Brazos County Community Updates: Drainage Fixes, University Leadership Changes, and Local Incidents
In Brazos County, there’s been quite a bit of activity lately, and not all of it is sunshine and rainbows. Let’s break it down, shall we? First up, the Brazos County commissioners met on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, and agreed to dip deeper into their pockets to tackle some ongoing drainage issues between the tax office and the extension office buildings. This project initially had a hefty price tag of over $672,000, but the proposed changes have pushed the total cost up to a staggering $825,000. Yikes! Furthermore, due to some unexpected structural issues that popped up during the project, residents can expect an additional two months in construction time. This was all done with a unanimous vote, and there wasn’t any public discussion before stepping into that decision. If you’re intrigued about the specific change order that was approved, it’s available for review from the commission meeting.
Big Changes at Texas A&M
Switching gears, in the world of education, there’s a bittersweet farewell happening at Texas A&M University. Joe Ramirez, the Vice President for Student Affairs, has announced his retirement effective January 1, 2025. Ramirez has a legacy at A&M, having served as the 45th Commandant of the Corps of Cadets for 11 years, followed by nearly four years in his current role. In a heartfelt email to his colleagues, he expressed his gratitude for what he described as “an opportunity to serve the best university in the world.” He’s eager to dive into this new chapter of his life, which includes spending more quality time with his wife, their nine children, and eight grandchildren. Plus, he dreams of kicking back in the Caribbean with a drink in one hand and a cigar in the other. Sounds delightful, doesn’t it?
Reorganization at Bryan ISD
Over at the Bryan Independent School District (BISD), there’s been a notable restructuring of their central administration. During the school board meeting on October 21, three positions were approved as part of this shake-up, with the board members openly congratulating the newly appointed individuals. Notably, Brian Merrell is stepping into the Deputy Superintendent role after a two-year vacancy. Merrell has been a familiar face at BISD since 2018 and has extensive experience in educational leadership.
Also making a return is Warren Lamphier, now the Executive Director of Operations after previously serving as the Transportation Director. He’s ready to bring his expertise back to the district to manage auxiliary support services effectively. Tommy Roberts, who has made a significant impact as the principal at Bryan Collegiate High School, will take the reins of the district’s Human Resources department. It’s exciting to see familiar faces stepping into new roles!
Recent Local Incidents
On a less upbeat note, College Station has been dealing with some serious incidents lately. A four-year-old boy, who made headlines back in June after ingesting THC, is finally in the care of his mother. Tragically, his father and his girlfriend now find themselves facing jail time on child endangerment charges. What’s even more alarming is that, according to police reports, several substances were found in their home, raising concern about the boy’s health and safety.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get crazier, a hectic scene unfolded in the Northgate district as a 17-year-old faced charges for assaulting a family member and escaping a police vehicle with help from a friend. Thankfully, police were quick to act and apprehend her when she tripped trying to flee. She now has a hold from the Texas Juvenile Justice Department – a stark reminder of the challenges facing some of our community’s youth.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it! From drainage fixes to leadership changes at Texas A&M and some concerning incidents in College Station, there’s a lot happening in Brazos County. As always, it’s essential to stay informed and engaged with what’s going on in our community. Whether it’s uplifting news or reflecting on the hurdles we face, we all play a part in shaping the future of Brazos County together.
