Bryan Council Selects An Architect For The City’s Future Animal Center

Keep Brazos Beautiful Brings Back An Observance Of National Arbor Day

National Arbor Day is Saturday. It is being celebrated by the local non-profit Keep Brazos Beautiful (KBB) with a family event in Bryan at Sue Haswell Park Saturday morning (April 25) starting at nine a.m. KBB director Brooke Arellano says this is the first time in years KBB is observing the national event that takes place in the spring. The organization will continue observing Texas Arbor Day in the fall. Saturday’s event includes activity tables from multiple organizations focusing on environmental stewardship. There will also be multiple tree plantings, including a 200 gallon live oak that will be dedicated to the late Ron Schmidt, who was a founding member of the organization. And making a special appearance is Smokey Bear, who will be promoting wildlife prevention. Click below to hear Brooke Arellano’s visit with WTAW’s Bill Oliver. Listen to “Keep Brazos Beautiful brings back an observance of National Arbor Day” on Spreaker. News release from Keep Brazos Beautiful: Keep Brazos Beautiful will host a community Arbor Day Memorial Tree Dedication and Tree Planting Event on Saturday, April 25 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at Sue Haswell Park in Bryan. The free event will offer residents an opportunity to participate in tree planting, learn about native tree care, and enjoy family-friendly activities focused on environmental stewardship. A highlight of the event will be a special appearance by Smokey Bear, who will be on site to promote wildfire prevention and take photos with attendees. Organizers say the event is designed to bring the community together while encouraging long-term investment in the local environment. “Planting trees is one of the simplest and most impactful ways we can improve our community,” said Brooke Arellano. “We’re excited to invite residents of all ages to come out, learn, and be part of something that will benefit Brazos County for years to come.” The event is held in partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M Forest Service, Fuji Film, Texas Master Gardeners, Texas Master Naturalists, Scouting Troop 327, and City of Bryan Parks and Recreation. Community members are encouraged to register in advance by visiting: https://forms.gle/spZoztpRptx3WCn16

College Station ISD School Board Hears Proposed Staffing Changes As Part Of Developing The Budget For The 2026-27 School Year

April’s meeting of the College Station ISD school board included two presentations related to developing the budget for the 2026-2027 school year. The first presentation was from CSISD’s budget committee. Click HERE to read and download presentation materials from CSISD’s budget committee. The second presentation was from CSISD’s chief financial officer. Click HERE to read and download budget presentation materials from CSISD’s chief financial officer. Part of CFO Heather Wilson’s report was about proposed staffing. Board members were told administrators are looking at reducing 11 elementary teaching positions, one teaching position at middle and high schools, and a net zero at intermediate schools. Wilson also said special education teachers now at the central office will return to campuses. And she reminded the CSISD board earlier this year approved adding at the expanded career and technical center…three teachers, one nurse, and one custodian. Wilson told board members to expect taking action in the May regular meeting on employee compensation for next year. Board member Mike Martindale, a retired CSISD superintendent who is dealing with his first budget as a board member, said board members will have to decide “whether a healthy fund balance is important to us or retaining and recruiting quality people with our students is more important”, so “it’s obvious that we have a chore before us in the next month or two.” Click below to hear comments from the April 21, 2026 College Station ISD school board meeting. Listen to “College Station ISD school board hears proposed staffing changes as part of developing the budget for the 2026-27 school year” on Spreaker.

Brazos County Commissioners Thanked For The New Courthouse Annex Complex

While rain cancelled Tuesday’s (April 21) groundbreaking of the new Brazos County courthouse annex project, during the county commission meeting public comment period that would have followed the ceremony, district judge David Hilburn thanked those involved in the project. Hilburn said “this building is the next hole poked in the justice system’s belt which can allow and relieve that strain (for space), even just for a short time” and “is a great step in the planning for the needs of this growing county.” Hilburn also said “eventually, the courthouse proper will likely be just that…a house for the courts.” The complex includes a four floor office building, a four floor parking garage, and a skywalk over Texas Avenue to connect to the courthouse. This will be the new home of adult probation, the public defender’s office, and precinct four justice of the peace and constable offices. Click below to hear David Hilburn’s comments at the April 21, 2026 Brazos County commission meeting. Listen to “Brazos County commissioners are thanked for the new courthouse annex complex” on Spreaker.