The Bryan Fire Department responded to a structure fire just before Noon on Sunday. The fire at 1009 Richard Street involved a camper located behind a mobile home at the address. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control within 15 minutes of dispatch. No occupants were harmed, but two pets did not survive.
The cause of the fire in under investigation.
69-year-old Angela Sera, the owner and operator of the Dogtown Ranch in Rockdale is facing new charges of animal cruelty. A grand jury declined to indict her in September. Today, the Milam County Sheriff’s Office served an arrest warrant on Sera for a single charge of Cruelty to Non-Livestock Animals, a class A misdemeanor. Last week, the Brandywine Valley SPCA took in 82 animals from the facility. The current charge stems from one of the animals surrendered, a pit bull terrier mix. The dog was taken to a Travis County animal clinic where the veterinary report listed numerous issues including worms, dehydration, fleas, ticks, and malnutrition. That veterinary report also noted substantial and longstanding unmet medical and nutritional needs. Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore said, “We are grateful for the generous assistance of Brandywine Valley SPCA. Their expertise and willingness to take in these animals made all the difference. I appreciate their willingness to step in and assist. This case will now move through the court process where Sera is presumed innocent of the underlying charges unless and until proven otherwise in court.” 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. Previous related stories: https://wtaw.com/milam-county-sheriffs-office-releases-statement-on-dogtown-ranch-sanctuary/ https://wtaw.com/grand-jury-declines-to-indict-dogtown-ranch-owners-on-animal-cruelty/
Texas A&M is mourning the loss of former head football coach Dennis “Coach Fran” Franchione, who passed away today at 75. Franchione, a native of Girard, Kansas, began his coaching career as an assistant at Kansas State in 1978. He served as Texas A&M’s head football coach from 2003-07. He compiled a 32-28 record during his time in College Station. He guided the Aggies to three bowl games, highlighted by the 2004 Cotton Bowl. He also served as head coach for Alabama and TCU, and led the Horned Frogs to 3 straight bowl games and a 10-1 season in 2000 with LaDainian Tomlinson. In his second time at the helm in San Marcos, he helped bring Texas State into the FBS. Franchione’s record was 213-135-2, including 9 conference championships. He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2017. Franchione was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and again in 2021, but had been in remission. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the cancer returned earlier this year and had recently been in hospice care. His coaching career: Southwestern College 1981–1982 Early collegiate head coaching stop Pittsburg State University 1985–1989 53–6 record, five conference titles, two-time NAIA Coach of the Year Texas State (Southwest Texas State) 1990–1991 Compiled a 13–9 record New Mexico 1992–1997 Revamped the Lobos program, coaching star linebacker Brian Urlacher TCU 1998–2000 Turned around a 1–11 team with LaDainian Tomlinson Alabama 2001–2002 Went 17–8, winning the SEC West in 2002 despite bowl bans Texas A&M 2003–2007 Compiled a 32–28 record with three bowl appearances Texas State 2011–2015 Returned to guide the Bobcats through their transition to the FBS; retired in 2015 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.
Three people have been arrested in connection with a drug operation in Bryan. Bryan Police were surveilling an apartment in the 3100 block of East 29th Street, where they believed drugs were being sold. The apartment belonged to 36-year-old Vicenta Mariana Castillo and her, son 17-year-old Jaykub Vincent Melendez, both of whom have recent drug related arrests. A search warrant uncovered 26.46 ounces of marijuana, 29.78 grams of methamphetamine, and THC weighing in at 12.20 grams. Castillo was charged with Manufacture/Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1, 4-200 grams), Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 2, less than one gram), and Possession of Marijuana (between 4 ounces and 5 pounds). She also had an outstanding warrant for Possession of a Controlled Substance and remains jailed on $90,000 bond. Melendez was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 2, 4-400 grams) and Possession of Marijuana (between 4 ounces and 5 pounds). He is being held on $65,000 bond. 39-year-old Carlos James Sanchez, of Bryan, was pulled over for a traffic stop after leaving the apartment. He was found with 1.86 grams of methamphetamine and was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1/1-B, 1-4 grams) and Driving with an Invalid License. Sanchez also had outstanding warrants for Possession of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1/1-B, 1-4 grams) and Driving with an Invalid License. He is being held on $28,000 bond. 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.
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