Exciting Week Ahead in Bryan: OPAS Season Kicks Off, School Safety Concerns, and Major Development Opportunities

Exciting Times in Bryan with Upcoming Events and Community News

In the vibrant city of Bryan, there’s a lot happening this week that both residents and visitors will find intriguing. The 52nd season of the OPAS performing arts series is kicking off on Tuesday night, September 24, at Rudder Auditorium. It’s one of the most anticipated events of the year, and Executive Director Anne Black is thrilled to announce that tickets are still available for the sensational performances by Michael Feinstein, celebrating the legendary music of Tony Bennett. Showtimes are set for 7:30 PM on both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. If you’re a fan of great music, this is an exciting opportunity you won’t want to miss!

Fans eager for more details about the performances and the full lineup of the OPAS season, which carries the theme “Legends and Icons,” can visit the OPAS website. The upcoming entertainment not only includes incredible music but also a variety of shows that showcase the talents of performers from all walks of life. This season promises to be as captivating as ever!

Concerns Over School Safety

Shifting gears a bit, the community has been faced with some troubling news recently. Last week, Bryan police made an arrest after a Bryan High student was found with a gun in their backpack. Just as this incident settled, another alarming situation arose where a Rudder High student was arrested for making a false report about a gun. A representative from the police department confirmed that the student knowingly lied when making the accusation and was taken to juvenile detention. As of September 24, Bryan ISD has yet to issue a statement regarding this incident.

Meanwhile, the situation in nearby Navasota has also been serious. A student from Navasota High was arrested for making a threat on social media. A letter from the school’s superintendent indicated that although the threat did not involve the school, it caused considerable concern among students and parents. Authorities describe the arrest as being related to making a terroristic threat. Thankfully, the student was quickly released to their parents, and the juvenile probation office has been notified.

Fire Incident in South Bryan

In another incident, firefighters responded to a fire at a commercial building in South Bryan on the afternoon of September 24. The fire was reported at AG Solar Guard Window Tinting on South Texas Avenue, where significant fire and smoke were visible upon arrival. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but firefighters worked diligently with nine vehicles from four different stations. The suspected cause has been determined to be related to electrical issues. A brief closure of the affected area occurred but lasted less than an hour, allowing normal operations to resume promptly.

Major Development Opportunities

On a brighter note, the Bryan ISD school board recently discussed the potential of granting property tax breaks to a company called America’s Foundry Texas LLC that is considering building a semi-conductor manufacturing plant on the RELLIS campus. In a Monday meeting, board members unanimously decided to proceed with necessary approvals needed to move forward with negotiations that have already been cleared by both Brazos County commissioners and the Bryan city council.

This substantial project promises to have a significant financial impact, with an estimated investment of $11.6 billion and the potential to create thousands of jobs in the community. Initially set to start with 1,500 employees, the facility could eventually employ around 5,000 people. Additionally, it’s predicted that this manufacturing site could lead to the formation of 20 to 30 supporting businesses in the area. During the public hearing, various community stakeholders, including the Texas A&M system chancellor and the Bryan mayor, discussed the importance of this potential development for the region.

Looking Forward

These developments in Bryan highlight both the challenges and opportunities the community is facing. The upcoming OPAS performances provide a much-needed cultural boost, while the discussions surrounding school safety and economic growth keep residents engaged in the overall welfare of the area. It’s clear that as we move through this week, Bryan is buzzing with energy, creativity, and a resolve to come together as a community!