Brazos County Sheriff’s Office Warns of Jury Duty Scam

Texas A&M Forest Service Announces First Purchase of Dedicated Wildland Firefighting Aircraft

Texas A&M Forest Service is building a state-managed fleet of wildland firefighting aircraft, beginning with the purchase of two SUBARU Bell 412EPX helicopters. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in December 2027, with the second anticipated to follow three to six months later. “Texas families and communities depend on strong protection from wildfires,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “This investment in a dedicated fleet of firefighting aircraft gives our responders faster response times and greater strength to contain fires. Texas can now better respond when disaster strikes.” The primary objective is simple: get aircraft on a fire sooner. The sooner firefighters can attack a wildfire from the air, the greater the opportunity to contain it before it grows into a larger, more destructive incident. In 2025, Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments responded to 6,304 wildfires that burned 132,366 acres across the state. During those responses, wildfire suppression aircraft flew 1,589 hours and made 1,345 drops, delivering more than 1 million gallons of water and fire retardant. “Preparing for the next wildfire season begins long before the first fire starts,” said Robert L. Albritton, chairman of The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents. “This investment gives Texas A&M Forest Service dedicated resources that will improve readiness, strengthen response capabilities and better protect Texans and their communities.” For decades, Texas has relied on federal resource-sharing agreements and a partnership with the Texas Military Department for aerial wildfire suppression. Those partnerships will continue as Texas builds a dedicated, state-managed fleet that provides dependable aviation resources and greater operational flexibility during periods of high wildfire activity. “Texas is growing, and so is the risk of catastrophic wildfire,” Chancellor Glenn Hegar said. “These aircraft will give Texas A&M Forest Service another critical tool to respond quickly, support firefighters on the ground and help protect lives, property and natural resources across our state. This investment strengthens Texas’ ability to respond when every minute counts.” The new helicopters will provide firefighters with precision water drops, enhanced structure protection, improved access to rugged terrain and the ability to quickly return for additional water, allowing crews to remain engaged throughout suppression operations. The aircraft also establish the foundation of a permanent, state-managed aerial firefighting capability that can be expanded as Texas’ needs continue to grow. The 89th Texas Legislature appropriated $257 million to Texas A&M Forest Service for the purchase, operation and maintenance of wildfire suppression aircraft. The helicopter purchase represents the first phase of a planned expansion over the next two years that includes additional aircraft, including multimission fixed-wing aircraft and large airtankers. “The Legislature made a commitment to strengthen Texas’ wildfire preparedness, and today’s announcement puts that investment to work,” said state Rep. Ken King. “These aircraft will help ensure firefighters have the resources they need to protect lives, property and our rural communities.” Texas A&M Forest Service fire managers select aircraft based on each incident’s size, location, fuel conditions and potential threats to lives and property to ensure the most effective aviation resources are used for every wildfire. The helicopter purchase followed the State of Texas procurement process administered by the Texas Comptroller’s Statewide Procurement Division. Texas A&M Forest Service consulted an Aviation Task Force representing 12 partner organizations, issued a Request for Information to identify operational requirements, and later issued a Request for Proposals through the Electronic State Business Daily. Following evaluation of the submitted proposals, the contract was awarded to Bell Textron, Inc. “This is a force multiplier for our state’s wildfire preparedness,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief Jared Karns. “Aviation resources provide tremendous support to firefighters on the ground, including life- and property-saving intelligence for fire managers, access to otherwise inaccessible areas, the ability to deliver large volumes of water and fire retardant to slow the spread and reduce the intensity of wildfires, and rapid turnaround times that keep aircraft engaged in the fight.” For more information about the Texas A&M Forest Service aerial wildland firefighting program, visit tfsweb.tamu.edu/topics/aviation

Blinn College Says BucBooks Program Saved Students More Than $9-Million On Course Materials

The Blinn College District says students saved over $9-million on textbooks and course materials during the 2025-26 academic year through the College’s BucBooks program, according to new data from Barnes & Noble College. Offered in partnership with Barnes & Noble College, BucBooks saved Blinn students 53% compared with purchasing those materials outside the program. Launched in fall 2023, BucBooks makes course materials more affordable, accessible, and convenient for students. The program bundles required course materials for each class and provides them to students before the first day of the term. Physical textbooks are distributed on a rental basis and conveniently packaged for pickup, while digital resources are delivered directly through Blinn’s eCampus learning platform. Through BucBooks, students pay a flat fee during registration, removing the uncertainty that often comes with shopping for textbooks and course materials separately. The program also provides students with email reminders to return physical materials at the end of the term. “BucBooks reflects Blinn’s commitment to reducing costs for students while ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed from the first day of class,” said Dr. Clen Burton, Blinn’s Vice Chancellor for Business and Finance/CFO. “By making course materials more affordable and easier to access, this program removes barriers and helps students begin each term prepared and confident.” In addition to reducing costs, BucBooks continues to earn strong reviews from students. Barnes & Noble College data showed that: 95% of students were likely to recommend BucBooks to other students; 94% said the program saved them time shopping for course materials; 94% found the course materials process easy; 93% were likely to participate in the program in the future; 90% found it convenient to have course materials bundled and delivered through the program; 90% agreed that BucBooks helped them feel better prepared for the academic term; and 87% said the program had a positive impact on their success. For more information regarding the BucBooks program, visit www.blinn.edu/bucbooks.

Bryan City Councilmember Marca Ewers-Shurtleff on WTAW

Bryan City Councilmember Marca Ewers-Shurtleff visits with WTAW to discuss BTU changes and concerns surrounding solar energy, budget season, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs on Thursday, July 16, 2026. Listen to “Bryan City Councilmember Marca Ewers-Shurtleff on WTAW” on Spreaker.