State Approves Limestone Coal Plant

May 4th Election Results

Brazos County May 4th election results: FINAL UNOFFICIAL CSISD bond “A”: FOR 3,129 and AGAINST 2,373 CSISD bond “B”: FOR 3,106 and AGAINST 2,389 ESD 2 proposition: AGAINST 143 and FOR 88 Wellborn SUD board members (top 3): David Ernstes 233, James Massey 200, Travis Miller 174 Statement from College Station ISD: Registered voters in College Station Independent School District approved two bond propositions, totaling $53.47 million, on May 4, 2024. The school district drew a majority vote from the community, with the uncanvassed count for Proposition A at 3,129 votes cast FOR (56.87%) and 2,373 votes cast AGAINST (43.13%), and 3,106 votes FOR (56.52%) and 2,389 votes AGAINST (43.48%) Proposition B. The propositions are for: • Renovations and additions to the existing A&M Consolidated HS field house; • Renovations to the existing athletic stadiums at A&M Consolidated HS and College Station HS, including resurfacing the tracks, expanding seating capacity, renovating and repairing the press boxes, adding restrooms and various site improvements; • Installing artificial turf and LED lights at high school baseball and softball fields; and • Site improvements to the softball stadium at A&M Consolidated HS. “The College Station community remains committed to supporting all aspects of a well-rounded public education for their children and today, they showed their support at the polls,” said Dr. Tim Harkrider, superintendent of schools. “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the members of the 2023 long-range facilities and bond planning committee for their valuable insight on how these projects will impact the future of our schools and community; and to district staff and community members who ensured the College Station community was informed before casting their vote. With the approval of these propositions, we are able to provide functional, safe and cost-effective spaces for our students to participate in co-curriculars and our community to continue to cheer them on.” The 2023 Bond package, which included the two propositions on the May 4 ballot, had an estimated two-cent increase to the current CSISD Interest and Sinking Tax Rate of $0.2630 per $100 valuation. The estimated increase from the 2023 Bond will remain stable for the 2024 Bond projects. The amended 30-member long-range facilities and bond planning committee reconvened in January to evaluate and assess current and future needs of CSISD, while developing a recommendation that: • considers the educational and co-curricular needs of all students; • provides a solution for renovations and additions to existing facilities; • ensures support for a well-rounded education experience for all students; • reflects community values and perceptions of needs; and • is fiscally sound. The committee presented its recommendation for a $53,470,000 bond package to the Board of Trustees and the Board unanimously called for a bond election during a special workshop meeting on Feb. 7. Background information posted May 3, 2024: A reminder that Saturday (May 4) is election day for many Brazos County residents. Elections administrator Trudy Hancock says there were 3,193 early voters. That is less than four percent of 86,506 who are eligible to vote. There are six voting centers for those voting in the College Station and Navasota ISD bond elections and/or the emergency services district two (ESD 2) request to increase the property tax rate to build a new fire station. Click HERE to be directed to the College Station ISD bond website. Click HERE to be directed to the Navasota ISD bond website. Click HERE to read and download information about the Brazos County ESD 2 property tax rate increase proposal. Those voting centers are the CSISD administration building, the College Station Utilities building on Graham Road, Wellborn Baptist Church, Arena Hall in Bryan, the Bryan Church of the Nazarene across from the main post office, and the elections office across from the courthouse. The only voting location for those wanting to select three members to the board of the Wellborn special utility district (SUD) is the water district office. Click HERE to be directed to the Wellborn SUD website for more information. Saturday’s voting hours at all locations are from seven until seven. Those who are interested in runoff elections from the March primary, that will be held the Tuesday after Memorial Day. Click HERE for more information from the Brazos County elections office.

Bryan/College Station Salvation Army Officially Launches Its “Building Hope” Capital Campaign

The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army officially launches its “Building Hope” campaign. The $9.1 million dollar effort is to transform the local Salvation Army campus in Bryan into a “Center of Hope”. The campaign will fund among other things, an administration and family service center, transitional housing, a youth service center, and a “client choice” food pantry. Click HERE to be directed to the buildinghopebcs.org capital campaign website for more information and to make a contribution.

Senator John Cornyn Tells Reporters About An “Intriguing” Idea From A Texas A&M Team To Build Semiconductors

U.S. senator John Cornyn says he is “intrigued” about a proposed project on the Texas A&M system’s RELLIS campus. Cornyn told Texas reporters Thursday (May 2) about a team from A&M proposing to the Commerce Department, a computer chip facility that includes research and development and production of semiconductors. Cornyn says Congress has delegated to the Commerce Department, the authority to consider the proposal under recent federal legislation giving subsidies to increase the domestic production of computer chips. Cornyn said he learned more about the project during a meeting this week with A&M system chancellor John Sharp. Click below to hear comments from John Cornyn, visiting with WTAW’s Bill Oliver on May 2nd, 2024: