Public Speakers Ask Brazos County Commissioners For Assistance With A Community Garden And Controlling Feral Cats

Bryan/College Station Chamber Of Commerce Annual Banquet Includes The Architect’s Rendering Of The Organization’s Future Home

The Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet included some items that were not listed in the program. Those in attendance watched a video of the architect’s rendering of the chamber’s future home on University Drive. Attendees also heard invitations from chamber president Glen Brewer and new board chairman Zach Etheridge to invest in the project. Also not in the program, was the announcement of chamber ambassador of the year Andrew Scifres of Guaranty Bank and the Texas chamber executives group recognizing community liaison and former president Royce Hickman for 25 years of service and current membership manager Carrie Archer for ten years. The banquet also recognized retired state representative John Raney as citizen of the year and volunteer of the year Jason Cornelius as volunteer of the year. Also speaking was the chamber board’s immediate past chairwoman, Karla Castillo of KBTX-TV. Click below to listen to the Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce banquet program that was held November 10, 2025. Listen to “Bryan/College Station chamber of commerce annual banquet podcast” on Spreaker.

Texas A&M And Other State Agencies Are Told To Not Issue New And Renewal Certifications For Historically Underutilized Businsses

For 25 years, the Texas comptroller’s office promoted state agencies purchasing goods and services from historically underutilized businesses, or HUB’s. Then the new comptroller announced on October 28th suspending issuing new and renewed HUB certificates. Acting comptroller Kelly Hancock issued a news release which says the HUB suspension does not apply to businesses with current certifications or current HUB contracts. HUB certifications require businesses to have a minimum 51 percent ownership by service-disabled veterans, minorities, or women. Hancock’s news release says the suspension on issuing new and renewed HUB certifications complies with state and federal orders that prohibits race- and sex-based preferences when awarding government benefits. The news release also says the suspension follows recent court rulings addressing the constitutionality of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. At Texas A&M, a spokesman tells WTAW News that nearly $134 million dollars went to 274 HUB contractors at the main campus during the fiscal year that ended August 31st. That’s about 22 percent of total dollars spent on among other things, heavy construction, building construction, special trade, professional services, other services and commodity purchasing. News release from acting Texas comptroller Kelly Hancock issued October 28, 2025: Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock today announced a freeze on the issuance of new and renewed Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certifications for state procurement, pending further action to ensure the program’s administrative procedures and rules are constitutional. The suspension, announced in guidance distributed (PDF) today to other Texas agencies, ensures immediate compliance with the U.S. Constitution, Texas Constitution and Gov. Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-55, which prohibit race- and sex-based preferences when awarding government benefits. The Comptroller’s office will conduct a detailed review of the program’s legal framework in light of recent court rulings addressing the constitutionality of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. “Texans deserve a level playing field where government contracts are earned by performance and best value – nothing more, nothing less,” Hancock said. “Our office is committed to protecting taxpayer funds and ensuring that every Texas business has an equal opportunity to compete for government contracts. This action today reflects that commitment and reinforces Texas’ longstanding principles of fairness and accountability.” While new certifications are suspended, the Comptroller’s office will continue collecting business participation data and will undertake rulemaking and other actions to ensure the state procurement process uses only race- and sex-neutral standards. The action does not affect existing contracts or other non-HUB related reporting requirements. Eligible businesses may continue to compete for state contracts and register with the Centralized Master Bidders List.

Passing Of Former College Station Mayor And Councilman Gary Halter

The city of College Station has announced the death of former mayor and councilman Gary Halter. Halter, who died November 8th at the age of 84, served on the council from 1975-1980 and as mayor from 1980-1986. After spearheading the city’s effort to acquire the land that became Lick Creek Park, the council in 2022 dedicated the park’s nature center in his name. Halter is also credited for playing key roles in establishing the College Station public library, the city’s historic preservation committee, what is now Aggieland Humane Society, and the Texas Public Power Association. Professionally, Halter was a professor emeritus at Texas A&M’s Bush school. Callaway Jones funeral center is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held this Friday (November 14) at 1:30 at the city of College Station’s visitors center located at 1207 Texas Avenue. Click below to hear comments from Brazos County commissioner Fred Brown, who served with Halter on the College Station council.