Blinn to Offer New Scholarship

Milam County Officials Issue Statement on Mistrial of Colton Coufal

The Milam County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office issued a joint statement on Tuesday regarding a recent case that ended with a mistrial: CAMERON, TX — Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore and Milam County District Attorney Brian Price issue the following statement regarding a recent mistrial in 20th District Court in the murder case against Colton Coufal. As the elected officials serving the Milam County Sheriff’s Office and Milam County District Attorney’s Office, we understand that a mistrial raises questions and concerns within the communities we serve. We also believe it is important to be clear, accurate, and concise while maintaining judicial integrity. First and mostly importantly, the case has not been dismissed. A mistrial simply ends the current trial. The charges remain pending, and we remain committed to pursuing justice for the victim in this case. The mistrial arose because new evidence was discovered while the trial was ongoing. The new evidence had not been hidden, withheld, or mishandled. The District Judge presiding over the trial specifically found that no prosecutors or law enforcement officers had engaged in any kind of misconduct. The defense simply needed more time to be able to evaluate the evidence themselves, and the need for that delay resulted in declaring a mistrial. Everyone is entitled to a thorough and fair trial in this country, and everyone involved wants to see justice done. In this case, the mistrial means the matter is expected to proceed to a new trial, tentatively scheduled for January. The mistrial does not mean the defendant is being released while the case is reset and our offices remain committed to pursuing justice in this case. Ultimately, accountability begins at the top. As elected officials, we are responsible to the people we serve and for the actions of the offices entrusted to our leadership. While this mistrial represents a delay in the pursuit of justice, we remain committed to working together to ensure that this case proceeds and that a fair trial is completed. We will continue to fulfill our responsibilities and do everything within our authority to see justice carried out.

Bryan City Council Meeting Recap 08/11/2026

Bryan City Council held a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday night. The hot topic of the night was medians. Council approved a special charter amendment election for the November ballot that will let voters will decide whether some 5 miles of medians along Texas Avenue stay — or go. The vote will cover medians from Highway 21 to Rosemary Drive. But, the vote doesn’t necessarily mean they’re coming out immediately. According to the City’s website, “If the amendment passes in the November election, it may be necessary for a court to evaluate the proposed amendment to determine whether it is valid and if the city has the authority to enforce it. The city and taxpayers will take on the expenses associated with holding the election as well as any court costs.” Council also approved a contract for medical plan administration with Blue Cross Blue Shield for $4.7-million. Another $2.1-million to purchase city vehicles. And, there will be a public hearing at the September 8th meeting on placing a cap on the tax rate of approximately 62-cents per $100 of valuation. Here is the full agenda: Public Hearings and First and Only Readings of Ordinances – PASSED A. Rezoning request case no. RZ26-12, public hearing, presentation, and consideration of the first and only reading of an ordinance of the City of Bryan, Texas, amending Chapter 130, Zoning, of the City of Bryan Code of Ordinances, by changing the zoning classification from Industrial District (I) to Multiple – Family Residential District (MF) on 12.41 acres of vacant land out of the Zero Phillips League, Abstract No. 45, adjoining the southeast side of Viva Road, 520 feet southwest of its intersection with North Harvey Mitchell Parkway (FM 2818), in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. B. Rezoning request case no. RZ26-13, public hearing, presentation, and consideration of the first and only reading of an ordinance of the City of Bryan, Texas, amending Chapter 130, Zoning, of the City of Bryan Code of Ordinances, by changing the zoning classification from Residential District – 5000 (RD-5) to Multiple – Family Residential District (MF) on 0.2 acres of land adjoining the southeast side of Dunn Street between Holick Lane and South Texas Avenue, being Lot 5 in Block 2 of the Orr’s Resubdivision of Ramsey Place Addition, in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. C. Approval of an ordinance amending Bryan Code of Ordinances Chapter 130 – Zoning, specifically, to allow reception halls in the Downtown – North District (DTN) with prior approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and establishing supplemental operational standards for such land uses. Consent (Automatic Approval) Agenda: PASSED Approval of a Resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA) with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) for the construction of a traffic signal at the intersection of Finfeather Road and West Dodge Street. Right-of-Way Abandonment request case no. RA26-03, consideration of the first and only reading of an ordinance abandoning 0.112 acres of unimproved public street right-of-way on the south side of East 25th Street between North Burleson Drive and Brown Street, adjacent to 109 North Burleson Drive, being part of Lot 4 and Lot 5 in Block B of the Brown Addition in Bryan, Brazos County, Texas. Approval of the Second Extension of Contract Request for Qualifications (RFQ) 23-035 “Legal Services for Collection of Delinquent Municipal Court Costs, Fines, and Fees” with McCreary, Veselka, Bragg & Allen, P.C. Approval of a Resolution approving the Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency (BVSWMA) FY27 Budget. Award a professional services agreement for Employee Health Plan Medical/Dental Administration and Prescription Benefit Management services beginning January 1, 2027, to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, for a projected annual cost of $4,706,555. Approval of the purchase, in the not to exceed amount of $234,642, of a new rolloff truck from Chastang Enterprises, Inc. for use by the Water Department Approval of the purchase of four (4) solid waste collection trucks from Chastang Enterprises, Inc. from Fiscal Year 2027 funds for a not to exceed amount of $1,856,096. Approval of an increase to the Fiscal Year 2026 Blanket Purchase Order for Lonestar Truck Group for OEM parts from $100,000 to $150,000. Approval of an Interlocal Election Agreement with Brazos County for conducting the November 3, 2026 Election. Approval of a resolution ordering a General Municipal Election to be held jointly with Brazos County on November 3, 2026, for Mayor and Councilmember Single Member Districts 1 and 2. Consider approval of the proposed Brazos County Health District Fiscal Year 2027 Budget in the amount of $7,854,377 and City of Bryan funding in the amount of $578,029. Approval of a Resolution agreeing to a negotiated settlement agreement for Atmos Energy Corp., Mid-Tex Division’s rate filing regarding the Company’s 2026 Rate Review Mechanism (RRM). Authorize Mayor to execute a 20-foot permanent sewer easement and a 20-foot temporary construction easement to College Station. Regular Agenda: Consider and take appropriate action on setting a proposed tax rate not to exceed $0.624000 per $100 of valuation and scheduling a public hearing on the proposed tax rate. — PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 8, 2026. Approval of an ordinance ordering a Special Charter Amendment Election to be held jointly with Brazos County on November 3, 2026. – PASSED

TxDOT Holding Public Meetings to Discuss Possible Routes for Interstate 14 and Loop 214

TxDOT will be hosting six community meetings to discuss the routes of Interstate 14 (I-14) and Loop 214 (I-214) through our part of the state. The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act of 2015 authorized Interstate 14 system across Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. The new interstate system will enhance connectivity in the southern United States and improve mobility between urban and rural population centers, military installations, maritime ports, and economic sectors including energy, freight, timber and agriculture. The Central Texas Corridor includes United States Highway 190 from Interstate 10 near Iraan to State Highway (SH) 63 in Jasper to the Sabine River Bridge at the Texas-Louisiana border. The road will be upgraded to interstate standards and ultimately designated as I-14. I-214 will be a loop around Bryan-College Station. The meetings will discuss the approximately 125-miles of roadway from just east of Temple to Huntsville. They are an informal, come-and-go format, featuring maps and displays. Steve Fullhart, the District Public Engagement Specialist for TxDOT, told WTAW that visitors will be able to provide a specific address to see where that land is located in relation to proposed roadway options. They want to know where you do want the roadway to go, where you don’t want it to go, and provide any other feedback that will be helpful for the upcoming portions of the study. All meetings will be identical, so you will be able to experience the same information at any session you choose to attend. The following locations will be open between 4:30pm and 6:30pm on the dates indicated: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 Hearne High School 1201 W. Brown Street Hearne, TX 77859 Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026 Yards of Cameron 301 Adams Avenue Cameron, TX 76520 Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 Legends Event Center 2533 Midtown Park Blvd Bryan, TX 77801 Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026 Grimes County Fairgrounds 5220 FM Rd 3455 Navasota, TX 77868 Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026 Walker County Fairgrounds 3925 SH 30 West Huntsville, TX 77340 Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026 Kimbro Center 111 W. Trinity Street Madisonville, TX 77864 Learn more about I-14 and I-214 here: www.txdot.gov/projects/projects-studies/bryan/i14-corridor-study.html