Brazos County Updates: Security Enhancements and Community Support

News Summary

Brazos County announces vital updates, including enhanced security measures at the juvenile detention center, expanded disability services at Texas A&M, and budget amendments addressing storm damage. The juvenile detention center will see the installation of a perimeter security fence, improving outdoor access for detained youths. Texas A&M is remodeling facilities to better accommodate students with disabilities during tests. Additionally, a hail storm has prompted budget adjustments to cover vehicle repairs. The community continues to come together in the face of challenges, ensuring support and enhancement for all residents.

Brazos County Updates: Security, Accommodations, and Storm Damage

Hey there, Brazos County! There’s been a flurry of activity with some important updates in our community that we want to share with you. From bolstering security at the juvenile detention center to improving disability services at Texas A&M, and even addressing damage from a recent hail storm—there’s a lot in store!

Upgrading Security at the Juvenile Detention Center

First up, let’s talk about the juvenile detention center. The Brazos County commissioners have approved a new contract to install a perimeter security fence, and it’s about time! With a price tag of just over $9,600, the contract has gone to the same Houston company that handled the original fencing. This move comes as a response to a juvenile escape back in November 2024, which was the first of its kind since the facility opened.

Before this upgrade, the absence of a perimeter fence limited the opportunities for detained juveniles to enjoy some much-needed outdoor recreational activities. So, this new fence isn’t just about security—it’s about providing these youths a chance to step outside and engage in healthier activities.

Texas A&M Expands Disability Services

Switching gears to Texas A&M, there’s exciting news for the approximately 6,000 students registered with the university’s disability services center! Kristie Orr, the center’s director, recently announced a remodeling project aimed at enhancing the facilities for students needing accommodations. The project will convert a former open-access computer lab into two private testing rooms and three larger spaces, allowing room for up to 123 students during testing periods.

The current accommodation facilities are often stretched thin, typically accommodating just 96 students at peak testing times. Many times, students have to take tests in makeshift areas, which can be distracting. Thanks to these renovations, students can soon expect a more comfortable and suitable testing environment.

Furthermore, faculty members now have new roles as liaisons, bridging communication between the accommodation center and students. And mark your calendars! A new data management system is set to roll out on or around May 16, 2025, aiming to streamline processes further.

Hail Storm Damage and County Budget Amendments

In other news, Brazos County recently dealt with the aftermath of a hail storm that wreaked havoc on 29 county-owned vehicles. The damage isn’t pretty, with estimates ranging from $2,000 to over $11,000 per vehicle! On April 15, 2025, the county commissioners decided to approve a budget amendment of $130,000 to cover insurance deductibles and other expenses related to the storm.

Commissioner Fred Brown chimed in, indicating that the county might avoid paying $1,000 deductibles per vehicle due to this budget amendment. The county’s insurance risk manager, Leslie Contreras, explained that the claims process involves paying for repairs upfront and then seeking reimbursement from the insurance carrier, which helps prevent future increases in insurance premiums.

Legal Updates: Kenton Lister Indicted

And lastly, some sobering news from the legal front. A grand jury has indicted a College Station man named Kenton Lister for the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old that occurred back in March 2015. The indictment, filed on April 21, 2025, is based on new DNA evidence that came to light during an unrelated investigation.

As of now, Lister has been in the Brazos County jail since October 2024 and faces multiple felony charges, including evading arrest and family violence. He has a lengthy history of incarcerations and is currently held on a hefty bond of $545,000.

That wraps up our latest updates from Brazos County! Remember to stay informed and engaged with your community, and let’s support one another through these times of change and challenge.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

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Additional Resources

• WTAW: Additional Fencing News
• Wikipedia: Brazos County, Texas
• KBTX: Brazos County Arrest
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas
• KXXV: Bell County Juvenile Escape
• Google Search: Brazos County Juvenile Detention
• The Eagle: Local News
• Google Scholar: Texas A&M Disability Services
• WSFA: Critical Condition News
• Google News: Texas A&M Hail Storm