Congressman Bill Flores on WTAW

Two Brazos County Event Venues Are Generating More Revenue Than Expected

Business is better than expected at two event venues owned by Brazos County. During the county commission meeting on May 7th, commissioner Steve Aldrich confirmed with county auditor Katie Conner, $824,000 dollars in additional revenue generated at the expo complex and the Brazos Center. Commissioners unanimously approved moving into the county’s contingency fund, $696,000 dollars in revenue at the expo center and $128,000 at the Brazos Center. Click HERE to read and download the budget amendment paperwork approved at the May 7, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting. Click below to hear comments from Steve Aldrich and Katie Conner at the May 7, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.  

City Of Bryan Announces The Police Chief’s Retirement

For the first time in 15 years, the city of Bryan will be searching for a new police chief. A news release from the city says Eric Buske is retiring, effective June 7, after a 40 year career. City manager Kean Register says he aims to find a successor who will continue the progress Buske made. Those accomplishments include adding more than two dozen officers and five other positions, equipping all staff with body worn cameras, and contributing to the creation of a training center and shooting range at Twin Oaks Landfill. Register has not named an interim chief and has not decided on the process for selecting the new police chief. News release from the city of Bryan: After 15 years of dedicated service to the City of Bryan, and 40 total years in law enforcement, Bryan Police Chief Eric Buske has announced his retirement, effective June 7. Under Chief Buske’s leadership, Part 1 Crime was significantly reduced by over 50% since 2009. Other accomplishments by Chief Buske include forming the Mental Health Unit to better assist those in crisis, the implementation of weekly COMPSTAT meetings to enhance internal communication and crime tracking, the establishment of a training center/range built in partnership with BVSWMA, and the introduction of Body Worn Cameras for all staff. He also expanded the department’s capabilities by adding more than two dozen police officers, created a digital evidence technician position, increased the size of the crime lab by two positions, added a supervisor for the Property and Evidence Unit and an investigator to the Criminal Evidence Unit. Outside of the department, Chief Buske created collaboration efforts and partnerships within the law enforcement community by co-founding the area chiefs’ monthly meetings and the East Central Texas Police Chiefs Association, where he also serves as President. “The level of crime reduction that has occurred during Chief Buske’s tenure speaks volumes to the type of leader that he is; his accomplishments will have a lasting impact on the Bryan Police Department and the City of Bryan as a whole,” said Bryan City Manager Kean Register. “We aim to find a candidate who will be committed to continuing the progress that Chief Buske has made in enhancing the safety and well-being of our community.” City Manager Kean Register will soon appoint an interim police chief to ensure continuity in operations and will initiate the selection process to hire a new police chief. A decision has not yet been made on whether or not the candidate search will be internal, statewide, or nationwide. A definitive timeline does not exist at this time.

College Station Mayor John Nichols on WTAW

College Station Mayor John Nichols visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about pickleball courts, air conditioned restroom buildings at parks, development of Southeast Park, tonight’s street maintenance open house, and more during his appearance on The Infomaniacs on May 15, 2024. Listen to “College Station Mayor John Nichols on The Infomaniacs” on Spreaker.