U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to Visit College Station for Tractor Supply’s Harvest Fest

College Station City Council met Thursday night. The public meeting lasted about 2.5 hours, and after conclusion of regular business, they went back into executive session. Council issued two proclamations before getting down to business: naming September 9, 2026 “Cheyenne Thomas Miss Ultimate USA Day,” and designating September 17th through 23rd as Constitution Week. A healthy amount of citizens signed up to speak. The topics were impervious cover and disapproval of the use of FLOCK cameras. As for the impervious cover, residents say their homes in the neighborhood around Dexter and Park Place have seen a sharp rise in street flooding and water that approaches foundations where that used to not be a problem. Councilwoman McIlhenney asked that the issue be looked at and addressed in an upcoming meeting. A discussion of FLOCK cameras and data is scheduled to be on the September 24th agenda. All items on the consent agenda passed. Those include spending agreements in the amount of $1,816,909 for items such as paving, soil sampling, and a citywide flood hazard assessment. Councilman Bob Yancy expressed concerns that new flood maps could negatively affect homeowners. City Engineer Carol Cotter explained that homeowners should be grandfathered into existing policies and rates, so long as they don’t allow those policies to lapse. It would be reasonable to assume that a home in a flood plain would be more difficult to sell. On the regular agenda, a total appropriation of $25,399,000 was allowed in a contract was approved with CSA Construction, Inc. for the Carter Creek WWTP Enhanced Filtration Project. Here is the complete agenda: 7. Consent Agenda: — ALL ITEMS PASSED UNANIMOUSLY An interlocal agreement (ILA) between the City of College Station, City of Bryan, Brazos County, and Brazos County Emergency Communications District (BC 911) for a backup dispatch facility. Approval of the Atmos Mid-Tex 2026 Rate Review Mechanism (RRM) Settlement and Rate Ordinance. Award of a construction contract to Brazos Paving, Inc. in the amount of $172,040 for McCulloch Neighborhood Traffic Calming Improvements. Second reading of a franchise agreement ordinance with Texan Waste Services, Inc. for the collection of recyclables from commercial businesses and multi-family locations. ILA with Brazos County for EMS service provided by College Station Fire Department. Deductive change order with Weisinger Incorporated, providing a $109,507 credit to the construction contract for the Well 6 Pumping Equipment Repairs Project. Authorize expenditure of funds for Fiscal Year 2027 for items exempt from competitive bidding as described more fully in Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 252.022 and other expenditures for interlocal contracts or fees mandated by state law that are greater than $100,000; and to authorize the City Manager to approve contracts and expenditures that are on the exemption list. Contract amendment with Freese and Nichols, Inc (FNI) in the amount of $1,459,269 for the addition of a specialized construction inspector to provide technical oversight, and additional soil sampling required by TCEQ. Professional Services Contract with Torres Associates, LLC in the amount of $185,600 for a Citywide Flood Hazard Assessment. Professional Services Contract Amendment with Arkitex Studio adding to the contract grant funding requirements for two Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grants awarded to the City for the Texas Independence Park Project. Giving the City Manager authority to terminate for convenience the funding agreement with the Greater Brazos Partnership for services related to Plug and Play. Workshop Agenda: — NO ACTION REQUIRED, JUST PRESENTATIONS. Presentation, discussion, and possible action regarding the College Station Utilities Electric Department annual update. Presentation, discussion, and potential action regarding the anticipated impacts of the Terafab project and College Station’s readiness to address the associated opportunities and challenges. Presentation and discussion regarding the proposed real estate agreements and economic development agreements for Bass Pro Outdoor World, LLC and The Corinth Group, Inc., for developments in the Midtown Business Park. Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the State of the City. Regular Agenda: Contract with CSA Construction, Inc. in the amount of $23,090,000 for the Carter Creek WWTP Enhanced Filtration Project, plus the City’s contingency amount of $2,309,000 for a total appropriation of $25,399,000 and a Resolution Declaring Intention to Reimburse Certain Expenditures with Proceeds from Debt. Approval of this item grants authority for the City Manager to authorize project expenditures up to the City’s contingency amount. — PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

2,977 souls were lost during the four attacks on September 11, 2011. In memory of those lives and in honor of all involved in related aftermath support, here is a list of some local remembrance events: Friday, Sept. 11 — All day (lawn of Texas A&M Admin Building & Bush Library Presidential Pond) 2,977 flags for annual “9/11 Never Forget” project by the Young Americans for Freedom. (The Location at Bush Library may be changed from Pond to Courtyard). Friday, Sept. 11 — 9:00–11:00am: 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance (Hagler Auditorium, Annenberg Presidential Conference Center, 1002 George Bush Dr. W., College Station) The Bush School program begins with the Legacy of the Red Bandana, followed by firsthand accounts from Col. Mike Reilly, who was at the Pentagon; Dr. Nathan Harness, who was on the 61st floor of Tower 2; and Dean John Sherman, who was in the White House Situation Room. A display of 2,977 miniature flags will be placed by the pond, followed by a gathering and moment of silence. Friday, Sept. 11 — 10:00am: 25th Anniversary 9/11 Bench Dedication (Bryan City Cemetery Annex – Committal Shelter, Bryan) Wreaths Across America Brazos Valley will dedicate two new benches at the Veterans of Brazos Valley Memorial. Bryan High School JROTC will provide the color guard. Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez is scheduled to speak. Friday, Sept. 11 — 11:00am & 2:00pm: The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11: From Tragedy to Triumph (George H.W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum, Malek Theater, 1000 George Bush Dr. W., College Station) Free screenings of the documentary narrated by Gary Sinise, featuring firsthand testimony, archival footage and reenactments. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Michael Gier, this film goes beyond the events of September 11, 2001, to highlight the extraordinary acts of courage, compassion, and resilience that emerged in the aftermath of tragedy. The documentary features firsthand accounts from first responders, survivors, and ordinary citizens who became extraordinary heroes, as well as insights from former Secretary of Transportation to President George H.W. Bush and former White House Chief of Staff to President George W. Bush Andy Card, who was with President George W. Bush on September 11, 2001. Together, these powerful perspectives honor the selflessness and bravery that defined a generation. Featuring real-life testimonies, archival footage, and dramatic reenactments, The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11 serves not only as a tribute to those we lost, but also as a celebration of the enduring American spirit. It is an inspiring story of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, courage, unity, and compassion can light the way forward. *Admission is free, but seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please RSVP HERE. Friday, Sept. 11 — 5:30–7:00pm: Brazos Valley 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony (Brazos Valley Veterans Memorial, War on Terror site, Veterans Park, 3101 Harvey Rd., College Station) The major community ceremony. State Rep. Paul Dyson is the 2026 speaker. Includes the 5-5-5 bell ringing, wreath laying, 21-gun salute and Silver Taps. The memorial contains an actual steel relic from the World Trade Center. Free and open to the public. Saturday, Sept, 12 — 9:00am: National Day of Service (Bryan City Cemetery (BCC) – 1111 N. Texas Ave, Bryan) Headstone cleaning. Supplies provided. Public welcome. Saturday, Sept, 12 — 11:00am: “Standing for America” Red, White, & Blue Game – Texas A&M vs. Arizona State (Kyle Field, College Station) The Aggies will celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary and honor the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. Special Red, White, or Blue “Standing For America” t-shirts are available at CC Creations and Aggieland Outfitters. Proceeds from the sale of t-shirts will benefit the renovation of the MSC’s Hall of Honor to include TAMU’s 9th Medal of Honor recipient, Matt Williams. Sunday, Sept. 13 — 7:30 pm: Behind the Lines: A 9/11 Story (Rudder Theatre, Texas A&M, College Station) An OPAS production: 9/11 drew a nation together and linked the lives of two men from different generations. Set against the tragedy of the attacks and the war that followed, World Trade Center firefighter Bill Spade (sole survivor from FDNY Rescue Company 5) and combat veteran Jaymes Poling (three tours in Afghanistan) relive their experiences, revealing an unexpected bond in strength, meaning, and the weight of what they continue to carry after service. It combines their firsthand stories with live music and theatrical elements. This is a ticketed event. Buy tickets HERE.

The Talarico team issued a press release today promoting that more than 20 Current and Former Republican Leaders are endorsing Talarico for Senate. Two names on the list should be familiar to those in Brazos County. Shane Phelps is a local defense attorney who served as the Deputy Attorney General for Texas from 1999 to 2001, and was an Assistant District Attorney in Brazos County from 2001 to 2011. James Edge is the Mayor Pro Tem of Bryan. He says “As a Republican, I believe in faith, family, the rule of law, and holding public officials accountable when they betray the public trust. I will support plenty of Republicans this November, but I cannot vote for Ken Paxton.” Edge adds, “Talarico has demonstrated that he is willing to listen, work across party lines, and put Texas and our country first. As a lifelong conservative Republican, I’m proud to support him this November.”