College Station Community Faces Mixed Emotions with Councilwoman Linda Harvell’s Departure and Recent Halloween Incidents

College Station Mourns the Departure of Councilwoman Linda Harvell

On November 1, 2024, College Station said goodbye to one of its dedicated council members, Councilwoman Linda Harvell. She recently sat down for a heartwarming exit interview with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia, reminiscing about her time in office and sharing her thoughts on the newly formed tourism committee.

During the chat, Harvell reflected on her many accomplishments, saying, “It’s been an incredible journey. We’ve made strides in improving our parks, supporting local businesses, and enhancing community engagement.” With a passion for uplifting the College Station community, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve.

The councilwoman also weighed in on the idea of single-member districts in College Station. Her take? It’s essential for representation and ensuring that every voice is heard. “We need to ensure that all areas of our city have equal access to representation,” said Harvell. “It’s about making sure everyone feels connected.” Her insights sparked lively discussions among listeners, highlighting the importance of engaging in local governance.

Halloween Party Chaos: College Station Police Step In

In an unexpected turn of events, College Station police found themselves working overtime this Halloween night. An enormous party in the Southside neighborhood took an unexpected turn when they arrived to manage an estimated 400 to 500 revelers celebrating late into the night. The party had ties to Texas A&M baseball players Hayden Schott and Jace Laviolette, drawing even more attention as it raised questions in the college athletics community.

As the night unfolded, police issued citations to both Schott and Laviolette for offenses related to noise. There was also a bartender who landed in jail for a more serious infraction: serving alcohol to minors. It seems the party boasted more than just spooktacular fun; it stirred up some real trouble for those involved.

Drunk Driving Arrests Shake the Community

Meanwhile, another incident raised eyebrows – and not in a good way. Bryan police arrested a woman, Latisha Narvell, for driving under the influence with a breath alcohol level of more than three and a half times the legal limit. In a distressing twist, Narvell had two children in the vehicle who weren’t even strapped into proper car seats. Thankfully, those children are now in safe hands with their grandparents.

At the same time, BPD officers were following up on another reckless situation as well. A truck driver was apprehended after performing dangerous stunts on the road, ending up behind bars for reckless driving. In College Station, alcohol-related offenses have rattled the community this Halloween, reminding everyone of the importance of safety and responsibility.

Blinn College Expands: New Campus on the Way!

On a brighter note, exciting news emerged from the educational sector. Blinn College announced its acquisition of a 100-acre site in Waller County for its sixth campus, coming with a price tag of over $19.5 million. Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This marks a historic moment for Blinn College and the community.” The new campus aims to offer comprehensive academic and workforce training programs, aiming to inspire and empower students.

As Blinn prepares to grow, it emphasizes a commitment to accessibility and excellence in academics. With additional offerings like the Texas A&M-Blinn TEAM Program, students have unique opportunities at their fingertips.

Keeping the Peace: Police Report on Recent Incidents

As the sun set on October 27, Bryan police found themselves responding to yet another bizarre incident. A man attempted to break into a stranger’s home but was caught red-handed. The homeowner, understandably startled, defended his property and struck the intruder with an aluminum bat. It’s a stark reminder of the need for community awareness and vigilance.

As the month of October comes to a close, College Station is witnessing a mix of triumph and trials. With meaningful community endeavors led by local leaders and the threats of reckless behavior, it’s evident that maintaining a balance will be crucial. As city officials continue to engage, the heart of Texas A&M’s vibrant community remains resilient and steadfast.