First “Honk For The Missing” Public Awareness Event Taking Place Wednesday Morning In College Station

Former Brazos Valley Congressman Named Chair of ERCOT Board

Former Brazos Valley Congressman Bill Flores has been named Chair of the ERCOT board. ERCOT manages most of the state’s power grid. Flores will succeed outgoing Chair Paul Foster, who was named Chair of the ERCOT Board in October 2021. According to ERCOT’s news release, ERCOT is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors and is subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. All ERCOT Board members are Texas residents. Flores served as the U.S. Representative for the 17th Congressional District of Texas from 2011 through 2021. News release from ERCOT: The Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc. (ERCOT) Board Selection Committee today announced the designation of the new ERCOT Board Chair and Vice Chair. Effective immediately, William H. “Bill” Flores will serve as the Chair and Peggy Heeg will serve as the Vice Chair of the ERCOT Board of Directors. “Both Bill and Peggy have served the State of Texas well in their first terms, and we look forward to their continued leadership in these new roles,” said former ERCOT Board Chair and current Selection Committee member, Paul Foster. “Their background, knowledge, and expertise will support ERCOT’s strategic objectives and goals and position ERCOT as a leader in the electric industry. Flores will succeed outgoing Chair Paul Foster, who was named Chair of the ERCOT Board in October 2021. In June 2024, Foster announced he was stepping down as Chair. “I appreciate the thoughtful work of the Board Selection Committee and am honored to have been selected as ERCOT’s Board Chair,” said Flores. “Our fellow Board members and I are committed to serving the people of Texas by providing governance oversight to ERCOT’s executive management team as they address the challenges and complexities of maintaining a reliable and resilient electric grid. Working together with its stakeholders, ERCOT will continue to lead the industry to provide affordable, efficient, and reliable power for current and future generations in our dynamic and fast-growing state.” About Bill Flores Bill Flores is an entrepreneur, corporate governance professional, and public policy leader. He served as the elected U.S. Representative for the 17th Congressional District of Texas from 2011 through 2021. Prior thereto, he served in board governance and senior leadership positions for numerous public and private entities. About Peggy Heeg Peggy Heeg is an experienced corporate director and business leader who has served on the boards of several public and private energy companies. She previously managed successful law practices with Reed Smith and Norton Rose Fulbright, where she advised leading companies on complex energy, regulatory, and corporate governance matters. “With Peggy’s leadership as the new Vice Chair and the valuable contributions and dedication of our fellow Directors, the Board will continue to have a positive impact on the future of the Texas grid,” said Flores. “I am honored to be a part of the ERCOT Board with its deep subject matter expertise and diversity of experience. This experience and perspective will enable the Board to navigate the Texas energy landscape and serve Texans,” added Heeg. “I look forward to continuing to work with the ERCOT Board in this new leadership capacity to drive reliability and efficient energy markets.” ERCOT is governed by a 12-member Board of Directors and is subject to oversight by the Public Utility Commission of Texas and the Texas Legislature. All ERCOT Board members are Texas residents.

Man Arrested After Attempting to Eat Drugs

A Bryan man returns to the jail for the 7th time in four years on a charge of drug possession. According to the BPD arrest report, an officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle leaving a motel known for having a propensity for drug related activities. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed the driver moving his mouth as if he was chewing on something. When asked to open his mouth, he initially refused to started chewing faster. He eventually spit out what was later identified as crack cocaine. 49 year-old Fernando Basilio was transported to a hospital where he received medical clearance and then taken to jail where he was booked on possession and evidence tampering.

Man Arrest for Assaulting Store Clerk

A man described as belligerent and unruly was arrested early Monday morning for assaulting a convenience store employee after he was asked to leave. According to the CSPD arrest report, 43 year-old Clarence Cordell Johnson attacked the cashier in the parking lot, tackling him to the ground and hitting him several times with a closed fist causing injuries to his head and elbows. Johnson stopped the attack and left after a bystander stepped in. The victim was checked by EMS and recommended he go to a hospital for his injuries. Johnson, who store employees knew and had asked several times in the past to not come back to the 7-Eleven on Texas Avenue South, was arrested for assault causing bodily injury. According to online jail records, it is his 15th arrest in the last 13 years.