Bryan ISD Media and Community Relations Manager. Methodist Christian, Singer, Musician, Marathoner, Husband, Dad! Former TV News Reporter and Anchor.
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Articles by Clay Falls
Brazos County Commissioners approve agreements for Juvenile Justice Services
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Brazos County Commissioners approved several agreements today for the Juvenile Justice Center. Commissioners approved Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program Services with Bryan, College Station and Navasota ISD’s They also approved a contract to secure short-term detentions of juvenile offenders with Kaufman County. ”A lot of the smaller counties don’t have a juvenile justice.
Cindy Hallaran Pool now open for full summer hours
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - The Cindy Hallaran Pool in College Station is now fully open for the summer. Before this week, the pool located on Rock Prairie Road was only open on the weekends due to a lifeguard shortage. Ana Romero, College Station Recreation Manager, says they’re ready for families with kids of all ages to come out and enjoy the pool. ”Family friendly more than anything, because we do have our beach entry. The shallow area is wonderful for families who have very young children.
Brazos County officials issue Burn Ban
BRAZOS COUNTY, Texas (KBTX) - At the county commissioner meeting Tuesday, Brazos County officials opted to issue a Burn Ban for the entire county. This order prohibits outdoor burning until further notice. Brazos County now joins 11 other area counties with active Burn Bans in place, including Austin, Burleson, Grimes, Houston, Lee, Madison, Milam, San Jacinto, Trinity, Walker, and Waller counties.
Area water providers asking customers to cut back usage during drought
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - As drought conditions continue to set in across the Brazos Valley, area water providers are asking customers to cut back. Some special utility districts in Brazos County are implementing drought contingency plans. Wellborn Special Utility District and Wickson Creek Special Utility District have put their voluntary water use restrictions in place. As we continue to see record heat, it’s likely other providers in the region might follow suit.
Reverberations of of Roe vs. Wade being overturned in the Brazos Valley
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Despite the fact there are no abortion providers in Bryan or College Station, Friday’s decision from the Supreme Court on Roe vs. Wade will have a noticeable impact on the Brazos Valley. Texas has a 30 day trigger law and other recent laws like Senate Bill 8 which passed last year, which allows the state to outlaw abortion if the Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade. Planned Parenthood of Bryan closed its doors in July 2013.
7 on 7 Football State Championship brings big crowds, even hotter temps this weekend
COLLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - Summer is here and 7 on 7 is back with fast paced action in College Station. It’s always a hot event in Aggieland but even hotter this year. Thursday afternoon the KBTX temperature gun was clocking in at more than 130° F on the real grass. Athletes and spectators from across the state are trying to stay cool. ”We’ve just been hydrating, drinking a lot of water. We just stay in shape. Run,” said Laiken Betz, a 7 on 7 Football Team Player from Clyde.
Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service cancels in-person Spanish Fire School
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - An important event for first responders is scaling back this year. Texas A&M Extension Service (TEEX) announced their Spanish Fire School will no longer be happening in-person. The loss of this year’s Spanish Fire School is a disappointment for TEEX as well as tourism officials. The school not only provides valuable training to firefighters, but also brings big money to the area.
All The King’s Men BBQ Restaurant temporarily closes for big remodel
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - A BBQ restaurant in Bryan is still struggling to bounce-back after closing its doors during the pandemic. Now, they’re taking steps to get customers back inside. All The King’s Men is undergoing a major renovation that just started Monday morning. It’s part of their long-term investment in Downtown Bryan. “We’re redoing our kitchen right now. We’re redoing the front of the house as you can see,” said Aaron Curs, All the King’s Men Owner. They say it takes money to make money.
Father’s Day gift: celebrating twins
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - This Father’s Day weekend is going to be twice as special for three Brazos Valley fathers. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in College Station shared with us the stories of dad’s celebrating twins this week. Adrian Arellano, James Peaugh and Jalen Davis all welcomed twins at the hospital. They visited with First News at Four on Friday. Copyright 2022 KBTX. All rights reserved.
Pet of the Week: Snowcone
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Here’s this week’s “Oet of the Week” from the Aggieland Humane Society. Our special guest on Friday was Snowcone. He’s a puppy that’s small in size but has a big heart. Snowcone was very playful and friendly when he stopped by our KBTX studio. Aggieland Humane is closed Sundays.
SOS Ministries hosting annual garage sale
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - A big garage sale is happening this weekend and it’s for a great cause. Save Our Streets Ministries is hosting their annual Garage Sale. There are plenty of items to purchase including clothes, back to school items to furniture. Proceeds benefit their women’s ministry.
Man injured after propane tank fire at Bryan business
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - One person is believed to have major injuries after a propane tank fire Thursday afternoon. The Bryan Fire Marshal tells us they are investigating a propane tank fire at a filling station. This happened at the WCTractor business at Highway 6 near Tabor Road in Bryan. We had a crew on scene as a PHI Air Medical Helicopter landed and then transported the man to a hospital. We’ve not heard details yet on the man’s injuries or how the fire happened. Copyright 2022 KBTX.
Juneteenth Freedom Walk celebrated in College Station
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Juneteenth celebrations are kicking off ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend. Marchers from all walks of life gathered for a special walk. Flags flew high and so did spirits Wednesday morning as a large crowd took steps to walk for freedom at the Lincoln Recreation Center. People of all ages, races, and backgrounds stepped in solidarity to celebrate Juneteenth. “Juneteenth is something we all should celebrate. We should not forget the significance of it.
A/C companies, energy experts offer advice on keeping cool, saving money on energy during scorching summer
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - As the heat continues to blanket the Brazos Valley A/C repair companies are in high demand. Companies that keep people cool are seeing lots of business. “The past couple of months we’ve been, slammed, calling all the time constantly,” said Kristie Montalbano, Superior Air Repair Dispatcher. Summer came quickly this year. And so have the calls. “Calling for no cools. Their A/C’s not working,” she said.
Centerville firefighters back in Leon County after surviving deadly accident on I-45
CENTERVILLE, Texas (KBTX) - Two Centerville Volunteer Firefighters are back home in Leon County after they were hit by an 18-wheeler while responding to an accident on I-45 last Monday. There are many answered prayers after firefighters Colton Adams and Clint Franklin continue to recover. Now the community is celebrating their return after a very difficult few weeks. The 21-year-old firefighter, Adams, lost his leg and had to be taken by medical helicopter to Temple.
TDCJ resumes prison transports following Gonzalo Lopez escape
CENTERVILLE, Texas (KBTX) - TDCJ resumed inmate transportation Monday after reviewing their procedures following the escape of Gonzalo Lopez in Leon County. Five people were murdered near Centerville by Lopez, who was killed in a shootout with law enforcement in South Texas. The Texas Rangers are still looking into the homicides of Mark Allen Collins, Waylon Collins, Carson Collins, Bryson Collins and Hudson Collins.
Questions remain over Vista College CEO and his new ventures in higher education
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - While the fallout continues for students and staff following the abrupt closure of Vista College back it October, it appears things are looking up for its former CEO. Jim Tolbert has been the focus of controversy since Vista College closed last year, leaving students and staff empty-handed. After a little poking-around, it appears the embattled former CEO is back in business and not everyone is happy about it.
Atticus Finch Day celebrated in Bryan
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Attorneys from across our area are celebrating one of the most famous lawyers in books and on film. Atticus Finch Day, named after the lawyer made famous in Harper Lee’s, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” made its return the Brazos County Administration Building. Attorneys wore sear-sucker suits and celebrated the best qualities to strive for in the law profession. Some of the guest speakers included retired judge Travis Bryan and attorneys Rob Kepple and Shane Phelps.
KBTX Summer Hunger Campaign helping Grimes County residents
NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX) - KBTX is working to combat food insecurity in the Brazos Valley with the help of the Brazos Valley Food Bank and the community. Our third annual summer hunger campaign took us to Navasota Thursday to Mid-South Electric Co-Op for a donation drop-off. Food insecurity is a big problem during the summer, especially with school food programs coming to an end. Think how much we all are spending on gas, groceries, to electricity bills?
Novavax vaccine approval to have big benefits for BCS area
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - With Novavax getting unanimous approval from the FDA for the ongoing authorization process for a new vaccine option for COVID-19, there’s big news for the Brazos Valley. That Novavax vaccine is being manufactured in the BioCorridor located in the BCS area. This vaccine is very different from the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines not only in the way it works, but also in the way it’s made. But what stands out most for folks in Aggieland is that it’s being made right here.
State leaders, Texans want change after convicted murderer escapes custody, kills five
AUSTIN, Texas (KBTX) - The continued news surrounding prison transport has lawmakers questioning the way inmates are moved between facilities. Monday, TDCJ announced they are temporarily halting prisoner transports after convicted killer Gonzalo Lopez escaped a bus and murdered five people near Centerville. “We should never again allow a capital murderer serving a life sentence travel across the state in a bus.
TDCJ suspending transport of prison inmates following Gonzalo Lopez escape, murders
HUNTSVILLE, Texas (KBTX) - The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced Monday they have suspended the transport of inmates after Gonzalo Lopez escaped custody last month and murdered five people. TDCJ sent us this statement: TDCJ has temporarily suspended the transport of inmates as the agency conducts a comprehensive review of its transportation procedures.
Baylor Scott & White shares advice on handling summer heat
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - With temperatures in the triple digits for the forecast this week, health care experts say there are lots of ways to safely beat the heat. Baylor Scott & White Medical Staff in College Station says plenty of hydrating and to not overexert yourself if you’re outside for extended periods of time. There are steps you can take to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. ”You don’t sweat when you have heat stroke.
Bryan apartment complex residents worried after police respond to shots fired call
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Residents at a Bryan apartment complex are on edge after someone opened fire Sunday, striking the building and multiple cars in the 3500 block of Plainsman Lane. Bryan Police responded and say no one was injured. Witnesses say they heard as many as a dozen shots, some hitting vehicles and an apartment building, as seen in photos sent by residents to KBTX. “We were in our bedroom and we heard a loud bang,” said Celeste Ramirez, a Bryan mother. “And my son heard it also.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Brazos Valley dedicates new facility in Bryan
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Children in Bryan and College Station have a new place to play and grow. The Boys & Girls Clubs had their ribbon cutting for their new facility, the Newman-Adam Campus on Beck Street in Bryan Friday. They have plenty of new space including a brand new basketball court, kitchen, game and learning areas. The Club moved to their new facility a few months ago but has been getting new staff trained.
National Donut Day celebrates Salvation Army work to fight food insecurity
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - National Donut day is here again, but did you know the celebration’s roots is in doing good? The Salvation Army celebrated Friday morning with fundraising efforts around the twin cities, most importantly at Shipley Do-Nuts locations where customers were getting a free donut. In 1938 they celebrated the first National Donut Day in Chicago. During World War I, Donut Lassies served American Troopers stationed in France. Now they celebrate Donut Day by continuing to help others.
City of Bryan keeps eye on soaring fuel costs, prepares next year’s budget
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - The City of Bryan is keeping a close eye, like all of us, on gas and diesel prices. The city is still preparing their budget for the next fiscal year and right now they don’t have any plans for amendments in the current budget. The good news is they aren’t planning to cut back any services due to the higher fuel costs. ”We do have some savings in most of our departments for various reasons. We are monitoring it.
New Legislative Committee to look at school safety after mass shooting in Uvalde
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - State legislators are meeting later this summer to address school safety following the mass shooting in Uvalde. Wednesday night, Gov. Greg Abbott convened a senate committee to look into school safety standards across Texas and come up with recommendations to help curb gun violence in schools. Educators, lawmakers and parents all want answers about what happened in Uvalde after 19 students and two teachers were gunned down at Robb Elementary School.
TDCJ spokesman says ‘false alarm’ in overnight search for escaped inmate in Madison County
MADISON COUNTY, Texas (KBTX) - A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice called an overnight search for escaped inmate Gonzalo Lopez a “false alarm.” Robert Hurst told News 3′s Donnie Tuggle there was a tip someone had spotted the escaped convicted killer, but no one was found after law enforcement officials searched through the night and into early Wednesday morning.
Bryan physician, Texas A&M Health Science Center Clinical Assistant Professor arrested for pointing gun at mover
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - A Bryan physician and leader with the Texas A&M Health Science Center is facing legal trouble after police say he pointed a gun at a moving company employee last summer. Dr. Grady “Sam” Hogue was arrested on Wednesday, May 25 following a year-long investigation for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He posted $10,000 bond the same day. The incident happened at a College Station storage facility on Wellborn Road on July 3, 2021.
Millions traveling over Memorial Day Holiday, despite record high gas prices
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - While millions of Texans will be hitting the highway for the Memorial Day weekend, others are cutting back because of sky-high gas prices. “It’s affecting everybody and it’s a crunch on everybody” said Bryan resident Walter Ward. “It’s unbelievable.” With 2.8 million Texans hitting the road this weekend, many see the high fuel prices as nothing but money up-in-smoke.
New water tower coming to Bryan’s west side
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - The City of Bryan is moving forward with plans to build a new water tower on the city’s west side. City staff gave an update at their meeting on Friday. They are currently looking at eight design options for how the 190 foot water tower would look. Construction is expected to take 15 months and cost $7 million. It will be built near Chick Lane between Leonard Road and West Villa Maria Road. The city is expected to choose a final design style this summer.
Bryan, College Station ISDs wrap up school year
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - Bryan and College Station ISD students finished their last day of the school year Thursday. Students were released early in the afternoon, and at A&M Consolidated Middle School the excitement, and relief, was palpable. Parents waiting in the pickup line said they are excited about all the summer activities from sports to events. But they’re also thinking about school safety after the tragedy in Uvalde. ”We’re excited about the year being over.
Brazos County Commissioners continuing to look at best ways to spend American Rescue Plan Act funds
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Brazos County Commissioners are deciding how best to spend $44.5 million of American Rescue Plan Act money. The list of potential projects range from mental health programs and nonprofits to the potential construction of a new medical examiner’s office. Brazos County Commissioners have some tough decisions ahead of them on how to spend that ARPA money.
DPS searching for two suspects after pursuit ends in crash, elementary school perimeter seals lifted
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and other law enforcement are searching for two suspects they say are armed and dangerous after a pursuit ended in a crash Tuesday morning. DPS says they attempted to pull over a 2016 Mercedes because they had reason to believe there were stolen catalytic converters in the vehicle, but a chase ensued. The suspects’ car crashed near Hall Street and Pruitt Street after it hit a street sign and a fire hydrant.
New details on Friday morning shooting in Bryan
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - We are learning new details about one of the shootings that happened Friday in Bryan. A Bryan man escaped serious injury after being shot once in the upper shoulder, neck area according to new court documents. Friday we told you about 47-year-old Jason Bryant Franklin being arrested after police say he shot his roommate during a fight.
Area police departments investigate multiple shootings in recent days
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Police Departments in Bryan and College Station are investigating new cases of gun violence in recent days. Police say a 7-year-old boy who was shot while riding in a car Thursday night was, likely, not the intended target of that shooting. Amazingly, the child who was hit is okay. Bryan Police are still looking for suspects in that incident, but don’t know yet if the shots were fired from another vehicle or from a person standing outside.
TDCJ still believes Gonzalo Lopez in Leon County on day eight of search
CENTERVILLE, Texas (KBTX) - Capital murderer Gonzalo Lopez remains on the run in Leon County, now for a full week. There are still no confirmed sightings of Lopez or any evidence to indicate he escaped this area, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Highway 7 still remains closed to through traffic.
False alarms and no sightings: The search for escaped inmate reaches day 7
CENTERVILLE, Texas (KBTX) - Escaped inmate Gonzalo Lopez has been on the run for seven days now and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice says there haven’t been any confirmed sightings of him. Wednesday morning TDCJ released new images of 46-year-old Lopez taken by surveillance cameras the morning of his escape. TDCJ Spokesperson Robert Hurst confirmed that there were no surveillance cameras on the bus Lopez escaped from.
Leon County manhunt reaches day 6, drivers warned not to pick up hitchhikers
CENTERVILLE, Texas (KBTX) - Gonzalo Lopez has been on the the run for six days after escaping from a prison bus. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice says there have been no confirmed sightings by law enforcement or residents in Leon County. The longer the hunt drags out, the more folks in Leon County question whether he had outside help. “That’s part of our ongoing investigation, is to find out if he had any assistance from either inside the prison system or outside of the prison system.
Downtown Navasota seeing business boom, celebrating completion of Raiload Street improvement projects
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Navasota’s growth as a cultural center is becoming hard to miss. The city has invested in capital improvements and revitalization projects in recent years. Thursday the city celebrated showing off its latest multimillion dollar improvements with the completion of the Railroad Street improvement projects. Addressing drainage issuing, focusing on creating an aesthetic atmosphere and investing in the future is bring the downtown area into a new era.
Dime Box Community shocked after Deputy critically injured, suspect killed
DIME BOX, Texas (KBTX) - A Lee County Sheriff’s deputy is recovering in an Austin hospital after being shot twice while serving a warrant in Dime Box Tuesday night. The alleged gunman, Raul Vega Perez, was killed by law enforcement and had a previous criminal history. Dime Box is a small community and many knew the man that was killed, Raul Vega Perez. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office says they were trying to arrest Perez when he ran into a home on Stephen F.
Cameron ISD Bond election too close to call, final count expected Tuesday
CAMERON, Texas (KBTX) - Cameron ISD’s school bond election results are still being counted Tuesday afternoon. Earlier in week, unofficial voting numbers showed voters approving it by just one vote but election officials were still waiting on provisional and mail-in ballots. Residents within the school district voted on a nearly $15.9 million bond package. As of Tuesday afternoon, it’s still too close to call with 484 people for it and 483 against.
Brazos County voters approve sales tax increases for Emergency Service Districts 3 and 4
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Brazos County Volunteer Fire Departments are ready to move forward on improvements after voters approved a sales tax increase in some parts of the county. After Saturday’s special election, the sales tax will raise to the state limit of 8.25% in Emergency Service Districts 3 and 4. ESD 3 includes the eastern part of the county from Highway 21 to an area south of Highway 30. ESD 4 is on the county’s west side and includes a section of OSR all the way to south of FM 60.
A look at some of the big issues for Saturday’s Special Election in the Brazos Valley
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Saturday, May 7 is decision day for the 2022 May Special Election. From State Propositions, to local sales tax in Brazos County and area school bond packages, voters have important items to decide on. Almost 2,000 people have voted early in the Brazos County Special Election. That’s just over 1% of the county’s 122,000 registered voters. Election’s officials are preparing for the turnout Saturday. This time there are just eight locations due to expected low voter turnout.
Homeowners look for protections as property values rise
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - Texas residents are taking a close look at just how much their properties are now worth after receiving their latest appraisals. Property values jumped 15 percent on average in Brazos County, but for some, it was much more. Former State Representative Fred Brown helped create legislation that freezes property taxes for homeowners 65 and older. He encourages people to protest their valuations and make sure they take their homestead exemption.
Bryan city crews repair sinkhole on 29th Street
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - Drivers in Bryan may have noticed some work this week on 29th Street at the Carter Creek Parkway intersection. The city says crews had to make repairs to the road after a sinkhole was discovered in a storm drain. City employees were working to replace the asphalt before the rain hit in the afternoon and were expected to finish Thursday. Copyright 2022 KBTX. All rights reserved.
College Station Police investigating Monday shots fired call in Northgate area
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) -College Station Police are continuing to investigate a case of shots fired in the Northgate area. This happened Monday morning a little before noon in the 500 block of Cherry Street. Police are looking into the case and say no one was injured. You’re asked to call police if you have any information. CSPD can be reached at (979) 764-3600. Copyright 2022 KBTX. All rights reserved.
Firefighters, first responders get special training inside Kyle Field
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - Firefighters are at Kyle Field for some special rescue training this week. They are using the stadium in a new way, rappelling simulating rescues high in the air. Firefighters from Bryan/ College Station, our region and elsewhere in the world are at Kyle Field for a special high level rope rescue course. Life-saving skills aren’t usually what they practice at Kyle Field.
College Station looking at possible bond election in November, committee ranks priority projects
COLLEGE STATION, Texas (KBTX) - College Station’s City Council is continuing their look at whether to call a bond election in November. A citizens committee just finished their findings and rankings of 33 projects from parks to public safety. At the top of their list is a seventh fire station for south College Station at a cost of $10 million. College Station resident Morgan White is interested to see what’s next as College Station considers significant bond projects.
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