilot attendance incentive plan for custodial services, food services, and transportation bus drivers and monitors.
• Additional language required for TIA
Copy and paste the following link for information about CSISD's 2021-22 school year pay and incentive for auxiliary service employees as approved during the July 20, 2021 school board meeting: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CSISD072021PayAndAuxServIncentive.pdf
Copy and paste the following link for information about CSISD's employee retention incentive: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/CSISD072021RetentionBkgd.pdf
This podcast contains comments from the city of Bryan's public works director, Jayson Barfknecht and city councilman Bobby Gutierrez during the council's July 13, 2021 meeting.
Next month, Bryan city council could consider a contract for street maintenance that will include improving the ride on Leonard Road from Harvey Mitchell Parkway towards the downtown area.
That's the goal of public works director Jayson Barfknecht, who was asked about improving the road surface during the July 13th council discussion of future capital improvement projects.
Barfknecht reminded the council that improvements on Leonard Road between Harvey Mitchell and Highway 47 comes from the state, since that section is a farm to market road. And the TxDOT Bryan district office reports there are no plans for repairs or improvements on their portion of the highway.
The reminder came after councilman Bobby Gutierrez recalled a discussion to improve Leonard Road several years ago, before Blinn College decided to expand on the RELLIS campus instead of Leonard and Harvey Mitchell.
This podcast contains comments from the July 19, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting from consulting architect Doug Caney and BISD school board members.
The Bryan ISD school board at its July 19th meeting approved the design for the multimillion dollar expansion of Rudder High School.
Consulting architect Doug Caney listed seven components to the project. The list includes says adding 14 classrooms, adding two parking lots...one that will also be used as a band practice staging area and the other for CTE students...a new marquee, additional outdoor lighting, and removing portable buildings.
Caney says they are looking to finalize documents in late September to solicit construction bids, bring a construction contract to the board in November, construction to start in December, and open the addition in January of 2023...weather permitting.
Theresa Mangapora, Brazos Valley Food Bank Executive Director, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the food bank's challenges during the pandemic, the return of Feast of Caring, and more.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the committee investigating the January 6th capital riot, the Texas democrats who traveled to Washington D.C., voting integrity, his upcoming healthcare town hall for veterans, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Councilman Prentiss Madison visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what he is hearing from his constituents, infrastructure and roads, growth in his district, his reaction to the July 4th arrests and the response to police, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Lt. Jason James, from the Bryan Police Department, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this week's Tip-a-Cop fundraiser.
This podcast contains comments from BTU general manager Gary Miller during the July 13, 2021 Bryan city council meeting.
BTU customers will not shoulder the $27 million dollar deficit related to getting electricity during February's winter storm.
BTU general manager Gary Miller told a joint meeting of his board and the Bryan city council on July 13 that they had $187 million dollars in costs, while generating revenue of $160 million.
The city of Bryan's chief financial officer told the council and the BTU board they will be asked at the end of the summer to pay the $27 million in cash from unrestricted funds.
All four of BTU's power plants generated electricity without interruption during the winter storm in what Miller described as a once in a thousand year event.
Over 1,500 switching operations performed during the event, compared to a normal number of 20 switching events.
Miller also reported no injuries or incidents.
And he told the council there is money in BTU's budgets for the next three years to continue weatherization efforts.
Click on the following link to read and download presentation material: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/BryCoun071321btu_storm.pdf
Werner Rose visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a community event celebrating the official opening of the Fun For All Playground's second phase.
The Arts Council of Brazos Valley needs responses to their survey to ensure funding necessary to rejuvenate Brazos Valley Arts & Culture following losses caused by the pandemic. WTAW's Andre Perrard visited with Sheree Boegner and Taryn Williames from ACBV to learn more.
Texas A&M is inviting fans to a special Midnight Yell Practice, as part of the filming of its national football commercial. Memo Salinas, Head Yell Leader, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the event, the upcoming football season, his thoughts on a possible expansion of the SEC, and more.
In honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, the Maroon Out organization is recreating the Red, White and Blue game from 2001. Celina Hernandez, Outreach Director, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the game, t-shirts sales, and more.
Gary Mechler, Director of Water Services, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about new water lines, aquifers, wastewater projects, the new water tower, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Abigail Noel from Destination Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a self-guided history tour, upcoming events, First Friday's on game day weekends, their temporary office, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from College Station city councilman John Crompton during the July 8, 2021 council meeting.
Adding more trees along major College Station streets is on the mind of a city councilman.
During the council's July 8th meeting, John Crompton asked about completing what began 11 years ago when about 160 trees were planted in the area of Texas and Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
Crompton also suggested a similar treatment along Harvey Road.
His request will be added to the agenda at a future council meeting.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city budget, the impact of February's winter storm and utilities, inflation, what he is hearing from residents, smart meters, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about inflation, America on the global front, the infrastructure bill, his upcoming Veterans Town Hall, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the July 19, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers include BISD assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw, Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation president Matt Prochaska, and FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Texas chief operating officer Gerry Farrell.
The biocorridor’s largest employer is one of two finalists to grow again. A $300 million dollar project from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) would be on Bryan ISD property.
BISD board members Monday night unanimously approved submitting a request to the state comptroller's office to limit the property value increase.
FDB’s local chief operating officer Gerry Farrell says the project, to expand production of vaccines and gene therapies, would create 150 technical jobs with an average annual salary of $80,000 dollars.
The biocorridor is competing with FDB's facility in Charlotte, North Carolina for the 138,000 square foot building.
Also speaking on behalf of what was nicknamed "Operation Flag Ship" was the president of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation (BVEDC), Matt Prochaska, and Bryan ISD assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw.
Links to presentation documents are at: https://wtaw.com/?p=147711
This podcast contains comments from the July 13, 2021 Bryan city council meeting. Speakers include councilmen Flynn Adcock, Brent Hairston, Buppy Simank, and mayor Andrew Nelson.
The Bryan city council's first discussion of the proposed fiscal year 2022 budget included comments whether to reduce the overall property tax rate.
The maintenance and operations portion of the property tax rate is dropping by three and a half cents and the debt service portion is rising by an equal amount.
Councilmen Flynn Adcock and Brent Hairston asked to consider dropping the overall rate. Councilmen Bobby Gutierrez and Buppy Simank and mayor Andrew Nelson were opposed, due to limitations made by state lawmakers two years ago to raise tax rates.
Links to five city of Bryan budget documents can be found at https://wtaw.com/?p=147563
The city of Bryan's proposed FY 2022 budget also calls for no utility rate increases.
General fund spending is proposed to increase from the fiscal year (FY) 2021 budget of $78.4 million to $89.6 million dollars. General fund revenue is projected to increase from the fiscal year 2021 budget of $79.6 million to $81.5 million dollars. The FY 2022 budget also proposes to spend $8.1 million from the city's fund balance.
Increased spending for FY 2022 includes $2.8 million in what the city describes as "miscellaneous new spending", almost $1.5 million in new vehicles, $544,600 for six new positions, a three percent merit pay raise, and a four percent increase in operating expenses.
The council was given a timeline that the budget will be on file July 30, the council will receive an updated budget presentation on August 10, a public hearing on the budget August 24, a public hearing on the property tax rate would be September 7, and the budget and tax rate will be adopted at dates that are yet to be set.
The proposal calls for the following personnel additions:
Additional funding for seven voluntary vacancies from fiscal year 2021 that were approved positions that were not funded:
Municipal Court – City Marshall
Engineering Part time Scanner and Part Time Intern
Streets and Drainage Crew Member
Traffic Signal Tech
Parks and Rec Athletics Supervisor
Fiscal Services Finance Assistant
Facility Services Maintenance Position
Addition of 6 new positions for fiscal year 2022:
Fire Administration - Assistant Chief of Training
Engineering – Administration – Engineering Inspector
Legal Services – Legal Administrative Assistant
Development Services
Business Systems Coordinator
Plans Examiner
Combination Building Inspector
There is also the purchase of vehicles in fiscal year 2022 that were deferred in FY 2020 and FY 2021:
FY 20 $451,000 (approved, not purchased)
FY 21 $1,000,000
This podcast are comments during the July 8, 2021 College Station city council meeting from the new CEO of Healthpoint medical clinics, Terri Sabella.
A publicly funded group of health centers serving Brazos and eight nearby counties has a new chief executive officer.
The last College Station city council meeting included comments from the new leader at Healthpoint, Terri Sabella.
Sabella took over following the retirement of longtime CEO Eric Todd.
Healthpoint became a standalone agency in 2017 after it was created in 2002 by the Brazos Valley Community Action Agency. It's funding comes from customers and a variety of other sources.
Healthpoint's locations include Bryan/College Station, Navasota, Hempstead, Somerville, Caldwell, Rockdale, Hearne, Franklin, Madisonville, Centerville, and Trinity.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Valley state representative Trent Ashby and WTAW's Bill Oliver, recorded July 16, 2021.
State representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin, whose district includes Madison and Leon counties, is among Republican lawmakers who continue to ask House Democrats in Washington D.C. to come home.
Ashby also gives a shout out to Democrats who did not go to Washington, saying those who stayed in Austin "are eager to work and want to vote and have the discussion and debate on the bills that are before us."
Ashby says they need approximately ten members to return in order to resume business in Austin.
Ashby says any consequences for those who went to Washington will be left to the house speaker and the governor.
During the special session, Ashby is chairing the House select committee on constitutional rights and remedies. That's in addition to his continuing appointments on the appropriations and transportation committees.
Ashby says "essentially this committee is being tasked with looking at a number of the issues that are on the governor's call of items that we are being asked to consider during our special session".
College Station Councilman Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city budget, the upcoming workshop, the city's budget app, inflation, bringing new businesses to College Station, affordable housing, changing the election years, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Carolyn Catalena, widow of Sammy Catalena, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the 50th and final Bryan Breakfast Lions Club PRCA Rodeo this weekend.
Richard Giusti, Bryan's new fire chief, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a community paramedicine program, addressing growth on the west side of Bryan, upcoming public meetings, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the general manager of the Brazos Transit District, Wendy Weedon, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Next year's state funding for the Brazos Transit District (BTD) to operate buses in Bryan and College Station is almost $1.2 million dollars.
But that represents a decrease of about $8,500 dollars at a time of increased operating expenses and increased ridership.
General manager Wendy Weedon says there are no plans to increase rates or reduce service.
Weedon says BTD has been spending federal pandemic grant money from the CARES Act to make up the difference.
Weedon, who has filled in as a driver because of a shortage, says a new group started training earlier this month. But she says BTD never stops recruiting.
BTD staffs its Bryan/College Station routes with 20 full time CDL drivers and two to three backup CDL drivers that cover seven demand in response routes.
Julie Caler, Code Enforcement Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about why the city relaxed enforcement during the pandemic, why they are bringing the sign ordinance back, what it means for business owners, and how to apply for a permit.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the first look at the proposed fiscal year 2022 budget, capital improvement projects, old projects that were shed, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the increase of the consumer price index, child tax credits, the Texas House democrats leaving Texas, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with assistant Brazos County district attorney Kara Comte and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A former teacher's aide who admitted to indecent sexual contact with two Bryan elementary school students is now on ten years probation after spending almost two months in the Brazos County jail.
41 year old Asael Paniagua committed the crimes in 2007 and 2009. The victims reported what happened in 2014. Later that year, he was arrested and indicted.
After six and a half years and 11 trial dates, Paniagua and the district attorney's office reached a plea agreement.
Assistant district attorney Kara Comte said they spoke with three victims prior to the plea, all were aware of the plea agreement, and two of the victims were in the courtroom at the time of the plea.
Comte said "One of the things that played into our decision in this case is that he did not have a criminal history prior to these charges coming to light." "These are what we call delayed outcry cases, meaning essentially we were left with no physical evidence of the offense and strictly relying on the word of the victims at the time."
Comte says delays included Paniagua changing lawyers and the pandemic.
Comte says the plea agreement required Paniagua to give guilty pleas. The prosecutor says that can create a lot of healing that a victim might not otherwise get.
Paniagua is also required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life and to have no contact with the victims. Comte says failing to register and/or failing to comply with those requirements can result in a new felony charge.
And Comte says if Paniagua violates probation in any way, he faces the maximum of 20 years in prison.
In March 2014, WTAW News reported Paniagua's arrest. Thanks to an anonymous WTAW listener for sending us court paperwork about the disposition of the case that took place earlier this year.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the special session, election legislation, the appropriations committee, Dade Phelan's job, his concerns, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 24 and July 8, 2021 College Station city council meetings. Speakers are John Crompton, Bob Brick, Elizabeth Cunha, and Carla Robinson.
The College Station city council is asking voters this November to approve three changes to the city charter.
At the July 8th meeting, the council voted four to three to ask voters to move council elections to odd numbered years.
John Crompton led off the nearly hour long debate with six points in support.
Two of the three who voted no...Elizabeth Cunha and Karl Mooney would have gone along with a vote in 2024, which is the next even numbered year that a charter election could be held.
Cunha brought up the 30,000 who voted last year, compared to 6,000 who voted in 2019.
John Nichols also voted no, and joining Crompton in voting yes were Bob Brick, Dennis Maloney, and Linda Harvell.
The council approved at its June 24th meeting asking voters to approve two other charter amendments.
The council voted four to two to ask voters to consider as presented by city attorney Carla Robinson, a ban on council members from engaging in city contracts or in any sale or purchase of city land, materials, supplies, or services. The ban would not apply when the council member owns less than one percent of stock in a corporation doing business with the city.
And the council unanimously approved asking voters to require council members to disclose campaign contributions over $500 dollars and abstain from participating and voting on any matter involving the contributor.
Brian Piscacek, Assistant to the City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what he saw during the Texas legislative session, what bills deal with cities, winter storm legislation, the recent agreement with MetroNet, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about bail reform legislation, the special session, the possibility of another walk out by the democrats, the Speaker's job during a special session, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
James Edge, the new executive director of Keep Brazos Beautiful, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about his new role, ongoing projects, upcoming events, how to get involved with KBB, and more.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the number of agenda items in the special session, legislation that will be discussed, the foster care system, how the special session will be conducted, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
John Friebele, Destination Bryan Executive Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about tourism in Bryan, upcoming events, the Legends Event Center, sports events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the list of 11 topics for the special session of the state legislature that starts July 8, 2021.
State representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the list of 11 topics for the special session of the state legislature that starts July 8, 2021.
This podcast contains comments from the July 7, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting. Speakers are Brazos County extension agent Dusty Tittle and 4-H program assistant Michaela Donaldson.
Brazos County commissioners received an update during this week's meeting about activities at the extension office.
Extension agent Duty Tittle introduced two agents who have been hired since the first of the year.
An assistant agent started last week, working in the family and community health program.
An agent started in January leading a program called "Better Living For Texans."
And Tittle says interviews will soon start among candidates for a new Brazos County 4-H agent.
Commissioners also received an update on the performance of Brazos County 4-H members during last month's statewide roundup at Texas A&M. 4-H program assistant Michaela Donaldson said that includes four Brazos County 4-H teams advancing to national competition.
This podcast contains comments from the June 8, 2021 Bryan city council meeting. Speakers include city engineer Paul Kaspar and mayor Andrew Nelson.
In June the Bryan city council approved the design for the first phase of rebuilding South College from Villa Maria to Carson.
On Thursday (July 8, 2021), city staff and consultants are holding a virtual meeting from 5:30 until 7 p.m. to get your opinions.
More information about the public meeting is at this link: https://www.bryantx.gov/public-invited-to-attend-south-college-avenue-meeting/
City engineer Paul Kaspar shared during the June 8 presentation to the council that the design calls for two roundabouts on South College, at Williamson and at Carson.
Kaspar says there will also be sidewalks and new water, storm sewer, and sanitary sewer lines.
The council was told construction of the $12 million dollar project is expected to start next spring and take 18 months to complete, weather permitting.
When the city council gave the green light to proceed last month, mayor Andrew Nelson was among those supporting the preservation of trees.
This podcast is a visit with College Station mayor Karl Mooney and WTAW's Scott DeLucia.
The Indiana based fiberoptic company coming to Bryan to establish residential and business internet, TV, and phone service announces an agreement with the city of College Station.
Wednesday's announcement from MetroNet did not state their construction timeline.
Their news release did state that MetroNet will fully fund the construction.
College Station mayor Karl Mooney, speaking on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, says "They're ready to go. This isn't something that we're looking at for years from now. This is something that we'll start to see them being here and having a presence in the very very near future."
According to a city of Bryan news release issued in May, MetroNet executives said construction in Bryan could begin as early as this fall, with the first customers coming online in late spring of 2022.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about asking voters to consider moving council elections to odd numbered years, the city budget, new funds and how they will be dispersed, the uniform development ordinance, an upcoming neighborhood seminar, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what is happening on The Hill right now, increasing grocery prices, unemployment benefits, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is an interview with Bryan police chief Eric Buske and WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs, July 6, 2021.
Bryan police chief Eric Buske says a great amount of restraint was shown by the 15 officers who responded to multiple reports of fireworks Sunday night in the area of East MLK and Military.
Nine adults and one juvenile were arrested after Buske...speaking on WTAW's The Infomaniacs...said a small number of people continued to shoot fireworks after being told multiple times to stop.
Two adults were charged with assaulting a public servant and three were charged with interfering with public duties. The names and charges against the nine adults are online at https://wtaw.com/?p=147415
This podcast contains comments from the June 24, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha, city manager Bryan Woods, and city councilman Bob Brick.
The city of College Station's new city hall will have $1.6 million dollars of new furniture. The contract awarded at the last city council meeting is almost nine hundred thousand dollars under the $2.5 million dollar budget.
The contract not only includes the furniture, but spending $75,000 dollars to move it inside the new building.
Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha was not successful in giving the $75,000 to non-profit agencies who would provide volunteers to do the moving. That's after city manager Bryan Woods said the city has a liability issue, even with volunteers.
Cunha also asked about what would be done with furniture that would not be moved to the new city hall. Woods said "We're still actively pursuing any way that we can either repurpose or donate or sell this furniture, so it doesn't go to a landfill".
And Woods told councilman Bob Brick that the goal is to be in the new city hall by the end of the year.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan ISD school board members are told that June's summer school enrollment increased over 2020 and 2019.
2021 enrollment was 5,397, enrollment during the pandemic in 2020 was 2,297, and enrollment the year before the pandemic in 2019 was 3,305.
Associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra said there was a record number of teachers who signed up for June's summer school and the district's July power camps, where more than 1,200 incoming first through ninth grade students will prepare for the upcoming school year.
Dr. Ybarra told WTAW News "I think our teachers definitely understand the need to support our students all summer, and particular this summer, in getting them ready to transition. We know there's work to do. We know our students have needs that academically that need to be shored up before they enter that next grade."
This podcast is a visit with the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Matt Prochaska, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC) just finished visiting with high level executives of more than 50 local companies about the impact of the pandemic.
BVEDC president Matt Prochaska says half of the companies experienced increased revenue last year and 42 percent maintained revenue last year compared to 2019. And 92 percent plan to add employees by May of next year.
Prochaska also says 90 percent of those surveyed also had a favorable view of the support they receive from the two cities, the county, and Texas A&M.
Companies in the professional services industry made up 35 percent of the survey. Banking companies made up 14 percent. Real estate made up 10 percent, and the construction and contractor sectors made up 10 percent.
The companies that were surveyed employed fewer than ten to more than 500 employees. A little more than half employed between five and 45 people.
And Prochaska says the pandemic has not slowed down the interest by prospective companies to consider a move to the Brazos Valley.
Katelyn Brown of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about July's First Friday events and other activities taking place during the July 4th weekend.
Meagan Brown, Energy Accounts Manager at BTU, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the July 4th weekend at Lake Bryan, future events, vendors and restaurants at the lake, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 24, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers are councilwoman Linda Harvell and Vanessa Garza of the city's planning and development office.
About 30 minutes of last Thursday's four hour College Station city council meeting was spent on whether a new sidewalk should be built along Southwood Drive from Valley View to Todd Trail.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell voted against the recommendation of a city advisory committee and city staff, saying other areas were a higher priority.
Vanessa Garza of the city's planning and development office explained the process that was used to reach the decision that was supported by neighborhood residents.
The council's five to one vote to award one construction contract also included new sidewalks in the Eastgate neighborhood, along Puryear Drive from James to Walton and Nunn from Walton to Lincoln.
Weather permitting, construction will take five months.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the RELLIS Fireworks and Drone Show, selling the Gibbons Creek power plant land, the Schulman family operating the Palace and Queen Theatres, the Phillips Event Center renovation, the Legends Event Center groundbreaking, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about rising gas prices, the committee on financial services, his view on cryptocurrency, the stock market, a possible second wave of coronavirus, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan city manager Kean Register, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Earlier this year, the former Gibbons Creek power plant and lake near Carlos were sold.
On July 15th, the city of Bryan and three other cities that make up the Texas Municipal Power Agency (TMPA) board is scheduled to sell 10,000 thousand acres of land where coal was mined.
The Bryan council during a special meeting last Friday, gave authority to its two TMPA board members to approve the sale as long as the price is at least $60 million dollars.
Bryan will receive 22 percent of the sales, or a minimum of $13 million dollars.
City manager Kean Register says he was not successful in getting 22 percent of the land, which he believes will generate more money, instead of the revenue from the land sale.
Register also understands the other TMPA cities...Denton, Garland, and Greenville not having the interest that Bryan does in the Grimes County property.
Register says there are eight interested buyers, and none have shared what they want to do with the land.
This podcast contains comments from the June 24, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers are Karl Mooney, Lynn McIlhaney, and Richard Mann.
The first woman elected to the College Station city council, Anne Hazen, was honored for her service by the current council. Anne Hazen, who was elected five times between 1976 and 2002, is moving out of state to be closer to family. The proclamation was read by current mayor Karl Mooney during the council's last meeting. Also presenting comments was former mayor Lynn McIlhaney served with Hazen from 1998 through 2001.
Mooney also read a proclamation, celebrating the 50th year of the College Station fire department. Before 1971, fire protection for the city of College Station was covered by volunteers who were Texas A&M employees and students. Fire equipment was provided by what was called at the time the Texas Firemen's Training School. The 50th year of the College Station fire department was one of two proclamations that were issued during the last city council meeting. Richard Mann, College Station's ninth fire chief, also spoke.
This podcast contains comments from the June 24, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include Anthony Armstrong.
The College Station city council is told at its last meeting that the new Aggie Park at Texas A&M starts July 6.
The council requested a staff report about the impact of stormwater drainage from the new park on Bee Creek and Brison Park.
Aggie Park is redeveloping land east of Kyle Field and north of the Association of Former Students building.
Anthony Armstrong of the city's planning and development office says the new development will meet the requirements of a 1996 interlocal agreement stormwater management plan between the university and the city.
Armstrong says Aggie Park will have mini ponds similar to Castlegate ponds off Greens Prairie Road, which will fill up during rain events then release water through pipes.
Aggie Park will also have space to hold water under a new parking lot.
The council was told Aggie Park construction is expected to take 20 months.
This podcast contains comments from comments from Mark Schulman, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver, along with mayor Andrew Nelson and councilman Bobby Gutierrez from the June 25, 2021 Bryan council meeting.
The Bryan city council held a special meeting Friday, in part to unanimously approve a six year contract with a private company to manage and operate downtown Bryan's Palace and Queen theater properties.
The third party company is owned by Mark Schulman, a fourth generation member of the family that opened the Palace in 1928 and rebuilt and reopened the Queen in 1939.
The contract calls for the city to be reimbursed up to three hundred thousand dollars a year, then 60 percent of any remaining revenue.
The contract calls for Schulman's company to invest at least $200,000 dollars into the properties. Improvements that are required to be completed by the end of October includes at both properties...new seating, projection systems, wall to wall retractable screens, and food and beverage service. And the canopy at the Palace will be replaced with a waterproof or water resistant cover.
The contract calls for the city to pay a management fee of $25,000 dollars a month and putting $65,000 towards start up costs.
Each year, the city will be reimbursed up to $300,000 dollars, then 60 percent of any remaining revenue.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan ISD school board president Mark McCall and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan ISD school board held a special meeting Thursday where members discussed in executive session but took no action whether to pursue the purchase of land owned by Blinn College to build the district's new transportation and maintenance center.
Superintendent Christie Whitbeck says they did not have the information at the time of the meeting to frame a recommendation. She says the board will resume deliberations at a future meeting.
Blinn purchased the 95 acres at Harvey Mitchell Parkway and Leonard Road more than six years ago to build a new campus. But land clearing was stopped when Blinn trustees accepted the Texas A&M system's offer to build on the RELLIS campus.
BISD board of trustees president Mark McCall, who visited with WTAW's Bill Oliver Monday evening, said the superintendent has been in "fairly regular contact" with Blinn officials.
McCall said "it was kind of a combination approach" of the district has been looking for land to build the center that was approved in BISD's November 2020 bond issue and "there was a rumor that Blinn probably wasn't going to build" at that location.
When asked if this could be a possible win-win for BISD and Blinn, McCall said "It could be."
Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about smart irrigation practices, drinking water quality reports, smoke testing, the new water tower, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a presentation from the June 22, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting from Kimberly Roach of the county judge's office.
Brazos County has a county employee who monitored this year's regular session of the state legislature.
Kimberly Roach, who reports to the county judge, presented a report during Tuesday's county commission meeting.
Read and download Kimberly Roach's presentation materials from the June 22, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting by copying then pasting the following link: https://wtaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/BrCoComm062221xgr.pdf
Her summary included the following laws that were either signed by the governor or were allowed to take affect without his signature:
HB 5: broadband
HB 525: religious organizations considered essential businesses
HB 1071: therapy dogs in courtrooms
HB 1082: blocking personal information of locally elected officials
HB 1698: Brazos County referendum for voters to decide if vehicle registration fees will be increased to fund the county's regional mobility authority
HB 4293: text service reminding criminal defendants of their court appearances
SB 3: preparing and responding to power outages
SB 58: future purchases of cloud based computing
SB 186: future courthouse renovations and restorations require voter approval
SB 230: county commissioner required classes
SB 598: having voting machines that provide a paper trail of voter's choices
This podcast contains comments from the June 21, 2021 special meeting of the city of Bryan's building and standards commission. Speakers are city building official Greg Cox and commission chairman Darryl Massey.
The LaSalle Hotel in downtown Bryan has had six of 55 rooms available since January. The remaining rooms were closed following a city inspection.
In April, the LaSalle was declared a dangerous structure by the city's building and standards commission.
On Monday, the commission held a special meeting at the request of the hotel owner. By a 4-1 vote, the commission approved the hotel owner's request to reopen 13 more rooms if the owner gets a structural engineer submits an official report that is approved by the city building official.
The LaSalle, which was renovated in 1998 and was placed on the National Register of Historic Buildings in 2000, has had all but six rooms closed since January. That follows a city inspection last October. Last month, the commission ordered the owner to complete repairs by November 1.
The commission was told plumbing and water tank repairs, stairwell lighting was installed, a loose gas line has been secured, and a rusty exterior door has been replaced.
Yet to be done, quoting commission documents, are "all repairs to the north facing fire rated windows and surrounding elements, including, but not limited to replacing broken glass, repaint, repair rust on windows and lintels, repair and/or repoint masonry around windows where damaged, must be completed by November 1, 2021".
As for the new windows and frames, which were approved by the city's historical landmarks commission because of the national historic designation, the building and standards commission was told Monday they have been purchased and are supposed to arrive next month.
City building official Greg Cox told commission chairman Darryl Massey that he needed a structural engineer from the hotel owner to tell him that rooms are safe to occupy with the current window frames and glass before reopening any more rooms.
Kristen Waggener, Communications and Marketing Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about The Legends Event Center groundbreaking, the city's 150th Anniversary Celebration, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast are remarks from the June 23, 2021 Bryan Rotary 10 awards luncheon. Speakers include emcee Mike Alexander, featured speaker Eli Jones, award presenter Tom Turbiville, and the chairman of the awards program Cameron Comire.
Wednesday marked the return of a luncheon ceremony for the Bryan Rotary 10 business performance awards.
Since 1994, the Bryan Rotary Club and its sponsors recognize Brazos County’s ten fastest growing private companies in 2020, based on sales increases by percentage during the last three years.
A qualified applicant must be an independent, privately held corporation, proprietorship or partnership that has been in business at least five years. The business headquarters must be located in Brazos County, have had sales of more than $50,000 but less than $25 million in fiscal 2016, and show a five year sales history with an increase from 2018-2020. Franchises are not eligible.
The 2020 list is:
1.302.74% Blackrock Builders LP
2.221.18% Frogslayer LLC
3.186.54% CR Systems Inc./Aggieland Roofing
4.101.58% Impact Group Marketing
5.93.69% Smart Compliance Corporation
6.76.94% Stafford Barrett Commercial Brokerage
7.39.22% SZH Architecture
8.29.31% Water to Wine Productions
9.25.39% Flagship Custom Homes
10.24.20% George’s Paint and Body
Two other awards are presented. The recipient of the ANCO Insurance award for lifetime business achievement was Sterling Auto Group. And the recipient of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation's Launch award was Bondwell Technologies.
The retiring president of ANCO Insurance, Kathy Gregory was named a honorary member of the Bryan Rotary Club.
The luncheon's featured speaker was the former dean of the Texas A&M Mays Business School, Dr. Eli Jones. His remarks reviewed the success of businesses during the pandemic.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about tomorrow's city council meeting, the comprehensive plan, citizen involvement, Texas's legislative session, the Regional Mobility Authority, upcoming events, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Congressman Doggett's Cover Now initiative, what needs to be done during the remainder of the session, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Warren Finch, Director of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the library's reopening date, COVID-19 protocols, new exhibits, and more.
Chairwoman Amy Raines visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the 61st annual I Love American Celebration, the need for volunteers, and more.
This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station's assistant parks and recreation director Kelly Kelbly and WTAW's Bill Oliver and Meg Carter.
It's not been a good week for the city of College Station's two swimming pools.
Last Sunday, mechanical issues shut down Hallaran pool. While Hallaran reopened, Adamson Lagoon has been closed since Tuesday, and will be closed at least through the weekend due to cloudy water.
Assistant parks and recreation director Kelly Kelbly says the cloudy water is a mystery, considering the water's chemical balance was at optimal levels and all mechanical systems were functioning properly.
Kelbly says "if we can't see the bottom of the pool, we can't simply put people in."
The city's water services department is draining the pool, there will be an inspection and additional cleaning if necessary, then the College Station fire department will hook up to a nearby hydrant to refill the pool with 434,000 gallons of fresh water.
News release from the city of College Station:
Adamson Lagoon at Bee Creek Park will remain closed at least through the weekend in order to remedy a water visibility issue that would compromise swimmer safety.
Initial, isolated signs of cloudy water were first detected earlier this week, according to College Station Parks & Recreation staff. Since then, aquatics personnel have ensured the water's chemical balance is at optimal levels and all mechanical systems are functioning properly -- but the visibility has worsened.
"The city's Water Services crews are currently draining the pool," Parks & Recreation Director Steve Wright said. "Our staff will inspect and perform any additional cleaning necessary, and then College Station Fire Department will pump nearly 434,000 gallons of fresh water back in."
Wright said the timing of this issue is disappointing to his staff and to the community.
"This is our busiest time of the year, so this is beyond disheartening to me. The water is still chemically safe, but if lifeguards and parents can't see the bottom in some areas, we simply cannot allow that risk."
Wright hopes these measures will allow Adamson Lagoon to reopen in time for Monday morning swim lessons, but that announcement will be forthcoming. College Station's Cindy Hallaran Pool remains open.
College Station City Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about roundabouts, what she is hearing from her constituents, impact fees, the Wellborn community, the budget app, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from College Station ISD chief financial officer Amy Drozd from the June 15, 2021 CSISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD has a survey on the district's website through the end of this week that will help determine how to spend millions in federal pandemic relief money. That link is: https://www.csisd.org/departments/business_services/e_s_s_e_r_i_i_i_notice_to_apply
CSISD's chief financial officer Amy Drozd provided an update during this week's school board meeting about how the survey will be used by those who will be involved in making spending decisions.
The third round of federal money coming to CSISD amounts to nearly $13 million dollars. Drozd said some of that has already been designated for expenses that includes summer school this year. middle school and intermediate school counselors, middle school athletic trainers, and two special education positions.
CSISD previously received almost $6 million last December and $1.4 million in March of 2020...though the first grant was offset by an equal decrease in state funding.
The board was also told that they will consider next month an administration recommendation to spend a yet to be determined portion of federal pandemic money to give returning employees a retention bonus.
Bryan Public Works Director Jayson Barfknecht visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming capital projects, the downtown railroad quiet zone, an early warning flood system, increased density near the Northgate district, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M's new president Katherine Banks, WTAW's Bill Oliver, and The Eagle's Megan Rodriguez. Topics during the visit, inside the Memorial Student Center June 16, 2021, included Dr. Banks's professional career at three land grant universities and doing her undergraduate work at a fourth, the interview process after she was nominated to become Texas A&M president, her short term goals since starting her new job June 1, coming out of the pandemic, and announcing the selection of Bush School associate dean and former A&M system vice chancellor Frank Ashley to lead to be in charge of the flagship's $25 million dollar initiatives involving diversity, equity, and inclusion.
This podcast contains comments from the June 10, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include community services director Debbie Eller and councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha.
The owners of rental properties in College Station will be paying more to register their properties and will face increased penalties for not complying with the city's rental registration ordinance.
That follows a unanimous city council vote at their last meeting amending the ordinance to create a mechanism to address property owners who do not register their rentals in a timely manner.
There was no council opposition to increasing the annual fee from $15 to $60 dollars starting October 1.
The amendment includes an administrative penalty for failing to register within 30 days of initial notification. The amount increases the longer the registration is overdue:
31-45 days overdue $25.00 per day
46-60 days overdue $50.00 per day
61-75 days overdue $75.00 per day
76 or more days overdue $100.00 per day
Property owners could also be found guilty of a misdemeanor offense and be fined as much as $2,000 dollars a day.
Quoting the purpose of the ordinance, "is establishing a registration requirement for rental property owners so the City may expeditiously identify and contact the owner, if local, or owner's local contact person to obtain tenant information in the event of an emergency, public safety need or when a City, State or Federal law violation has occurred on or in the property." The words "disproportionate number of" violations were removed as requested by councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha.
Warren Finch, Director of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about when the library might reopen, a new exhibit, Fourth of July plans, and more.
This podcast contains comments from the June 15, 2021 College Station ISD board meeting. Speakers include College Station Middle School student Caitlin Smith, CSISD chief financial officer Amy Drozd, and consulting architect Ken Hutchins.
Voters in College Station ISD could be asked to approve four bond issues this November, totaling $83 million dollars.
CSISD board members will decide next month what to do with the list of recommendations presented Tuesday night by a 20 member committee.
Board members were told there would be no tax rate increase if voters approved all 26 projects.
There is one new building, an $8 million dollar agriculture complex. CSISD chief financial officer Amy Drozd says it has not been determined if land the district currently owns would be the right location.
The proposed ag building had the support of a College Station Middle School student, Caitlin Smith, who spoke to the board before the committee's recommendations were presented.
The board learned from consulting architect Ken Hutchins about the state law which requires four separate propositions.
That includes a $3 million dollar renovation of CSISD's natatorium, $4.3 million to renovate and expand Consolidated High School's fieldhouse, $4.5 million to buy personal technology devices, and a general proposition of $70.6 million dollars.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new early warning flood system, new roundabouts, planting trees, city-wide color restrictions, the downtown quiet zone, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about inflation, the infrastructure plan, President Biden at G7 and meeting with Vladimir Putin, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 10, 2021 College Station city council meeting.
For the second time in eight months, the College Station city council denies changing the use of land in a Wellborn neighborhood for commercial purposes.
Last Thursday's unanimous vote involved two acres off Victoria, bordering the Creek Meadows subdivision.
The president of the group Citizens For Wellborn, Jane Cohen, supported the proposal.
April marked the tenth anniversary that the council approved annexing Wellborn, over the objection of the citizens group. Current councilmen Dennis Maloney and John Crompton, who voted for the annexation, took that into consideration when voting against the land use change request.
At least three councilmembers talked about reviewing future land uses in the Wellborn area.
And the discussion brought up the absence of the citizen's group and Wellborn property owners outside the state mandated notification area not being told about the proposed land use change.
This podcast is a visit with retired Brazos County sheriff's chief Jim Stewart, who is a board member and treasurer of the Texas Chief Deputies Association, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station is hosting 170 chief sheriff's deputies and 80 exhibitors this week.
Retired Brazos County chief deputy Jim Stewart is a board member and treasurer of the Texas Chief Deputies Association (TCDA).
Stewart says TCDA's 35th annual conference is the first outside of Kerrville in many years.
The event is funded in part by a $25,000 dollar grant from the city of College Station's tourism office.
This podcast contains comments from the June 11, 2021 meeting of the Texas Public Utility Commission. Speakers are commissioner Will McAdams and chairman Peter Lake.
The Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC) is ending an emergency order that blocked investor owned utilities from filing disconnect notices.
The moratorium that was ordered February 21, 2021 applied to electricity, water and sewer customers served by investor owned utilities across the state that fall under the PUC’s jurisdiction.
Commissioner Will McAdams, who proposed lifting the moratorium before Friday's meeting, said after hearing public comments that the emergency has passed from February's record cold.
McAdams also said he was looking ahead to summertime electric consumption, noting "the longer we stay in this kind of regulatory limbo, the more these consumers are going to just be rolling these large averages into the fall."
McAdams agreed with PUC chairman Peter Lake to end the moratorium in seven days. The earliest disconnections can resume is June 29.
The two members who make up the PUC agreed that investor owned providers will be required to send new disconnect notices. Lake said "Customers deserve to know their current standing with their electric provider." "And only once that new updated disconnect has been provided can that provider start the normal process to an actual disconnect.".
McAdams also urged "every consumer subject to a disconnect moratorium to contact their rep and ask for a deferred payment plan. Under rules they are required to offer that for up to five billing cycles."
Lake and McAdams also told customers of investor owned companies who have trouble making arrangements to contact the PUC.
News release from the Texas Public Utility Commission:
Citing a proliferation of available financial support and the need for providers of electricity, water and sewer service to resume standard business operations, the Public Utility Commission of Texas today set June 18, 2021 as the last day for the moratorium on electric, water and sewer service disconnections for customers with unpaid utility bills. In place since the Commission’s order on February 21, 2021, the moratorium applied to electricity, water and sewer customers served by investor owned utilities (IOUs) across the state that fall under the PUC’s jurisdiction.
Beginning June 19, 2021, retail electric providers (REPs) and water/sewer utilities must issue new disconnection warning notices to customers whose past due accounts put them at risk of service termination. According to PUC rules, those notices will trigger a ten-day waiting period to allow customers to arrange for payment, meaning disconnections can resume on June 29, 2021.
“This is not an easy decision and it was not taken lightly,” said PUC Chairman Peter Lake. “But by acting now, customers will be able to take advantage of deferred payment plans or federal assistance ahead of the summer season.”
Options for customers needing bill-related financial assistance include:
• Payment assistance programs offered by some Retail Electric Providers (REPs)
• Programs offered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs for customers whether they rent (the Texas Rent Relief program) or own (Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program) their residence.
• Community assistance agencies nearby. (note: many agencies require a disconnection notice for a customer to receive priority assistance)
• Contacting 211 Texas online or by phone to discuss other options.
Customers who simply need more time to pay their utility bills are encouraged to contact the company that bills them for their electric, water or server service to discuss a deferred payment plan which will allow them to pay an outstanding balance in installments. For electric, according to the PUC rules:
• The initial payment required by the plan cannot be more than half the amount due.
• The customer must be allowed at least five billing cycles to pay the remainder.
• REPs may apply a switch-hold to the customer’s account that will prevent the customer from switching to another REP until the plan is paid in full.
• A deferred payment plan must be made available for bills due in July, August, or September.
For water or sewer customers who need more time to pay their retail water or sewer bills, Section 24.165(d) of the PUC’s rules specify:
• The water or sewer utility shall offer a deferred payment plan to any residential customer if the customer’s bill is more than three times the average monthly bill for that customer for the previous 12 months and if that customer has not been issued more than two disconnection notices at any time during the preceding 12 months.
• The utility is encouraged to offer a deferred payment plan to residential customers who cannot pay an outstanding bill in full but are willing to pay the balance in reasonable installments. A deferred payment plan may include a finance charge that may not exceed an annual rate of 10% simple interest. Any finance charges must be clearly stated on the deferred payment agreement.
Customers who believe that they are not being treated in accordance with PUC rules are encouraged to contact the PUC’s Customer Protection Division at 888-782-8477 or Customer@PUC.Texas.Gov.
“Given the unprecedented level of available resources, there is no better time than the present for a customer to secure the financial assistance they need to pay their utility bills,” said PUC Commissioner Will McAdams. “This decision is best for them and best for the continued financial health of the companies that serve them.”
Customers subject to disconnection for non-payment have specific rights under state law. For example, prior to disconnection, a REP must
• issue a disconnection notice no earlier than the due date of the bill and
• specify a disconnection date at least ten days after the notice is issued.
Also, disconnection is prohibited during an extreme weather emergency (as defined by a National Weather Service heat advisory issued on a county by county basis). Additional notice and other protections are available for customers with health conditions that may worsen without access to electricity.
These orders do not apply to entities (ie. municipally owned utilities, electric cooperatives, etc.) that are not within the PUC’s jurisdiction in this area.
This podcast is a visit with MSC OPAS executive director Anne Black and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Texas A&M's MSC OPAS performing arts series returns this fall with four shows following the pandemic.
Executive director Anne Black says "We, like you and our audiences, are ready to be back. And I think everybody is just really ready for some live entertainment. We've all been zooming and streaming for too long."
Black says two of the shows features Tony Award nominees. One is Michael Cavanaugh, who will be performing songs from Billy Joel and Elton John. The other is J. Bobby Spencer, who appeared in OPAS performances of Midtown Men. Black says Spencer is performing a one man show about how he got from his hometown of Plano Texas to Broadway.
The other shows feature the vocal group The Barricade Boys and a holiday concert by The Kingdom Choir.
Season ticket holders form the 2019-2020 OPAS season have until June 30 to buy tickets. Single tickets will go on sale to the general public starting July 15.
News release from MSC OPAS:
After a whirlwind of a year, OPAS is pleased to announce the four concerts heading to the Brazos Valley this fall as part of the 2021-22 “Let’s Get Together” season. These will be the first live performances presented by OPAS in Rudder since the COVID-19 pandemic halted the performing arts industry in the spring of 2019. The 2022 spring performances, which will include multiple national tours of Broadway musicals, will be announced at a later time.
OPAS Executive Director Anne Black explains, “While there are no Broadway shows on our fall lineup, we are very excited to present top-notch award-winning Broadway and West End performers – including two Tony Award nominated actors in concert Michael Cavanaugh and J. Robert Spencer.” Black continues, “OPAS audiences will recognize Bobby because he’s also in the popular group The Midtown Men. And just wait until you hear The Barricade Boys sing at our opening night performance! As for The Kingdom Choir? Their joyful message is exactly what we need at this time.”
Black summarizes, “We started the pandemic with a simple message about the healing power of the arts. We kept that message at top of mind when considering what programs to put on the stage this fall. It is our hope that patrons will join us back in Rudder for all four of these events because each carries a special message of coming together.”
For more information about OPAS, including season announcement information and how to order tickets, visit www.MSCOPAS.org and follow OPAS on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@MSCOPAS).
Season ticket holders from the 2019-2020 season must order their tickets to these fall concerts by June 30. Single tickets will go on sale the general public on Thursday, July 15 at the MSC Box Office (979-845-1234) and online at www.MSCOPAS.org. More information about each of the performances follows.
THE BARRICADE BOYS: Stars from the West End’s Les Misérables, Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University
Direct from London, meet Britain’s newest and most electrifying vocal group, The Barricade Boys! These stars from the West End production of the world's longest running musical, Les Misérables, will blow you away with their powerhouse vocals and slick dance routines. They transport audiences, performing an incredible array of iconic songs. Expect powerhouse ballads, beautiful operatic arias, as well as pop, rock, and swing numbers. Plus, enjoy showstoppers from Broadway shows including Jersey Boys, Phantom of the Opera, Wicked, and, of course, Les Misérables.
MICHAEL CAVANAUGH: The Music of Billy Joel and Elton John. Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University
Michael Cavanaugh is ready to rock Rudder! Described as “Brilliant,” by Variety Magazine, “Amazing,” by The New York Times, and “Entertainer of the Year,” by Reuters, Michael scored his big break when Billy Joel handpicked him for the lead in Broadway’s smash hit Movin’ Out. The role garnered him rave reviews and accolades, culminating with Grammy and Tony Award® nominations. In this one-night-only concert, he will lead his band through the biggest hits by Billy Joel and Elton John. Experience this high-octane show and you’ll realize why Billboard Magazine calls him the “New Voice of the American Rock ‘n Roll Songbook.”
7000 MILES TO BROADWAY: Starring Broadway Veteran J. Robert Spencer, Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at 7:30 PM • Rudder Theatre at Texas A&M University
Expect a concert chock-full of radio and Broadway hits when Broadway star J. Robert Spencer takes you on a musical journey across a variety of genres and multiple decades. Go back in time on a road trip in the family wood-paneled yellow station wagon where Bobby grew up singing classic country, rock, and Broadway hits. This is the music that helped pave his way to starring in some of the biggest hits on Broadway, including Jersey Boys and Next to Normal (Tony Award® Nomination for Best Leading Actor). From Willie Nelson’s country twang, to the smooth crooning sounds of Frank Sinatra to the pop favorites of Frankie Valli, this concert has something for everyone!
THE KINGDOM CHOIR (TM): A Special Holiday Concert, Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at 7:30 PM • Rudder Auditorium at Texas A&M University
Led by award-winning gospel choir conductor Karen Gibson, London’s The Kingdom Choir™ shot to stardom in 2018 when their performance of “Stand by Me” was celebrated by a global audience of over two billion. The ensemble built on their worldwide fame later that same year when Coca-Cola tapped them to sing “Holidays Are Coming” for their Christmas ad. Gibson founded the group in 1994 with a mission to form a choir that draws from various gospel traditions and creates a sound that reflects the community they share. Their warm energy and enthusiastic performance will have you feeling all the feels, making joyful noise, and dancing in your seat.
This podcast contains comments from the June 8, 2021 Bryan city council meeting. Speakers include Bryan city engineer Paul Kaspar.
It's been more than five years since the Bryan city council first discussed establishing a railroad quiet zone in and near the downtown area.
This week, the council awarded its first contract to begin modifying city streets at ten railroad crossings.
City engineer Paul Kaspar says by the end of this month, construction will start on building medians on the city streets in front of railroad crossing gates.
The medians are part of the trade off for train horns being silenced.
Weather permitting, the medians will be finished this November.
The locations in this contract are along what UP calls the "Bryan sub" tracks crossing West 32nd, East 29th, East 28th, East 26th, East William Joel Bryan, East 24th, East 23rd, East 22nd, East Martin Luther King Jr., and East 15th.
Meantime, there is no timetable for rebuilding the railroad crossing on Groesbeck Street. Kaspar says Union Pacific (UP) has had the city's request for at least a year and a half.
Kaspar says the city's construction at Groesbeck, which will close the second busiest railroad crossing in Bryan, won't start until UP is ready. That is to keep the street closure to a minimum.
College Station City Manager Bryan Woods visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about returning to the city council, how the city fared during the pandemic, how coronavirus funding will be used, transportation issues, scraping and rebuilding, high rises in the Northgate District, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 8, 2021 Bryan city council workshop meeting. Speakers include Todd McDaniel of the city of Bryan's economic development office, councilman Brent Hairston, mayor Andrew Nelson, and councilman Bobby Gutierrez.
The Bryan city council this week approved a third public private partnership at Midtown Park.
A private operator of a baseball and softball academy, D-BAT Aggieland, joins the private operator of the Big Shots golf and entertainment complex and an outside company that will manage the city's indoor sports facility.
The council approved giving the Bryan Business Council (BBC) land where the BBC will finance the construction of an academy building that is estimated to have a taxable value of $1.8 million dollars.
Then the BBC will lease the building to D-BAT Aggieland for 20 years with an option of a five year extension.
The council also agreed to a revenue sharing agreement with D-BAT Aggieland to manage the city's three new little league fields and two more fields the private company wants to build.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD transportation director Warren Lanphier during the June 7, 2021 BISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members this week tweaked where buses will and won't pick up students during the upcoming school year.
BISD transportation director Warren Lanphier says a sizeable reduction in a hazardous zone around Jane Long intermediate means more than 30 students will not be riding buses. That's because a new development off Leonard Road east of the campus means those children can walk to school safely.
And an undisclosed number of Navarro students become eligible to ride BISD buses because campus administrators notified the transportation office of students who live along the freeway frontage road, which was designated a new hazardous zone.
This podcast is a recording of the thanks given to volunteers at the recently closed Brazos Center pandemic vaccination hub. Speakers at the June 9, 2021 event included hub director Jim Stewart, hub coordinator Trad Mills, CHI St. Joseph Health vice president Mary Tomkivits, College Station mayor Karl Mooney, Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson, and Brazos County judge Duane Peters.
Stewart said 100,719 shots were given during the more than four months the hub was in operation.
Mills said volunteers served between 200 and 500 hours.
The director of the Brazos Center said 100 events were cancelled while the hub was operating, but for the rest of 2021, 374 events are scheduled.
The reception was one of the first, if not the first event, at the Brazos Center where masks were an option.
This podcast is a visit with Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Texas A&M system for the second straight year will be hosting a July 4th fireworks show at the RELLIS campus.
Chancellor John Sharp says lighted drones will be joining the fireworks.
Fireworks music for the RELLIS show will again be available on WTAW 94.5 FM.
There is no admission charge. Parking is available at designated RELLIS lots.
More information is online at rellis.tamus.edu/fireworks
Brady Rockett, Bryan Police recruiting officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recruiting new police officers, qualifications for potential candidates, officers looking to transfer from other states, how to apply, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast are comments from the June 8, 2021 Bryan city council meeting.
The city of Bryan's parks and recreation director is also the first woman to receive a full ride athletic scholarship at Texas A and M. Linda Cornelius, who is also battling cancer, was not able to attend Tuesday's city council meeting.
Mayor Andrew Nelson presented the proposal that received unanimous approval to name one of the new little league fields at Midtown Park in her honor.
Cornelius's daughter relayed her mother's gratitude. Jenny Arnold said Cornelius hopes her grandson will be able to play on that field in the future.
So many city employees attended Tuesday's meeting that they spilled out into the lobby.
This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station's assistant parks and recreation director Kelly Kelbly and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The city of College Station went to social media apologizing for tall grass in city parks.
Assistant parks director Kelly Kelbly says the rain has been the number one issue.
That's followed by the city's contractor not being able to find workers because of the nationwide labor shortage.
Kelbly says city employees, who do not normally mow neighborhood parks, are now assisting until the city's contractor can catch up.
This podcast contains comments from the June 7, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers include BISD projects manager Paul Buckner.
Monday's Bryan ISD school board meeting included awarding more contracts related to last November's $175 million dollar bond issue.
There were unanimous votes to replacing air conditioning chillers at Branch and Fannin elementaries, and connect BISD's career and technology center to the city of Bryan's sewer and removing the septic system that was in place while the property was outside the city limits.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about city events and programs, the Ringer Library, Veterans Park and Athletic Complex, the Fun For All Playground, College Station accolades, upcoming city projects, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about an infrastructure bill, unemployment statistics, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the June 8, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting. Speakers include county judge Duane Peters, county commissioner Steve Aldrich, and the director of the Brazos Center pandemic vaccination hub Jim Stewart.
The self-proclaimed "czar" of the Brazos Center pandemic vaccination hub was recognized for his work during Tuesday's county commission meeting.
County judge Duane Peters read a proclamation and presented a plaque to Jim Stewart.
Peters said "There are a lot of folks that we can thank and do thank for their involvement of that whole hub out there, because there were a lot of people involved. But if you don't have somebody in a leadership position that's kind of directing how those things happen, you'll never really be successful."
Stewart said "Jim Stewart is just the face of this." "Jim Stewart gets way too much credit. I'll take this plaque, I'll take this proclamation so I can take it back to New Mexico and show it to" his wife, who "has been wonderful through this whole thing."
The hub closed last week after giving more than 100,000 shots.
This podcast contains comments during the May 27, 2021 College Station city council meeting from Vanessa Garza of the city's planning and development office.
The College Station city council has approved submitting two grant applications to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
One would narrow traffic lanes on George Bush between Texas and Wellborn by making room for curbed bicycle lanes in each direction. If approved, the city would spend an estimated $515,000 and the state about $1 million dollars.
The other is to share the cost of a 12 foot wide shared use path between Ringer Library and the Jones Crossing shopping center. If approved, the city would spend $225,000 and the state $390,000 dollars.
City officials expect to learn this October if the grant applications are approved.
This podcast contains comments from the Texas A&M system's chief financial officer, Billy Hamilton, during the May 20, 2021 board of regents meeting.
Members of the Texas A&M system board of regents were told the financial impact of the pandemic will be almost $400 million dollars.
The system's chief financial officer, Billy Hamilton, told the regents three weeks ago that they have received three rounds of federal pandemic grants.
That will offset $200 million in revenue losses and reimburse the system another $200 million in pandemic expenses.
Hamilton says because of the way federal grants were written, the pandemic cost the flagship campus more than $12 million, and the eight system agencies are down a combined $101 million dollars.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the possibility of multiple special sessions, legislation that still needs to be taken care of, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
The Bryan Rotary 10 Business Performance awards return this month after being canceled last year due to the pandemic. The awards recognize the top ten fastest growing, privately owned businesses in the Brazos Valley. Chair Cameron Comire visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the awards luncheon.
This podcast contains the 2020 Brazos Valley economic development corporation's compliance report, given by BVEDC executive vice president Charles Martinez during the June 1, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting.
Six local employers with economic development agreements combined last year to make more than $400 million dollars in investments and employed more than 1,300 with a combined payroll of more than $98 million dollars.
Those were among the figures in the annual report to Brazos County commissioners from the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC).
BVEDC executive vice president Charles Martinez said at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB), employment grew from 257 in 2019 to 518 last year. FDB's payroll rose from almost $21 million to more than $40 million dollars.
More employees and payroll in 2020 compared with 2019 were also reported at ViaSat, Advanta Seed's research and development center and Lubrizol.
The number of jobs at Wayfair fell by 87 while their payroll rose by $700,000 dollars.
And at Axis Pipe and Tube, employment fell for the second straight year and last year's payroll dropped last year by more than $3.5 million dollars.
BVEDC officials are scheduled to present the same report during Tuesday's Bryan city council meeting, and will make a similar presentation to the College Station city council.
This podcast contains comments from the May 27, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include Elizabeth Cunha, Troy Rother, and Bryan Woods.
Motorists in and out of A&M Consolidated High School are now dealing with a new U-turn ban on Nueces Drive near Harvey Mitchell Parkway.
Five College Station city councilmembers voted for the ban at their last meeting.
Elizabeth Cunha, who with Bob Brick abstained from the vote, shared her opposition to the ban with city traffic engineer Troy Rother.
Cunha said U-turns were necessary to access the one way frontage road in front of the school due to the median that is on Nueces Drive. TxDOT, which owns the frontage road, installed the median several years ago.
Towards the end of a ten minute discussion, city manager Bryan Woods said the U-turn ban was recommended by city staff, TxDOT, and College Station ISD.
Kelly Kelbly, Assistant Director for Parks & Recreation, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Starlight Music Series, summer rec programs and camps, parks and green space, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Katelyn Brown of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about June activities that includes First Friday, the anniversary of the downtown Bryan farmer's market, and an estimated 24,000 visitors who are expected to generate an economic impact of $8.2 million dollars.
Bea Saba, Director of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about the summer reading program, Tails and Tales, library services and events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about when the special session will be called, Governor Abbott's threat to eliminate pay for state legislators, bill timelines, coronavirus funding, voter integrity, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Tracy Rue, founder and CEO of Skywriter MD, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their expansion.
This podcast contains comments from the May 27, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include assistant public works director Emily Fisher and mayor Karl Mooney.
The College Station city council has agreed to pay Union Pacific railroad (UP) just over $1 million dollars to replace the crossing signals at Rock Prairie Road near Wellborn Road.
Assistant public works director Emily Fisher said the city submitted its request to UP in May 2017 for the new crossing. It's part of replacing the two lane asphalt stretch of Rock Prairie between Wellborn Road and Holleman with a three lane concrete roadway.
The city is paying UP for the right of way, building the crossing signal, and maintaining it for the next 20 years.
Fisher says it will take about six weeks to collect bids, then the council will consider awarding a contract. After that, the construction period is projected at 12 months.
When construction begins on the nearly $7.4 million dollar project, Fisher says Rock Prairie traffic will be limited to one lane.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about rescheduling the groundbreaking for Legends Event Center, Destination Bryan, voluntary annexation agreements, new housing developments, the makeup of the BTU Board, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about H.R. 1 and voting integrity, Donald Trump's endorsement of Governor Greg Abbott, the Israeli and Hamas conflict, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is from the May 27, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers are the chairman of College Station's historical preservation committee, Gerald Burgner, and committee member Sherry Frisk.
College Station's historical preservation committee (HPC) made two presentations during the last city council meeting.
A home south of the Texas A&M campus near Brison Park is the 106th to receive a historical marker from the city of College Station's historic preservation committee. Chairman Gerald Burgner, who presented the marker during the last city council meeting, said the home at 314 Pershing was one of three built by John Mitchell, who was head of the A&M math department. Burgner shared stories about Mitchell's daughter Caroline, who taught math at Consolidated High School and was later an assistant registrar at A&M. The home was later the residence of Cole and Carey Matson, the parents of Olympian and Aggie athlete Randy Matson.
And councilmembers were informed that three city cemeteries have received certificates from the Texas State Historical Commission. Burgner and committee member Sherry Frisk provided details of the Czech Shiloh cemetery, which was created in 1870, and the African-American Salem cemetery, which began in the late 1890's or just after the turn of the century. They are the oldest portions of College Station city cemetery, which was also recognized by the state as historical cemeteries.
In May, the A&M System Board of Regents approved a new ground lease with the Association of Former Students to build a new facility in Aggie Park. The Grand Hall will house the ring office and host Aggie Ring Days. Kathryn Greenwade visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the project.
This podcast is a recording of the 2021 Memorial Day program at the Bryan American Legion post #159. The emcee is post commander Tom Marty and the featured speaker is Brazos County health authority and retired Navy surgeon Dr. Seth Sullivan.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Democrats walking out of the legislative session last night, what happens today, the special session, federal funding for coronavirus, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
To reduce emergency response time, Brazos County 911 has launched an online form for residents to fill out specific property information. Hear from Captain Rick Wagner, District Two Volunteer Fire Department, and Laura Blackburn, Associate Director of Brazos County 911.
This podcast contains comments from the May 11, 2021 Bryan city council workshop meeting. Speakers include city manager Kean Register, public works director Jayson Barfknecht, and city council members.
While dirt continues to be removed from the lake at the city of Bryan's Midtown Park, the city council will continue discussing another feature at a future meeting.
During the council's May 11th meeting, an update on the city's future capital improvements plan proposed building a $5 million dollar boardwalk and pier three years from now. City manager Kean Register told the council he heard interest from "a lot of citizens" about the feature. Register suggested moving up the construction timetable since the lake will be without water for at least another year.
Public Works director Jayson Barfknecht told WTAW News the amount of dirt that has been removed from the lake would reach 80 feet in height on the playing surface at Kyle Field. Responding to questions from a WTAW listener, Dr. Barfknecht says about 15 percent of the soil has stayed at the park. About one-fourth was trucked to a disposal pit owned by the contractor. And the remaining 57 percent went to Twin Oaks Landfill after samples detected an elevated arsenic level. The expanded lake, which will not be lined, was previously cleared by the state for fishing and recreational activities before the excavation started.
270 soil samples were taken, and excavation was done at one foot increments; with the contractor using GPS technology on his dozers and excavators.
Esmer Casas, Neighborhood Services Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about communicating with neighborhoods, how to contact the city with concerns/questions, the mosquito dunk program, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a legislative session update, a special session, the Regional Mobility Authority, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan police officer Kole Taylor, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Thanks to someone being up Wednesday at three in the morning, Bryan police arrest three teenagers from out of town on vehicle burglary charges.
Officer Kole Taylor says at least four guns were recovered from at least three unlocked vehicles in the Copperfield neighborhood.
According to online jail records, 18 year old Ernest Jacob Cantu of Navasota and 18 year old Joseph Davila of Plantersville are held without bond on charges of engaging in organized criminal activity and four counts of firearm thefts. They are also held on charges of three vehicle burglaries where bonds total $15,000 dollars for each man.
Officer Taylor said similar charges also face a 16 year old from Navasota.
According to the Bryan police arrest report, Davila was caught as he was leaning into the front seat of one of the burglarized vehicles. Cantu and the 16 year old were in a SUV that was stopped for having outdated vehicle registration.
Oliver Sadberry, Brazos Valley African American Museum Curator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Smithsonian Water/Ways exhibit coming to the BVAAM.
Recreation Manager Ashley Bennett visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the lifeguard shortage, training to be a lifeguard, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 19, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents academic affairs committee meeting. Speakers are Joe Pettibon, John Junkins, James Hallmark, and regents Jay Graham, Michael Hernandez, Michael Plank, and Cliff Thomas.
The Texas A&M system's board of regents academic affairs committee agrees to continue discussing possible changes in freshmen admission standards.
The regents were told 70 percent of this year's freshman applicants at the flagship submitted test scores. System administrators were directed to find out how many were admitted without test scores.
This year's freshman class at the flagship is the first where students did not have to submit their SAT or ACT scores. A&M interim president and professor of aerospace engineering John Junkins supports from personal experience keeping an optional testing requirement.
The system's vice chancellor of academics, James Hallmark, and A&M's vice president for enrollment and academic services Joe Pettibon also brought up what else is considered in the admissions process.
A second issue that was discussed was raised by regent and Aggie graduate Michael Hernandez of Ft. Worth, was the value of an high school senior's "Aggie legacy". Hernandez said "My whole life, I wanted to be an Aggie. There's a lot of students out there like that. They don't care. They want to be Aggies."
The chairman of the academic affairs committee and another Aggie graduate, Cliff Thomas of Victoria, said for ten years "this has been talked about a lot", adding "It's never the answer that I want, because the hardest thing for a regent is (they) can't help a good Ag alumni that bleeds maroon and donates money to every organization they can here. And I personally think that's not good business to ignore that, but we've been told through the years we can't consider that legacy."
Pettibon said "we don't specifically call out legacy in giving additional points. Similarly, we don't call out race in terms of an added factor in the admission decision."
Pettibon and Hallmark brought up some applications reflect legacy. Hallmark said "I think that is impacted as the reviewers looks at these, versus somebody who just answers real perfunctorily just a sentence or two on this as opposed to somebody who has really spent a lot of time thinking through (and) how can I package myself so that they know how much I want to be here?"
This podcast contains comments from the May 18, 2021 meeting of the Blinn College board of trustees. Speakers are Richard Cervantes and Jim Kolkhorst.
Four months after Blinn College became the owner of a former Bryan church, the board of trustees publicly approve the purchase.
On May 3, WTAW News submitted an open records request to Blinn about details of the college receiving the deed last January to four parcels totaling four acres at Villa Maria and Nash from Rivergate Church.
On May 17, WTAW News received Blinn's response to our open records request. Blinn's chancellor, following board policy, authorized spending $2.1 million dollars from the college's capital projects and deferred maintenance reserve fund.
The following night, Blinn trustees unanimously ratified the purchase. That was after vice chancellor Richard Cervantes reviewed the purchasing process taken by administrators.
Cervantes also told the trustees that administrators "would intend to expand on that process if need be. We have some ideas to make it even more transparent. And we're willing to do that in the future."
The trustees newly elected chairman, Jim Kolkhorst of Brenham, told Cervantes "I know most of you guys remember all the discussion that surrounded the Bryan property purchase, and I am open for a motion". That motion was unanimously approved.
There was no record of the purchase in minutes of Blinn board of trustees meetings from September 2020 through January 2021.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about March sales tax numbers, a new city budget website, the Dine Around at Century Square event, a Butterfly Alley in Lick Creek Park, partnering with Williamson County for a YMCA, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the new healthcare bill, the January 6th Commission, vaccination cards, unemployment, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 19, 2021 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents facilities committee meeting. The primary speaker is the A&M system's chief facilities officer, Russ Wallace.
The Texas A&M system board of regents approved three construction projects with a combined value of $87 million dollars during last week's meeting.
Two of the projects are on the RELLIS campus. $14 million is to extend utilities for the U.S. Army's combat development center. And other $3.5 million is going into the system's hypersonic vehicle testing complex. That brings to more than $42 million dollars, the cost of the system's investment at the ballistics, aero-optics, and materials...or BAM center.
The largest project approved by the regents was for Prairie View, where construction starts next month on a $70 million dollar college of engineering classroom and research building.
The system's chief facilities officer, Russ Wallace, also answered questions about the prices of construction materials.
News releases about RELLIS campus construction from the Texas A&M system:
There is nothing glamorous about infrastructure, even these days as Congress debates the meaning of the word.
However modern, high-quality infrastructure is critical to a vital strategic goal shared by the Texas A&M University System and the U.S. Army: to build a world-class ecosystem for military technology innovation on the RELLIS Campus. It’s called the George H.W. Bush Combat Development Complex (BCDC).
The Board of Regents took an important step toward the shared goal Thursday by appropriating $13.1 million for infrastructure improvements on the west side of RELLIS. The improvements will undergird two testing ranges for next generation technology, the Innovation Proving Ground (IPG) and the Ballistic, Aero-optics and Materials (BAM.)
The infrastructure package includes basic improvements — water, sewers and electrical power — to areas around the runways of the former Army and Air Force base. It also includes fiber cabling to fully support 5th generation (5G) Internet capabilities.
“5G is a really important to our partners and potential partners,” said Ross Guieb, a retired Army Colonel serving as BCDC executive director. “The intel community, DOD and defense industry leaders are all watching closely with interest and excitement.”
Army commanders and other U.S. military leaders eagerly await completion of the BCDC over the next several years. The $200 million complex is the result of a partnership between the U.S. Army Futures Command and The Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station and the State of Texas.
The BCDC includes the IPG, the BAM and other facilities that will bring together researchers from U.S. universities, the military and the private sector for collaboration, demonstrations and high-tech testing of military prototypes.
Regents Thursday also approved three amendments to enhance BAM’s instrumentation for research and testing.
BAM will host enclosed testing of hypersonic vehicles, directed energy beams and the impact that hypersonic blasts have on various materials.
The changes improve the tube’s rail guidance system, add blast target tanks and a soft catch assembly that will safely recover flown objects for post-flight analysis and data collection.
The combined cost of the changes is $3.5 million, bringing the total estimated cost to about $42.5 million.
At one kilometer long and 2.5 meters in diameter, BAM will be the nation’s largest enclosed hypersonic test range. It will bridge a critical gap in U.S. research capacity between lab-scale experiments and open-range tests, which can cost tens of millions of dollars per test.
News release about the new Prairie View college of engineering building from the Texas A&M system:
Prairie View A&M University is getting a new, $70 million engineering and classroom building.
Construction of the cutting-edge facility was approved today by The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents, which has made unprecedented levels of investment in Texas’ oldest Historically Black University in recent years.
“Prairie View is resurgent under President Ruth Simmons and our Board of Regents,’’ said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M University System. “This new engineering building is the latest evidence of the investment in Prairie View A&M and its students.”
Enrollment at Prairie View’s Roy G. Perry College of Engineering has grown rapidly from 960 students in 2010 to 1,635 students in 2018, and the number of graduate students has almost tripled. The college has grown to have more than 85 faculty members and researchers, and four new outstanding research centers have been added to the college.
“This new building will allow us to increase undergraduate and graduate degrees, hire more faculty and create more African American engineers,” said President Ruth Simmons. “This purpose-built facility for engineering and research will transform teaching and research output at Prairie View A&M University.”
The new building, which is expected to be about 106,000 gross square feet, will balance student spaces with focused research spaces. New lab spaces will be designed to support multidisciplinary research. There will be dedicated space for work in 3-D manufacturing, space exploration, data analytics and artificial intelligence, robotics, structural analysis and more. A maker space area will promote collaboration of students across engineering disciplines.
Almost two-thirds of the square footage will be for direct instruction, with six generalized instructional spaces and 14 specialized labs. The remaining third of the facility will be comprised of research lab space for faculty and graduate students.
The $70 million engineering facility will be built at the intersection of Reda Bland Evans Street and E.E. O’Bannion Street on the north end of campus. Construction will begin in June and should be completed by August of 2023.
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents have invested more than $247 million in construction projects and Chancellor Research Initiative grants at Prairie View A&M University since 2009, building new classroom buildings, a new student recreation center, a new fabrication center, a new early childhood learning academy and new athletic facilities, including a new football stadium and a new grandstand for the baseball field.
This podcast contains comments during the May 20, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting, the final meeting for longtime regents member Phil Adams of Bryan.
20 years ago was when Phil Adams of Bryan was first appointed to the Texas A&M system board of regents.
During last Thursday's meeting...the last for Adams...he welcomed his successor, Randy Brooks of San Angelo and thanked system leaders and employees.
Adams served three six-year terms, having been appointed by Governor Rick Perry in 2001 and 2009 and reappointed in 2015 by Governor Greg Abbott.
Adams served on numerous board committees and as vice chairman from 2011 to 2013 and as chairman from 2013 to 2015.
Randy Brooks of San Angelo will take Adams’ position on the Board.
The board unanimously voted to give Adams emeritus status.
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The Texas A&M University Board of Regents on Thursday honored one of its own, Phil Adams ’71, for his 18 years of service on the board.
Adams served with distinction for three six-year terms as one of the longest serving members of the Board of Regents in the last 20 years, having been appointed by Governor Rick Perry in 2001 and 2009 and reappointed in 2015 by Governor Greg Abbott.
Randy Brooks of San Angelo will take Adams’ position on the Board.
During his tenure, Adams played a significant role in the growth of the Texas A&M System while serving on numerous board committees and as Vice Chairman of the Board from 2011 to 2013 and as Chairman of the Board from 2013 to 2015.
During Adams’ time on the board, student enrollment across the System has grown to more than 151,000; the System’s research expenditures topped $1 billion a year in 2019; and the Regents oversaw a historic construction boom during the past nine years. Among the projects was the $485 million renovation of Kyle Field, a $550 million medical complex adjacent to the Texas Medical Center in Houston and the creation of the RELLIS Campus in Bryan, which has become a research home for the Army Futures Command and several System agencies.
Adams, who lives in Bryan, is owner and president of Phil Adams Company, which provides insurance products and services to businesses and individuals throughout Texas.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative session updates, the Regional Mobility Authority bill, deadlines, the Morrison Amendment, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a May 23, 2021 news conference from College Station police chief Billy Couch about an officer involved shooting earlier in the day.
A College Station man who fired a rifle at two College Station police officers Sunday afternoon is dead after both officers returned fire.
The man who died was identified as 21 year old Roderick Devonne Merchant, Jr.
Police chief Billy Couch said officers responded during the noon hour to Eastmark apartments near Central Park after a woman reported Merchant pointed the rifle at her and demanded he let her inside. When she refused, the woman said Merchant entered two other apartments.
Couch said when officers arrived at the second floor apartment where Merchant was, officers saw a woman leaving the unit.
The chief said Merchant partially exited the apartment, he started talking with then officers, then he fired one shot into the ceiling.
Couch said a few minutes after Merchant was asked to drop his gun and exit down the stairway, Merchant advanced towards one of the two officers and began firing.
No officers were injured.
Couch said Bryan police chief Eric Buske agreed to take the lead on the investigation, with assistance from the Brazos County district attorney's office.
A CSPD spokesman said any officer involved will be placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation and an autopsy will be conducted.
This podcast contains comments from the May 18, 2021 CSISD board meeting. Primary speakers are Ken Hutchins and Amy Drozd.
This week's College Station ISD school board meeting included an update on the work of a 20 member bond committee.
Consulting architect Ken Hutchins recapped the committee's latest consensus of possible projects.
The $78 million dollar list includes unidentified renovations at Consolidated High School, Cypress Grove intermediate, and Southwood Valley and Pebble Creek elementaries.
The committee is also considering unidentified projects involving CSISD athletics, fine arts, and deferred maintenance.
CSISD chief financial officer Amy Drozd told the board that the committee, split into four groups, voted 2-2 on two unidentified items, 3-1 "on a couple", and unanimous on the remainder.
Drozd also reported that the maximum bond amount without a tax rate increase and a one percent increase in property valuation is $75 million.
When the committee has its final meeting next week, Drozd says there will be discussion on how new property valuations may change the maximum bond amount without a tax rate increase.
College Station Councilman John Crompton visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about neighborhoods, where to use pandemic aid, impact fees, utilities, sales tax statistics, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about taking a break this week, voter integrity, grading this legislative session, education funding, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about conflict between the House and the Senate, his bill regarding February's energy crisis, revamping ERCOT and the PUC, the election integrity bill, Governor Abbott's heartbeat bill, the possibility of a special session, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M interim president John Junkins, speaking to the Texas A&M system board of regents academic affairs committee on May 19, 2021.
Texas A&M's interim president tells members of a board of regents committee about the success of a new initiative to bring more African American high school seniors to Aggieland.
Dr. John Junkins says the "Quest For The (Aggie) Ring" effort began after learning 30 percent of black seniors accepted offers to attend A&M, compared with 50 percent of Hispanic and 50 percent of white seniors.
Junkins said "the fundamental challenge on diversity of our student body is the perception that exists out there in the state of Texas that a large fraction of African Americans still have the legacy of all-male, all-white, all-military from pre-Rudder. And we have to remove that."
Junkins says the initiative is "led by our own undergraduate students, our African Americans, and led by former Aggie students who are African Americans who came here, loved it, and succeeded big time after they were here."
Junkins added they are "the voices of African Americans who happen to be Aggies", and that "is a lot more powerful than an ugly white guy like me talking to African American students."
Junkins told the regents academic affairs committee this is the first year of a four year effort, where "we're going to move the needle on the perception of African Americans, their parents, their high school counselors, on this (Texas A&M) being a go-to place where African Americans can come (and) do extremely well."
When one targeted group of 50 seniors were exposed to the initiative, Junkins said 49 decided to come to A&M this fall.
This podcast contains comments from the May 18, 2021 CSISD board meeting. Primary speakers are Michael Heath and Tiffany Parkerson.
The new principal at College Station ISD's alternative high school shares with the school board, what he has learned after less than two weeks at College View High School.
Board members expressed no opposition to the plans from principal Michael Heath and CSISD's director of secondary education Tiffany Parkerson at what they described as a non-traditional high school.
That includes creating three academies...one continuing dual credit programs, the second where students could get their high school degree in as little as three years, and the third focusing on career and industry training.
Dr. Heath told the board during this week's meeting that "we still have faculty there that was there when the Timber Academy was there, that still believe that was a good pathway. We have teachers that came in right after Timber when they started College View, that are like, we're not doing anything different. They all expressed that they need a hook."
Parkerson said the College View building holds 240 students. Current enrollment is 50. Her goal is to double that number for this fall.
This podcast contains comments from the May 13, 2021 College Station city council meeting. The primary speaker is assistant police chief Chris Perkins.
Pet stores in College Station will soon be restricted to selling dogs and cats obtained only through animal shelters or an animal rescue organization.
That's after the council at their last meeting directed assistant police chief Chris Perkins to modify the current ordinance.
The ordinance changes, which will not affect private sales by breeders, joins more than 370 other cities in Texas.
The pending changes mirror regulations in more than 370 Texas cities and is under consideration to become a statewide law by the legislature.
This podcast contains comments during the May 17, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting from the district's construction manager, Paul Buckner.
For the second time in 11 months, there was damage to a Bryan High School gym floor.
Bryan ISD's construction manager Paul Buckner told school board members this week that after the floor was replaced following the May 2020 hailstorm, the floor was damaged again from the April 8, 2021 hailstorm.
During last month's storm, Buckner reported roofers were stuck on top of the gym building and held insulation boards over their heads to deflect hailstones.
Buckner said half the new floor had to be replaced.
BISD board members awarded a $91,000 construction contract. Buckner said the district will be reimbursed by the roofing company's insurance company.
Hugh Walker, Bryan Deputy City Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the progress at Midtown Park, e-gaming, a groundbreaking ceremony, updates on the Phillips Event Center and the municipal golf course, a parks improvement plan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 13, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include Billy Couch, Linda Harvell, and Bob Brick.
The last College Station city council meeting included action changing regulations to allow chickens and fowl in residential neighborhoods.
The council agreed with a recommendation from police chief Billy Couch that those housing chickens and fowl abide by new nuisance regulations that apply 5,000 feet outside the College Station city limits.
Couch told councilwoman Linda Harvell that those birds can not roam free.
Responding to councilman Bob Brick's observations about peacocks, the chief says permits are required that includes identifying the birds.
An enclosure 50 to 100 feet away from a neighbor can hold up to six birds. If the enclosure is more than 100 feet away, 12 birds can be kept.
This podcast contains comments comments from the May 17, 2001 Bryan ISD board meeting. Speakers are board members David Stasny, Mark McCall, Felicia Benford, and Ruthie Waller.
The Bryan ISD school board is moving ahead with another project from last November's $175 million dollar bond issue.
A 6-1 board vote followed vocal support of the bond committee's recommendations to replace aging fences and entry gates at Merrill Green Stadium.
Four of the six board members who voted yes responded to David Stasny's call to delay action to see if the $571,000 dollar cost would go down.
Later in the meeting, the board unanimously authorized the sale of the bonds. The board's bond advisor said if they were sold today, the interest rate would be around 2.25 percent.
This podcast contains comments from the May 18, 2021 College Station ISD board meeting. Speakers are board members Amanda Green, Kimberly McAdams, Thomas Hall, Jeff Horak, and Mike Nugent.
Masks will continue to be required in the Bryan and College Station school districts through the last day of classes.
The last day of mask mandates in College Station ISD is after classes on May 27, and in Bryan ISD after classes on May 28. For both districts, this complies with the governor's order that mandates end by June 4.
Bryan ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck notified parents of her decision on Wednesday. That follows Tuesday night's vote by the College Station ISD school board.
Dr. Whitbeck's e-mail to parents stated in part: "Teachers and staff agreed to work this school year with certain safety measures in place, including a requirement for face coverings, and removing that requirement with eight days to go is not respectful to these educators, some who feel safer with masks in place." She also stated with upcoming events they "do not want to risk having to quarantine students, a class or grade level, due to a positive case occurring and no ability to reduce the number needing quarantined due to face coverings not being worn."
The College Station school board decision came following 50 minutes of discussion, focused on board member Amanda Green's unsuccessful attempts to make wearing masks optional right away.
Most of the CSISD board members in the 6-1 vote said they did not want to take a chance on infecting students and employees with six and a half days left in the school year.
Green then made a second motion, which was defeated 5-2, that would have granted the option immediately if the Texas Education Agency removed its contact tracing requirement when there is a new infection. Joshua Benn, who voted against Green's first motion, supported her second motion.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about progress at Midtown Park, revenue numbers for the city, new development, high rise opportunities near the Northgate District, the ongoing legislative session in Austin, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs .
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about investigating the capitol riots, Governor Abbott ending unemployment benefits, how Congress is handling masks on the floor and voting by proxy, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the May 11, 2021 Bryan city council meeting. Speakers include Prentiss Madison, Richard Giusti, and mayor Andrew Nelson.
The city of Bryan's new fire chief tells the city council a study is underway that might change how the department provides emergency medical services and reduce the number of ambulance trips.
Chief Richard Giusti was responding to councilman Prentiss Madison's request to add an ambulance at the fire station on North Texas, across from Davila Middle School.
Giusti said he is sending four firefighters to San Antonio, where he spent most of his career, to be exposed to community paramedicine...where patients receive care from firefighter EMT's instead of taking ambulance rides.
According to the San Antonio fire department's (SAFD) website, seven specialized services are offered. They include firefighter E-M-T's providing in home hospice care and treating patients at acute care triage centers. According to SAFD's website, there has been a 60 percent drop in ambulance calls by those who regularly make requests.
Giusti also said he has formed a planning division, in part to look at BFD's EMS activity.
The new chief told councilmen he could present an update by the end of October.
The SAFD website location is: https://www.sanantonio.gov/SAFD/About/Divisions/Emerency-Medical-Services/MobileHealthcare#286043921-hvu
This podcast contains comments from the May 13, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include city of College Station community development director Debbie Eller, councilman John Nichols, Unlimited Potential supporter and retired director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments Tom Wilkinson, and Unlimited Potential spokeswoman Jacque Flagg.
College Station city council members have approved allowing staff to review a more than $2 million dollar loan application from a non profit agency that works with 18 to 25 year olds who age out of the foster care system.
Unlimited Potential (UP) wants to borrow the money from a city administered federal grant to buy a former nursing home on Anderson Street south of Holleman.
50 nursing home units would be converted to 25 apartments for temporary housing.
Unlimited Potential spokespeople told the council the revenue to repay the loan would come from government housing vouchers and possibly revenue producing programs.
The amount of loan depends on how much is raised in a capital campaign.
The property would also remodeled to offer training and possibly generate revenue producing programs.
The application process would determine how much if any of the property and buildings would remain on the tax rolls.
This podcast is a recording from the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets Facebook page of the cadets military officer commissioning ceremony that was held May 14, 2021.
The chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, the highest ranking military officer in the United States, was on the Texas A&M campus Friday.
General Mark Milley commissioned 159 members of the Corps of Cadets as military officers.
The general told the new officers that the great power of peace that has existed since the end of World War Two is being frayed by a great power competition with China and Russia.
Milley also told the new officers that their task of keeping the peace is by preparing for war, and that they are going to rise and fall based on their merit, talent, hard work. knowledge, skill, and attributes.
The general made multiple references to Texas A&M's military history and said "Aggies, you're something special. And every single day, it's never lost on me who an Aggie is in that Pentagon."
This podcast is a visit with city of College Station's senior director of sports, events, and tourism, Kindra Fry andh WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recruiting out of town organizations for meetings and conventions.
The College Station Noon Lions Club is hosting the first-ever Art-in-the-Park event at the Fun For All Playground in College Station on Saturday. Co-chairs Esther Miranda and Katina Osth visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the free event.
During her appearance on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, Leiha White from Aggieland Humane Society says they are not seeing pandemic pets being returned like some shelters across the country. She also explains return rate, AHS news, and more.
Jerry Henry, Bryan's Emergency Management Coordinator, and Sam Vernon, Assistant City Engineer, visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about hurricane preparedness, signing up for the emergency notification system, go kits, insurance, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his bail reform bill, the last day to hear House bills, chubbing, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the process of creating bills, his bill on constitutional carry, municipalities using tax payer money to hire lobbyists, his priorities during the rest of the session, helping cities pay for February's electricity bill, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about utility smart meters, paying for February's electricity bill, conversations with different internet and cable companies, legislation in Austin, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his vote on Liz Cheney keeping her leadership role, why it should matter to Texas republicans, the NCAA wanting Congress's help with name, image and likeness, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas A&M faculty senate speaker John Stallone during the senate's meeting on May 10, 2021.
The final meeting of the 2020-2021 academic year for the Texas A&M faculty senate includes a review by the departing senate speaker.
Dr. John Stallone's "state of the faculty senate" remarks began with accomplishments during the first full academic year of dealing with the pandemic and forming policies regarding the hiring and retention of A&M's provost and the process of investigating faculty members who are accused of wrongdoing.
Stallone also referenced the future with remarks about challenges to higher education that included possible changes to tenure and post tenure review, the aftermath of the university's commission on diversity, equality, and inclusion, and addressing the cynicism by some in the philosophy of shared governance.
Finishing his second tour of duty as faculty senate speaker, Stallone described the end of his first term in 2013 by referring to the title of the Dwight Yoakam song "Fair to Midland". Ending this term, Stallone referred to a phrase in the Grateful Dead's song "Truckin'" saying "What a long, strange trip it's been."
This podcast contains comments from TxDOT Bryan district spokesman Bob Colwell, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
In 2023, construction is scheduled to start on widening Highway 6/Rudder Freeway between Highway 21 in Bryan and William D. Fitch (Highway 40) in College Station.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is debuting a virtual presentation Wednesday afternoon on the $269 million dollar project.
Go to:
https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/bryan/051221.html
to be directed to the TxDOT virtual public meeting webpage about the Highway 6 expansion project.
TxDOT Bryan district spokesman Bob Colwell says the first phase of the project includes adding a lane in each direction and making it easier to enter and exit the freeway.
The second phase is scheduled to start in 2025, which will include upgrades to major intersections.
According to the TxDOT meeting notice, the presentation will be available through May 27.
Colwell says anyone with questions is invited to call the Bryan district office at 979-778-9655.
Former Congressman Bill Flores visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline, how to prevent these attacks, the vulnerability of these systems, his trip to Las Vegas, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Kendra Davis, Events Coordinator from Visit College Station, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Dine Around Century Square, upcoming events and activities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last night's late session, voting restrictions, funding for rural hospitals, broadband legislation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his testing positive for coronavirus, his return to the House floor, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with the organizer of Bryan High School's "Walk For Water" event, Alena Vitha, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For 15 years, Bryan High School students have held a spring event at Merrill Green Stadium to draw attention to water scarcity around the world and in particular in Central America.
The "Walk For Water" event returns Saturday after it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic.
BHS senior Alena Vitha says everyone is invited to participate in the fundraising walk, benefiting St. Joseph Catholic Church's annual mission trip to Guatemala to build water cisterns.
There is a $1 admission for individuals and $5 per group.
Participants will walk a mile on the stadium track to simulate the trek millions of people around the world walk daily to access water.
The event also feature booths to inform those attending about water scarcity.
Masks are required and will be available during Saturday's event from 10 a.m. until noon.
Katelyn Brown of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about May's First Friday in downtown Bryan, the May 13th display of drag boats racing at Lake Bryan, and a preview of new branding for the organization.
This podcast contains comments from retired Bryan city councilman and retired Vietnam War helicopter pilot Mike Southerland.
A second symbol of the Vietnam War is coming to downtown Bryan.
An anonymous donor has purchased a combat helicopter.
Retired Bryan city councilman Mike Southerland has worked with the donor to bring the helicopter to Bryan from Alabama.
Southerland, who is a retired Vietnam helicopter pilot, says the helicopter will be on permanent display starting Friday afternoon.
Southerland says the donor "just wants to thank Vietnam service members" and "to save it (the helicopter) from the crusher."
The helicopter will be located on North Main Street, north of the roundabout, between 23rd and 24th.
South of the helicopter, is the Vietnam Veterans Memorial behind the Clara B. Mounce library.
Additional information about the helicopter from Mike Southerland:
According to the the Vietnam Pilots Association has provided the following information for Helicopter OH-58A Kiowa tail number 68-16761:
- Jan 1970 it was assigned to the 7-8 Artillery 23 Group Vietnam
- Nov 1970 it was assigned to the 605 Transportation Company DS Vietnam
- Mar 1971 it was assigned to the 173 Aviation Brigade Vietnam
- Sep 1971 it was returned to the United States for repair
- Aug 1972 it was assigned to the 101st Airborne 3rd Army Ft. Campbell
- Jan 1975 it was assigned to 197th Infantry Brigade 1st Army Ft. Benning
It flew a total of 1,736 hours during its Army career and a total combat flight time in Vietnam of 1,458 hours.
Development Administrator Lauren Hovde visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about commercial and residential development throughout the city, Midtown, plans for the FedEx distribution facility, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his legislation to allow Texans to carry handguns in public without a license, expanding UIL competition host sites, COVID vaccines for the youth, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer at the May 4, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting.
The thoughts of more than 500 local businessowners and decision makers were shared during this week's Brazos County commission meeting.
Chamber of commerce president Glen Brewer said more than 150 volunteers collected information that went into this year's Chamber Day survey...which was not done last year due to the pandemic.
18 business categories were represented in the survey. Five annual questions were asked along with three additional questions related to the pandemic.
As for overall responses:
80.59% of responses expect the local economy to increase.
Compared to the previous 12 months, sales increased for 45.88% of respondents, decreased for 32.16 percent, and stayed the same for 16.47%
Outside of business, the quality of life was rated excellent or good by 93.14% of respondents.
52.16% of respondents expect to increase the number of employees this year, 41.18% expect the same number, and 2.35% expect a decrease.
44.90% of respondents rate the quality of qualified job applicants as good and 30.59% as average.
216 of 510 respondents applied for and received COVID related government assistance or grants.
Asked about the impact COVID had on their business in 2020, 20.98% of respondents reported an increase, 56.08% reported a decrease, and 15.88% reported it stayed the same.
Asked to rate their business recovery from COVID in 2011, 71.96% reported an increase, 3.33% reported a decrease, and 16.86% reported it stayed the same.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson and Bernie Acre, Chief Information Officer, visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about an agreement with MetroNet to bring 100 percent fiber optic internet, TV and phone services to Bryan residents and businesses. Keith Leonhardt, MetroNet's VP of Communications, also joins the conversation to discuss their company, the timeline to bring services to Bryan, and more.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about earmarking, Liz Cheney continuing to have a leadership role, key things still needing to be addressed, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station fire department captain Stuart Marrs and WTAW's Bill Oliver about a free first pandemic vaccination event on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. at the Lincoln Recreation Center in College Station.
This podcast contains comments from John Friebele of the city of Bryan's tourism office, Destination Bryan, during the April 13, 2021 Bryan city council meeting.
While last weekend's rain created another obstacle for local hotel operators, the first quarter of 2021 saw more hotel guests in the city of Bryan.
That was part of a report the Bryan city council received from the director of Bryan's tourism office.
John Friebele at Destination Bryan reported at the end of March, room nights were nearly four percent ahead of projections.
This year's goal of 300,000 room nights represents a 20 percent increase over last year. That's compared with almost 246,000 last year and 345,000 in 2019.
Friebele told the council what he described as an "aggressive" goal was set after "We looked at our community as a whole and it was much more resilient over 2020 versus the rest of the industry".
Last weekend, the cancellation of a softball tournament and the multiple sclerosis bike ride that combined were projected to bring more than 8,000 visitors to the twin cities.
This podcast contains comments from Blinn College consultant Meredith Epley-McWilliams during the April 20, 2021 meeting of the Blinn College board of trustees.
Later this month, the Blinn College board of trustees could take action on the district's first ever master plan.
April's Blinn trustees meeting included receiving recommendations from the district's consultant team involving all current campuses about future construction, renovation, enhancements, and demolition.
The recommendations are based on assessing facilities and enrollment projections at all Blinn campus locations.
At Blinn's Bryan campus, recommendations from consultant Meredith Epley-McWilliams includes new construction on land that Blinn acquired in January at Villa Maria Road and Nash Street.
Blinn has received a WTAW News open records request, asking for the purchase price and when Blinn acquired the former Rivergate church property and three adjacent parcels. According to the Brazos Central Appraisal District website, Blinn acquired the deeds on January 20, 2021. But there is no mention of the purchase in the minutes of Blinn board of trustees meetings dating back to September 2020, when the Rivergate church website referred to negotiating the sale of their property with Blinn.
McWilliams proposed in the next four years at Villa Maria and Nash, the construction of a new administration and student services building, which would move those services to campus from the Tejas Center. The 2021-2025 timeline would also extend Nash Street from the former church property to the main campus.
Between the years 2026 and 2030, the master plan proposes Blinn would build intramural fields on the former church property. And between the years 2031 and 2040, Blinn's new land would be the site of a new student activities center and a hiking and jogging trail.
Elsewhere on the Bryan campus, the master plan proposes in the 2021-2025 time frame a 10,000 square foot library addition, renovating the current library, and improvements outside the library. There is also the start of a proposed "south campus pedestrian connection" between campus buildings and parking lots.
Between 2026 and 2030, the master plan also proposes a new fine arts and academic building off Blinn Boulevard. That would result in the demolition of four buildings on the Bryan campus. Buildings "D", "F", "R", and "T" currently house faculty offices, human resources, distance learning, and large classrooms.
Also between 2026 and 2030, the master plan proposes renovating the student center, expanding and converting the physical plant, improvements in the student center quad area, finishing the "south campus pedestrian connection", improving the entrance off Blinn Blvd., and adding monument signs at Blinn Blvd. and East 29th Street.
From 2031-2040, the master plan also proposes streetscape improvements along the west and north sides of the Bryan campus.
Master plan recommendations for Blinn's presence on the RELLIS campus are finishing the expansion of the administration building and parking that is currently underway, between 2026 and 2030 constructing a third building and adding more parking, and between 2031-2040 adding two more buildings and an enhancement project with a water feature and green space.
Documents related to this story, including the proposed master plan and records from the Brazos Central Appraisal district, are at: https://wtaw.com/?p=146148
This podcast contains comments from the April 20, 2021 Blinn College board of trustees meeting. Speakers include vice chancellor Richard Cervantes and chancellor Mary Hensley.
Blinn College continues to have a positive cash flow despite reduced revenue from tuition and auxiliary sources like parking and housing.
An update from vice chancellor Richard Cervantes and chancellor Mary Hensley during the board of trustees April meeting included Blinn spending more than $12 million dollars in federal pandemic grant money.
And at the time of the April 20th meeting, Cervantes said Blinn had more than $8 million available.
During the 2020-21 academic year, Blinn has experienced a drop of tuition revenue of $2 million dollars and $3 million in revenue from auxiliary sources.
Lieutenant Tim Israel visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the 10th Annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon, the need for services in 2021, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the constitutional right to carry without a license, legislation regarding February's winter storms and Texas' power grid failure, decriminalizing marijuana possession, Medicare expansion, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Hear from Lucas Scroggins, 2021-2022 Mascot Corporal, Batie Bishop, 2020-2021 Mascot Corporal, Colton Ray, 2019-2020 Mascot Corporal; trainer for Reveille X, and Dr. Stacy Eckman, Associate Dean of Hospital Operations -Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital during Reveille X's first media news conference.
Bridget Russell, College Station Pools Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about pool noodles and other pool toys, flotation devices, appropriate swim attire at the pool, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his bill allowing them to get to work sooner during the legislative session, DPS's investigation of a staffer being drugged by a lobbyist, redistricting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dominique Powell, Compete College Station's Director of Sports, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about this Saturday's Texas Bike MS 150 race and College Station being chosen as the host city of the 2022 National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships.
This podcast contains comments from the April 27, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting. Speakers include Wayne Dicky, Robert Herrera, Chris Coffey, and Linda Ricketson.
This week's Brazos County commission meeting included two annual proclamations that included comments related to the pandemic.
The week of May 2-8 is National Correctional Officers and Employees Week. Sheriff Wayne Dicky, who was the jail administrator before being elected last year as sheriff, noted 226 officers have died in the line of duty during the pandemic. Dicky also told commissioners his chief deputy for corrections would be busy this week.
Also speaking were the warden of the Hamilton Unit state prison in west Bryan, Robert Herrera, and the superintendent of the Brazos County juvenile detention center, Chris Coffey.
After the inspection, the sheriff's office announced their detention facilities were found to be in compliance with Texas jail standards. The two day inspection covered the nearly 1,100 beds between the main jail and the low risk facility on Sandy Point Road near Highway 21 and the inmate holding area in the courthouse.
There was also a proclamation for the week of May 6-12 as National Nursing Recognition Week, which was also submitted by sheriff Wayne Dicky.
The director of Brazos County's juvenile detention center, Linda Ricketson, thanked the sheriff and the health district for their assistance.
Commissioners also approved a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month. There were no representatives to accept the proclamation.
Bryan's new fire chief Richard Giusti visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his background in the industry, why he wanted to be a firefighter, military vs civilian fire service, working with College Station's fire department, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what happened this week in the state capitol, budget discussions, alcohol to-go, the redistricting process, two more congressional seats in Texas, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County risk manager Leslie Contreras during the April 20, 2021 county commission meeting.
Brazos County officials continue to assess damage from the April 8th hail storm that took place almost three weeks ago. During the April 20 county commission meeting, risk manager Leslie Contreras said temporary roof repairs were made to keep water out of the administration, I-T, and health district buildings. Contreras says the Brazos County Expo was hit pretty hard. And 111 county vehicles were damaged. 54 were insured, and 18 of the remaining 57 require replacing windshields and windows.
This podcast contains comments from the April 27, 2021 CSISD school board emergency meeting. Speakers includes chief financial officer Amy Drozd, facilities director Jon Hall, superintendent Mike Martindale, and board members Jeff Horak and Amanda Green.
Two of several College Station ISD buildings damaged during the April 8th hailstorm sustained additional damage last week, following three to five inches of rain. CSISD school board members held an emergency meeting on Tuesday and approved a $371,000 dollar no-bid contract to make temporary repairs at Southwood Village elementary and Oakwood middle schools. Board members were told the expense, which will be paid from CSISD's general fund, will be applied toward the district's insurance, and more repairs are expected to be made.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan Jones of the Brazos Valley Council Of Governments (BVCOG) during the April 27, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting.
More Brazos County renters are qualified for pandemic grants to pay for their housing.
That was part of the update given by Bryan Jones of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) during this week's county commission meeting.
Commissioners hired BVCOG earlier this month to award more than $6 million dollars in federal grant money to renters who meet income requirements.
While eligibility is still based on income, renters don't have to be behind on making payments or have been evicted.
Jones says they are contacting applicants who were initially turned down to reapply.
BVCOG has until the end of September to approve applications and until the end of 2021 to distribute grants.
Application information is online, at the bottom of the home page at brazoscountytx.gov.
This podcast contains comments from the coordinator of the Brazos Center vaccination hub Jim Stewart during the April 27, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners get an update on pandemic vaccinations at the Brazos Center.
Coordinator Jim Stewart says the hub will stop giving first shots next Tuesday. That follows a drop of first doses from as many as 6,100 hundred in a week to 866 last week and a little over 400 appointments on Tuesday.
Stewart says second shots will be given for another four to six weeks.
Going into this week, the hub gave 52,000 first shots and 33,000 second shots.
By the end of this week, Stewart expects a total of 90,000 first and second shots.
News release from the Brazos Center pandemic vaccination hub:
The leadership team of the Brazos County Community Vaccination Hub, in coordination with its community partners and officials at St Joseph Hospital, has determined that, due to a reduction in demand for first doses, the Hub will begin providing second doses only at the Brazos Center.
This change in operations will start during the week of May 10th, and will likely continue through the middle of the month of June, or until all second doses have been administered.
Second dose appointments will continue to be scheduled through the Hub system, and those patients will be notified via email as to their time. As always, any recipient with a conflict is encouraged to reach out to our call center, at 979-703-1545, to request a change with an appointment.
Remarkable progress in vaccinating the citizens of the Brazos Valley has been made through the efforts of the staff and volunteers at the Hub.
The Hub Team now believes that the balance of the need for first dose vaccinations can be addressed through the traditional sources in our community.
As additional doses of vaccines continue to arrive in our community, there will be a multitude of locations at which a vaccination can be received.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about rental registration issues, reopening city council chambers, in-person staff presentations, the agreement with Costco, being a monarch butterfly city, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about President Biden's address to the nation, Texas adding two congressional seats, the agenda, the military's withdrawal from Afghanistan, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the city of College Station's economic development director, Natalie Ruiz, during the city council's meeting on April 22, 2021.
The College Station city council agrees to give Costco more than $2 million dollars in incentives to build and open a store by the end of 2023.
Costco and the College Station council agreed with a package from economic development director Natalie Ruiz that is based on four incentives.
One involves the 19 acres of land Costco is buying from the city. 20 years ago, the city council bought the land for 23 cents a square foot. Costco is buying the land for $4.50 a square foot. That is $813,000 dollars under the appraised value.
The council also agreed to the city spending an estimated $900,000 in drainage improvements benefiting Costco and future developments.
Costco will be reimbursed up to $300,000 dollars in city fees and will receive $183,000 at the closing of the land purchase.
This podcast contains comments from the April 20, 2021 College Station ISD board meeting regarding the work of a CSISD bond committee. Speakers include CSISD chief financial officer Amy Drozd, school board president Mike Nugent and members Thomas Hall and Joshua Benn, and superintendent Mike Martindale.
A 20 member committee exploring whether College Station ISD will have a bond election this November has met twice and is scheduled to get together twice in the next two weeks.
During the April 20 CSISD school board meeting, chief financial officer Amy Drozd says the committee is learning about projects that are ranked in one of four categories. They are an (1) immediate instructional or maintenance/facility need or within three years, (2) an instructional or maintenance/facility need in the next three to five years, (3) a potential instructional or maintenance/facility need that is more than five years away, and (4) something that would be nice to have or the district has had some discussion on for the future.
Board president Mike Nugent, who is among three board members on the committee, said the only surprise is that there are so many needs in CSISD.
No new buildings are being considered by the committee, which includes three board members, two principals, four teachers, and 11 parents.
The committee met March 30 and April 13 and is meeting April 27 and May 4.
The next update to the school board is scheduled for May 18. If there is a need for a fifth committee meeting, it is scheduled for May 25. The final school board presentation would be June 15, and board action to call a bond election would be considered July 20.
This podcast is a conversation about the last week of the United Way of the Brazos Valley community campaign with UWBV president Alison Prince, UWBV campaign chair Amber Cox, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast contains comments from the April 22, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include assistant public works director Emily Fisher and councilman John Nichols.
The College Station city council takes the next step towards the $1 million dollar renovation of the building that opened in 1970 as a combination police and fire station.
A unanimous vote at the council's last meeting awarded a $149,000 design contract to make the building on Texas Avenue south of the current city hall into the new home of College Station's tourism office, which is currently in leased space.
Assistant public works director Emily Fisher said the city's architectural design committee will review what she said will be an exterior similar to the new city hall that is under construction.
The remodeling will also include an event space where fire engines were previously parked.
Construction is scheduled to start a year from now. Funding for the design and the construction comes from College Station's hotel occupancy tax.
Three other city departments currently use the building. Facility maintenance is getting a new building behind College Station's municipal court. Human resources and risk management will move to the new city hall.
This podcast contains some of the comments from Texas A&M University Foundation president Tyson Voekel during the April 12, 2021 A&M faculty senate meeting.
In February, Texas A&M University announced the completion of its nine year, $4.25 BILLION dollar fundraising campaign.
The Lead By Example campaign involved the A&M Foundation, The Association of Former Students, The 12th Man Foundation, the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, and the Corps of Cadets Association.
The president of the A&M Foundation, Tyson Voekel, made a presentation at April's A&M Faculty Senate meeting to summarize the campaign and what lies ahead.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC) president Matt Prochaska and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For the second time this week, is a major announcement from the Brazos Valley economic development corporation (BVEDC).
Houston based health care provider Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is building a 25,000 square foot contact center in College Station.
BVEDC president Matt Prochaska says the center will open this fall with an initial employment around 200 and is expected to grow to 600.
Kelsey-Seybold's announcement follows the announcement of a local manufacturer, Exosent Engineering, moving from a 22,000 square foot leased building to a 74,000 square foot facility that they will own.
Prochaska thanked the political leaders and staff in College Station, Bryan, and Brazos County for the team effort in these and other economic development projects.
News release from Kelsey-Seybold Clinic:
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic announced plans today to build a one-story, 25,000-square-foot Contact Center in College Station with a projected completion date in early fall 2021. The new Contact Center is a ground-up building initiative with sufficient surrounding property to accommodate future expansion.
"Over the next five years, Kelsey-Seybold will expand access to coordinated, accountable care throughout Greater Houston," said John Lyle, Senior Vice President of Operations, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "Clinical growth and expansion require an infrastructure that can support the level of care and service patients expect from Kelsey-Seybold. The College Station area is ideal for an operation like this because it has a low incidence of weather-related events – and for our group, providing a stable, 24/7 Contact Center operation is essential."
"The City of College Station is exceptionally pleased to welcome Kelsey-Seybold to our community," said Mayor Karl Mooney, City of College Station. "The vibrancy and reputation of Kelsey-Seybold perfectly matches and will enhance the expanding quality of life enjoyed by residents of our city. We look forward to the development of a prosperous and mutually supportive relationship for many years to come."
The new Contact Center will be located at 1204 Copperfield Parkway and will accommodate more than 200 workstations as well as space for training, conference areas, and break areas. This facility will operate 24/7 with potential for more than 600 full-time employees.
"The Kelsey-Seybold leadership team evaluated several areas in Texas and determined that the College Station community could support our employment requirements. It is also a desirable place to live and work within a reasonable distance from the Greater Houston area, as well as other metropolitan areas, should we decide to expand," said Nicholas Ro, Chief Legal and Strategic Planning Officer, Kelsey-Seybold Clinic. "Kelsey-Seybold's new Contact Center in College Station will give our group the ability to sustain our growth plans."
In addition to Contact Center employees, some space has been allocated for Facilities Management, Information Technology, and Human Resources.
"Working with the team at Kelsey-Seybold has been a privilege, and we are grateful they have chosen to tap into the Brazos Valley's skilled and growing workforce, creating jobs as it provides its nationally-recognized healthcare to hundreds of thousands of Texans," said Matt Prochaska, President and C.E.O., Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation. "Kelsey-Seybold brings an outstanding reputation of excellence to our expanding healthcare community."
The new Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Contact Center in College Station was designed by architects at Powers Brown Architecture. Gamma Construction has been named the general contractor.
About Kelsey-Seybold:
Kelsey-Seybold Clinic is Houston's premier multispecialty group practice, founded in 1949 by Dr. Mavis Kelsey in Houston's renowned Texas Medical Center. More than 480 physicians and allied health professionals practice at 26 locations in the Greater Houston area. Kelsey-Seybold offers quality medical care in 55 medical specialties. The organization operates the largest freestanding Ambulatory Surgery Center in the state of Texas and offers state-of-the-art Varian TrueBeam and Varian Edge radiation therapy technology at a nationally accredited Cancer Center. An accredited Sleep Center, comprehensive laboratory services, advanced imaging and diagnostics, 17 onsite Kelsey pharmacies, and MyKelseyOnline, a secure web portal, are part of its comprehensive offerings. Kelsey-Seybold partners with major insurers to offer value-based commercial health plans. KelseyCare Advantage, a Medicare Advantage plan offered to Houston-area beneficiaries and affiliated with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, has achieved the coveted 5-out-of-5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid for five consecutive years.
Kelsey-Seybold has been recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as the nation’s first accredited Accountable Care Organization and a Level 3 (highest) Patient-Centered Medical Home. Kelsey-Seybold has many physicians in the Greater Houston area certified for excellence in diabetes and heart and stroke care by the NCQA. In addition to these recognitions, Kelsey-Seybold is home to a nationally accredited Breast Diagnostic Center, and Endoscopy Center.
Caroline Ask, Solid Waste Division Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Saturday's Household Hazardous Waste Event and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about yesterday's budget discussion, the legislature taking more responsibility from the governor, the higher education committee, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Speaker of the House Dade Phelan, highlights from this week's legislative action, special sessions, gambling bills, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Listen to audio from the Bryan ISD school board meeting about the new schedule format for middle and high schools students for the 2021-2022 school year.
Dr. Kate Creevy, Associate Professor of Small Animal Internal Medicine at Texas A&M University, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Dog Aging Project and how you and your dog can participate.
Thomas Sanders and Lexi Durbin from Bryan Parks and Recreation visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia hiring for aquatics jobs, summer swim programs, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about eminent domain bills, Medicaid in Texas, a pension reform bill, gun rights, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the rental market impact after the College Station city council passed the ROO this week, annexations, the George Floyd case, the Bryan Police Department, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the verdict in the George Floyd case, the possibility of Washington D.C. becoming a state, race being used as a factor in political issues, the need for rain, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Lauren Kraus, Muster Chair, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about changes to this year's ceremony due to the pandemic, how people can watch and participate, and more.
Alison Prince, President of United Way of the Brazos Valley, and Phebe Simmons, Executive Director of Family Promise BCS, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
This podcast contains comments from the April 13, 2021 Bryan city council meeting. Speakers include the director of the Destination Bryan tourism office John Friebele, city council members Flynn Adcock, Reuben Marin, and Bobby Gutierrez, and mayor Andrew Nelson.
For 13 years, the Texas Reds Festival has been a signature event for the city of Bryan.
After the pandemic cancelled last year's steak and wine event and after the city council created a tourism office, there was no opposition by the governing body to not holding Reds this year.
That was among recommendations of a committee led by the director of the Destination Bryan tourism office, John Friebele.
There is the possibility of the Reds festival not returning. Mayor Andrew Nelson supported the idea of recruiting others to run the event.
Councilman Flynn Adcock, who was looking forward to the return of the steak and wine event, encouraged Friebele "to create such a great event that I will forget about Texas Reds and that I will say oh, this is much better."
Friebele told the council they do not have the staff to run Reds or other events previously staffed by the Downtown Bryan Association (DBA). In 2019, Friebele said DBA employees spent 1,464 hours on Reds between July and September and there was a net monetary loss of $3,039.81 plus the cost of in-kind services provided by the city of Bryan. In 2018, Reds had a financial loss of $65,800.56.
The Destination Bryan ad-hoc committee recommended having Reds and other downtown events run by others with some level of city assistance.
Statement from the Destination Bryan tourism office:
Destination Bryan announces the re-evaluation of the Texas Reds Steak and Grape Festival along with other Bryan events.
Destination Bryan Executive Director, John Friebele, presented to Bryan City Council on Tuesday, April 13, 2021, and officially recommended to not host the Texas Reds Festival in 2021 with the intent to develop multiple signature tourism events and additional quality of life events throughout the year.
To support these efforts, Destination Bryan plans to establish an event department to provide the organization the capacity and resources to effectively execute these events while also maintaining and expanding destination marketing efforts.
Over the next several weeks, Destination Bryan will be brainstorming on how to expand on current events hosted, leverage more partnerships with community organizations and evaluate new potential event ideas. The intent is to increase economic impact to our local community, hotels and businesses through additional events annually, as opposed to one large scale weekend festival.
"We have an opportunity to lean into Bryan's history, culture, diversity and uniqueness to establish several events over the course of the coming year so that we can continue to expand everything we are doing as a destination marketing organization." says John Friebele.
City of Bryan Council Members were receptive to the recommendation and are looking forward to seeing what new and expanded events Destination Bryan presents in the future.
This podcast is an April 16, 2021 visit with Bryan fire department assistant fire marshal Gerald Burnett and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan fire investigators have come up with a preliminary cause of an apartment fire last Sunday that killed a resident who was on oxygen and was bedridden in his bedroom. Assistant fire marshal Gerald Burnett says "the preliminary investigation supports that he probably had a smoking related incident occur there. And so far the preliminary findings of the autopsy are that he likely passed away from those injuries." The victim was 68 year old Melvin Moten. Burnett says the fire did not spread into adjoining apartments on Evergreen Circle.
Steve Wright, the new Parks and Recreation Director, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his career, his move to College Station, working in the outdoors, revenue streams, the idea of "heat islands", and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative action on the floor yesterday, a quail bill, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the legislature being more efficient, gun legislation, broadband legislation, emergency response in Texas, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Cole Geist, from Aggieland Outfitters, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their Bike MS: Texas MS 150 kickoff event on Friday. Volunteers are still needed for race day and can sign up at the event.
This podcast contains comments from the April 8, 2021 College Station city council from council members Linda Harvell, John Crompton, Dennis Maloney, and Bob Brick.
The April 8 College Station city council meeting included proposing seven new topics for future consideration.
There was consensus approval to discuss at some point, possibly in a special meeting, the following:
One of two requests from Linda Harvell is getting answers about the impact of potential flooding from Texas A&M's new Aggie Park east of Kyle Field to the city's nearby Brison Park, where Harvell says A&M is building a underground water cistern. And after seeing the design of a new high rise that will be built in the Northgate district, Harvell wants a review of building design regulations around College Station.
John Crompton has three park-related proposals. One is studying the economic viability of developing "heat islands"...groups of trees and vegetation to absorb heat in order to reduce electrical consumption. The others are an update on the development of building two bird blinds at Lick Creek Park and four proposed changes to College Station's parkland dedication ordinance.
Dennis Maloney wants to consider a resolution opposing proposed state legislation that would banning lobbyists from the Texas Municipal League to speak on the city's behalf.
Bob Brick wants to discuss having the city's planning and development office coordinate meetings between the developers of new residential neighborhoods and those who live in bordering developments.
This podcast is the April 13, 2021 report of city of Bryan capital project construction from city manager Kean Register to the city council.
Megan Brown, BTU Energy Account Manager, and BTU linemen visit with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the ins and outs of their job, technological changes over the years, different power outage scenarios, how the pandemic has affected their business, the linemen's rodeo, and more during their appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislation regarding emergency response in Texas, the reliability of Texas's power grid, legislation on transgender youth athletes, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County judge Duane Peters, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver on April 14, 2021.
Brazos County judge Duane Peters on Wednesday issued a disaster declaration from last week's hailstorm.
Peters says that allows the county to access $9 million dollars in local emergency money that is set aside to cover costs of repairing and replacing county property.
Peters says tarps are being installed the roofs of some county buildings in advance of storms that are predicted the rest of the week.
That's after a small amount of rain on Tuesday night resulted in some water entering some county buildings.
This podcast contains comments from the April 5, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers include BISD special education director Catherine George, associate superintendent Barbara Ybarra, and superintendent Christie Whitbeck.
Bryan ISD's special education department is considered to be the "bomb diggity" following an audit by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
BISD special education director Catherine George told board members during their last meeting that was part of the comments from TEA staff who determined the district received a 100 percent compliance rating.
Dr. George also said two other takeaways from the TEA were (1) Interviews describe a mission to establish a culture of service and joy. The leadership team meets routinely to address campus and system concerns. Administrators are visible, answer questions, and participate in support-driven efforts, and (2) Staff described a concerted effort to ensure all students have the opportunity to participate in extracurriculars and school sponsored events. The district vision is to have students find their passion area and support those interests as much as possible.
Strengths noted in the TEA audit of BISD's special education department included:
● Detailed IEP Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statements
● Intensive programs of instruction are identified for students as needed
● Accommodations and modifications are provided as evidenced by work samples and artifacts
● Understand the importance of including students’ interests in transition process
● Improved communication and training
Areas of continued focus were:
● Consider opportunities to ensure further collaboration for general and special educators who share students
● Training on and implementation of differentiated instruction
● Continue training in the area of positive behavioral supports
● Monitor for timely updates on student progress
This podcast is a recording from Congressman Kevin Brady's Facebook page, announcing his retirement during the April 14, 2021 The Woodlands chamber of commerce economic outlook conference.
Brazos Valley congressman Kevin Brady announces he is retiring.
Brady told those attending Wednesday morning's The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce economic outlook conference "This term, my 13th, will be the last."
The only reason he gave for his decision was partially because he "won't be able to chair the House Ways and Means Committee in the next session when Republicans win back the House majority. Did that factor in? Honestly, some."
Brady gave two reasons for NOT retiring.
"Is this because I’ve lost faith in a partisan Congress and the political system? Absolutely not."
"Given the times, I’m sure some will say “It’s Trump’s fault”. Nonsense."
Brady represents the eighth congressional district, which covers Montgomery, Walker, Houston, San Jacinto, Trinity, Grimes, Madison, and parts of Leon and Harris counties.
News release from congressman Kevin Brady's office, from prepared remarks at The Woodlands Economic Outlook Conference:
“I have an announcement.
And I can’t think of a better place to make it than right here at The Chamber I led, in the community I live, and to business and community leaders I admire and consider friends.
I am retiring as your Congressman. This term, my 13th, will be the last.
I set out to give my constituents the representation you deserve, the effectiveness you want and the economic freedom you need. I hope I delivered. It’s a remarkable privilege to work for you in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Thanks to your strong support I’ve been blessed with many unbelievable opportunities to lead, including becoming only the third Texan in history to chair the House Ways & Means Committee. I’ll never forget the trust you gave me these many years.
And I can never repay the support from my wife Cathy. She is a true angel (you have no idea), who made all this possible and is the best thing in my life. Ever.
I love this job. And thanks to incredible lawmakers I’ve worked with in Congress and the White House, I’ve been fortunate to do big things for our country. Bigger than a small town boy from Rapid City, South Dakota whose father died when young, with all five of us children raised by a remarkable single mom, could ever dream of.
I’ve noticed that anytime you retire in Washington, D.C. some are eager to assign a motive. So let me tackle those. Is this because I’ve lost faith in a partisan Congress and the political system? Absolutely not.
I work with some of the most dedicated people in the nation – talented, hardworking and serious about their responsibilities – in both parties. And after 25 years in the nation’s Capitol I haven’t yet seen a problem we can’t solve or move past. Not one. Especially when we put our best ideas and intentions together.
Given the times, I’m sure some will say “It’s Trump’s fault”. Nonsense.
I’m proud to have worked with the President and lawmakers from both parties to redesign America’s broken tax code, reform the IRS, pass the new US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, reform America’s retirement system, end the unfair ObamaCare individual mandate and its harmful taxes, and sign into law a historic national ban on surprise medical bills. And we preserved my first success as Chairman: negotiating for Speaker Paul Ryan an end to the 40-year ban on selling U.S. crude oil overseas.
The Tax Cuts lifted millions of Americans out of poverty, and gave hope to so many the old tax code had left behind. America recaptured the title as the most competitive economy in the world, bringing manufacturing jobs and investment back home to America from overseas.
As you may not know, because House Republicans limit committee leadership to six years, I won’t be able to Chair the Ways & Means Committee in the next session when Republicans win back the House majority. Did that factor in? Honestly, some.
But as I see it, our committee leader term limits ensure lawmakers who work hard and effectively have the opportunity to lead, to bring fresh ideas to our committee work. In my view, it’s a good thing. And the great news is that our Ways & Means Committee is incredibly talented. I’m confident about its future.
In the end, I’ll leave Congress the way I entered it, with the absolute belief that we are a remarkable nation – the greatest in history.
Despite what the media and social media bombards you with each day, we are not the hateful, racist, divided nation they peddle. They are dead wrong. Turn off that noise and you’ll hear the true heartbeat of America.
We remain the most charitable nation on the planet. We are a nation so valued that a million military men and women have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms and opportunity.
And look at yourself, look around at your friends and our community: We come together every day voluntarily to feed the hungry, house the homeless, rescue our veterans, race to help our neighbors in a natural disaster…and more.
We do this without a single thought about the color of our anyone’s skin, their religious beliefs, or the circumstances of their birth. We volunteer, we give from our pockets and our hearts, we care for each other. Because that is who America is.
Are we a work in progress? Absolutely, and there’s plenty of work yet to be done.
But that’s what makes America so special. Every parent, every generation, is determined to leave a nation for our children – and others – better than the one we inherited. We devote much of our adult lives to this.
As a result, the American Dream is still alive and well for anyone willing to work for it until it’s theirs. That is why I remain optimistic about our country, because I have faith in our people. I’ve seen up close how remarkable you are, and while I am leaving Congress I am excited about our future.
God Bless Texas, and God Bless the United States of America.”
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative concerns from Austin, the city's electric bill and how it will be paid, visitors to College Station, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about John Boehner and his new book, the possibility of Washington D.C. becoming a state, the PRO Act, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Those who have taken advantage of not renewing outdated Texas vehicle registration and/or drivers licenses due to the pandemic, those grace periods end on Wednesday.
Brazos County tax assessor collector Kristy Roe says there was a projected 7,400 vehicles that may still have outstanding registrations to be renewed.
Roe says the tax office lobby has been standing room only and the wait in the drive thru line has been up to one hour.
Roe says mailing a registration renewal now will not meet the state's deadline of having the transaction completed by the end of the day on Wednesday.
Another reason for delays at the tax office is hat the deadline to transfer the ownership of a vehicle purchased during this time frame is also April 14. The majority of the customers we currently see at the tax office involve title transfers. These customers risk penalties immediately on the 15th if the transaction is more than 30 days old. Title transactions are complicated and time consuming. Many applicants do not have all of the documents they need.
Roe also says online registration renewal is currently available for up to nine months past their registration expiration date. So if they fall within that window, and have a passing inspection that can be verified online, that could be an option for them. It will take about a week to get their sticker, but they will get in under the deadline.
Registration renewal customers risk penalties if they have received a citation, which depending on the law enforcement agencies, can resume April 15.
Residents that have registrations that do not expire before the end of April are being asked to wait until after Wednesday if they want to come to the tax office. Otherwise, they can renew online, at the subcontractor locations (Kroger, HEB), mail or drop the registration renewals off.
And the grace period to renew out of date Texas drivers licenses also ends Wednesday.
This podcast is a visit with Catholic Charities of Central Texas (CCCTX) director Sara Ramirez, United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Alison Prince, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The discussion is about CCCTX operations during the pandemic and an invitation to participate in the Brazos Valley's Catholic Charities giving day. On April 29 at the CCCTX Bryan office, located at 1410 Cavitt, between 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., there will be a distribution of free diapers, wipes, and hygiene kits. And there will be a drive through collection of financial donations.
This podcast is the dedication of the Charlotte Sharp children's learning center on April 9, 2021. Speakers are center co-owner Don Morrow, director Vicki Gibson, and Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp.
Almost five months after the death of the wife of Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp, came the dedication of the Charlotte Sharp children's learning center.
The chancellor was among the speakers at the dedication of the privately owned center that was built on system property north of Century Square on Hensel Street.
What was built as the Collaborative Learning Center can accommodate up to 263 children from ages two through six.
In the future, the children will interact with residents of a yet to be built senior living complex.
The center is already training A&M students in multiple disciplines as well as training local child care providers.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan fire department assistant fire marshal Gerald Burnett and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
An apartment fire in west Bryan Sunday night resulted in one death.
Assistant fire marshal Gerald Burnett says a cause has not been determined. He said the man was bedridden, he was a smoker, and there was not a smoke detector in his room.
Burnett says the man's wife got out of the apartment on Evergreen Circle...which is south of Turkey Creek and west of Finfeather.
No names have been released.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD technology director Julea Johnson during the April 5, 2021 BISD school board meeting.
Last December, Bryan ISD school board members heard from the parent of a high school student who called for screening unwanted content on BISD email accounts and document sharing that the district uses from Google.
During Monday's BISD board meeting, technology director Julea Johnson told the board that software that was purchased has worked so far.
The software was purchased because Google, which is BISD's provider for e-mails and document sharing, does not provide screening services.
The mother told the board she found images of naked body parts in her child's e-mail account.
Johnson also reported that the district is receiving updates from the Homeland Security and National Cybersecurity Task Force. That includes weekly reports of suspicious website domains and other protective measures.
The Warehouse at C.C. Creations now holds the Guinness World Record title for the largest collegiate merchandise store. Hear from city officials and owner Kenny Lawson.
Aubrey Nettles, Economic Development Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new business initiative called the Heart of Aggieland visitors pass and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Thursday's shooting in Bryan, bail reform, voting rights, Texas's legislative body, the hail storm, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Police Chief Eric Buske held a press conference after Thursday's multiple shooting at Kent Moore Cabinets in Bryan that left one dead and four hospitalized in critical condition.
This podcast contains comments from the April 5, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting. Speakers included BISD construction manager Paul Buckner.
Bryan ISD school board members were told this week that water damage from frozen waterlines during February's winter storm caused more damage to the gym floor at Stephen F. Austin (SFA) middle school.
Board members this week approved a change order recommended by BISD's construction manager.
Paul Buckner reported that insurance will pick up the additional $88,000 dollar cost to replace the subfloor.
The new SFA floor, which is expected to be completed in two months, will be similar to what was done last summer at Bryan High.
Buckner was told the lumber price tripled from last summer from $16 to $18 dollars for a sheet of plywood to $54 dollars a sheet.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The annual United Way of the Brazos Valley community campaign, with four weeks remaining, is within $160,000 dollars of its $1,565,000 goal.
Prince says "We want to sustain the work that we are doing and be able to continue responding, God willing, not in more critical situations like COVID over the next 12 months. But if that is what our country faces and our community faces, that is what United Way and our partners will respond to."
More information about United Way's 22 partner agencies and making donations is online at uwbv.org.
This podcast contains comments from the March 25, 2021 College Station city council meeting, Karl Mooney's March 31, 2021 visit on WTAW's The Infomaniacs, and Andrew Nelson's April 7, 2021 visit on The Infomaniacs.
College Station mayor Karl Mooney will be absent from Thursday's council meeting because he is on his honeymoon.
Mooney, who lost his wife Laura in October 2019, got married on Wednesday according to Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson.
Mooney was congratulated by College Station council members when explained his absence at the end of March 25th council meeting.
On WTAW's The Infomaniacs, Mooney says his new wife, who he met in church, was his daughter's fourth grade teacher and he taught her youngest son at Texas A&M.
Nelson said on The Infomaniacs that congratulatory messages were placed in downtown Bryan on the marquees of the Queen and Palace theaters. And the downtown Bryan lights were changed to red Wednesday evening in recognition of the city of College Station's primary color.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about weatherization legislation, the Railroad Commission, passing the budget, second amendment bills, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Thomas Sanders, Recreation Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming family-friendly events, summer camps, pools opening, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about action in the higher education committee, the future of community colleges, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Jim Butler, who partnered with BigShots to bring the facility to Bryan, and David Pillsbury, ClubCorp CEO, visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the BigShots Golf Aggieland facility coming to Bryan.
This podcast contains comments from the March 31, 2021 meeting of the Texas A&M system board of regents.
The Texas A&M system board of regents followed last week's confirmation of naming the next president of the flagship campus with a unanimous vote to name one of the system's public private partnership buildings in honor of the late wife of chancellor John Sharp.
Vice chancellor Phillip Ray said the request for the Charlotte Sharp children's learning center came from the owner of the complex, which has a ground lease with the system.
A dedication program is expected later this month at the center, located behind Century Square on Hensel Street.
The chancellor excused himself from the meeting during the discussion and vote.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the BigShots Golf groundbreaking, economic development, a special event in Downtown Bryan, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about border issues, housing migrant children in Texas, funding infrastructure, party agendas, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Kendra Davis, Events Coordinator at Visit College Station, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a new farmers and artisans market coming to Northgate this weekend.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck and her chief of staff, Ginger Carrabine, during the April 5, 2021 BISD school board meeting.
The Bryan ISD school board is told spending plans for the 2021-2022 school year are being made without know if the state will forward $58 million dollars in federal pandemic grant money.
Superintendent Christie Whitbeck told the board it puts the district "in a very precarious place because we know what the needs are. We know that we just can't sit around and hope and wait. We've got to do something to make sure we're covering our bases for the children."
Dr. Whitbeck also said "We can't wait until these decisions are made (by Texas elected officials) to do our planning. So we're planning now, I guess, in the good faith that our elected officials in Texas will see to it to allocate the money that's coming from the federal government."
Whitbeck said when the state forwarded more than $4 million dollars in federal grant money last year, BISD lost an equal amount in state funding.
The superintendent's chief of staff, Ginger Carrabine, told the board that a committee has been formed to research every possible way federal grants can be spent, should the state forward that money to the district.
This podcast is a visit on April 5, 2021 with Cary Baker of Scotty's House child advocacy center and WTAW's Bill Oliver during WTAW's United Way of the Brazos Valley update.
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
In the seven county Brazos Valley region last year, Scotty's House child advocacy center reported 724 victims. 480 of those victims were in Brazos County.
Director Cary Baker says at the start of the pandemic, the number abuse reports dropped by 30 percent. But they are preparing for a sharp increase because of reports are coming in later to law enforcement and Texas child and protective services.
Baker says it's important for all of us to recognize signs of child abuse and report that activity. She says the information that law enforcement and CPS needs is the minimal facts of who is involved and when is the next time the child will be in contact with the abuser.
Reports can be made to the Texas Child Abuse reporting hotline at 800-252-5400 and on the home page of the Scotty's House website, which is scottyshouse.org
Baker says volunteers are invited to assist Scotty's House in virtual programs matching their interests to the abuse victims. Volunteers can register at the center's website.
Additional information from Scotty's House child advocacy center:
In Texas, on average three children die from maltreatment every week, 175 children are confirmed victims every day, and seven children are abused and/or neglected every hour. Child abuse is entirely preventable, but not without your help. April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Scotty’s House recognizes this month as an opportunity to raise awareness of the tragedies of child maltreatment, and in doing so we hope to brighten the future for generations to come. This month-long observance engages the Brazos Valley community to show support, and concern for our most vulnerable citizens.
The seven counties Scotty's House serves had a combined 724 child abuse victims during 2020:
480 victims in Brazos County,
61 victims in Washington County,
53 victims in Burleson County,
52 victims in Robertson County,
42 victims in Grimes County,
20 victims in Leon County, and
16 victims in Madison County.
In conjunction with partnering agencies, Scotty’s House is hosting multiple awareness campaigns and installations throughout the Brazos Valley to honor victims of child abuse. The following is a list of initiatives planned for the 2021 Child Abuse Prevention Month:
During April, in each of the seven counties Scotty’s House serves, a Blue Ribbon has been installed, and on display for the entire month of April honoring the confirmed victims of child abuse in the respective county in 2020.
Scotty’s House has partnered with Dr. Selina Stasi’s class in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University for the inaugural Awareness Rocks campaign where students have painted rocks in a child-appropriate, child-friendly manner to be placed in and around the Brazos Valley. On the bottom side of each rock is the number to Texas Abuse Hotline in order to spread awareness and encourage reporting!
Scotty’s House, along with representatives from Kappa Alpha Theta, have “planted” the eleventh annual Pinwheel Garden on the lawn at Prosperity Bank, located at 2807 South Texas Avenue in Bryan. The number of pinwheels planted, 663, reflects the number of children who received services at Scotty’s House in 2020. The Pinwheel Garden will remain on display throughout the month of April to bring awareness to the child abuse epidemic.
Friday, April 9 is "Texas Go Blue Day". Thousands of Texans will wear blue, the official color of prevention, to show their support for children. Make sure to snap a photograph and use the hashtag #BVCAPM2021 to show your support and emphasize the critical importance of preventing child abuse and/or neglect, and keeping children safe! Join us and GO BLUE!
It is your turn to make a difference! Everyone has a role to play in child abuse prevention. To find out how to get involved in child abuse prevention efforts in your community, contact Scotty’s House at 979-703-8813, or visit www.scottyshouse.org. Scotty’s House offers presentations appropriate for all ages, at no charge, with topics including recognizing and reporting abuse, internet safety, etc. For more information on presentations please contact outreach@scottyshouse.org.
If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, it is your responsibility to make a report to the Texas Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400, or online at www.txabusehotline.org.
This podcast contains comments from the March 25, 2021 College Station city council meeting from Jason Schubert of the city's planning and development services office.
Another high rise is coming to College Station's Northgate district results in fewer parking spaces.
The College Station city council at its last meeting approved no parking on the north side of Louise between College Main and Second Street. The south side already bans parking.
Jason Schubert of the city's planning and development services office Jason Schubert says the University Lutheran chapel and student center is being demolished and will occupy the ground floor of the new high rise.
Schubert said there was no consideration of making Louise a one way street.
This podcast contains comments from the March 25, 2021 College Station city council meeting from councilman John Nichols, who is also the vice chairman of the Brazos County Health Board.
Last September, the Brazos County health district (BCHD) eliminated five staff positions.
The vice chairman of the health district board, College Station city councilman John Nichols, reported during the council's March 25th meeting that the district is in a good financial position.
Nichols compared current revenue generated by inspections and other services held up much better than expectations, similar to city sales tax collections.
The BCHD board adopted a new reserve fund policy during its March meeting after many months of development and in consultation with the district's funding partners.
Nichols says the health board will be asking Brazos County and the cities of College Station and Bryan in next year's budget for level funding in fiscal year 2022.
Nichols also reported former health authority Dr. Eric Wilke is now the district's alternate health authority, swapping positions with new health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan.
This podcast contains comments from the March 25, 2021 College Station city council meeting from parks director Steven Wright and assistant director Kelly Kelbly.
A citizen's request to College Station's parks and recreation advisory committee regarding cemetery cremains was adopted during the last city council meeting.
Parks director Steven Wright says the parks and recreation board reviewed the request twice before unanimously recommending the request to the council.
Wright says College Station joins other area cemeteries in allowing two containers of cremains in each columbarium space.
Assistant parks director Kelly Kelbly added that a cremain container is also allowed at the foot of burial plots.
This podcast contains comments from the March 9, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting and the March 29, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
March meetings of the Bryan and College Station school boards included comprehensive presentations of efforts to address educating students who have fallen behind during the pandemic.
During the March 9th College Station ISD board meeting, members were told that tutoring is underway in CSISD elementary schools and additional support is available in CSISD intermediate, middle, and high schools. Selected CSISD elementary students will attend a two week "jump start camp" program in July to prepare them for the next school year. And CSISD superintendent Mike Martindale said some students being promoted to the next grade may require completing summer school.
During the March 29th Bryan ISD board meeting, members were told since February that high school students have the option of catching up on unfinished classes. That's something that will expand to middle school and intermediate grades in the near future. BISD is expanding summer school to accommodate more than 3,500 kindergarten through eighth grade students. The district is also planning classes for more than 500 pre-K and kindergarten bilingual and more than 100 migrant children this summer. And this July, BISD kindergarten through eighth grade students will have the option of participating in "power camp" classes to prepare them for the start of the next school year.
This podcast is the April 1, 2021 swearing in ceremony of new Bryan fire chief Richard Giusti. Speakers include Bryan mayor Andrew Nelson, Bryan city manager Kean Register, San Antonio fire chief Charles Hood, and Richard Giusti.
The city of Bryan's new fire chief is now on the job.
San Antonio assistant fire chief Richard Giusti (pronounced JUICE-TEA) was sworn in Thursday during a special meeting of the Bryan city council.
Giusti listed four things BFD will strive to do every day are (1) get firefighters home every day, (2) provide the best customer service they can, (3) train hard to accomplish #1 and #2, and (4) constantly reevaluate they do.
The new chief said his first impressions about BFD was being "truly impressed by the dedication. The want to do more, the want to serve the citizens, the want to be there for each other."
Giusti asked his former boss, San Antonio fire chief Charles Hood, to speak. Hood told Bryan firefighters "Your family is going to be enhanced by chief Giusti. He's going to take of you. He's going to take care of your families. That's the way you take care of the citizens of this community."
Giusti spent 26 years with the San Antonio fire department after nine years as a firefighter in the Air Force.
Katelyn Brown of the Destination Bryan tourism office visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about downtown Bryan's April First Friday activities, then the following weekend the combination of the downtown Bryan street and art fair and Texas A&M's family weekend.
The city of Bryan's special projects manager, Frank Clark, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs April 1, 2021 about the city's homebuilders incentive program and the recent trip he and the city council took to Ft. Worth's opening of a Big Shots venue as one is being built at Bryan's Midtown Park.
State representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW's The Infomaniacs on April 1, 2021. Topics include the Texas House passing legislation creating a statewide alert for power outages and future legislation reforming jail bond laws.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw during the BISD school board's meeting on March 29, 2021.
Around 30 Bryan ISD maintenance employees will be getting two and a half times their regular hourly pay.
That's after a unanimous BISD school board approved assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw's recommendation for the bonus pay for their work during February's winter storm.
Beesaw tells WTAW News this applies to maintenance employees who worked at district buildings during the week of the winter storm.
Other hourly employees who were asked to leave their home and come into work during the emergency closure will receive one and a half times their regular rate.
The remaining hourly employees will be paid their regular rate for that period.
This podcast contains comments from the March 31, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting. Speakers are chancellor John Sharp and regents chairwoman Elaine Mendoza.
The Texas A&M system board of regents formalized the appointment of new Texas A&M president Katherine Banks during a special meeting Wednesday afternoon.
Dr. Banks will assume her new duties June 1 as president and a system vice chancellor in charge of national laboratories and national security strategic initiatives.
Following a 19 minute executive session, the regents approved giving the chancellor permission to negotiate and execute a contract.
The chancellor said Banks declined $350,000 dollars of his compensation offer. That includes taking a reduced salary and deferred compensation and not accepting a housing allowance.
Regents chairwoman Elaine Mendoza, who was on the search committee, wished Banks "congratulations and Godspeed. We are expecting great things under your leadership."
News release from the Texas A&M system:
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents on Wednesday confirmed M. Katherine Banks as the twenty-sixth President of Texas A&M University.
Dr. Banks, currently Vice Chancellor of Engineering and National Laboratories and Dean of the Texas A&M College of Engineering, assumes her duties June 1.
President Banks also will carry the title Vice Chancellor of National Laboratories and National Security Strategic Initiatives because of her continued involvement with Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Bush Combat Development Complex at the RELLIS Campus.
Dr. Banks, who has led Engineering for the past decade, was selected after a national search led by Elaine Mendoza and Tim Leach, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Regents, and a 15-member search committee.
"After a robust national search, which drew top-notch, competitive candidates, our Board today unanimously confirmed Dr. Katherine Banks as the next President of Texas A&M University," Chairman Mendoza said. “With her decade of accomplishments evident right here on campus, Dr. Banks will be ready and able to move forward from day one. Texas A&M is a great university and under her leadership, we are expecting it to be even greater; we are excited to see this next chapter unfold.”
“We have all worked with Dr. Banks for many years and we know what she has done to transform our engineering college, which this week the U.S. News & World Report ranked as the best in Texas,” said Chancellor John Sharp. “Dr. Banks is going to do for the university what she has already done for engineering. She is going to be a great president.”
“I am truly honored that the Board of Regents has selected me to be the next president of this great university,” said Dr. Banks. “Crucial listening sessions will begin soon with key stakeholders across campus and beyond to gather perspectives concerning the issues, challenges, and opportunities that we face today. I look forward to working together as we take Texas A&M University to new levels of preeminence.”
This podcast contains comments from the March 29, 2021 Bryan ISD school board meeting.
Monday's Bryan ISD school board meeting included unanimous approval on the next steps for four construction projects that are funded from the November 2020 bond issue.
Most of the time was spent on the final design of BISD's third intermediate school. Construction at the site of the district's current transportation and maintenance complex near Bonham elementary, is expected to start this August and be open in August of 2023.
Architect Ron Bailey told the board the current estimated cost is "a little bit over", "but nothing to be alarmed about", the $55.1 million dollar budget due to higher prices for materials.
The two story structure will initially have classroom space for 800 students, with the option of adding classrooms to accommodate another 200. The board was told the core functions of the school, including the library, cafeteria, gyms, and administration offices, will be sized for 1,000 students.
The board also approved a contract with the architect for an eight and a half million dollar expansion and renovation at Rudder High School which includes 14 new classrooms and expanding the parking lot. An architect was also selected to add fencing and priority renovations at Merrill Green Stadium. And the board approved using the state purchasing cooperative to select who will do phase two renovations at BISD's performing arts center.
Alison Prince of United Way of the Brazos Valley and Carl Olivarez of UWBV partner agency Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse and
College Station mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs about wearing masks, a preview of planning the city's fiscal year 2022 budget, and congratulating the mayor on his upcoming marriage.
March 31, 2021 visit with congressman Pete Sessions of Waco and WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's trip to the Mexican border and the president's proposed increase in the corporate tax rate.
This podcast contains comments from the assistant executive director of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG), Michael Parks, during the March 30, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners on Tuesday approve a contract with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) to administer a $6.9 million dollar federal pandemic grant.
Grant money will go to qualifying pandemic victims for rental and utility assistance.
Before the contract was unanimously approved, Brazos County judge Duane Peters said the decision was made for a third party to administer the grant and not the cities of College Station and Bryan.
Peters says BVCOG employees will set up an office in the Brazos County administration building to process applications in person, on the phone, and online.
The grant paperwork calls for distributing $5 million in rental assistance and $1 million in utility assistance to qualifying Brazos County residents.
During the county commission's March 30 meeting, BVCOG assistant executive director Michael Parks says the grant guidelines gives them until the end of September to award grants.
Parks was asked to return in two months to update commissioners, considering relatively short turnaround to screen applications and award grants.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Brazos County commissioners on Tuesday approve a contract with the Brazos Valley Council of Governments (BVCOG) to administer a $6.9 million dollar federal pandemic grant.
Grant money will go to qualifying pandemic victims for rental and utility assistance.
Before the contract was unanimously approved, Brazos County judge Duane Peters said the decision was made for a third party to administer the grant and not the cities of College Station and Bryan.
Peters says BVCOG employees will set up an office in the Brazos County administration building to process applications in person, on the phone, and online.
The grant paperwork calls for distributing $5 million in rental assistance and $1 million in utility assistance to qualifying Brazos County residents.
During the county commission's March 30 meeting, BVCOG assistant executive director Michael Parks says the grant guidelines gives them until the end of September to award grants.
Parks was asked to return in two months to update commissioners, considering relatively short turnaround to screen applications and award grants.
Lauren Spitznagle, Executive Director of SARC, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about a new art exhibit benefiting SARC.
This podcast contains comments from the CEO of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Matt Prochaska, and the city of College Station's economic development manager, Aubrey Nettles, during the March 22, 2021 College Station city council meeting.
Monday's special meeting of the College Station city council included an industry recruitment update.
The CEO of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation (BVEDC), Matt Prochaska, reported that in 2020, BVEDC had 55 prospects. They were a finalist in 15 of the 55 and was successful in landing ten of the 55 prospects. Those ten projects generated 817 new jobs in nearly 150,000 square feet of business space that resulted in capital expenditures of almost $96 million dollars.
College Station's economic development manager, Aubrey Nettles, told the council city incentives can be offered to prospects that employ a large number of people, will have a high average salary, and will make a large capital investment. Another incentive is offering free or reduced price land at one of the city of College Station's two business parks.
When asked about placing more focus on College Station's quality of life, Prochaska said that is highly specific to the prospect's desires and needs. For some companies, Prochaska says quality of life is their top priority and with others that "may not even drop in their first eight."
Prochaska also brought up BVEDC efforts in local business retention and expansion.
Kelly Kelbly, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about coronavirus protocols in the parks, upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his proposed constitutional amendment, the Good Samaritan Bill, funding the regional mobility authority, voter reform, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from College Station city council members during their March 22, 2021 special meeting.
Two months after a College Station resident asked the city council to relax regulations on chickens in residential neighborhoods, the council directs staff to make three changes.
During a special meeting on Monday, the council supported reducing the minimum distance between properties from 100 to 50 feet, allowing a maximum of six chickens, and add a probationary period where the permit could be cancelled.
Staff supported making no changes.
Bryan Public Works Director Jayson Barfknecht visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about water rates, electricity bills from last month's winter storm, project timelines and progress, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative action this week, the Texas Republican Initiative, Commissioner Sid Miller suing the Lieutenant Governor, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about health care legislation, the Texas power grid failure, the financial impact on power providers, the possibility of a natural gas reserve, Commissioner Sid Miller suing the Lieutenant Governor, proposed changes to the Public Utility Commission, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Blinn College vice chancellor Richard Cervantes during the March 9, 2021 board of trustees meeting.
Next year's students at Blinn College will be paying an additional two dollars a credit hour for tuition and general fees.
That's after Blinn trustees at this month's meeting unanimously approved recommendations that are expected to generate an additional $8.7 million in revenue.
The tuition and fee proposal presented by vice chancellor Richard Cervantes also included possible spending increases in Blinn's budget for the 2021-22 academic year.
One example is a two percent pay raise for full time employees and an additional $25 dollars for part time faculty. Just over $1 million would cover pay raises and additional health insurance costs.
Cervantes also brought up restoring more than $3.7 million dollars taken out of this year's budget for renovation and replacement and travel expenses, $900,000 dollars for new personnel, and $400,000 towards new operational expenses.
According to Blinn officials, under the new tuition rates in-district residents will pay $59, out-of-district Texas residents will pay $117, and out-of-state/foreign students will pay $276 per credit hour. The general fee will be $72 per credit hour.
This podcast contains comments from all seven members of the College Station city council during a special meeting on March 22, 2021.
Governor Abbott won't be getting a request from the College Station city council to bring back a mask wearing requirement with enforcement powers.
Councilman John Crompton made the request the week before last after saying Abbott's decision ending the requirement was “egregiously irresponsible" and "selfish".
Crompton was part of a unanimous vote during a special meeting Monday that adopted a non binding resolution that won't be sent to the governor.
The resolution encourages the continued wearing of masks and practicing social distancing.
Crompton said before making the motion to adopt the resolution that the language was more appropriate compared to his initial suggestion.
Councilman John Nichols supported the resolution in part because it was not going to the governor.
Councilwoman Linda Harvell said she was not worried about Abbott, but about city residents.
While the resolution is not a city wide mandate, masks are required inside city of College Station buildings.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city council's road trip to visit the Fort Worth BigShots Golf location, feedback from citizens about their utility bills, how BTU handled the winter storms, his hopes for action in Austin after the power failure, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about capital fatigue, the possibility of statehood for Washington D.C., gun control, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Speakers in the podcast are Brazos County's vaccination coordinator Jim Stewart and county commissioner Nancy Berry.
The day after Brazos County's vaccination hub accepts this week's appointments for anyone 18 and older, coordinator Jim Stewart gets no opposition from county commissioners to continue the lower age threshold.
Stewart also announced upcoming vaccinations for those living in Benchley the Saturday after Easter, and on dates to be determined in the Carver-Kemp and Santa Teresa neighborhoods in Bryan.
Commissioner Nancy Berry asked Stewart to hold those vaccinations in the evenings and weekends, outside of regular business hours.
Stewart estimated the Brazos Center vaccination hub has delivered more than 35,000 first doses and around 15,000 second doses.
After Stewart's appearance, the state announces all adults will be eligible for pandemic appointments starting next Monday.
The state also directed vaccine providers to move those who are 80 and older to the front of the line, regardless of whether they have made an appointment.
News release from the Texas department of state health services:
All adults will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas beginning Monday, March 29. The Texas Department of State Health Services expects vaccine supplies to increase next week, and providers in multiple parts of the state have made great strides in vaccinating people in the current priority groups. The state’s Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel recommended opening vaccination to everyone who falls under the current Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorizations to protect as many Texans as possible.
“We are closing in on 10 million doses administered in Texas, and we want to keep up the momentum as the vaccine supply increases,” said Imelda Garcia, DSHS associate commissioner for laboratory and infectious disease services and the chair of the Expert Vaccine Allocation Panel. “As eligibility opens up, we are asking providers to continue to prioritize people who are the most at risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death – such as older adults.”
DSHS has directed vaccine providers to prioritize people 80 years old or older when scheduling appointments and accommodate anyone in that age group who presents for vaccination, whether or not they have an appointment, by immediately moving them to the front of the line. That will ensure vaccination of anyone 80 or older with as small a burden on themselves as possible.
Also next week, DSHS will launch a website to allow people to register for a shot through some public health providers. The public will be able to enroll in the Texas Public Health Vaccine Scheduler to identify upcoming vaccine clinics hosted by DSHS or a participating local health department and be notified when new clinics and appointments become available. People can continue to find additional providers though the DSHS Vaccine Information page at dshs.texas.gov/covidvaccine.
Online registration will be the best option for most people. For those for whom that is not an option, DSHS will launch a toll-free number to provide assistance making an appointment with a participating provider or locating another provider that has vaccine available.
To date, Texas has administered more than 9.3 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, equating to more than 6 million people with at least one dose and more than 3 million fully vaccinated. Most vaccines are authorized for people 18 years old and older; the FDA has authorized the Pfizer vaccine for use in people 16 and older.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president Peggi Goss and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the do's and don't's when registering for first dose pandemic vaccinations at the brazoshub.com website.
Chief Jim Stewart, Brazos County Community COVID-19 Hub Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the decision to open up vaccine appointments to all members of the community 18 years and older.
This podcast contains comments from two public speakers during the March 16, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting. Angelita Garcia Alonzo and Dora Cruzan asked commissioners to provide more options to schedule pandemic vaccination appointments for underserved residents, including Hispanics, outside of regular business hours and through more methods.
Because the requests from Angelita Garcia Alonzo and Dora Cruzan came during the public comment portion of the meeting, by state law commissioners were not allowed to respond.
Earlier in the week, vaccination coordinator Jim Stewart told those attending the Brazos County intergovernmental committee meeting that there are plans for vaccinations in Benchley. Stewart said underserved Hispanics make up most of the couple of thousand residents.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff's office Lt. Garrett House and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Brazos County sheriff's office was looking for a local man before he was arrested in Washington D.C. near the vice president's official residence on weapons charges.
Lt. Garrett House says they had been in contact with Paul Murray for two weeks after family members were concerned about his behavior.
House says deputies were working with family members and health care providers to obtain a mental health evaluation for Murray.
When deputies received information that Murray may have been traveling to D.C., House said that information was forwarded to local and federal agencies.
House said "this is pretty rare, something to this magnitude. This is definitely not the first time we've had to send information out to our other partners, but this is not a common thing for us."
Murray, who is not wanted on local criminal charges, is accused in D.C. of possessing a large capacity ammunition feeding device, a rifle, and unregistered ammunition. The vice president has not moved into the home, which is undergoing renovations.
House says the sheriff's office has a crisis intervention team with four full time deputies who "go and help people who are in a mental health crisis and the families that have their loved ones in a mental health crisis."
Jennifer Nations, College Station's Water Resource Coordinator, provides an update for WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the water line break at Barron Road.
College Station City Councilman John Nichols visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the residential overlay ordinance (ROO), how College Station will pay for ERCOT's bill from last month's winter storm, capital projects that could be delayed, coming out of the pandemic, the health department, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative action, the legislature's timeline, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
The former chief executive officer of the Texas A&M health science center, Dr. Brett Giroir, spoke Thursday afternoon at the Republican Women of Brazos Valley luncheon. Prior to his presentation, he visited with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about his experience on the White House coronavirus task force.
Cindy Vargas, Vital Statistics Technician, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about changes in record keeping, finding original birth certificates, vital statistics, burial and cremation permits, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Texas Senate's proposal to retroactively lower energy prices set during the winter storm, ERCOT issues, other bills that are now in jeopardy, redistricting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Peters, a junior Red Pot with Student Bonfire, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about donating leftover firewood to the community before the winter storms last month, their need for new cut-sites for this year's bonfire, and more.
This podcast contains comments from Blinn College vice chancellor Diane Lovell during the March 9, 2021 board of trustees meeting.
Blinn College enrollment for the spring semester, while down from the year before, remains ahead of projections.
Vice chancellor Diane Lovell reminded the board of trustees during this month's meeting that Blinn receives state money based on the number of class hours. What that was budgeted to take a 20 percent hit, the number of contact hours is down just under ten percent.
By headcount, Blinn's overall spring numbers are down ten percent from the spring 2020 certified figures. The spring 2021 numbers are not final because Blinn is still enrolling for remaining four and eight week courses.
The Bryan campus, which had more than 10,000 students in the fall of 2018, is currently at 5,334 for the spring semester. That's a decrease of more than 2,400.
The second highest number of Blinn students is online at 4,343. That's a 75 percent increase from a year ago.
The third highest number is at RELLIS at 2,284. That's a decrease of 152 students.
The fourth highest number is high school students at 1,631, which is a decrease of 92.
Blinn's home campus in Brenham has the fifth most students at 1,533. That's down 700 from last spring.
Dr. Lovell said the enrollment trend at Blinn is similar to two year colleges that are not located in major cities.
This podcast contains comments from the March 11, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include councilmen Dennis Maloney and Bob Brick, and assistant public works director Emily Fisher.
Another College Station intersection is getting traffic signals.
A $326,000 dollar contract was awarded by the city council at their last meeting to install lights at Harvey Mitchell and Dartmouth.
Weather permitting, the signals will be on around Thanksgiving.
Councilman Bob Brick asked city staff if the owner of a nearby luxury apartment complex paid any roadway impact fees to offset the cost to the city at large. Assistant public works director Emily Fisher said the apartment owner contributed towards the cost of building the Dartmouth extension south of Harvey Mitchell. After the meeting, the city manager's office told WTAW News "The developer of the larger area (the apartment complex) built the portion of Dartmouth that is on the ground. Only infrastructure on the Impact Fee Capital Improvement Plan (IFCIP) is eligible to receive credits when constructed. Dartmouth is on the IFCIP. $510,000 is what it cost to build the road, and they (the developer) built and paid for that. They (the developer) only owed $316,000 for the apartments."
Councilman Dennis Maloney, who was part of the unanimous vote, preferred a roundabout as he did with other intersections that have signals.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Motorists in south Brazos County can again use I & GN Road between Graham and Capstone.
Barricades were removed Tuesday, two and a half years after the road was closed due to safety concerns that threatened the pavement going into an 18 foot ditch.
County judge Duane Peters says lowering the road four to five feet saved more than $2 million dollars.
The design change and acquiring property through eminent domain were among the reasons for taking more time.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the residential overlay ordinance (ROO), the energy aftermath from last month's winter storm, College Station Utilities, natural gas prices, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Texas' energy issue, ERCOT's charges after last month's winter storms, natural gas prices, reforming the Public Utility Commission, Dade Phelan's decision to reject the senate's bill, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Nancy Pelosi winning in Washington, extending the PPP plan, the democrat agenda, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Alison Prince of United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) and Kim Schams of UWBV partner agency Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is comments from the chief of Brazos County's vaccination effort, Jim Stewart, during the March 15, 2021 intergovernmental committee meeting.
presentatives of governmental bodies in Brazos County received an vaccination update Monday from the coordinator of what's happening at the Brazos Center.
Jim Stewart told those attending the intergovernmental committee (IGC) meeting that one obstacle is the estimated 30 percent of people who have no interest in being vaccinated.
Stewart also said he is pretty comfortable being able to meet President Biden's declaration that vaccines will be available to everyone by May 1.
As for last Friday's crash of the brazoshub.com appointment website, Stewart says that happened after the website received 58,000 requests in the first 17 minutes appointments were available. Stewart asked people to wait two or three hours. And last weekend, Stewart says appointments were still being accepted through Saturday night.
Cameron House, CEO of Promises Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the mission of Promises Brazos Valley, the services they offer, an upcoming open house, and more.
This podcast contains comments from College Station city councilman John Crompton during the March 11, 2021 council meeting.
While College Station city council members at their last meeting followed the governor's new executive order by removing the requirement of wearing face coverings with enforcement power, councilman John Crompton said he voted yes under great protest.
Crompton called on the council at their next meeting, to consider his resolution calling on the governor to bring back a mandatory face covering law.
Crompton said Greg Abbott's decision is "egregiously irresponsible that is totally out of line with all the medical evidence", it was done "to make a political point", and "inhibits us totally from engaging in the health, safety, and welfare of our residents, which is our primary mission."
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD construction manager Paul Buckner during the March 8, 2021 BISD school board meeting.
One chunk of last November's Bryan ISD $175 million dollar bond issue went to replacing roofs.
At the last BISD school board meeting, a $3,029,000 contract was awarded to replace roofs at Crockett and Jones elementaries.
The district's construction manager, Paul Buckner, said these are the first roof replacements funded by the bond issue following an inspection by the maintenance department.
Eight bids were received for this round of roof replacements.
Buckner also said the selection process was delayed due to last month's winter storms.
This podcast contains comments from the March 9, 2021 Bryan city council meeting. Speakers include councilmen Brent Hairston, Bobby Gutierrez, Flynn Adcock, and Reuben Marin and mayor Andrew Nelson.
A Bryan city council majority denies trash hauling permit applications sought by two out of town companies.
This week's 5-1 vote followed a discussion about whether to give preferential treatment to locally based businesses.
The vote was on an amended motion to exclude permit requests from companies based in Brenham and Caldwell.
That was followed by a 6-0 vote on the main motion to renew permit requests for five companies based in Bryan, College Station, and Hearne...and award a permit to a new company based in College Station.
Jennifer Nations, Water Resources Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the winter storm's impact on College Station's water, sharing water with other water services, the new water tower, this week's water line break, water leaks, upcoming smoke testing, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about recent meetings, his proposal to speed up the legislative session, ERCOT's attempt to charge electric utilities for last month's winter storm, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the March 9, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting. Speakers include Jon Hall, Mike Martindale, and school board members Kimberly McAdams, Geralyn Nolan, and Thomas Hall.
Nearly $2 million dollars of improvements are coming to the combination football/soccer fields at Consolidated and College Station high schools.
That's after the College Station ISD (CSISD) school board awarded contracts this week for new artificial turf and new lighting.
Facilities director Jon Hall says the turfs at both locations are getting harder, which have become safety concerns.
Hall also says L-E-D fixtures will replace lighting at both locations that are producing half the illumination that is recommended by the U-I-L.
With the CSISD board planning one bond issue already or this November, superintendent Mike Martindale reminded board members that the state legislature requires a second bond issue to finance athletic projects. Martindale said that did not have much chance of succeeding.
After paying for the improvements, CSISD will have $650,000 dollars remaining in the 2015 bond account.
This podcast contains comments from the March 9, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting.
Several roofs to buildings owned by Brazos County will be replaced due to damage from last month's winter storms.
County commissioners were told the replacements will be done in phases, beginning with the health district and I-T buildings.
Purchasing agent Charles Wendt says about $277,000 dollars has already been received to replace those roofs, and another $120,000 is expected.
Commissioners approved who will be on the committee that will review those bids.
This podcast contains comments from the Bryan city council's workshop presentation on February 9, 2021 regarding the city's request to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to establish an area where new water wells up to 100 feet deep would not be allowed.
For six years, city of Bryan staff has been working to designate groundwater through a strip in the middle of the city as unacceptably contaminated and cannot be used a potable water source.
The Bryan city council at Tuesday's meeting, without discussion, unanimously approved an ordinance that is required with the city's application to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to establish what is called a "Municipal Setting Designation", or MSD.
At an update during the Bryan council's February 9 workshop, the council was told the designation is the result of prior contamination at three locations.
Because there are no registered water wells in the MSD area, the property owners of more than 1,600 parcels of land were not notified.
The council was told that all properties located within the MSD are served by, or have access to, the Bryan public water system. According to city staff, "There is no interaction between the shallow groundwater sources of the MSD and the City’s drinking water. The City’s drinking water is captured from sources located 1,800 to 2,700 feet below ground surface with considerable distance from the MSD."
Notification was made to the owners of 417 private supply wells in a five mile radius, along with the city of College Station and the Wellborn special utility district.
If TCEQ approves the MSD, future wells would have to be more than 100 feet deep and require approval of the city and the local groundwater district.
The three known areas of groundwater contamination in the proposed MSD are (1) Arkema Project [201 W. Dodge Street) (TCEQ SWR No. 31695), where the pollutant of concern is arsenic, (2) 200 N. Main Street (TCEQ VCP No. 778), where the pollutants of concerns are Benzene, TPH, 1,2-Dichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethene, and (3) 600 N. Main Street (TCEQ VCP No. 2421), where the pollutants of concern are volatile organic compounds and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
There were no public speakers during the March 9 or February 9 city council meetings. Two opponents to the MSD ordinance contacted WTAW News.
Former Bryan councilman Mike Southerland wrote: "The Bryan City Council is at it again, on the City council agenda for today, the team is going to designate an area in Bryan that although the ground water cannot be used because it is contaminated, --OK to use if the citizens do not drink the water. Sounds good but it is not.
The motivation to administratively clear the area, not for citizen safety but so there is no obstruction to building the super park.
The problem for residents is that the ground water evaporates on the surface and contaminates the surface. Contamination is still there, and it will be in the form of dried dirt in the heart of Bryan.
The City Council is not responsible for what they do so they do not have to worry about the contamination or the grief that they leave people after they make these decisions. I bet, you if the council were made to pay for their mistakes, they would be more careful.
The team needs to be required to clean this area up and make sure it is safe for everybody for years to come. And who knows that 100 foot of groundwater may be necessary for survival later. The deep groundwater and the shallow groundwater are interactive at times. One forces the other upward or forces the other down depending on the drought conditions.
Please write the state and ask for cleanup not cover up. Pay attention to what the team is doing and make sure they do not make you pay the price for their poor understanding and inexperience.
Just Remember the Public Utilities Commissions and the snow. The council’s decision will have the same impact, although not frozen."
From Bryan resident Robert Rose: "The results of a successful MSD application will be significant for many Bryan property owners.
I have the proposed ordinance, notification letter, diagrams of the arsenic plume making it's way from the former Elf Atochem site.
I think almost no one is aware of what this means for their property values, ability to re-sell. Ability to use their property, cannot grow food using their groundwater, etc.
The other aspect is that there are indications that the plume is spreading, possibly 20-30 feet per year, in a South and Southeasterly direction. So towards College Station.
Over time the MSD will have to expand if there is no remediation.
My concern is more for the hundreds of property owners who stand to be impacted and don't know this is coming, and haven't had a chance to comment.
And property owners in College Station I think too need to know that there is a groundwater plume potentially headed their way so they can be informed citizens and decide if this is what they want for their community."
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Alison Prince and Jonathan Mitchell, the director of UWBV partner agency Adult and Teen Challenge of Texas Brenham office, visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Kristen Waggener, Communications and Marketing Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about celebrating the City of Bryan's 150th anniversary, activities and programs, the big community event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about damage at the Phillip's Event Center, trash hauling in the city, the recent economic development agreement to bring a data center to the Texas A&M System's RELLIS campus, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the legislature's timetable, Texas' power grid, bail reform, how money from the new COVID relief bill will be handled at the state level, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the COVID relief bill, gun control, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck and chief of staff Ginger Carrabine during the March 9, 2021 BISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members during Monday afternoon's meeting approved moving ahead with repairs at three campuses damaged from last month's winter storm.
Insurance will cover the more than $331,000 dollars to replace the gym floor at Stephen F. Austin, the heating/air conditioning system at Jones elementary, and the boiler at the former Milam elementary...which currently houses BISD's special education department.
Monday's meeting began with superintendent Christie Whitbeck and chief of staff Ginger Carrabine recognizing maintenance workers for going above and beyond before, during, and after the winter storm.
Carrabine described the maintenance department's actions as "heroic" and "herculean", which prevented hundreds of thousands if not millions of dollars in additional damage.
This podcast contains comments from Dan Rudge of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization during the Bryan/College Station chamber economic outlook conference on February 24, 2021.
Those attending the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference received an update on local highway projects.
Dan Rudge of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization summarized the MPO's "Destinations 2045" metropolitan transportation plan.
The summary included projects scheduled through the year 2024, those between 2025 and 2029, those between 2030 and 2044, and those that are unfunded.
Rudge says he has his fingers crossed on rebuilding the intersection of Wellborn Road and George Bush Drive, and not on any project lists due to funding are the University Drive tunnel through the A&M campus and Northgate district...which was the top rated item for the recently created Brazos County regional mobility authority...and Interstate 14.
Rudge says you cannot build out of congestion and that the Bryan/College Station area has the highest number of transit rides per person in Texas.
This podcast is with Brazos County general counsel Bruce Erratt and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Five Brazos County property owners that built structures without county permits inside FEMA flood zones are being taken to court.
That's after county commissioners approved hiring an outside law firm to represent the county during their March 2 meeting.
The commission's general counsel, Bruce Erratt, says the legal action is required to protect all Brazos County property owners who have FEMA flood insurance.
None of the structures that were built were homes. And all the structures were built without required county permits.
Erratt says it's possible the structures will remain standing. But they can not be replaced if they are destroyed.
Erratt says one of two reasons why an outside firm was hired is as a one person office, he can't be out of the office if any of the cases go to trial.
Additionally, Erratt says an outside view gives a potentially more objective legal opinion of doing things in the best possible manner.
According to the agreement that was part of county commission meeting minutes, the law firm will be paid up to $25,000 unless an increase is approved in advance by the commission.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and Patricia Gerling of the Community Foundation of the Brazos Valley visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the creation of a joint pandemic relief grant fund.
This podcast is with the coordinator of pandemic vaccinations at the Brazos Center, Jim Stewart, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
There is a new website to make appointments for pandemic vaccinations at the Brazos Center.
Coordinator Jim Stewart says brazoshub.com will start accepting appointments Monday morning at ten.
Stewart says the old waiting list has been closed. And the remaining three to four thousand people in phase one-B will get appointments for their first shot next Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday morning.
In addition to 5,000 doses next week, the Brazos Center was allocated 2,300 second doses.
After Monday's appointment window, brazoshub.com will take appointments on Friday, starting March 12.
The new website also has a link to recruit volunteers, which Stewart says there is a continuing need to reduce the chances of volunteer fatigue as vaccinations will continue for several more months.
This podcast is a visit with BTU executive director of business and customer operations David Werley and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The additional fuel cost for BTU to provide electricity during last month's winter storms will not be passed on to customers.
BTU's executive director of business and customer operations David Werley says cash reserves will pay for higher fuel prices to generate and buy electricity.
Werley also says there are no plans to give BTU customers a rebate, which was done last year during the start of the pandemic.
BTU customers expecting to have trouble paying upcoming bills are told that now is the time to contact BTU customer service to make arrangements.
BTU news release:
Along with other utilities in the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) region, Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) continues to monitor the financial issues and discussions surrounding the recent historic winter weather event as it affected the energy market. While there are financial settlements still to be resolved in ERCOT and the situation changes daily, BTU expects no changes to customer rates. The Bryan City Council, BTU Board and staff will work diligently to ensure rates are kept as reasonable and predictable as possible.
However, customers may see an increase in their next bill due to increased usage. Many electric heating systems in Texas are air-source heat pumps. These heat pumps are not equipped to function efficiently in temperatures at or below freezing. The Bryan area experienced ten consecutive days – February 10 through February 19 – of below average temperatures, and spent 86 consecutive hours below freezing. Many of these heating systems have auxiliary heat strips that utilize resistance heating to help the unit reach the desired temperature. Resistance heating uses an immense amount of energy.
Those who did not lose power may see a significant increase in usage as their heating unit worked to bring the indoor temperature higher, while temperatures outside were in the single digits. Customers who did not have consistent power may also see increases. When homes did have power restored, even for short periods, heating systems worked excessively to try to heat the home to the desired temperature. Other appliances such as freezers, refrigerators, and water heaters also began operating to make up their lost temperatures.
Customers who may have difficulty paying their bills are encouraged to contact BTU at 979-821-5700 or contactBTU@btutilities.com to inquire about payment arrangements and assistance.
Ana Romero, Recreation Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Mayor's Monarch Pledge, the Easter Egg Scramble, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the health and human services committee, legislative action, Governor Abbott's pandemic executive order, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
College Station ISD superintendent Mike Martindale visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the decision to continue the mask wearing requirement when the governor's new pandemic executive order begins March 10, 2021.
Destination Bryan's Katelyn Brown visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about the aftermath of February's winter storm and the governor's new pandemic executive order, downtown Bryan's March First Friday...which includes the first public event at the Queen Theatre since the pandemic started...and other upcoming activities in Bryan.
Destination Bryan's Abigail Noel visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about downtown Bryan's March First Friday...which includes the first public event at the Queen Theatre since the pandemic started...and other upcoming activities in Bryan.
Bryan ISD Superintendent Christie Whitbeck visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the board's decision to continue COVID safety protocols, educators and school support staff becoming eligible for coronavirus vaccines, closing the education gap, school funding, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Governor Abbott's executive order, the resignation of the head of ERCOT, the future of the PUC and ERCOT boards, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and WTAW's Bill Oliver. Their visit is about using the 2-1-1 Texas information service to make pandemic vaccination appointments and the results of recruiting people to record videos for UWBV's Reading Day program benefiting kindergarten through third grade students.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County precinct 3 justice of the peace Rick Hill during the March 2, 2021 county commission meeting.
Brazos County's precinct three justice of the peace is now operating out of the county administration building.
JP Rick Hill told county commissioners Tuesday that they have started the process of catching up with five missed days of hearing truancy cases.
The JP 3 office in College Station sustained water damage from the winter storm, resulting in the move to downtown Bryan for the next six to eight weeks.
During his appearance, Hill also gave commissioners an update on proposed state legislation affecting JP operations.
This podcast contains comments from Bryan ISD chief of staff Ginger Carrabine and assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw during the March 1, 2021 BISD school board meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members held a special meeting this week to approve requests from administrators related to last month's winter storms.
The unanimous votes included changing the school calendar for the remainder of this year. Five instructional days from the final six week period were shifted to the current six week period. That's after classes were cancelled during the storm. BISD chief of staff Ginger Carrabine reported the recommendation from teachers was supported by campus principals and central office administrators. Carrabine also said BISD won't have to make up any days, and this has no impact on BISD's spring break or holidays.
The board also approved assistant superintendent Kevin Beesaw's request to give administrators permission to authorize purchases over $50,000 dollars towards storm damage remediation and repairs.
While board members received no damage report, BISD communications director Matt LeBlanc told WTAW News a detailed list will be presented during the March 8 board meeting.
As of Monday afternoon, LeBlanc said BISD's maintenance department identified plumbing issues at several locations which include leaks warranting repairs and replacement. Additionally, BISD identified air handler and coil leaks, damage to some boilers and chillers, and damage to the fire sprinkler system at Houston elementary that has since been repaired. As a result of some of the leaks, BISD is assessing the condition and needs at the Stephen F. Austin middle school gym floor and the small gym floor at Rudder high school. BISD also reported some plumbing issues with their sports complexes. That includes outdoor water at the baseball and softball areas at Rudder and Bryan high school. BISD's insurance representative has been on-site and continues to work with administrators so they can respond in a timely manner.
LeBlanc also said the district is fortunate that their maintenance department prevented significant damage with proactive measures before, during, and after the storm.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Governor Abbott's executive order, how it impacts rural communities, the power failure in Texas due to winter storms, Representative Raney's proposed legislation to speed up legislative action, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Governor Abbott's executive order lifting the mask mandate and opening Texas, he explains H.R. 1, the possibility of a wealth tax, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from Texas Governor Greg Abbott on March 2, 2021.
Governor Abbott announces as of next Wednesday, an end to the statewide mask mandate and all businesses can be at 100 percent occupancy.
Abbott also announced if pandemic hospitalizations in any of the state's hospital regions exceed 15 percent for seven straight days, county judges have the authority to impose limitations.
News release from Governor Abbott's office:
Governor Greg Abbott today issued an Executive Order (GA-34) lifting the mask mandate in Texas and increasing capacity of all businesses and facilities in the state to 100 percent. The Governor made the announcement at Montelongo's Mexican Restaurant in Lubbock in an address to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce.
"With the medical advancements of vaccines and antibody therapeutic drugs, Texas now has the tools to protect Texans from the virus,” said Governor Abbott. "We must now do more to restore livelihoods and normalcy for Texans by opening Texas 100 percent. Make no mistake, COVID-19 has not disappeared, but it is clear from the recoveries, vaccinations, reduced hospitalizations, and safe practices that Texans are using that state mandates are no longer needed. Today's announcement does not abandon safe practices that Texans have mastered over the past year. Instead, it is a reminder that each person has a role to play in their own personal safety and the safety of others. With this executive order, we are ensuring that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny."
During his remarks, the Governor discussed the incredible advancements that Texas has made that allow the state to open fully and lift the mask mandate—noting the rapid increase of vaccines. Nearly 5.7 million vaccine shots have been administered to Texans, and the state is now administering almost one million shots each week. By next Wednesday, about 7 million shots will have been administered in Texas and over half of seniors in Texas will have received a vaccine shot. By the end of March, every senior who wants a vaccine should be able to get one. The vaccine supply continues to increase so rapidly that more and more Texans will soon be eligible to receive a vaccine.
The Governor noted that Texas has a surplus of personal protective equipment and can perform over 100,000 COVID-19 tests a day. The state has invested in a variety of anti-body therapeutic drugs that have kept thousands of Texans out of hospitals. Texans have also adopted daily habits that reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure and infection. More than 2.5 million Texans who were lab confirmed for COVID-19 have recovered since the beginning of the pandemic, and experts note the total number of Texans who have recovered from COVID-19 is likely 4-5 times that amount. The number of active COVID-19 cases is the lowest since November—meaning more Texans are recovering from COVID-19 than contracting it.
This executive order rescinds most of the Governor's earlier executive orders related to COVID-19. Effective next Wednesday, all businesses of any type may open to 100% capacity. Additionally, this order ends the statewide mask mandate in Texas. Businesses may still limit capacity or implement additional safety protocols at their own discretion.
If COVID-19 hospitalizations in any of the 22 hospital regions in Texas get above 15% of the hospital bed capacity in that region for seven straight days, a County Judge in that region may use COVID-19 mitigation strategies. However, County Judges may not impose jail time for not following COVID-19 orders nor may any penalties be imposed for failing to wear a face mask. If restrictions are imposed at a County level, those restrictions may not include reducing capacity to less than 50% for any type of entity.
Speaking in this podcast is Blinn College assistant vice chancellor Richard O'Malley during a special board of trustees meeting on February 24, 2021.
Blinn College administrators now have emergency authority for the clean up and restoration of district buildings from February's winter storm.
During an emergency meeting of the board of trustees last Wednesday, they learned their monetary loss will be the $25,000 dollars that is the deductible on Blinn's insurance coverage.
Assistant vice chancellor Richard O'Malley explained the preventative measures that were taken before the storm and listed damage by campus.
O'Malley reported they will probably look for a general contractor to do repairs on the Brenham and Bryan campuses.
Water damage on the Bryan campus shut down five classrooms, the health center, and the disability services office.
Water damage on the Brenham campus included the historic Old Main building, which will be closed for at least the next five months. That is something that will affect more than 50 employees.
O'Malley says on the RELLIS campus, there was no damage at the Schwartz building and the ag and workforce building that Blinn shares with the Texas A&M system.
This podcast contains comments from Brazos County judge Duane Peters during the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on February 24, 2021.
The end is in sight to reopen a Brazos County road that's been closed since September 2018. County judge Duane Peters presented an update on rebuilding I&GN Road between Graham and Capstone during the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference. Peters says all that's left are taking care of driveways and related things. That's after the county's contractor worked until 10 or 11 at night to get the road asphalt in place ahead of last month's winter storm. Construction began last October to rebuild the road and improve drainage. The road was closed after a crack was seen in the pavement along a guardrail next to an 18 foot ditch, and the ground behind the guardrail fell around one and a half feet.
Peters also reported they are working on entrances to the Brazos County courthouse, because the public entrance is too close to the secured employee entrance, which also serves as the public exit.
This podcast is a visit with College Station ISD chief administrative officer Molley Perry and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Postponed by the winter storm, College Station ISD administrators are hosting two public meetings this week as part of the district's strategic plan.
CSISD's chief administrative officer Molley Perry says the gatherings on Tuesday and Thursday...described as "community education summits"...begins with hearing from a panel of students. That's followed by group discussions.
The meetings are part of the process that is expected to lead the CSISD school board later this year to ask voters to consider approving a bond issue this November.
Tuesday's in person gathering starts at 5:30 inside the Consolidated High School cafeteria. A virtual meeting will be held Thursday, also at 5:30.
Those who live in CSISD are also invited to fill out an online survey. The survey, in English and Spanish, will be open through March 12.
The link to the CSISD strategic plan, including the meetings and the survey, is https://www.csisd.org/board/2021_strategic_planning
This podcast is a visit with the chief appraiser of the Brazos Central Appraisal District, Mark Price, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Property owners in Brazos County and other counties where disaster declarations were issued may qualify for a temporary property valuation exemption.
The chief appraiser of the Brazos Central Appraisal District (BCAD) in Bryan, Mark Price, says the Texas tax code allows homes and buildings among other things where there is at least 15 percent damage can qualify.
Price says qualified property includes real property such as homes, buildings, certain manufactured homes and tangible personal property used for the production of income for a business.
Price gives the following example: If the appraised value of your improvement is $200,000 the damages would have to total $30,000 to meet the minimum threshold.
Because the governor issued the declaration February 12th, the application deadline to your local appraisal district office is May 28th.
Price says one form of proof that can be submitted is your insurance claim.
The disaster application form can be found online at www.brazoscad.org under forms>CAD forms>form 50-312, Temporary Exemption for Property Damaged by Disaster. The form should be mailed to Brazos Central Appraisal District, 4051 Pendleton Drive, Bryan, Texas 77802-2465.
Price invites property owners with questions to call For further information to call BCAD at 979-774-4100 or email info@brazoscad.org.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police officer Kole Taylor and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A stabbing Friday morning inside a Bryan tire store near the Texas Avenue bend left one person dead and a second person in custody.
Bryan police officer Kole Taylor says the two men, who are related, were still at R and R tire store when officers arrived.
The victim, 39 year old Rogelio Martinez Jr., was pronounced dead at the scene.
30 year old Randy Conde of Bryan is in the Brazos County jail on a murder charge.
Taylor says what led to the stabbing remains under investigation.
This podcast contains public hearing comments from the February 25, 2021 College Station city council meeting.
A proposed apartment complex of more than 240 units on Graham Road in College Station, behind the ILT school and next to the Doves Crossing single family home development, was rejected Thursday night by the city council.
The 5-2 vote came after the council heard from 12 people representing 23 opponents, received a dozen letters, and received a petition with the names of 293 opponents.
Among those voting down the land use request, councilman Dennis Maloney said he supported "the hundreds of people who bought homes because there was no apartment complex." And mayor Karl Mooney suggested possible buyers for the vacant land, which is currently zoned suburban commercial.
Councilmembers who supported the apartment proposal were John Nichols and Elizabeth Cunha. Cunha voted for the project when she was still on the planning and zoning commission (P&Z).
There were no public comments last October when P&Z recommended approval by a 3-1 margin.
This podcast contains comments from the February 25, 2021 College Station city council meeting from mayor Karl Mooney and councilmembers Dennis Maloney, John Nichols, and Elizabeth Cunha.
A proposed apartment complex of more than 240 units on Graham Road in College Station, behind the ILT school and next to the Doves Crossing single family home development, was rejected Thursday night by the city council.
The 5-2 vote came after the council heard from 12 people representing 23 opponents, received a dozen letters, and received a petition with the names of 293 opponents.
Among those voting down the land use request, councilman Dennis Maloney said he supported "the hundreds of people who bought homes because there was no apartment complex." And mayor Karl Mooney suggested possible buyers for the vacant land, which is currently zoned suburban commercial.
Councilmembers who supported the apartment proposal were John Nichols and Elizabeth Cunha. Cunha voted for the project when she was still on the planning and zoning commission (P&Z).
Lacey Lively, CIO of the Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial Board, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Sunday's dedication ceremony of the new Gulf War statue.
Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last week's power failure in Texas, how this changes the legislature's clock and priorities, legislation he has introduced, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with College Station police officer Tristen Lopez and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station police report a four and a half hour standoff after a man fired shots at a CSPD officer has ended with the man surrendering.
Shots were fired at a College Station police officer Thursday morning just before 10 in the parking lot of Southgate Village apartments.
Then the man who fired the shots went into a stranger's apartment and fired more shots. CSPD chief Billy Couch said no one was hit and no officers returned fire.
The chief said the incident began with an officer responding to the report of a man with a gun acting erratically in the apartment parking lot. The officer made a traffic stop, the driver got out and starting running away. After the officer got out of his vehicle, the driver turned around, fired, and ran into the apartment.
Couch says after neighboring apartments were evacuated and as law enforcement set up a perimeter, the man fired more shots from a second floor window.
30 year old Jonathan Bridges of Bryan is in the Brazos County jail after his arrest on charges according to online jail records of aggravated assault of a public servant, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possessing marijuana, and violating parole.
Local hotelier Hunter Goodwin visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about how last week's winter storms impacted his hotels, back up generators, how his other properties around the state fared, and more during his visit on The Infomaniacs.
Gwynne Shillings, Special Events and Marketing at the City of Bryan, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about upcoming classes including license to carry and babysitting, spring events, pictures with the Easter Bunny, the city's golf course, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last week's winter storms, the upcoming hearings regarding the power failure in Texas, winterizing facilities, the natural gas bill, other legislative activity, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a pandemic update from Brazos County alternate health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan, speaking at the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce economic outlook conference on February 24, 2021.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new retail and housing development on the east side of the city, how the city's infrastructure handled last week's winter storms, Bryan Texas Utilities, today's Economic Outlook Conference, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about last week's winter storms and how his district was impacted, voting on the newest COVID bill, COVID vaccinations, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Andrew Arrage of Matica Biotechnology and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A subsidiary of a South Korea based biopharmaceutical corporation is bringing a manufacturing facility to College Station.
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place Tuesday morning at Matica Biotechnology, which is converting space at Providence Park north of the Academy store. Longtime residents will also know the property as the former Westinghouse building.
Chief commercial officer Andrew Arrage says their clients come to them with candidates for new vaccines and therapies. Matica then helps their clients become compliant with the FDA and other regulatory agencies.
Arrage says College Station and Bryan have developed a very good reputation for being bio-tech friendly, what he described as the "academic prowess" at Texas A&M, and government funding.
Arrage says the facility will be up and running by the end of the year.
Matica currently has 20 local employees. Arrage is looking to double that by the time manufacturing begins.
This podcast is the Matica Biotechnology groundbreaking in College Station on February 23, 2021.
A subsidiary of a South Korea based biopharmaceutical corporation is bringing a manufacturing facility to College Station.
A ceremonial groundbreaking took place Tuesday morning at Matica Biotechnology, which is converting space at Providence Park north of the Academy store. Longtime residents will also know the property as the former Westinghouse building.
Chief commercial officer Andrew Arrage says their clients come to them with candidates for new vaccines and therapies. Matica then helps their clients become compliant with the FDA and other regulatory agencies.
Arrage says College Station and Bryan have developed a very good reputation for being bio-tech friendly, what he described as the "academic prowess" at Texas A&M, and government funding.
Arrage says the facility will be up and running by the end of the year.
Matica currently has 20 local employees. Arrage is looking to double that by the time manufacturing begins.
This podcast contains comments from the February 10, 2021 Bryan city council meeting.
Mayor Andrew Nelson presented proclamations to Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp and board of regents member Phil Adams of Bryan.
This podcast contains comments from College Station city councilman Dennis Maloney during the February 11, 2021 council meeting.
There are some College Station residents and at least one council member who took offense at the Bryan city council.
That's after the Bryan council earlier this month presented proclamations to Texas A&M system chancellor John Sharp and board of regents member Phil Adams of Bryan.
During the February 11 College Station council meeting, Dennis Maloney brought up while Bryan has one of the system campuses, that doesn't mean claiming the right to be the home of the flagship.
Maloney says College Station "We are Aggieland, and we are home of Texas A&M University. And stopping the disinformation that is being propagated by competing cities."
Maloney also read a resident's letter about A&M's founding, which in part stated "the regents and Bryan city council actions display a spectacular ignorance of the facts".
Maloney finished his remarks during the last council meeting to get a staff update on the city's branding efforts.
United Way of the Brazos Valley's Youth Leadership Cabinet (YLC) co-chair Sarah Ross of Bryan High School, vice-chair Amaya Bowman of Consolidated High School, and cabinet coordinator Maggie Montoya-Gray visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about YLC activities during the pandemic and previewing a fundraiser.
This podcast contains comments during the February 9, 2021 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting from speaker John Stallone and senate member Adam Kolasinski.
The February meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included the announcement of a special committee to look into how the university investigated two professors last year.
Faculty senate speaker John Stallone says the university looked into what he described as activities and/or comments deemed by some to be inappropriate.
Also speaking during the meeting about the committee was senate and committee member Adam Kolasinski.
Dr. Stallone says the committee will draft standard operating procedures for future investigations of faculty members and present them to A&M's president and provost.
This podcast is a visit with the city of College Station's chief financial officer Mary Ellen Leonard and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The electric providers in College Station and Bryan are telling customers to expect higher bills. Both College Station Utilities (CSU) and BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) say that's due to using more power to stay warm.
College Station Utilities has suspended delinquent disconnections and late fees through March 1. Additionally, CSU never disconnects during freezing weather.
The city of College Station's chief financial officer, Mary Ellen Leonard, says before CSU sends the next round of billing statements, they will compare how much electricity was used during the winter storm for heating to how much was used last August for air conditioning.
Both CSU and BTU also charge an electric rate that is determined by their city councils.
BTU's executive director of business and customer operations David Werley says their electric rate will not change. Werley says that's because "BTU did not suffer a financial impact that would cause any reason to necessitate a rate change at this time."
BTU executive director of business and customer service operations visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The electric providers in College Station and Bryan are telling customers to expect higher bills. Both College Station Utilities (CSU) and BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) say that's due to using more power to stay warm.
College Station Utilities has suspended delinquent disconnections and late fees through March 1. Additionally, CSU never disconnects during freezing weather.
The city of College Station's chief financial officer, Mary Ellen Leonard, says before CSU sends the next round of billing statements, they will compare how much electricity was used during the winter storm for heating to how much was used last August for air conditioning.
Both CSU and BTU also charge an electric rate that is determined by their city councils.
BTU's executive director of business and customer operations David Werley says their electric rate will not change. Werley says that's because "BTU did not suffer a financial impact that would cause any reason to necessitate a rate change at this time."
The city of College Station also informed customers that "The unanticipated costs of supplying electric, water, and wastewater services to our residents increased significantly during the storm. The city of College Station will exhaust all available avenues to cover those costs before considering rate increases."
This podcast is a visit with BTU executive director of QSE (Qualified Scheduled Entries) and production Wes Williams and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Nearly two years after $1.5 million dollars was spent on repairs to the dam at Lake Bryan, there are more issues.
BTU owns the Lake Bryan property. An update was presented at this week's board meeting by BTU's Wes Williams.
He tells WTAW News there are four areas where rock has moved on the water side of the dam.
Williams says this has no impact on how much water is in Lake Bryan.
Williams says any repairs won't start for 12 to 18 months.
The dam is inspected by BTU employees each week and by their consulting engineer every six months.
Jay Socol, College Station's Communications Director, explains how College Station was able to share water with other local water services to help with low water supplies during this week's winter storms.
College Station City Councilman Bob Brick visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about this week's winter weather, communicating with citizens, the council's recent retreat, how council priorities have changed, winterizing the city, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Red Cross Heart of Texas chapter executive AJ Renold and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Anyone who had appointments cancelled for coronavirus vaccinations this week at the Brazos Center are being asked to rebook.
Coordinator Jim Stewart says weather permitting, the Brazos Center hub will operate next Monday through Thursday from eight a.m. until six p.m.
Stewart says they have 3,000 doses on hand and he has been told to expect another 4,000.
He also says additional appointment invitations are forthcoming.
Meantime, volunteers are still being recruited by the Red Cross.
Heart of Texas chapter executive AJ Renold says her biggest concern is having enough people to give the shots.
Each shift has 14 people requiring active medical licenses and there are three shifts per day.
Renold says they are also seeking those who are interested in taking on larger roles.
Volunteer registration is online at the United Way of the Brazos Valley website at uwbv.org/volunteer.
David Werley, BTUâs Executive Director of Business and Customer Operations, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about why the winter storm has caused so many power outages, what to expect in the next few days, why buying electricity from other locations is not an option, why BTU has to obey ERCOT's orders, the fairness of rolling outages, the cost of winterizing power plants in Texas, Governor Abbott's comments about ERCOT's leadership, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about how the winter storm has impacted his district, what needs to happen in Austin to prevent this from happening again, justifying expenses for unprecedented circumstances, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh died Wednesday of lung cancer.
The 70 year old was heard on WTAW since December of 1990.
Rush's wife Kathryn opened Wednesday's show with a tribute to her husband and his listeners.
The distributor of the Rush Limbaugh Show, Premiere Networks, notified WTAW that "All of Rush's audio has been extensively archived and cataloged by subject, topic and opinion. Given how timeless and insightful Rush's commentary is his producers will be able to pull segments that are relevant for each day's news cycle and allow us to feature the best of Rush for the full three hours of the program.
Premiere Networks also stated that "The familiar voices of the programsâ guest hosts will be used in the show when needed to guide Rushâs audio from one topic to another, but Rush will be the predominant voice heard for the three-hour Monday-Friday show, the AM Daily Update and The Week in Review three-hour show."
The image associated with this podcast is courtesy of Premiere Networks.
Amy Smith, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the shelter at Reed Arena for those affected by power outages.
College Station's director of electric utilities Timothy Crabb visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about CSU customers without power for more than four hours to call their hotline at 855-528-4278.
Additional information from College Station Utilities:
CSU has been working to maintain power to our customers during this extreme weather. Our Operations Center handles calls not only for Electric but also for Water. With the rolling outages, busted water pipes, and other outage calls, we have a backlog of nearly 10,000 calls we are working through. We will work through and listen to all the calls.
In the meantime, if there are CSU Electric customers that have been without power for four hours or more â and still do not have power â call the CSU Hotline back at 855-528-4278. We have someone handling the new calls to allow us to address problems more quickly and schedule crews.
We will address all calls, and this system will allow us to find your issue more quickly among the other calls.
Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Erik Burse visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about winter storm driving and discouraging people from sledding, skiing, and other recreational activities on streets, highways, and embankments.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his winter weather situation, power outages in the city, the vote to renovate the Lulac Oak Hill apartments, the way future local elections will be held, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince visits with WTAW's Bill Oliver about recruiting virtual volunteer readers of children's books that will be shown to pre-kindergarten through third grade students.
The podcast begins with an update on 2-1-1 Texas activity during the winter storm.
Copy and paste this link to register: https://uwbv.org/early-literacy-program/
Additional information from United Way of the Brazos Valley:
Reading Day 2021 will be a fun way to still âbring volunteers into classroomsâ without posing any health risk to students, volunteers or teachers.
In celebration of Dr. Seussâ birthday in March, United Way will open a library of virtual story times read aloud by local community members for Pre-K to Third Grade teachers to utilize in their classrooms.
Follow these four easy steps to be one of our virtual volunteer readers:
Step 1 â Sign up to share your voice on one of your favorite childrenâs books.
Step 2 â Check out a short video with tips on recording your book.
Step 3 â Using your cell phone, a Zoom call or other recording software, record yourself reading a childrenâs book aloud. If using a cell phone, please record in landscape mode.
Step 4 â Once your video is done, upload it to our Google Drive folder no later than February 25.
This podcast is a visit with the director of the Brazos County Red Cross office, AJ Renold, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The director of the Red Cross chapter serving Brazos County says she is working to find a place for people to warm up in Bryan/College Station.
AJ Renold of the Red Cross Heart of Texas chapter says one obstacle has been rolling blackouts. Their normal shelter locations, local churches and hotels, do not have backup power.
Another issue is asking those in need and those who can volunteer to drive on slick roads.
Additional information from AJ Renold:
The American Red Cross is able to establish and/or support warming centers at the request, and always in conjunction with, local emergency management. Brazos County, Bryan and College Station are working with us to develop solutions for those in need this week.
The compounding problems at this point included unsafe driving conditions, lack of electricity at shelter locations, travel for staff and volunteers required to operate warming centers/shelters, and COVID-19 precautions needed to operate a disaster response.
Red Cross is able to provide non-congregate and congregate sheltering, as well as community feeding to Individuals or families with special requirements resulting from age or medical conditions caused or exacerbated by the extreme cold weather, blizzard, or ice storm incident, stranded highway travelers without other alternatives; and residents of the affected community, but only when the power provider declares a power outage likely to last more than 48 hours from time client present for services.
Should community members meet requirements, the concern is still travel to a location, as well as electricity at the location, be it a large shelter or hotel room. Many hotels are also without power at this point.
We are able to provide financial assistance only when the clientâs primary residence has Major damage or is Destroyed due to the extreme cold weather, blizzard, or ice storm. NOTE: Burst pipes, spoiled food due to power outage, damage to the utility line from the street to the house, and similar weather-related impacts DO NOT qualify for financial assistance through the Red Cross. Assistance to qualified individuals can and will be provided remotely via direct deposit, if possible.
We are very much a part of this community and share the concern for our loved ones suffering due to the unprecedented cold weather in the Brazos Valley. We will continue to work with our community partners to find solutions to provide assistance. We urge all to conserve heat through insulating homes at entrances and windows, use safe heating sources, leave your water running and take care of each other.
This podcast is with BTU energy accounts manager Ken Dupre, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
As for local power restoration efforts, all of CSU's repair crews and most of BTU repair calls have been associated with rolling blackouts as ordered by ERCOT.
BTU energy accounts manager Ken Dupre says some of their work is due to customers not waiting 20 minutes after a rolling blackout to turn on furnaces and other appliances.
45 BTU linemen have been joined by six crews from private contractors.
This podcast is a visit with College Station director of electric utilities Timothy Crabb and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Texas electric utilities, including BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) and College Station Utilities (CSU), were ordered by the statewide electric grid operator ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) early Monday morning to conduct rolling power outages.
One of the two questions about the rolling blackouts that we are getting from WTAW listeners is will the rolling blackouts end. (more at http://www.ercot.com/news/releases/show/225244) ERCOT projects they will continue through today (TU). ERCOT also reported as of four p.m. that restoration efforts are underway to return power to serve 500 thousand households.
The other question is why has my neighborhood had multiple outages and others have had no outages. BTU general manager Gary Miller and the director of College Station's electric utility, Timothy Crabb, say part of the reason is meeting an ERCOT requirement of identifying which feeder lines will not be turned off during rolling blackouts.
Miller and Crabb also say there are some critical load feeders that are not turned off.
Miller says most of BTU's repair activity and Crabb says all of CSU's calls have been associated with the rolling blackouts.
Miller says 45 BTU linemen have been joined by six crews from private contractors. Most of BTU's calls have also been associated with the rolling blackout.
BTU energy accounts manager Ken Dupre again asks customers to wait 20 minutes after power is restored before turning on furnaces and other appliances.
CSU customers, most who do not have smartmeters, are instructed to report power outages lasting longer than 15 minutes to call 855-528-4278 so a crew can investigate. CSU was ordered by ERCOT to drop about a third of its usual electric load.
BTU customers do not have to report outages because they have smartmeters. BTU advises repair crews are sent when customers have been without power for more than one hour. Those crews are dispatched as they are available, and response times are being affected by hazardous road conditions.
This podcast is with BTU general manager Gary Miller, visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Texas electric utilities, including BTU (Bryan Texas Utilities) and College Station Utilities (CSU), were ordered by the statewide electric grid operator ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas) early Monday morning to conduct rolling power outages.
One of the two questions about the rolling blackouts that we are getting from WTAW listeners is will the rolling blackouts end. (more at http://www.ercot.com/news/releases/show/225244) ERCOT projects they will continue through today (TU). ERCOT also reported as of four p.m. that restoration efforts are underway to return power to serve 500 thousand households.
The other question is why has my neighborhood had multiple outages and others have had no outages. BTU general manager Gary Miller and the director of College Station's electric utility, Timothy Crabb, say part of the reason is meeting an ERCOT requirement of identifying which feeder lines will not be turned off during rolling blackouts.
Miller and Crabb also say there are some critical load feeders that are not turned off.
Miller says most of BTU's repair activity and Crabb says all of CSU's calls have been associated with the rolling blackouts.
Miller says 45 BTU linemen have been joined by six crews from private contractors. Most of BTU's calls have also been associated with the rolling blackout.
BTU energy accounts manager Ken Dupre again asks customers to wait 20 minutes after power is restored before turning on furnaces and other appliances.
CSU customers, most who do not have smartmeters, are instructed to report power outages lasting longer than 15 minutes to call 855-528-4278 so a crew can investigate. CSU was ordered by ERCOT to drop about a third of its usual electric load.
BTU customers do not have to report outages because they have smartmeters. BTU advises repair crews are sent when customers have been without power for more than one hour. Those crews are dispatched as they are available, and response times are being affected by hazardous road conditions.
Gene Balew, College Station's Athletics and Tourism Manager, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the Texas Youth Football All Star Showcase, weather conditions, the economic impact, and more.
Kendra Davis, Events Coordinator for Visit College Station, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Meeting Planners Showcase in March, visiting College Station, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Dyan Cisneros from the Bryan Animal Center visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about postponing this weekend's rabies vaccine and microchip event, cold weather precautions, upcoming events, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about funding school districts based on attendance, casino gambling and sports betting initiatives in Texas, Mark Cuban not playing the national anthem before Dallas Maverick's games, funding the regional mobility authority, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Bryan Police Department's recent racial report, citizens' concerns with the Midtown Plan, the cost of the Midtown Park project, removing lake sediment, the coronavirus vaccination hub, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal of College Station visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his committee assignments, nuclear waste in west Texas, rent assistance for low income households affected by the pandemic, this week's schedule, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Donald Trump's impeachment trial, the image of the Republican party, raising the minimum wage, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince, 2-1-1 Texas program manager Hilda Salazar, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Thursday is February 11th...or 2-1-1. That's the day set aside to recognize the 2-1-1 information phone number, which is administered in our region by United Way of the Brazos Valley.
Program manager Hilda Salazar says the call volume has not slowed down since the start of the pandemic.
United Way president Alison Prince says the pandemic has resulted in call volume almost doubling...from 26,000 in 2019 to 51,000 last year. That's after the decision was made to share the load among the state's 25 regional 2-1-1 call centers.
About half of the calls coming into the local center are from outside the Brazos Valley.
State Representative John Raney of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislation he has filed, funding the regional mobility authority, voter protection, casino gambling initiatives in Texas, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast are comments from Brazos County district attorney Jarvis Parsons during the January 12, 2021 county commission meeting.
In October 2019, Brazos County commissioners approved district attorney Jarvis Parsons's request to start two pre-trial diversion programs for some who are arrested on drug charges.
During a recent update, Parsons told commissioners that 50 people have successfully completed and 57 are progressing through the first time drug offender program.
Parsons says none of the 107 have re-offended.
Parsons says 155 others arrested on low level drug felonies who did not qualify for the first time program have entered guilty pleas before they were indicted. Parsons says that kept 316 cases from going to trial.
David Anaya, Director of Marketing and Communications, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about when the library could possibly reopen, online content, educational programs, and virtual events the library is offering.
Alyssa Halle-Schramm, Long-term Planner, visits with WTAWâs Scott DeLucia about the new city hall, the resident occupancy ordinance (ROO), three upcoming public meetings, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Katelyn Brown, Community Engagement Manager for Destination Bryan, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Downtown Bryan's First Friday and Restaurant Month.
Jared Birkhead, Environmental Operations Supervisor, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the opening of the new recycling center, the process of recycling tires and oil, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Tax Assessor-Collector Kristy Roe visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Governor Greg Abbott's temporary waiver of certain vehicle title and registration requirements ending on April 14, 2021.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the ongoing discussion about the restricted occupancy ordinance or ROO, the upcoming council retreat, ongoing development, recreational opportunities, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what the senate is doing in Austin this week, STAAR tests, his assessment of Governor Greg Abbott's COVID response, homeless hotels, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about spending bills, minimum wage, struggles with the budget, security in Washington D.C., and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Ron Crozier from Twin City Mission and Kat Gammon from United Way of the Brazos Valley visit with WTAW's Chelsea Reber.
This podcast contains comments from the January 28, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers spokesmen of the request to name the basketball court at Castlegate Park for Alex Caruso...Colin Killian, Gabe Bock, and John Thornton...along with all councilmembers except John Crompton, who recused himself from the vote and the discussion.
The basketball court where NBA champion Alex Caruso learned the game before playing at Consolidated High School, Texas A&M, and the Los Angeles Lakers will bears his name.
Renaming the court at Castlegate Park, across the street where Caruso grew up, was approved Thursday night by the College Station city council.
The council was told private donations will be sought to pay for improvements.
A dedication is proposed for this summer after the NBA season.
Five council members approved the renaming. John Crompton recused himself from the vote and the discussion. Elizabeth Cunha voted no after saying naming should be a posthumous honor.
College Station police officer Tony Gonzalez visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the city's hands-free ordinance, being a motorcycle police officer, the upcoming Harvey Mitchell Parkway project, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is an coronavirus vaccine update from the January 28, 2021 College Station city council meeting.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan fire chief Randy McGregor, who is retiring after 37 years with the department, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
A public reception for Randy McGregor is Friday, January 29, 2021, at 3 p.m. at the downtown Bryan fire station.
The community relations manager for the Destination Bryan tourism office, Katelyn Brown, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Restaurant Month in Downtown Bryan, Destination Bryan, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about coronavirus vaccine distribution, action this week, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is with Bryan police officer Kole Taylor and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Multiple Bryan police officers were involved in a five hour standoff Tuesday night that ended without anyone getting hurt.
Officer Kole Taylor says after a car was stopped near the intersection of Harvey Mitchell and Sandy Point, the driver got out as commanded and walked to officers with his keys.
Taylor says the standoff was with the passenger, who was wanted on warrants charging him with family violence burglary of a habitation and violating a protection order.
Taylor says five or six uniformed officers were joined by BPD's tactical response and crisis negotiation teams.
39 year old Clifford Moten of Bryan, who exited the vehicle, is jailed in lieu of bonds totaling $150,000 dollars.
This podcast is comments from Brazos County pandemic response director Jim Stewart at the January 26, 2021 county commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are told 30,000 have registered for coronavirus vaccinations on the CHI St. Joseph hospital's website.
Pandemic response director Jim Stewart also says of the 30,000 who have registered, 29,000 are in the phase 1-B group. And of the 29 thousand, Stewart says 18,000 are not St. Joseph patients.
Stewart says Brazos County's population includes 65,000 "of us older citizens" who are 65 and older.
Stewart again asked for patience from patients and requested assistance from local politicians to get more vaccine.
Stewart says 300 people who have appointments will be vaccinated Thursday during a trial run at the Brazos Center. He asked commissioners to be there to show support in light of some people who are reluctant to get vaccinated.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the progress of BigShots Golf, Midtown Park, development in Downtown Bryan, coronavirus vaccine production in the Brazos Valley, retiring Bryan Fire Chief Randy McGregor, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the start of the legislative session, his priorities, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about government spending, the Texas caucus, the Affordable Care Act, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
UPD Assistant Chief of Support Services, Edward Costello, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about working security for Inauguration Day.
This podcast has AJ Renold of the Red Cross Heart of Texas chapter and Peggi Goss of United Way of the Brazos Valley visiting with WTAW's Bill Oliver about volunteering through the Red Cross to work at the vaccination hub at the Brazos Center.
Volunteer through this UWBV link: https://uwbv.org/volunteer/
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about redistricting, funding education, getting children back into schools, the Keystone XL pipeline, Planned Parenthood, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Comments from the January 25, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting about the final report of the Texas A&M DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) commission from chancellor John Sharp and regents members Elaine Mendoza and Tim Leach.
Comments from the January 25, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting about the final report of the Texas A&M DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) commission from regents and commission members Elaine Mendoza and Bill Mahomes.
Comments from the January 25, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting about the final report of the Texas A&M DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) commission from DEI co-chairmen Jimmy Williams and John Hurtado.
Comments from the January 25, 2021 Texas A&M system board of regents meeting about the final report of the Texas A&M DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) commission from A&M interim president John Junkins.
This podcast is a visit with Sara Mendez of the Brazos County health district and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Coronavirus has knocked down the number of flu cases in Brazos County by more than 90 percent compared to a year ago.
The Brazos County health district reports 154 flu cases through the first 15 weeks of flu season. That's down from 1,794 during the same period last year.
Sara Mendez at the health district says one reason are people taking preventative measures against coronavirus, which are the same as the flu.
Mendez says there is also anecdotal evidence that more people are getting flu shots.
There is also a decrease in the number of influenza like illnesses, or ILI, from 1,067 a year ago to 807 this year. According to the health district, ILI "usually means that it is probably the flu, but a flu test was not done." And "the ILI numbers do not include any COVID cases."
While there has been 154 flu cases, Brazos County has had more than 6,600 coronavirus cases during the same period.
This podcast contains comments during the January 14, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include Lorraine Madewell, councilmembers John Nichols and Linda Harvell, and mayor Karl Mooney.
College Station city councilmembers will consider reducing the distance that is required for chickens to live in residential areas.
That follows a request during the January 14 meeting from Lorraine Madewell, who lives between Anderson Park and Oakwood intermediate school.
Madewell says Bryan and Austin require a minimum 50 feet from a neighbor's property line. College Station requires at least 100 feet.
There was no opposition to councilman John Nichols's request to review the ordinance at a future meeting.
This podcast contains comments during the January 19, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting from board member Jeff Horak, who is also a member of the board of the CSISD education foundation.
College Station ISD school board members were told during this week's meeting about changes to three upcoming events hosted by the CSISD education foundation.
Jeff Horak, who is on the school board and the foundation board, said this year's hall of fame banquet was moved to March 1 and the scholarship banquet will take place in April.
Horak says both events will be in person this year. That's after last year's hall of fame banquet was virtual and the scholarship banquet was a drive through event.
Horak also announced the cancellation of the foundation's 50 Men Who Can Cook fundraiser. This is the second straight year this will not be held. Horak said with the pandemic, "it just did not seem right to try to force something into the community". Horak said the foundation plans to bring back the 50 Men event "bigger and better than ever" in February 2022.
Horak also reported the foundation's "Chrissy's Closet", where volunteers distribute supplies to students and staff in need, "is still rocking and rolling in the best way that we can this year with COVID, and it has actually been a success and has been very fruitful for the community and those within the district".
Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about smoke testing waster water lines, the new water tower, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is comments from Blinn College projects director Mark Feldhake from the January 19, 2021 Blinn board of trustees meeting.
Groundbreaking takes place next month on Blinn College's next academic building on the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus.
That's after Blinn trustees on Tuesday night approved project director Mark Feldhake's recommendation to negotiate a construction contract on the three story building.
Completion of the more than $32 million dollar project, weather permitting, will be in time for fall classes in 2022.
Additional information from Blinn College:
At its regular January meeting on Tuesday, the Blinn College District Board of Trustees authorized the College to negotiate and execute a guaranteed maximum price for a new Phase II academic building on the RELLIS Campus.
The RELLIS Phase II academic building, a three-story, 80,000-square-foot facility located north of the Walter C. Schwartz Building, will position Blinn for continued growth at the RELLIS Campus. As the community college partner in the RELLIS Academic Alliance, Blinn offers foundational courses at the RELLIS Campus that seamlessly apply toward the related bachelorâs degrees offered by The Texas A&M University System regional universities and Stephen F. Austin State University. In Fall 2018, Blinn opened the Schwartz Building with 1,515 students, and Fall 2020 enrollment subsequently has grown to exceed 2,700 students.
The Phase II facility will feature an engineering lab, computer science classroom, information technology lab, esports arena, student services suite, 19 lecture classrooms, study spaces, faculty and administrative suites, and meeting rooms. The project also includes faculty/staff and visitor parking, sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, a circular entry drive, and a plaza.
Construction is scheduled to begin in February, with a substantial completion target of May 2022. The facility will open for student use in time for the Fall 2022 semester.
This podcast is comments from the January 19, 2021 College Station ISD school board meeting.
College Station ISD is in its second year of a director leading the district's fine arts program.
Eric Eaks, who moved into the position after leading the College Station high school band, produced a video that was shown at this week's school board meeting.
The video included three future challenges.
Eaks and board members discussed one way to address a space concern was by building a performing arts center featuring an auditorium seating 1,200 to 1,500.
The other challenges were adding staff and replacing aging equipment and technology.
This podcast is comments from College Station police chief Billy Couch during a news conference on January 21, 2021.
A College Station police officer shot and killed a man early Thursday morning.
No names were released during a CSPD news conference.
Police chief Billy Couch said the shooting around one a.m. followed a traffic stop involving CSPD and DPS.
Couch said the driver was the primary target of a long term investigation.
Couch said at the time of the traffic stop, on the freeway's northbound frontage road between Harvey and University, officers believed there was a large amount of narcotics in the vehicle.
Couch says the officer fired after seeing the 33 year old white man get a handgun from the center console of his vehicle.
No officers were injured.
Couch said officers found in the man's car a loaded gun and an undisclosed amount of narcotics.
Couch says once CSPD's investigation is concluded, the shooting will be reviewed by the Brazos County district attorney's office.
The name of the man who was shot and killed will be released once family members are notified.
The chief did not respond to questions. CSPD's public information officer said they would respond to questions sent by e-mail.
WTAW News e-mail to CSPD requested the reason for the traffic stop, if there were any passengers in the vehicle that was stopped, if any other CSPD and/or DPS officers fired their weapons, the name, age, gender, and race of the officer who fired the shot, and any video and/or audio of the traffic stop, the shooting, and what took place after the shooting.
Development Administrator Lauren Hovde visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about commercial and residential development throughout the city, the Midtown Plan, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the "new normal" during the pandemic, mask rules on the Senate floor, his committee assignments, open carry in Texas, current policy discussions, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 14, 2021 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include Wyatt Galbreath, Dennis Maloney, John Crompton, and Karl Mooney.
Public comments at the last College Station city council meeting included a proposal for a new city flag.
The designer, College Station High School junior Wyatt Galbreath, said while the current city flag "gets the job done, it can be easily confused with other Texas city flags and other southern city flags in general."
Galbreath explained the components of his flag, that "the blue represents our city's perseverance, the gold represents our prosperity, the white represents our unity, the maroon represents our valor and our great university, and I arranged these colors and patterns into a shape that I believe represents our community pretty well and that we're a united city."
Galbreath's presentation was during public comments at the beginning of the council meeting. At the end of the meeting, during discussion of future agenda topics, councilman Dennis Maloney complimented Galbreath and suggested it could be considered as a second flag.
Councilman John Crompton said "there was a lot of thought that went into our original flag (and) it was carefully designed."
Mayor Karl Mooney closed the conversation by saying "I appreciate the effort" and "My concern is I wouldn't have known that was the flag of College Station" if he drove by Galbreath's flag.
This podcast is comments from the executive director of the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (BCSMPO) Dan Rudge and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (BCSMPO) has opened a public comment period regarding funding changes to four major local highway projects.
MPO director Dan Rudge says this follows federal funding changes caused by the pandemic.
The second leg of Texas Avenue reconstruction in Bryan between 15th Street and William Joel Bryan (WJB), was delayed from fiscal year 2021 to FY 2022.
Money was moved from fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to do the final portion of the Texas Avenue reconstruction from WJB to University and rebuilding WJB from the freeway to Texas.
And the start of widening Rudder freeway to six lanes has been delayed one year to fiscal year 2023.
Copy and paste this link to be directed to more information and to submit public comments:
http://www.bcsmpo.org/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=FY-2021-FY-2024-Transportation-Improveme-12
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about chickens living in residential areas, a proposed city flag, legislative action in Austin that will impact College Station, Texas A&M students returning to the community, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the coronavirus vaccination process, his committee assignments, his day-to-day operations, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Bryan police Sgt. Ryan Bona and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Bryan police thank the neighborhood where officers set up a command post following gunfire that was reported just before 6:30 Tuesday morning.
Sgt. Ryan Bona says gunfire hit a car, but missed the three occupants.
Six hours after the gunfire near the intersection of South College, Old College, and Pleasant, an arrest was made without incident.
23 year old Jacquez Punchard of Bryan is jailed in lieu of bonds totaling $400,000 dollars following his arrest for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Bona says Punchard lived with one of the victims.
The driver of the targeted vehicle trying to get away struck a tree. No one was injured.
Bona says neighborhood residents "were very cooperative, very helpful", "especially in a sensitive incident like this."
Bona was offered a chair, food, and water while he was part of a BPD turnout that also included the criminal investigations division, the tactical response team, the crisis negotiation unit, and support staff.
This podcast contains comments from the January 19, 2021 meeting of the Brazos County intergovernmental committee meeting. Speakers include Tom Wilkinson, Jim Stewart, Bryan ISD school board member Ruthie Waller, and Brazos County commissioner Steve Aldrich.
Every other month, representatives of Brazos County governing bodies and other organizations hold what's called the intergovernmental committee meeting. An update was presented on Brazos County pandemic vaccination efforts. Those participating included the B/CS city councils and school boards, the county commission, the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, the arts council, and Blinn College.
Tuesday's meeting included an announcement that the Red Cross is sponsoring a website to recruit vaccine administration site volunteers. After the meeting, the Brazos community emergency operations center (CEOC) announced the online link for those who can give shots, do data entry, and direct traffic among other positions.
That link is (copy and paste) https://timecounts.org/bv-vaccinehub/forms/51501
The meeting was held at the Brazos Valley council of governments (BVCOG) offices in Bryan. BVCOG executive director Tom Wilkinson, who was the first to express frustrations over vaccine distribution, reminded those attending about the relocation efforts of 12,000 who escaped hurricane Katrina.
Brazos County's recently hired pandemic response coordinator, retired sheriff's office chief deputy Jim Stewart, brought up the development of a county portal to take vaccine registrations and move registrations previously made at local hospitals and pharmacies to the county's portal.
Stewart says as of Tuesday, they don't know how many future vaccine doses Brazos County is getting from the state. Stewart says the state wants to know Brazos County can administer what they allocate.
United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Alison Prince and Katy Dempsey of UWBV partner agency Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Brazos Valley visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Kimberly Martinez, Executive Director, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Court Appointed Special Advocates, upcoming information sessions and training classes.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County's pandemic response coordinator Jim Stewart and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Opening the Brazos Center to coronavirus vaccinations to people who have appointments has been delayed until the week after next.
When the Brazos Center starts hosting vaccinations, it will be only for those with appointments that have a specific date and time.
Brazos County's communications officer Barbara Smith shared the following experience from Friday morning in this e-mail: As I was leaving the Brazos Center this morning, two ladies stopped me in the parking lot and asked if they were in the right place to get their COVID vaccine. They said they heard it on the news. I know people tend to hear what they want to⦠Brazos Center⦠COVID vaccine⦠and they sometimes fill in the rest. When I told them they had to be registered for a vaccine first, they said they HAD registered for one, and now they were showing up to get it. I think there needs to be some clarification that the Brazos Center will not be a âjust show upâ location. They will receive a specific date and time for their vaccines⦠it will be by appointment only.
Brazos County's pandemic response coordinator, retired sheriff's office chief deputy Jim Stewart, says the delay in using the Brazos Center was due to not knowing if vaccine will be available.
Stewart says they are "working on a one stop registration system", where residents "will actually register with us (the county)."
Until then, Stewart says "don't sign up and then show up at the Brazos Center. Sign up and wait to be contacted and one of the hospitals will direct you where to go and when."
Councilman Dennis Maloney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Texas state legislature's impact on cities and counties, last weekend's snow, coronavirus assistance, new business in the city, property values, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Amy DuBose, Bryan-College Station Regional Association of REALTORS® Association Executive, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about Brazos Valley real estate in 2020.
City Engineer Paul Kaspar visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about capital projects to watch for in 2021, the progress of road projects around the city, traffic signal projects, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Brazos County Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the first day of the Texas Senate, the Senate's work schedule, committee meetings, coronavirus protocols, Texas' voting demographics, his legislation, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments during the January 11, 2021 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting from the chairwoman of the Texas A&M system board of regents, Elaine Mendoza, who also chairs the A&M presidential search committee.
Speakers at the January 13, 2021 Brazos County health district news conference included alternate health authority Dr. Seth Sullivan, Brazos County pandemic coordinator Jim Stewart, the chief medical officer of Baylor Scott & White College Station region Dr. William Rayburn, the chief medical officer of CHI St. Joseph Health Dr. Kia Parsi, and the dean of Texas A&M's school of public health Dr. Shawn Gibbs.
Congressman Pete Sessions of Waco (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about metal detectors being placed at the Capitol, the 25th amendment, what is happening on Congress today, his vote on impeaching President Donald Trump, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about snow, pickleball, voting to sell the Gibbons Creek power plant, coronavirus vaccination plans, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his observations of yesterday's swearing in ceremony, coronavirus precautions, the new speaker, committee processes, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the difference in yesterday's swearing in ceremony, electing a new speaker, his committee preferences, and more from the 87th Texas legislative session during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the January 11, 2021 Texas A&M faculty senate meeting from the dean of the school of public health Dr. Shawn Gibbs and interim provost Dr. Mark Weichold.
Monday's meeting of the Texas A&M faculty senate included a pandemic update.
The dean of the school of public health, Shawn Gibbs, says they are waiting on the status of vaccine provider applications from the colleges of medicine and pharmacy and by the university's student health services office. At this time, Gibbs says A&M employees are getting vaccinations through other providers.
Dr. Gibbs also reported as of Monday morning, 80 percent of A&M's 23,000 fulltime and part time employees had been tested as part of their employment. The positivity rate among full time employees is 2.2 percent and the positivity rate among part time and graduate employees is 2.8 percent. A tweet from A&M Tuesday indicated employee testing was extended through January 16.
Gibbs says testing begins Wednesday for 10,500 on-campus students who are required to be tested. He estimated 3,000 to 7,000 students who live off-campus will be tested and he expects the positivity rate among students to be 3.4 percent.
Interim provost Mark Weichold says there are no changes to how spring semester classes will be conducted, adding "if conditions warrant, I am prepared to change our approach to offering classes. But for right now, I think we're going to proceed as we had planned for the springtime."
In addition to in-person classes during the spring, Dr. Weichold says they are looking at some in-person classes this summer.
Weichold also reported that during the fall semester, there was no coronavirus transmission from A&M classrooms.
This podcast is state representative John Raney's visit with WTAW Bill Oliver, reacting to the state comptroller's revenue estimate.
News release from Texas comptroller Glenn Hegar:
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar released the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) today, showing the state is projected to have $112.5 billion in revenue available for general-purpose spending during the 2022-23 biennium.
The revenue estimate represents a 0.4 percent decrease from funds available for the 2020-21 biennium. This decline is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused revenue collections to fall well short of what was expected when the Legislature approved the 2020-21 budget; the ending 2020-21 balance will be close to a negative $1 billion.
âAs is always the case, this estimate is based on the most recent and precise information we have available,â Hegar said. âIt represents our efforts to provide lawmakers with the most accurate forecast possible as they craft the budget for the 2022-23 biennium and the supplemental spending bill to address the remainder of the current biennium.
âThe forecast, however, remains clouded with uncertainty. The ultimate path of the pandemic and the behavior of consumers and businesses during a resurgence are difficult to gauge. Itâs also unclear how theyâll respond once the pandemic is fully under control. As a result, there is a wide range of possible outcomes for state revenue through the end of fiscal 2023, with the possibility of revenue falling short of this forecast but also a chance revenue could exceed it, perhaps substantially.
âIn any case, the Legislature will again face some difficult choices to balance the budget. While savings from agency spending cuts and federal funding could help erase the projected shortfall for this biennium, a substantial supplemental appropriations bill could increase it, thereby reducing revenue available for the next biennium.â
The $112.5 billion available for general-purpose spending includes 2022-23 collections of $119.6 billion in General Revenue-Related (GR-R) funds. These collections will be offset by an expected 2020-21 ending GR-R balance of negative $946 million. In addition, $5.8 billion must be reserved from oil and natural gas taxes for 2022-23 transfers to the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) and the State Highway Fund (SHF); another $271 million must be set aside to cover a shortfall in the stateâs original prepaid college tuition plan, the Texas Tomorrow Fund.
The projected shortfall does not account for any GR-R expenditure reductions resulting from the state leadershipâs instructions for most state agencies to reduce spending by 5 percent of their 2020-21 GR-R appropriations. Nor does it incorporate the effects of substituting federal funds provided as pandemic-related assistance for some GR-R pandemic-related expenditures. Official action on either of those items could eliminate the projected shortfall, which must be made whole by the 87th Legislature.
Sales tax collections make up the stateâs largest source (62 percent) of GR-R revenues in 2022-23. The BRE projects sales tax revenues will increase by 5.1 percent from the 2020-21 biennium, reaching $64.1 billion for the 2022-23 biennium after $5 billion is allocated to the SHF.
Other significant sources of GR-R revenues in 2022-23 include:
motor vehicle-related taxes, including sales, rental and manufactured housing taxes, which are expected to reach $10.1 billion, up 5.1 percent from 2020-21;
oil production tax collections, which are projected to generate $6.5 billion, up 10.1 percent from 2020-21;
natural gas tax collections, which are expected to raise $3.5 billion, up 66.9 percent from 2020-21; and
franchise tax collections, which are projected to generate $6.3 billion, up 5.1 percent from 2020-21; for all funds, franchise tax revenue is estimated to generate $9 billion, up 4.4 percent from 2020-21.
The ESF (the stateâs âRainy Day Fundâ) currently contains about $10.5 billion, not counting currently outstanding spending authority. Absent any legislative appropriations, the ESF balance is expected to total $11.6 billion at the end of 2022-23.
State revenue from all sources and for all purposes is expected to reach $270.5 billion for the 2022-23 biennium, including about $98.2 billion in federal receipts, along with other income and revenues dedicated for specific purposes and therefore unavailable for general-purpose spending.
âWe must keep an eye on several things that could impact this forecast, including the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the possibility of renewed reduction in customer-facing economic activity,â Hegar said.
âIn addition, we must carefully monitor the nascent recovery in energy markets as further shocks on either the demand or supply side could threaten recent positive developments for prices and production.
âOn the other hand, household savings have increased during the pandemic, while credit card debt has declined; this could support increased consumer spending once people feel safe to return to pre-pandemic activities. So, while there are numerous potential concerns, my economic forecast assumes a further moderate decline in economic activity in fiscal 2021, followed by a return to growth in the 2022-23 biennium at rates somewhat higher than those experienced during the last decade.â
The Biennial Revenue Estimate and visuals from todayâs press conference are available on the Comptrollerâs website.
This podcast is state representative Kyle Kacal of College Station's visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about his reaction to the state comptroller's revenue estimate:
News release from Texas comptroller Glenn Hegar:
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar released the Biennial Revenue Estimate (BRE) today, showing the state is projected to have $112.5 billion in revenue available for general-purpose spending during the 2022-23 biennium.
The revenue estimate represents a 0.4 percent decrease from funds available for the 2020-21 biennium. This decline is a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused revenue collections to fall well short of what was expected when the Legislature approved the 2020-21 budget; the ending 2020-21 balance will be close to a negative $1 billion.
âAs is always the case, this estimate is based on the most recent and precise information we have available,â Hegar said. âIt represents our efforts to provide lawmakers with the most accurate forecast possible as they craft the budget for the 2022-23 biennium and the supplemental spending bill to address the remainder of the current biennium.
âThe forecast, however, remains clouded with uncertainty. The ultimate path of the pandemic and the behavior of consumers and businesses during a resurgence are difficult to gauge. Itâs also unclear how theyâll respond once the pandemic is fully under control. As a result, there is a wide range of possible outcomes for state revenue through the end of fiscal 2023, with the possibility of revenue falling short of this forecast but also a chance revenue could exceed it, perhaps substantially.
âIn any case, the Legislature will again face some difficult choices to balance the budget. While savings from agency spending cuts and federal funding could help erase the projected shortfall for this biennium, a substantial supplemental appropriations bill could increase it, thereby reducing revenue available for the next biennium.â
The $112.5 billion available for general-purpose spending includes 2022-23 collections of $119.6 billion in General Revenue-Related (GR-R) funds. These collections will be offset by an expected 2020-21 ending GR-R balance of negative $946 million. In addition, $5.8 billion must be reserved from oil and natural gas taxes for 2022-23 transfers to the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF) and the State Highway Fund (SHF); another $271 million must be set aside to cover a shortfall in the stateâs original prepaid college tuition plan, the Texas Tomorrow Fund.
The projected shortfall does not account for any GR-R expenditure reductions resulting from the state leadershipâs instructions for most state agencies to reduce spending by 5 percent of their 2020-21 GR-R appropriations. Nor does it incorporate the effects of substituting federal funds provided as pandemic-related assistance for some GR-R pandemic-related expenditures. Official action on either of those items could eliminate the projected shortfall, which must be made whole by the 87th Legislature.
Sales tax collections make up the stateâs largest source (62 percent) of GR-R revenues in 2022-23. The BRE projects sales tax revenues will increase by 5.1 percent from the 2020-21 biennium, reaching $64.1 billion for the 2022-23 biennium after $5 billion is allocated to the SHF.
Other significant sources of GR-R revenues in 2022-23 include:
motor vehicle-related taxes, including sales, rental and manufactured housing taxes, which are expected to reach $10.1 billion, up 5.1 percent from 2020-21;
oil production tax collections, which are projected to generate $6.5 billion, up 10.1 percent from 2020-21;
natural gas tax collections, which are expected to raise $3.5 billion, up 66.9 percent from 2020-21; and
franchise tax collections, which are projected to generate $6.3 billion, up 5.1 percent from 2020-21; for all funds, franchise tax revenue is estimated to generate $9 billion, up 4.4 percent from 2020-21.
The ESF (the stateâs âRainy Day Fundâ) currently contains about $10.5 billion, not counting currently outstanding spending authority. Absent any legislative appropriations, the ESF balance is expected to total $11.6 billion at the end of 2022-23.
State revenue from all sources and for all purposes is expected to reach $270.5 billion for the 2022-23 biennium, including about $98.2 billion in federal receipts, along with other income and revenues dedicated for specific purposes and therefore unavailable for general-purpose spending.
âWe must keep an eye on several things that could impact this forecast, including the spread of the COVID-19 virus and the possibility of renewed reduction in customer-facing economic activity,â Hegar said.
âIn addition, we must carefully monitor the nascent recovery in energy markets as further shocks on either the demand or supply side could threaten recent positive developments for prices and production.
âOn the other hand, household savings have increased during the pandemic, while credit card debt has declined; this could support increased consumer spending once people feel safe to return to pre-pandemic activities. So, while there are numerous potential concerns, my economic forecast assumes a further moderate decline in economic activity in fiscal 2021, followed by a return to growth in the 2022-23 biennium at rates somewhat higher than those experienced during the last decade.â
The Biennial Revenue Estimate and visuals from todayâs press conference are available on the Comptrollerâs website.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley vice president Peggi Goss and WTAW's Bill Oliver about the start of the application period for community impact grants.
News release from United Way of the Brazos Valley:
The 2021-2023 Community Impact Grant Application became available on January 11, 2021. Community Impact Grants are invested in nonprofit organizations that provide programs and services which align with Impact Framework goals developed by United Way of the Brazos Valley. Investment priorities are focused on the areas of health, education and financial stability. Each grant recipient provides services in one or more of the seven counties which make up the Brazos Valley, including Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson and Washington counties.
Through the most recent grant cycle, the United Way of the Brazos Valley has annually invested $325,000 in Community Impact Grants to 22 local nonprofits. To learn more about the 2018-2021 Community Impact Partners, visit www.uwbv.org/our-partners.
Applicants are required to attend a training session prior to submitting an application. The training session is scheduled for January 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. CT. If you are not able to attend the session at that time, please return to this site and register to view the recorded session on January 12 after 3 p.m. CT. We recommend you review the Community Impact Grant Application Process & Criteria prior to attending the training session. Visit www.uwbv.org to register for the training.
Applications are due to United Way by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Visit www.uwbv.org for more information regarding the application and eligibility.
United Way of the Brazos Valley fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in the Brazos Valley. They work to strengthen the community by identifying issues facing the Brazos Valley, engaging individuals to build strategies and mobilizing resources to invest in change. United Way invests through Community Impact Grants to local nonprofit organizations and investment initiatives including 2-1-1 Texas, Youth Leadership Cabinet, Early Literacy Programs and the Financial Stability Innovation Fund.
This podcast is a visit with Dr. Gerry Farrell, the chief operating officer of College Station's FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies plant, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
College Station's FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) plant has started production on two different coronavirus vaccine candidates.
FDB, which is the A&M systemâs subcontractor, accelerated $90 million dollars of expansion projects to address the current pandemic and future federal emergencies.
FDB added 260 employees since April and plans to recruit another 50.
One of the vaccine candidates, from Novavax, began phase three clinical testing last month. The identity of the other candidate was not disclosed.
The value of the vaccine production order from the federal government is about $265 million dollars.
Joint news release from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies and the Texas A&M University System:
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, and the Texas A&M University System Center for Innovation in Advanced Development & Manufacturing (CIADM) today announced that production has begun in Texas on two different COVID-19 vaccine candidates with support from the U.S. government to meet Operation Warp Speed goals.
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies Texas, a subcontractor of the CIADM, recently completed its capacity expansion at its Flexible Biomanufacturing Facility in College Station, Texas, to accommodate large-scale production of the COVID-19 vaccine candidates. FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies will produce bulk drug substance of NVX CoV2373, Novavaxâ vaccine candidate, which began phase 3 clinical testing in the U.S. and Mexico in December, 2020. NVX-CoV2373- is already being manufactured at commercial scale at the companyâs plant in Morrisville, North Carolina.
âAfter several months of intense preparation and hard work, we are ready to produce two vaccine candidates locally here in College Station,â said Dr. Gerry Farrell, Chief Operating Officer, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Texas. âWe are pleased to bring our technical expertise and world-class facilities to support the mission of Operation Warp Speed in bringing a safe and effective vaccine to the world.â
âThe Texas A&M System is proud to be part of this unprecedented manufacturing effort,â said John Sharp, Chancellor of The Texas A&M System. âOur partnership with FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies confirms the importance of the CIADM program for Texas, the nation and the world.â
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies owns and operates three facilities built through the CIADM program. As a subcontractor of the Texas A&M System, the facilities can be made available for emergency government use.
In July, the federal government reserved capacity at the College Station facility through the end of 2021 by tapping into an agreement with the CIADM. To enhance vaccine production, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies accelerated its planned capacity expansion investments in the facility by several months. The facility is the largest scale-out cell culture manufacturing facility in the U.S. with a total of 14 2,000L cell culture trains.
To prepare for mass production of the vaccine candidates, FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies has added about 260 positions since April 2020, doubling its local workforce. The company plans to recruit another 50 positions.
âOur team has worked around the clock since July and weâre starting to see light at the end of the tunnel,â Farrell said. âThere is great pride and satisfaction on our team for being part of the solution to the pandemic.â
The CIADM contract is with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
âThis is a tremendous responsibility,â said Dr. W. Jay Treat, Texas A&Mâs Chief Manufacturing Officer for the CIADM. âItâs gratifying for us to make a positive contribution in fighting the pandemic.â
Operation Warp Speed is a partnership among components of the HHS, the Department of Defense and other federal agencies, engaging with private firms, and coordinating among existing HHS-wide efforts to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics.
This podcast is comments from Brazos County judge Duane Peters and the director of the College Station based Trafficking and Exploitation Action Network, Tracy Calanog, during the commission's January 5, 2021 meeting.
Brazos County is in the Texas Trafficking Triangle, one of the largest human trafficking highway corridors in the United States, between Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.
County commissioners at their last meeting presented an annual proclamation recognizing human trafficking awareness and prevention month.
Accepting the proclamation, Tracy Calanog of the College Station based Trafficking and Exploitation Action Network promoted an interfaith effort to end human trafficking Monday at 6 p.m. on Governor Abbott's Facebook page.
Calanog also shared she and her husband adopted two children last year who she said came from a home where those caregivers wanted to sell them.
Rev. Jerry House, lead pastor at Christ United Methodist Church, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the church's $14.8 million expansion project.
This podcast is a visit with the CEO of FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, Martin Meeson, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Corporate officials of College Station's FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) plant have announced they will build a more than $2 billion dollar facility near one of their existing United States locations.
CEO Martin Meeson tells WTAW News that FDB has locations in more than 25 states. Meeson says the goal is to reduce their list in a few weeks and select a site by the end of the first quarter.
The new facility will begin operations in the spring of 2025.
Meeson says "we are going all the way from starting the developmental process to producing that product to getting it in the vial or the syringe or the cartridge, whatever the kind of delivery format is. It will be labeled and then it will be boxed up and then our partners will take and distribute that out."
The president of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation Matt Prochaska, tells WTAW News "rest assured, we'll be competing aggressively for the project."
Prochaska says BVEDC and its partners have two advantages. One is knowing the competition, and second is FDB's current presence in the College Station/Bryan corridor. That includes $120 million dollars in current and recent expansions. One of the projects is associated with mass production of the Novavax coronavirus vaccine when that candidate is approved.
News release from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies:
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is making an investment of more than 200 Billion yen (2 Billion USD) to establish a new large-scale cell culture production site in the United States to accelerate the growth of its biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing business (CDMO).
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, with development and manufacturing facilities across the U.S.A., U.K., and Denmark will operate the new facility. This new facility will offer large-scale cell culture manufacturing of bulk drug substance with 8 x 20,000L bioreactors (physical volume), with the potential to expand and add a further 24 x 20,000L bioreactors based on market demand. In addition to drug substance manufacture, the facility will also provide commercial scale, automated fill-finish and assembly, packaging and labeling services. The new site will be built within the vicinity of an existing Fujifilm site, and is scheduled to begin operations in the spring of 2025.
âThe United States is the worldâs biggest market for biopharmaceuticals. I am pleased that through this large investment in the U.S.A we are able to support the development and manufacturing of new drugs that can help fulfill unmet medical needsâ, said Kenji Sukeno, president of FUJIFILM Corporation. âFujifilm will continue to promote human health and support the progress of the healthcare industry by using our cutting-edge technology and advanced facilities to provide a stable supply of high quality biopharmaceuticals.â
Fujifilm is actively investing to enhance and grow its end to end service offerings across all of its Bio CDMO sites. Most recently (June 2020) FUJIFILM Corporation invested 100 billion yen (928 million USD) in FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologiesâ Hillerød, Denmark site to double its large-scale cell culture manufacturing capacity and add commercial scale drug product production capabilities.
âWe are leveraging our strengths in process development and manufacturing for a wide range of biopharmaceuticals such as antibodies, recombinant proteins, gene therapies and vaccines,â said Martin Meeson, chief executive officer at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. âWe are uniquely placed to support our customer supply chain needs providing end to end services from small to large scale bulk drug substance production, through to fill-finish and final packing.â
Fujifilm has set a target to achieve an annual revenue of 200 billion yen for its Bio CDMO business* by fiscal year ending March 2025. Beyond fiscal year ending March 2026, Fujifilm expects this latest investment to boost the annual growth rate of its Bio CDMO Business to 20%, greatly exceeding market projections. Going forward, Fujifilm will continue to contribute to the healthcare industry by providing a stable supply of high quality pharmaceuticals.
This podcast is a visit with the president of the Brazos Valley economic development corporation, Matt Prochaska, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Corporate officials of College Station's FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies (FDB) plant have announced they will build a more than $2 billion dollar facility near one of their existing United States locations.
CEO Martin Meeson tells WTAW News that FDB has locations in more than 25 states. Meeson says the goal is to reduce their list in a few weeks and select a site by the end of the first quarter.
The new facility will begin operations in the spring of 2025.
Meeson says "we are going all the way from starting the developmental process to producing that product to getting it in the vial or the syringe or the cartridge, whatever the kind of delivery format is. It will be labeled and then it will be boxed up and then our partners will take and distribute that out."
The president of the Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation Matt Prochaska, tells WTAW News "rest assured, we'll be competing aggressively for the project."
Prochaska says BVEDC and its partners have two advantages. One is knowing the competition, and second is FDB's current presence in the College Station/Bryan corridor. That includes $120 million dollars in current and recent expansions. One of the projects is associated with mass production of the Novavax coronavirus vaccine when that candidate is approved.
News release from FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies:
FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Kenji Sukeno) is making an investment of more than 200 Billion yen (2 Billion USD) to establish a new large-scale cell culture production site in the United States to accelerate the growth of its biopharmaceutical contract development and manufacturing business (CDMO).
FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies, a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation, with development and manufacturing facilities across the U.S.A., U.K., and Denmark will operate the new facility. This new facility will offer large-scale cell culture manufacturing of bulk drug substance with 8 x 20,000L bioreactors (physical volume), with the potential to expand and add a further 24 x 20,000L bioreactors based on market demand. In addition to drug substance manufacture, the facility will also provide commercial scale, automated fill-finish and assembly, packaging and labeling services. The new site will be built within the vicinity of an existing Fujifilm site, and is scheduled to begin operations in the spring of 2025.
âThe United States is the worldâs biggest market for biopharmaceuticals. I am pleased that through this large investment in the U.S.A we are able to support the development and manufacturing of new drugs that can help fulfill unmet medical needsâ, said Kenji Sukeno, president of FUJIFILM Corporation. âFujifilm will continue to promote human health and support the progress of the healthcare industry by using our cutting-edge technology and advanced facilities to provide a stable supply of high quality biopharmaceuticals.â
Fujifilm is actively investing to enhance and grow its end to end service offerings across all of its Bio CDMO sites. Most recently (June 2020) FUJIFILM Corporation invested 100 billion yen (928 million USD) in FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologiesâ Hillerød, Denmark site to double its large-scale cell culture manufacturing capacity and add commercial scale drug product production capabilities.
âWe are leveraging our strengths in process development and manufacturing for a wide range of biopharmaceuticals such as antibodies, recombinant proteins, gene therapies and vaccines,â said Martin Meeson, chief executive officer at FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies. âWe are uniquely placed to support our customer supply chain needs providing end to end services from small to large scale bulk drug substance production, through to fill-finish and final packing.â
Fujifilm has set a target to achieve an annual revenue of 200 billion yen for its Bio CDMO business* by fiscal year ending March 2025. Beyond fiscal year ending March 2026, Fujifilm expects this latest investment to boost the annual growth rate of its Bio CDMO Business to 20%, greatly exceeding market projections. Going forward, Fujifilm will continue to contribute to the healthcare industry by providing a stable supply of high quality pharmaceuticals.
This podcast is a visit with Katelyn Brown of the Destination Bryan tourism agency and WTAW's Bill Oliver. Topics include downtown Bryan's First Friday moving to January 8 because of the New Year's Day holiday.
This podcast is a visit with Lt. Ethan Ballard of the Bryan fire marshal's office and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Smoke detectors alerted a west Bryan family to a fire before sunrise Friday morning.
Lt. Ethan Ballard of the Bryan fire marshal's office says two adults, two children, two dogs, and a cat were not injured.
No cause has been determined to the fire on Hickory Ridge in The Traditions.
Six units from the Bryan and College Station fire departments responded to the alarm just after 3:30 Friday morning.
No firefighters were injured. No neighboring homes were threatened.
Ballard says firefighters arrived to find heavy fire and smoke at the rear of the one level home.
Firefighters had to go into a defensive position after the fire spread into the attic which is located under a tin roof.
Congressman Bill Flores of Bryan visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his time in Congress.
Aubrey Nettles, Economic Development Manager, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the Economic Assistance Grant, how to apply, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Robert Edmonson, a biologist for the Texas A&M Forest Service, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about cedar fever season and how to differentiate between COVID-19, cedar fever, and cold/flu symptoms.
David Werley, BTU's business and customer operations director, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their partnership with a research company to conduct a customer service satisfaction survey.
Bernie Acre, Chief Information Officer, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the future of city-owned broadband internet, the request for citizens and businesses to complete a survey about broadband, the possibility of a public-private partnership, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and WTAW's Bill Oliver. Topics includes an update on UWBV's community campaign and a preview of upcoming activities.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about the process of administering the coronavirus vaccine in Brazos County, how to improve the process, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is comments from the January 5, 2021 Brazos County commission meeting. Speakers include the Brazos Valley district coordinator for the Texas department of emergency management Ponch Gonzales, Brazos County emergency management coordinator Michelle Meade, and commissioners Nancy Berry, Irma Cauley, and Russ Ford.
Brazos County commissioners share their dissatisfaction about what they consider is the low percentage of coronavirus vaccine that has been administered so far.
Commissioner Russ Ford said that was "unacceptable".
Commissioners were told Tuesday morning that Brazos County has 7,075 doses. That includes 1,500 doses that arrived Tuesday but won't be available to patients until next week.
Out of the nearly 5,600 doses that are available, 3,000 patients have received the first of two vaccinations.
Responding to the commission's frustrations were the Brazos Valley district coordinator for the Texas department of emergency management Ponch Gonzales and Brazos County emergency management coordinator Michelle Meade.
Gonzales said "the judge and the commissioners can obviously request these providers to step up their game. But logistically, it's a big undertaking. Just because of each individual that goes in there, you're talking about a 45 minute time pack for each individual. So you multiply that by 300,000 in the county, that's a lot of minutes. So, they're getting it done as fast as they can. Logistically, you're still pulling somebody off a job to go give a shot when they need to be in the ICU."
Commissioners suggested expanding vaccination sites to fire departments. Gonzales told WTAW News there has been push back from fire chiefs around Texas and around the country, explaining a fire chief may say "Hey wait, back the bus up. We don't want to be part of that because we're putting our people at risk unduly...meaning yes, we're going to transport somebody, but are we going to take on this other job when we're already short staffed because we have COVID positive in our staff and we're short handed and we're on overtime."
The executive director of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Bentley Nettles of Bryan, visited with WTAW's Scott DeLucia on The Infomaniacs in an interview that aired December 29, 2020.
State Representative John Raney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about starting the 87th Texas legislature session next week, Governor Greg Abbott possibly being considered as a presidential candidate, changes in the election process this year, the new speaker, Texas education, operating during the pandemic, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
State Representative Kyle Kacal visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about going back to session, coronavirus vaccines, legislation he has introduced, the relationship between the state legislature and big city representation, broadband service, redistricting, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Retiring Brazos County sheriff Chris Kirk visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia, December 31 2020.
This podcast is a visit with the publicity chairwoman of the Fun For All playground, Lisa Aldrich, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The second phase of the privately funded Fun For All playground for people with special needs at College Station's Central Park is open.
Publicity chairwoman Lisa Aldrich says "it's a soft opening (and) we're going to be a party when we get past some of this COVID."
includes the John David and Carolyn Crow memorial field with artificial turf, two wheelchair accessible merry go rounds, a sensory panel maze containing bright colors, restrooms, and shower facilities.
Phase three of the park, which includes a fishing pier, quiet area, and stick forest, is in the design and fundraising stage.
The $3.5 million dollar park a collaborative effort of the city of College Station and area Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs.
More information about the playground is at cstx.gov/funforall
This podcast is a review of United Way of the Brazos Valley activities in 2020 with UWBV president Alison Prince, UWBV board member Steve Fullhart, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Congressman Bill Flores of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about stimulus checks for Americans, the money we are sending to foreign governments, what the energy bill means for Texas, what the 17th District could look like after redistricting, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Alejandra Dorbecker visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about being part of the Spanish broadcast team for Texas A&M Football this season.
Retiring Brazos County district court judge Travis Bryan III visited with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about his 40 year legal career.
That included serving as a private practice attorney, eight years at Brazos County District Attorney, and more than 12 years as the judge in Brazos County's 272nd district court.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about coronavirus hospitalization rates, pandemic restrictions, local hospital leadership, the conflict with Blue Cross Blue Shield and CHI St. Luke's Health, wrapping up 2020, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from demographer Bob Templeton during the December 15, 2020 College Station ISD school board meeting.
This month's College Station school board meeting included a biannual report from the district's demographer.
Bob Templeton says there were 212 fewer students in CSISD during the fall semester compared with projections. The decrease was in pre-K and elementary grades. Templeton says some parents chose not to enroll their children in pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade classes.
Templeton says lower numbers in public and charter schools was primarily due to elementary students moving to home schools.
Templeton is expecting CSISD to have 1800 more students in the next five years. He says that will be driven by new home construction, which he says has not slowed down during the pandemic.
Templeton says CSISD could add more than 500 students next year...of which more than 200 will be returning after leaving during the first year of the pandemic.
While CSISD enrollment was down about two percent, Templeton says enrollment in the fastest growing school districts was down between five and six percent.
Statewide, the pandemic is projected to be responsible for a drop of more than 200,000 public school students during the fall semester. Before the pandemic, Templeton said Texas was adding 60,000 to 80,000 students a year.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Sunday was the seventh straight day the pandemic was responsible for more than 15 percent of hospital populations in the Bryan/College Station region. That triggers new business restrictions.
That includes closing more than 30 bars in Brazos County that generate at least 51 percent of their revenue from alcohol sales.
Brazos County judge Duane Peters, who received the notification Monday from the state health department, says he can not apply to reopen those bars until the hospital occupancy rate falls under 15 percent for seven consecutive days.
Other restrictions according to the city of Bryan website:
Any business establishment that otherwise would have a 75% occupancy limit must operate at up to only 50%.
Surgeries: Elective surgeries, as defined in Executive Order GA-31, must reschedule unless they âwould not deplete any hospital capacity needed to cope with the COVID-19 disaster.â
The following activities/services are NOT impacted by these occupancy changes:
Religious services
Local government operations
Childcare services
Public or private schools
Youth camps
Adult or youth recreational sports
Drive-in movies, concerts and similar events
Personal care/beauty establishments with at least six feet of social distancing between work stations
Services listed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in its Guidance on the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce.
This podcast contains comments from the Brazos County commission's legal counsel, Ed Bull, during the December 22, 2020 county commission meeting.
Brazos County commissioners are preparing to possibly change the provider of health insurance for its employees.
That was part of an update given by the commission's legal counsel, Ed Bull, during Tuesday's meeting regarding the contract that ended the week before between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) and CommonSpirit, the corporate owner of CHI St. Joseph hospitals.
Bull says he's been in contact with the county's outside health insurance consultant, and hopes that BCBSTX and CommonSpirit will reach an agreement in the next few weeks.
Bull was told both sides are open to negotiations, but at the time of his report he was not aware of talks resuming.
This podcast includes comments from the December 15, 2020 College Station ISD school board meeting from the district's chief financial officer Amy Drozd and superintendent Mike Martindale.
December's College Station ISD school board meeting included a second report from administrators laying the groundwork for a possible bond issue next November.
Chief financial officer Amy Drozd says without raising the tax rate, the bond issue could be between $44 and $58 million dollars. The amount depends on CSISD's assessed valuation.
No one expressed opposition to pursuing bond money for renovating facilities, a list of maintenance items that includes heating/air conditioning systems, roofs, plumbing and electrical work, safety and security items, undefined Fine Arts issues, technology purchases, and buying land.
A potential time includes a continuing assessment by administrators through March 2021, followed by the board creating a facilities committee in April.
College Station Mayor Karl Mooney visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about Christmas in the Park, new structures, signing up for city committees and boards, coronavirus statistics, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Bill Flores of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about pandemic relief bill that was recently passed, how the Biden administration will impact the energy industry, what Washington should do to control big companies taking over, term limits, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
For the second time during the pandemic, the Brazos County tax office will be closed to the public.
Tax assessor Kristy Roe says the office will be closed for the holidays on Wednesday instead of Thursday for additional cleaning.
That's after several employees in key positions are out after being infected or being exposed.
The tax office will be closed through next Monday.
A second drop box has been added outside the building. And online payment options are available at the tax office website, brazostax.org.
News release from Brazos County tax assessor-collector Kristy Roe:
The Brazos County Tax Office will be closed for an additional day this Christmas Holiday starting Wednesday, December 23rd through Monday, December 28th. There has been an increase in the number of staff who are currently quarantining as a result of being exposed and/or testing positive for COVID-19, leaving the office short staffed and unable to serve the public appropriately. The additional day will provide the opportunity for extra cleaning and disinfecting of the facility. The Brazos County Tax Office will reopen at 8am on Tuesday, December 29th.
The Tax Office would like to remind residents of the multiple ways to access our services outside of visiting the Tax Office. While there may be some transactions that could require coming to the office, most can be handled through the mail, on the internet, at your local grocery store, or by simply dropping your transactions in either of our night deposit boxes.
Please note that the Tax Office has added an additional drop box for walk up payments. The secure box is located near the front entrance to the building. Like the secure drop box located in lane one of the drive-through windows, payments should be placed in an envelope with any instructions or payment coupons or statements.
Property tax payment information and processing is available on the Tax Office website at www.brazostax.org.
Brazos County thanks the public for its understanding and patience as we navigate the Covid-19 pandemic and seek to ensure the safety of Brazos County residents and our employees.
This podcast is a visit with United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince, representatives of UWBV partner agency Easter Seals of Greater Houston Dena Day and Teresa Weichman, and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
This podcast is an interview with the senior vice president of operations for CommonSpirit's Texas Division Doug Lawson and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Lawson talks about the end of the contract between CommonSpirit, the parent company of CHI St. Joseph Health, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas.
More information is available at https://fairratesforstlukes.com/
Statement from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas:
Following months of extensive negotiations, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) was unable to reach an agreement with CommonSpirit Health, the parent company of CHI-St. Lukeâs Health, to keep the health system in the BCBSTX networks.
The negotiation started after CommonSpirit Health sent a termination notification on June 19 of its intent to leave the BCBSTX networks on Dec. 16, 2020. The health system demanded double-digit increases in the prices BCBSTX members pay for care.
BCBSTX made a generous offer to CommonSpirit, which they chose not to accept. Now, they are out-of-network for all networks except MyBlue Healthâ .
âDespite our best efforts to avoid disrupting our members and their patients during a pandemic, CommonSpirit Health made the choice to leave our networks,â said Shara McClure, BCBSTXâs divisional SVP, Texas Health Care Delivery. âTheir demands come as businesses have suffered huge financial losses, with many of our customers forced to lay off thousands of employees. As well, their demands would drive up the cost of health care in the Houston and southeast Texas region, which already has some of the highest prices in the nation.â
Now, BCBSTX is making every effort to make sure members are moved to other doctors, hospitals and surgery centers as seamlessly as possible. Here are the steps BCBSTX members should take to find in-network doctors and providers:
Call the Customer Service number on your member ID card
Search our Provider Finder®.
For personalized search results based on your health plan and network, register or log in to Blue Access for MembersSM.
âUnderstandably, any change to the BCBSTX provider networks is cause for concern for our members,â McClure continued. âWeâve contacted other in-network hospitals and theyâve assured us that they can and will welcome our members. Our priority is to help our members experience as little inconvenience as possible as they change to other quality, credentialed healthcare providers in our network.â
Physicians who work at CommonSpirit Health were not part of this negotiation. Moreover, many doctors have privileges at other hospitals, or they can apply for privileges at other in-network hospitals.
âRight now, we are working with in-network hospitals to speed up granting privileges to doctors who only have privileges at CommonSpirit Health, so they can continue to care for our members,â McClure said. âWe encourage our members to talk with their doctors about their care options.â
BCBSTX members being treated for a disability, acute condition, life-threatening illness or are in the second trimester of pregnancy (or as set forth in their health plan), may be covered by what is known as âcontinuity of care.â This means members may still be able to use CommonSpirit Health facilities at the in-network level of benefits.
Members who are eligible for continuity of care, will not be balance billed or have to pay more than the amount covered by their plan, even if CommonSpirit Health charges more.
For questions or help filling out the continuity of care request form, BCBSTX members can call the number on your member ID card. Customer advocates will help answer questions about specific benefits and provide guidance.
This podcast contains comments about pandemic relief assistance approved during the Bryan city council meeting on December 8, 2020 and the College Station city council meeting on December 10, 2020.
Another $2 million dollars in pandemic grant money was awarded during last week's Bryan and College Station city council meetings.
The Bryan council approved distributing $1.6 million to 14 organizations. Mayor Andrew Nelson and city manager Kean Register agreed the money should go to outside organizations instead of city departments.
The College Station city council approved a $400,000 dollar grant for a new Brazos Valley Food Bank program to deliver food twice a week to qualified recipients.
That was after College Station community services director Debbie Eller provided an update on what the city has done so far and is projecting to do in the future.
Since the council meeting, College Station economic development manager Aubrey Nettles has written a blog inviting small business applicants to apply for another $400,000 dollars of pandemic assistance.
This podcast contains comments made during the December 14, 2020 Bryan ISD school board meeting from the mother of a Bryan High School student.
The mother of a Bryan High School student tells the school board that Google needs to provide tools to prevent unwanted content on BISD e-mail accounts and document sharing that the district uses from Google.
Speaking during the public comment portion of Monday night's meeting, the mother said she previously spoke with the superintendent and the Bryan high principal after finding images of naked body parts in her child's BISD e-mail account.
WTAW News e-mailed Google Monday night requesting a statement. We'll add that statement when we receive it.
There was no response from board members Monday night because state law prohibits comments on items that are not on the agenda. Board president Mark McCall provided the following statement to WTAW News:
At the Monday, December 14, 2020, Board Meeting a public comment was heard regarding District Internet Filtering protocols as they apply to internally uploaded student documents and media. This issue was first brought to the attention of the Administration which immediately conducted a thorough investigation. Bryan ISD has very effective internet filters in place, that go beyond legal requirements for school districts. The technology team is always researching additional filtering solutions to ensure we have the strongest safeguards in place. Our teachers also work with students on Digital Citizenship, and we recommend that parents review the Digital Citizenship and the Bryan ISD Acceptable Use Guidelines that are available at bryanisd.org with their children as well. And, login to the learner's Bryan ISD resources with your student. A parent may always reach out to bisd_helpdesk@bryanisd.org for assistance."
Newly elected Councilwoman Elizabeth Cunha visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her priorities during her time on council, public transportation, coronavirus pandemic relief, the possibility of a city-owned broadband service, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast is a visit with Baylor Scott & White Health-College Station region president Jason Jennings and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
The first shipment of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine to College Station's Baylor Scott & White hospital arrived on Thursday.
President Jason Jennings says vaccinations begin Friday morning of health care workers taking care of patients, particularly those with COVID-19.
Jennings hopes to complete vaccinations by Christmas of the 195 doses that were received in the first shipment.
Jennings says dry ice kept a 66 pound container that looks like a large pizza box at minus 70 degrees Celsius (minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit).
The vaccine vials are now in a freezer that the hospital already had.
Jennings reminds everyone to continue preventative measures and to contact your health care provider when you start experiencing symptoms.
Bea Saba, Director of the Bryan + College Station Public Library System, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a new homework help service, getting a library card, adult resources, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Lauren Spitznagle, Executive Director of the Sexual Assault Resource Center of the Brazos Valley, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about their services during the pandemic, a recent gift they received to hire a new counselor, and what is still needed for their organization.
Bryan Mayor Andrew Nelson visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about manufacturing the coronavirus vaccine in Bryan/College Station, The Queen Theatre, the possibility of a city-owned broadband service, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs.
Congressman Bill Flores of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about a government funding bill, a coronavirus relief bill, coronavirus vaccine approvals, and more during his weekly Washington update on The Infomaniacs.
Speakers in this podcast includes Bryan ISD construction Paul Buckner from the December 14, 2020 BISD school board meeting.
Monday night's Bryan ISD school board meeting included taking action on three items associated with the $175 million dollar bond issue that was approved by voters last month.
Unanimous votes included selecting the construction manager at risk...or CMAR...that be in charge of BISD's third intermediate school that will take up part of the current site of the transportation and maintenance complex. The CMAR will also be in charge of the district's new transportation and maintenance center. Five firms submitted proposals and three were interviewed. The board selected Drymalla Construction of Columbus.
After the meeting, WTAW News learned the transportation/maintenance complex will be built on BISD property in the area of West Villa Maria and Jones Road. Neither the board or administrators announced Monday night the decision to use district property after making then withdrawing two offers to buy land. That will save $2 million dollars that was part of the bond issue.
The board also awarded its first construction contract from the 2020 bond issue. Selected to renovate the Stephen F. Austin middle school annex was JaCody Construction of College Station. The $2.4 million dollar contract is $2 million below the architect's estimate. Construction is supposed to be completed in time for the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Five contractors submitted bids. It was not disclosed during the meeting how many were interviewed.
WTAW News Director Bill Oliver reads the text of the recently installed state historical marker in front of the Old Bryan City Cemetery, also known as Yellow Fever Cemetery.
Here is the text of the marker, located along the southbound freeway frontage road between Highway 21 and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive:
As the first public cemetery for the city of Bryan, the Old Bryan City Cemetery (also known as Bryan's old graveyard and Bryan's public cemetery) was in use by 1861.
It predates the incorporation of the city of Bryan and is sited on land originally owned by William Joel Bryan, the town of Bryan's namesake.
It was eventually replaced by the Bryan city cemetery and Oakwood cemetery closer to the townsite of Bryan.
In some public documents, the cemetery is referred to as the Yellow Fever cemetery. The name may originate from the large number of yellow fever deaths in Brazos County in 1867 and again in 1873.
After many years of deterioration, there is only one marked grave in the cemetery: James P. King (1835-1868). A mason and member of the Belmont masonic lodge No. 131, King was also a Confederate veteran, having served as first corporal in the spy company of Gonzales County.
Another identified burial is that of Union civil war veteran John Skues.
City ordinances authorized this as a burial ground for paupers, and the small number of extant headstones is evidence that many burials were for poor or transient people.
The few burial records that exist show a variety of backgrounds, including immigrants form Italy, Ireland, England and Germany, and a variety of ages and ethnicities.
In 1868, the city of Bryan began burying citizens in the new city cemetery.
Although little is known about the numerous burials, the Old Bryan City Cemetery represents the heritage of the early settlers of Bryan and Brazos County.
United Way of the Brazos Valley president Alison Prince and immediate past board chairman Steve Fullhart visit with WTAW's Bill Oliver about UWBV's top five success stories of 2020.
Tifani Witherspoon, Jail Administrator, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about the new sheriff's office and jail, Tuesday's ribbon cutting ceremony, and more.
Senator Charles Schwertner visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about his proposal to cap college fees at their current levels, prohibit any future increases from exceeding the rate of inflation, and require public universities to submit their annual report on cost transparency to the Legislature.
This podcast is a visit with state representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
None of the 1.4 million doses of coronavirus vaccine in the first distribution to Texas hospitals are going to 157 rural locations.
That led a Brazos Valley state lawmaker to send a letter to the state health commissioner.
Representative Trent Ashby of Lufkin...whose district includes Madison and Leon counties...received a response the same day from Dr. John Hellerstedt.
Ashby tells WTAW News it "seems clear to me that rural Texas, our voice has been heard. It's not set in stone but it sure appears to me at this point that we'll be included in the next round of vaccines."
Ashby's letter stated in part that "Rural Texans represent 15% of the stateâs population; Many rural counties are experiencing higher proportional surges than their urban neighbors without the same access to care that urban counties enjoy. Though some rural hospitals might be ill-equipped to meet the sub-zero storage and packaging requirements necessary for Pfizer and DSHS to authorize vaccine allotments, itâs disappointing that the entities responsible for distribution disregarded rural hospitals without any consideration. Had Pfizer or DSHS communicated with rural healthcare providers, it would have become clear that there are any number of rural facilities that not only meet the aforementioned requirements, but also made plans to regionally assist other rural communities to ensure equal access."
Ashby told WTAW News that Pfizer, the only vaccine manufacturer in the first distribution, ships a minimum of 975 vaccines per order. Ashby says Moderna, which will be involved in the next distribution, ships a minimum 100 doses per order.
Yvette Dela Torre, Deputy Local Registrar, visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about her job of handling birth and death records in the city of College Station and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs.
This podcast contains comments from the December 8, 2020 Bryan city council workshop meeting. Speakers include the city of Bryan's chief information officer Bernie Acre and chief financial officer Joe Hegwood.
Before 75 percent of Bryan city voters approved an amendment to the city charter supporting a city owned broadband service, city employees were investigating that idea.
What has been done so far, was presented during a city council workshop on Tuesday.
Chief information officer Bernie Acre says a survey completed by council members and the BTU board will go out to Bryan residents next month.
The BTU board and city council will be asked next April whether to move ahead.
Acre said if the council approves, the fastest the first customers would have access to the service is 18 to 24 months. The fastest that it would be available city-wide would be five years and the build out at a "good pace" would be ten years.
Chief financial officer Joe Hegwood said the estimated cost would be between $125 million and $180 million dollars.
This podcast is an interview with city of College Station assistant parks director Kelly Kelbly and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Construction has resumed, and in some cases have been completed at many College Station parks, after projects were suspended due to the pandemic.
Assistant parks director Kelly Kelbly says reopening the trail at Lick Creek Park was delayed to next spring because pipe associated with a major wastewater line going under the trail did not arrive on schedule.
Kelbly says by the end of the month, work is expected to wrap up at Central Park on new pavilions, restrooms, and the second phase of the Fun For All Playground.
She also said work is expected to wrap up by the end of the month at Bee Creek Park.
And at Veterans Park, replacing roundabouts, adding sidewalks, and drainage improvements are expected to be finished next February.
Newly elected councilman Flynn Adcock visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about being elected to the council, the possibility of city owned internet service, what he is hearing from constituents, holiday events, and more.
This podcast contains comments from Blinn College consultant Alan Colyer.
More than four years ago, Blinn College stopped clearing land in west Bryan when the board of trustees decided to create a branch campus at the Texas A&M system's RELLIS campus.
The future of the 95 acres at Leonard Road and FM 2818 was part of Tuesday's master plan update by Blinn's outside consultants.
Alan Colyer reported they are meeting Friday with a developer to explore how "the property best suits Blinn going forward. Is it something where you would like to sell it (and) get the money from it, or are there secondary uses that could support Blinn's strategies?"
Congressman Bill Flores of Bryan (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about legislative action in Washington D.C., Nancy Pelosi, a coronavirus relief bill, stimulus checks, and more during his weekly Washington update.
Congressman Kevin Brady from the 8th District (R-TX) visits with WTAW's Scott DeLucia about what happens on the committee level when the party lines are narrow, the Problem Solvers Caucus, a coronavirus relief package, legislation to prevent surprise medical bills, election lawsuits, and more.
This podcast is comments from Bryan ISD school board president Mark McCall during their December 7, 2020 meeting.
Bryan ISD school board members during their December 7, 2020 meeting unanimously voted to support president Mark McCall's recommendation to fill a board vacancy by taking applications.
McCall said that was after he found no interest from members of BISD committees.
The single member district five position that covers the west side of the district has been vacant since Doug Wunneburger left in September.
The BISD administration office will be accepting resumes from interested applicants.
This podcast is comments from Bryan ISD superintendent Christie Whitbeck during the December 8, 2020 BISD school board meeting.
Bryan school board members at the December 7, 2020 meeting approved giving employees a holiday bonus.
Superintendent Christie Whitbeck says it's a one time thank you for going above and beyond during the pandemic. Salaried employees will receive $500 dollars and hourly workers $250 dollars.
The more than $1 million dollar expense will come from either reimbursements from pandemic expenses and/or BISD's savings account.
The bonus will be added to BISD employee December 15th paychecks.
Joseph Pettibon, Vice President for Enrollment and Academic Services, visits with WTAW's Chelsea Reber about December graduation ceremonies at Texas A&M's flagship campus, changes due to coronavirus, and more.
Speakers in this podcast are United Way of the Brazos Valley (UWBV) president Alison Prince and Bryan/College Station Salvation Army commanding officer Lt. Tim Israel.
Prince reminds listeners of Wednesday's distribution of masks outside the Brazos Center from 4 until 6 p.m.
Israel shares how UWBV contributions assist the Salvation Army, and he gives an update on the Salvation Army's holiday assistance campaigns.
This podcast is an interview with assistant Brazos County district attorney Nathan Wood and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
On December 8, 2017, a crash in College Station on University near Tarrow took the life of a retired Brazos County clerk's office employee and injured her son and a person riding in the other vehicle.
The week before the third anniversary of the crash, a plea agreement was approved November 30 in Brazos County district court, where a College Station man admitted to manslaughter and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Assistant district attorney Nathan Wood says investigators determined Madeen Maredia was driving 87 miles per hour two seconds before the collision.
After the court appearance, Maredia, who was 17 at the time of the crash, began serving 60 days in jail as one condition of probation.
Wood says probation also includes Maredia returning to jail in 2021 to serve time the day before, the day of, and the day after the crash.
Other conditions include Maredia writing a letter of apology to the victim's family and not receive a speeding ticket.
There is also a $2,500 dollar fine and a requirement to do at least 10 hours of community service each month until a total of 200 hours are completed.
This podcast is a visit with Brazos County sheriff's deputy David Wilcox and WTAW's Bill Oliver.
Two Wellborn middle school students were arrested this week for bringing weapons to school.
Brazos County sheriff's deputy David Wilcox says the arrests came after another student told administrators they saw a gun in a classmates backpack. That gun had no magazine.
The other student had a magazine containing ammunition.
Both were charged with unlawful carrying of a firearm and illegal possession inside a school.
A Brazos County sheriff's school resource deputy was also involved in the investigation of the incident.
Wilcox said "at this time there is no information, there's nothing that would lead us to believe that this was going into something violent or if that was ever the intention."
Wilcox said "it was very poor decisions on bringing weapons onto school property", adding "show and tell is a good way to put" what happened.
Wilcox also praised the student who reported what they saw, saying "that is a wonderful thing that allowed us to go ahead and figure that out and take the appropriate action."
This podcast contains comments from the November 23, 2020 College Station city council meeting. Speakers include Venessa Garza of the city of College Station's planning office and various city council members.
More green space owned by the city of College Station has been officially turned to parkland. It's the fourth time this year the city council has approved a conversion, which means the property can not be sold without voter approval.
Venessa Garza of the College Station planning office presented the new locations. They are acreage east of the freeway between Forest and Emerald Parkways, off Wellborn Road behind First United Methodist Church, land that connects Creek View and Edelweiss Gartens Parks, and expanding University Park along the north city limits.