Trial Begins in Local Baby’s Death

Four College Station Firefighters were dispatched yesterday to help with the Hydra Wildfire in Bosque County. They were activated as a part of TIFMAS (Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System) Tender that is maintained by Texas A&M Forest Service. Personnel deployed are Captain Z. Hall, Captain J. Yow, Acting Captain W. Vanadore, and Firefighter/Paramedic J.M. Moore. According to the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Hydra fire has consumed 1100 acres and is 25% contained. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

Brazos County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a call of a stalled vehicle on Wellborn at Norwood Drive around 5:30pm Tuesday. Callers reported that the driver of the vehicle was throwing objects at the cars of people who tried to offer assistance. 41-year-old Karla Jeannine West claimed that multiple were following and chasing her before she ran out of gas. Three vehicles were struck in all. Only one person wished to pursue charges. West was charged with Criminal Mischief under $100. She was released on $1,200 bond. This is her 3rd time in the Brazos County Jail with previous arrests for Family Violence Assault and Possession of a Controlled Subtance. Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.

The Texas A&M Forest Service announced on Wednesday that is awarding $145,000 in grants to Volunteer Fire Departments in the Brazos Valley. Three counties are in this round of grants: Burleson County: Deanville VFD – $10,000 for training aids Leon County: Centerville VFD – $45,000 for slip-on units East Leon County – VFD $45,000 for slip-on units Hilltop Lakes – VFD $25,000 for PPE Leona VFD – $10,000 for training aids Robertson County: Blackjack VFD – $10,000 for training aids   Here is the full press release: (COLLEGE STATION, TX) — Texas A&M Forest Service awarded nearly $5 million to 118 rural volunteer fire departments across the state to support firefighting equipment and emergency response needs. The $4.99 million awarded Aug. 26 will help departments purchase firefighting apparatus, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing and other resources needed to safely and effectively respond to emergencies in their communities. Rural volunteer fire departments provide essential emergency response services across Texas and often serve as the first line of response to wildfires and other emergencies. Funding through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program helps departments maintain response capabilities while providing firefighters with the resources needed to safely serve their communities. “We work diligently to utilize all available program funds to assist fire departments in acquiring the necessary equipment and training to allow them to better protect life and property across the state of Texas,” said Jason Keiningham, Texas A&M Forest Service Capacity Building Department Head. “We’re proud to do everything in our power to help our partners in the fire service. The assistance was awarded during the fifth and final round of fiscal year 2026. Demand for assistance through the program routinely exceeds available funding as volunteer fire departments work to maintain and replace vehicles, protective gear and other essential resources. In response to the continued need, the 89th Texas Legislature allocated an unprecedented $192 million in one-time additional funding to address outstanding funding requests. In fiscal year 2026, Texas A&M Forest Service awarded over $227 million through the program to support 1,229 volunteer fire departments across the state. In addition to providing grants for firefighting apparatus and equipment, the program provides funding for training tuition, volunteer recruitment resources and the repair or replacement of equipment damaged or lost following catastrophic events or declared states of disaster. Applications not approved during the Aug. 26 funding round will automatically move forward for consideration during future funding rounds. The next funding round is scheduled for October 2026. View the full list of Aug. 26 grant recipients HERE. For more information about the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/grants-financial-assistance/fire-department-programs/volunteer-fire-department-programs/rural-volunteer-fire-department-assistance-program/ Got a news tip? e-mail us at news@wtaw.com, text us at (979) 695-1620, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter/X.