Kevin O’Connor Kommentary August 30

More Assistance Requested In The Continuing Search For A Missing Brazos County Woman

The Brazos County sheriff’s office has a new request for public assistance in the continuing search for a woman who was last seen February 25th. Investigators are looking for a UTV that is believed to have been involved in the events associated with the disappearance of Nikki Winder. More specifically, a news release says investigators want to know who purchased the UTV, if the vehicle was obtained through a purchase or trade, and anyone who has seen the vehicle since Winder went missing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff’s office or Brazos County Crime Stoppers. Video of the UTV is from the Brazos County sheriff’s office Facebook page. News release from the Brazos County sheriff’s office: The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a 2014 Polaris Ranger XP 900, believed to be connected to the disappearance of Nicole “Nikki” Winder on February 25, 2026. Investigators are attempting to locate a 2014 Polaris Ranger XP 900 UTV green color, with the last four digits of the VIN being 7827. The vehicle is believed to have been involved in events surrounding Nikki Winder’s disappearance. The Polaris was last seen traveling on FM 974 at approximately 3:20 PM on February 25, 2026, as shown in the image attached to this email. A video of the ATV has also been posted on the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/BrazosCountySheriff Investigators are asking for the public’s help. Specifically, anyone who may have: • Purchased the Polaris • Acquired or traded for the vehicle • Stored the vehicle • Seen it since February 25, 2026 • Or knows its current location Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 361-4900 or submit tips anonymously through Brazos County Crime Stoppers. Nicole “Nikki” Winder’s family continues to search for answers, and investigators remain dedicated to pursuing every lead in this case. Even the smallest piece of information could make a significant difference in helping bring clarity and closure to Nikki’s loved ones. The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office sincerely appreciates the community’s continued support.

Bryan Police Investigating Fatality Crash Near Coulter Field Airport

A Bryan motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a SUV Thursday night (May 7) on Highway 21 near Coulter Field airport. The preliminary investigation by Bryan police shows the westbound SUV entered the center turn lane to make a left turn to Wallis Road. The eastbound motorcycle entered the center turn lane to make a left turn to Crosswind Drive and struck the front of the SUV. The motorcyclist, who was wearing a helmet, was identified as 18 year old Anthony Banda. The driver of the SUV was taken to a hospital with non life threatening injuries. No alcohol or drugs are suspected as BPD’s investigation continues.

Grimes County Commissioners Schedule Another Private Discussion About The Proposed Space X Complex At Gibbons Creek Lake

Grimes County commissioners schedule another private discussion about the proposed Space X complex at Gibbons Creek Lake. Wednesday morning (May 13) at nine, commissioners will go into executive session to meet with the county attorney “to discuss or deliberate regarding commercial or financial information that the Commissioners Court has received from Space Exploration Technologies Corp. The Commissioners Court is conducting economic development negotiations and will deliberate an offer of financial or other incentive to the business prospect of a multi-phase, next generation, vertically integrated semiconductor manufacturing and advanced computing fabrication facility, proposed to be located at the Gibbons Creek Reservoir and surrounding areas.” Prior to the private discussion, commissioners will be taking public comments. Speakers are limited to two minutes and have to register prior to the meeting. Click HERE to read and download the agenda for the May 13, 2026 Grimes County commission meeting. Original story posted May 6, 2026: Grimes County commissioners have scheduled a public hearing to consider giving tax breaks to Elon Musk’s Space X for a proposed project at the former Gibbons Creek Lake property. The cost of the proposed semiconductor manufacturing and advanced computing fabrication facility could reach $174 billion dollars according to the public hearing notice. Click HERE to read and download the public hearing notice from the Grimes County government website. Before the June 3rd public hearing, commissioners at their May 6th meeting heard public comments about semiconductor plants in general and/or specifically the Space X proposal. Commissioners also heard more comments from opponents to another company proposing a data center and battery energy storage system between Roans Prairie and Singleton east of Highway 90. After the public comments, commissioners made no statements. Commissioners then met in executive session. After returning from a private discussion with the county attorney there were no motions. County judge Joe Fauth announced a postponement in naming a committee that will be involved in dealing with tax abatements and economic development grants. Click below to hear public comments regarding the proposed Space X project and other references to semiconductor facilities at the May 6, 2026 Grimes County commission meeting. Listen to “Grimes County commissioners hear opposition to a Space X facility at the former Gibbons Creek Lake property” on Spreaker.