By CLIFF BRUNT
The University of Texas has rejected calls by its athletes to change a school song that they believe has racist undertones. “The Eyes of Texas” has long been criticized for its connection to minstrel shows with characters in blackface in the early 1900s. The school says the song will remain. Texas interim president Jim Hartzell says the Texas community has the power to determine “what the `Eyes of Texas’ expect of us, what they demand of us.”
The Brazos County public information office has released the identity of an escapee from the juvenile detention center. News releases say 16 year old Ar’jzion Dovontay Dumon Robertson was being held for state authorities on property crime charges when he escaped Friday morning (November 29). The county released the name and a photo with the permission of 472nd district court judge George Jerrell Wise. County officials continue their investigation of the escape. News releases have not said if anyone was injured. Original story: Someone escaped from the Brazos County juvenile detention center escaped Friday morning (November 29). The only identifying information provided by juvenile services director Linda Ricketson about who escaped is that they are a Brazos County resident. A news release from Brazos County did not say if anyone was injured. The escapee was awaiting transfer to a state facility on an undisclosed charge. An investigation is underway about how the escape took place. News releases from Brazos County: First news release: A detainee from the Brazos County Juvenile Detention Center has escaped. Juvenile Services Director Linda Ricketson said the escape happened just after 10:00am today (Friday, November 29, 2024). At this time the juvenile is still at large. Due to the juvenile’s age, no personal details can be shared other than this person is local to Brazos County and was awaiting transfer to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department. The details surrounding the escape are currently under investigation. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office is actively involved in the search, and a statewide law enforcement alert has been issued. Second news release: 472nd District Court Judge George Jerrell Wise has allowed the release of the following information on the escaped juvenile detainee: Ar’jzion Dovontay Dumon Robertson DOB: 1/22/2008 Detained for property crimes
November’s meeting of the College Station ISD school board included an extended discussion of the upcoming construction of the second phase of the district’s career and technology education (CTE) complex. Administrators addressed board questions about the decision to move cosmetology to CTE because of being able to create more space versus the original plan to locate that program at College View High School. Superintendent Tim Harkrider said instead of 25 cosmetology students at College View, there could be room for 50 at the CTE complex. Board members were also told the second phase would allow CSISD students to take CTE programs in their home district instead of Bryan ISD, which Harkrider costs CSISD an estimated $150,000 to $175,000 dollars a year plus the cost of transporting students. Construction is scheduled to start in the summer of 2025 and be completed in the summer of 2026. The second phase of CSISD’s CTE complex will also have room for ag mechanics, animal science, auto tech, construction, veterinary tech, and welding programs. The project also includes a multipurpose arena. Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 19, 2024 CSISD board meeting. Click below to hear comments from the November 19, 2024 CSISD board meeting. Listen to “College Station ISD school board members discuss the upcoming construction of the second phase of the district’s CTE complex” on Spreaker.
The College Station city council’s meeting before Thanksgiving (November 25) included an annual report on activity in the city’s emergency management office. Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from the November 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting. That function is administered through the College Station fire department. The report was presented by fire chief Richard Mann and emergency management coordinator Tradd Mills. Their presentation covered their involvement with the Community Emergency Operations Center, which is a joint effort with the city of Bryan, Brazos County, and Texas A&M. There was also discussion with the council about working with community based organizations about finding locations of heating and cooling centers during extreme weather. The council also learned of assisting the Texas A&M system department of emergency management during Hurricane Beryl and last June’s international soccer match and George Strait concert at Kyle Field. In response to council questions, members were told the office has the resources its needs and the biggest concern is responding to active shooter situations. Click below to hear comments from the November 25, 2024 College Station city council meeting. Listen to “College Station city council receives an annual report from the emergency management office” on Spreaker.
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