Bryan Community Faces Transition with Municipal Judge Retirement and Texas A&M Challenges

Bryan Welcomes Change as Municipal Judge Retires and Texas A&M Faces Challenges

In the bustling city of Bryan, there’s a feeling of bittersweet nostalgia as the community prepares to say goodbye to a familiar face. Colleen Batchelor, a dedicated associate judge in the municipal court, has announced her retirement, marking the end of an era. Batchelor has served the city with integrity since she was appointed to the bench in March of 1985. She is set to retire on March 31, 2025, and her contributions will surely be missed. The local mayor, Bobby Gutierrez, took a moment during the Bryan City Council meeting on December 10 to honor her commitment and service to the community.

During the council’s meeting, which concluded with a unanimous vote on the personnel action after an executive session, Batchelor was recognized for her years of hardworking service. She has been a guiding light in the municipal court, and her retirement will undoubtedly leave a significant void. Community members are encouraged to express their gratitude and share memories as she embarks on this new chapter.

Texas A&M’s President Addresses Faculty Concerns

Staying within the educational sphere, Texas A&M‘s president Mark Welsh faced a range of inquiries from faculty at the December faculty senate meeting. With a growing student body that now approaches 80,000, Welsh emphasized the need for “difficult conversations” about the future. The university aims to maintain a comfortable environment for students, and that means addressing budget and capacity challenges.

Welsh conveyed that before the university expands its undergraduate programs, it must first focus on its existing facilities and infrastructure. Academic deans were handed the tough task of either resizing current programs or justifying the creation of new ones, indicating a tough balancing act is on the horizon. However, this deliberation does not extend to increasing the number of graduate and online students, which Welsh noted is a different scenario.

To tackle these ongoing issues head-on, an external consultant is set to begin work in January to evaluate the university’s vast network of over 270 facilities. Faculty members took the opportunity to highlight concerns about the state of repairs and how these affect the student experience.

In a reassuring tone, Welsh confirmed that faculty would soon receive a list of upcoming projects slated for the next five years. When questioned about why funds were directed towards the RELLIS campus, Welsh clarified that these investments are necessary for the university’s future growth. He also addressed a specific incident regarding the treatment of LGBTQ students, stressing that everyone at the university deserves respect and should have a voice in the community.

Brazos County Commission Moves Forward with Construction Projects

December 10 meeting, the commission gave the thumbs up for various motions linked to six different construction initiatives. However, it was Commissioner Steve Aldrich who stirred the pot with excitement, encouraging drivers to explore the newly completed stretch of I&GN Road.

Among the approved items was a change order adding about $1,500 to the nearly $6 million project for I&GN Road, with additional changes reducing costs for bridge repairs by a collective $205,000 at four sites. The commission also voted on a contract for designing future enhancements on Democrat Road, along with recommendations for a new office building that will be located across from the courthouse.

Salvation Army’s Holiday Giving Spirit Brightens the Community

Lastly, let’s not forget the holiday spirit in Bryan. The Salvation Army announced that gifts have been successfully gathered for 2,300 Angel Tree recipients, which is heartwarming news! Spokeswoman Kathleen Sanderson shared her gratitude for last-minute donations for 200 children during her appearance on a local radio show. It’s a reminder that the community’s support goes a long way in ensuring every child experiences joy this season.

Looking for a way to lend a helping hand? Volunteers are still needed to help distribute gifts on December 17-18 and to ring bells at red kettle locations. If you have time to spare, your contributions would be greatly appreciated!

As Bryan continues to flourish, it’s these community efforts and changes within local institutions that truly enhance the city’s vibrancy and connection among its residents.