Bryan City Council Approves Purchase of New Ambulances

23 Brazos Valley High School Students Participate In A National Speech And Debate Tournament

6,700 high school students competing at the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) national tournament in Des Moines, Iowa included 23 students from four high schools in the Brazos Valley. This was Consolidated High School’s 25th trip to nationals. Coach Brian Alford told WTAW News “This was a great showing at Nationals for such a young team.” Alford said sophomore Ethan Wang advanced to the Congressional Debate House semifinals, junior Justin Palazzolo broke to the International Extemporaneous quarterfinals, sophomore Rowan Seipp advanced to the quarterfinals of the Congressional Debate House, and junior David Zhang advanced to the octo-finals of Original Spoken Word Poetry. College Station High School sent three students to their first trip to nationals…Kelly Zeng, Gavin Gutierrez, and Ariadne Pappa. WTAW News has requested CSHS results. Buffalo High School sent four students to their eighth trip to the national tournament. Coach Melonie Menefee told WTAW News that senior Nicollette Arabie, a four time national qualifier, reached the semifinals in Congressional House Debate and Kaylen Sanchez advanced to elimination rounds in Impromptu Speaking. Centerville High School qualified five for their third trip to nationals. WTAW News has requested Centerville HS results. Rosters of Brazos Valley high schools competing at the national speech and debate tournament are screen shots from the National Speech & Debate Association website:

Texas A&M System Is Named A Member Of A Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Management Group

The Texas A&M system is named a member of a group to manage and operate the United States nuclear weapons stockpile. If all the options are exercised, the group will have a 20 year contract valued at approximately $30 billion dollars. This is in addition to the A&M system being part of another group that manages the Los Alamos nuclear laboratory. And this follows a system announcement of taking proposals to build and operate small nuclear reactors on the RELLIS campus to generate electricity. News release from the Texas A&M system: The Texas A&M University System was chosen by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration as part of a group to manage and operate the Pantex Plant, which maintains the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. “It is a privilege to be part of the management of another component of the country’s nuclear deterrent,” John Sharp, chancellor of the Texas A&M System, said. “We take our national security responsibilities seriously, and we will bring the same level of care and expertise to Pantex as we have done for the past several years to Los Alamos.” The lead of the group, BWX Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: BWXT), announced the contract award Thursday. Following an initial term of five years, NNSA has the ability to award three additional five-year option periods. If all contract options are exercised, the contract will span 20 years at a funding level of approximately $30 billion. The Texas A&M System brings expertise and valuable related experience. The System already is part of Triad National Security LLC, the team that manages the Los Alamos National Laboratory along with Battelle Memorial Institute and the University of California. The NNSA announced the contract was awarded to PanTeXas Deterrence LLC (PXD). PXD is a joint venture led by a BWX Technologies, Inc. (BWXT) subsidiary – it also includes Fluor; SOC, A Day & Zimmermann Company; and The Texas A&M University System. The team also includes three pre-selected small business subcontractors: TechSource, Los Alamos Technical Associates, Inc., and Mission Assurance Alliance, which is a joint venture comprising Longenecker & Associates, Inc. and Paschal Solutions. Pantex represents a key nuclear production capability in the nation’s Nuclear Security Enterprise. Pantex, located near Amarillo, is responsible for maintaining the safety, security, and effectiveness of the nation’s nuclear weapons stockpile. Work performed at Pantex includes support of the nuclear weapons life extension programs; nuclear weapons surveillance, assembly and dismantlement; the development, testing, and fabrication of high explosive components; and interim storage and surveillance of plutonium pits. “The PanTeXas Deterrence team was purpose-built to bring the very best of industry experience together to meet crucial global security imperatives,” said Heatherly Dukes, president of BWXT’s Technical Services Group. “We look forward to getting started with a strong emphasis on safe and secure operations in full support of NNSA’s integrated Nuclear Security Enterprise.” PanTeXas Deterrence will assume operations from the current contractor following a four-month transition period that will begin on a date yet to be determined. More information is available from the NNSA here: https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/articles/nnsa-awards-pantex-management-and-operating-contract.

City of College Station Update on WTAW

Councilwoman Linda Harvell discussed the economic impact of the events at Kyle Field, the paid parking pilot program, the former Macy’s store location at Post Oak Mall, enforcing the no-more-than-four unrelated ordinance, the need for volunteers for an upcoming track and field event, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs on Friday, June 21, 2024. Listen to “College Station Councilwoman Linda Harvell on The Infomaniacs” on Spreaker.