Kevin O’Connor Kommentary July 14

Brazos County Voters To Decide This November Whether To Ban Roaming Livestock

Brazos County voters this November get to decide the fate of two rare special questions. In Texas, state law allows livestock to roam free unless voters pass a ban. Brazos County judge Duane Peters announced at Tuesday’s meeting (August 6) that a Wixon Valley area man collected enough signatures of certified voters who are also landowners to place special questions on this November’s ballot. The county commission’s general counsel, Bruce Erratt, said 50 signatures were required to ask voters to ban roaming hogs, sheep, goats, horses, mules, donkeys, jacks, and jennets. 20 signatures were required to ask voters to ban roaming cattle. Erratt said he and the elections administrator are drafting ballot language. Click HERE to read and download the petition language asking for a vote to ban roaming cattle in Brazos County. Click HERE to read and download the petition language asking for a vote to ban other roaming livestock in Brazos County. Click below to hear comments from the August 6, 2024 Brazos County commission meeting.  

College Station City Council Approves Revised Master Plan For Texas Independence Park

The College Station city council gives the green light to proceed with a nearly $21 million dollar repurposing what was supposed to be a baseball field complex. Due to bad soil quality off Rock Prairie Road at Texas Independence Park, the council unanimously supported a new master plan that parks and recreation director Kelsey Heiden described as having more passive uses. Click HERE to read and download presentation materials associated with the master plan that was approved at the August 8, 2024 College Station city council meeting. The park will include College Station’s first 18 hole disc golf course. Incorporated into the park will be walking and bike trails. There will also be a fishing pond, green space for pickup games, and what Heiden describes as a destination play experience. The council directed staff to solicit proposals to finalize designs that were developed by an outside company and by Texas A&M students with public input. Yet to be decided are funding sources and the construction schedule for the various features. The council approving the master plan comes as construction is wrapping up on a restroom building. Click below to hear comments from the August 8, 2024 College Station city council meeting. Listen to “College Station city council approves a master plan for the repurposed Texas Independence Park” on Spreaker.  

College Station Police Arrest A Retired Boxer For Assaulting A Woman Resulting In Multiple Injuries

College Station police arrest a 30 year old retired boxer for beating a woman in his car after they left a bar in Northgate. The CSPD arrest report says the woman received medical treatment for two black eyes, hair torn out, and injuries to her face, head, and body. The woman estimated the assault lasted between 30 and 60 minutes. The victim said she was able to escape with the man’s phone. That resulted in finding the man at work in Bryan and the arrest of 30 year old Evan Garcia on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possessing T-H-C oil, edibles, and a vape pen. Garcia said according to the arrest report that his boxing record was 42 and three and that he was never knocked out. Garcia, who was arrested Thursday (August 9), remains in the Brazos County jail as of Friday in lieu of bonds totaling $47,000 dollars.