Kevin O’Connor Kommentary December 2

Brazos County Commissioners Hear From More Opponents To The “Inner East Loop” Highway

Brazos County commissioners continue to hear opposition to the future inner loop highway around the east side of Bryan and College Station. Four landowners in the possible path of the highway spoke at Tuesday’s meeting (November 26). Kyle Greenwood of the group “East Loop Opposition Council” said their 800 members are against any new highway. Greenwood also asked for a 90 day pause on the official study. County judge Duane Peters said he is “fairly confident” that the delay will be granted. Another opponent, Tommy Reed, said the loop “would destroy the very fabric” of the land his family has owned for nearly 200 years. Recently retired Bryan city secretary Mary Lynne Stratta said three of the proposed routes will come within 100 yards of the rocking chair on her back porch. She said the highway “will destroy” the peace and quiet and the wildlife. The fourth speaker, John Book, said “the issues we’re facing in this county are not going to be solved by (an) east loop.” The loop is part of the next transportation plan from the Bryan/College Station metropolitan planning organization (MPO). That’s on the agenda for the next MPO board meeting, which is next Wednesday morning (December 4). Click below to hear comments from the November 26, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting. Listen to “Brazos County commissioners hear from more opponents to the "Inner East Loop" highway” on Spreaker.

151 Year Old Bryan Business ANCO Insurance Is Sold

One of the first businesses founded in the city of Bryan has been sold. ANCO Insurance is now part of the Chicago based global insurance and financial services firm HUB International. Click HERE to read and download the news release issued by HUB International. The news release also says the acquisition will give ANCO clients additional resources, expertise and opportunities. A HUB news release says ANCO’s chief executive officer Sid Cauthorn and president Ross Gunnels will report to the president and CEO of HUB’s Texas division. According to a city of Bryan proclamation issued on ANCO’s 150th anniversary in 2023, ANCO started three years before the founding of Texas A&M and would grow to become one of the largest privately owned insurance agencies in Texas, employing 150. Details of the sale were not disclosed.

The New Leader Of The Rebranded Arts Center Of The Brazos Valley Visits The Infomaniacs

The new chief executive officer of the rebranded Arts Center of the Brazos Valley (formerly Arts Council of the Brazos Valley) Leslie Bowlin visits with Scott DeLucia on WTAW’s The Infomaniacs November 27, 2024. More information about Leslie Bowlin from the ACBV website: For the last ten years, Leslie has served as the Executive Director of The Houston Maritime Center & Museum. Her extensive background includes public relations, investing, and business operations, as well as chairing many high-profile and successful charity events. She has also served on several non-profit boards. Educated at the Universite de Paris-Sorbonne, Leslie has traveled extensively, lived abroad, and brings a keen interest in multi-cultural inclusion in the arts. At the Arts Center of Brazos Valley, she will lead development and community engagement efforts as well as manage daily operations with the small, dedicated staff and a cadre of tireless volunteers who are thrilled to welcome her aboard. Leslie’s background as an executive director, combined with a deep passion for promoting community-based arts programs, will help to further advance the mission of The Arts Center of Brazos Valley, which has served as the leading advocate for arts and culture in Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington counties providing innovative and impactful artistic opportunities for both residents and visitors for 54 years. Listen to “The new leader of the rebranded Arts Center of the Brazos Valley visits WTAW's The Infomaniacs” on Spreaker.