Kevin O’Connor Kommentary November 16

City of Bryan Update on WTAW

Ashley Bennett, Recreation Manager, visits with WTAW’s Scott DeLucia about new programs, an intro to pickleball class, park space for activities, senior programs and activities, and more during her appearance on The Infomaniacs on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Listen to “City of Bryan Update on The Infomaniacs” on Spreaker.

Damaged Natural Gas Line Prompts A Precautionary Evacuation Of A Bryan Neighborhood

A damaged natural gas line led to a precautionary evacuation Wednesday (January 8) of a Bryan neighborhood south of Blinn College. An Atmos Energy spokesman told WTAW News a construction crew unrelated to Atmos damaged a pipeline near the intersection of Esther Boulevard and Sharon Drive. The evacuation request covered the time that repairs were made. The Bryan fire department also responded and issued a public safety alert. News release from Atmos Energy: A construction crew doing work unrelated to Atmos Energy was working near the intersection of Esther Boulevard and Sharon Drive in Bryan and damaged a natural gas pipeline.  Atmos Energy issued a precautionary evacuation of residents in the area, and Atmos Energy’s highly trained technicians are on scene making the necessary repairs. Residents may experience traffic delays and should seek an alternate route. The most common cause of outside natural gas leaks is digging or construction that disturbs natural gas pipelines. If you nick, scrape, or dent a natural gas pipeline, call 911 and then call Atmos Energy’s emergency number at 866-322-8667 so we can inspect the pipeline and make any needed repairs. Even minor damage can weaken a pipeline and lead to a future leak. For more information about digging safely, please visit https://www.atmosenergy.com/safety/call-811-before-you-dig.  Call 811 at least three business days before digging to have underground utilities marked. It’s free, it’s safe, and it’s required by law.

Arrest Warrant Issued For Someone Who Failed to Appear For A Punishment Hearing In Brazos County District Court

The third of three Houston area residents who admitted to participating in a College Station armed robbery in July 2017 failed to appear at his punishment hearing in Brazos County district court last Friday (January 3). A spokeswoman in the Brazos County district attorney’s office confirmed to WTAW News that an arrest warrant has been issued for 28 year old Gautham Chidambaram of Katy. He entered a guilty plea in March of 2024 to armed robbery with a deadly weapon. The DA’s spokeswoman says the failure to appear means they can seek punishment ranging from probation to life in prison. Prosecutors are no longer bound by a plea agreement setting punishment at ten years. Chidambaram has been out of jail on a $50,000 dollar bond since July 14, 2017, which is nine days after the robbery. The victim was hospitalized after he was shot in the face with pepper spray and beaten in the head and back. Last month, a second participant was sentenced to ten years in prison and a third person was given ten years probation after completing a prison based substance abuse program. A fourth person has been awaiting trial.