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20/08/2025

DPS Rolls Out New Driver License Design

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has rolled out a new design on Texas driver license (DL) and identification (ID) cards. Beginning today, Aug. 18, all newly issued Texas DLs and IDs will feature a new look, which has increased security features. The previously issued cards, with the current design, are still valid until their expiration date.

“The way driver licenses are made can make a big difference in terms of public safety,” said DPS Driver License Division Chief Sheri Gipson. “This new card design will make it even more difficult for criminals to produce counterfeit cards, and it enhances ways we can protect Texans’ identities from being stolen.”

Texas’ new DL and ID cards are made of tamper-resistant polycarbonate material that is difficult to reproduce and compliant with American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) standards. Instead of a gold star, these new cards now feature a black, laser-engraved star in the upper right corner to indicate REAL ID compliance. The new cards also reorganize personal information in a clear and easy-to-read format for identification and verification purposes.

Here are some locations in Brownwood and Coleman.

Brownwood Driver License Office
1516 Market Place Boulevard, Brownwood, TX
(325) 646-0180
Brown County Registration & Titling
200 S. Broadway Street, Brownwood, TX

Coleman Driver License Office
112 North Concho, Coleman, TX 76834
(325) 625-2600
Coleman County Registration & Titling
100 Liveoak Street, Suite 104, 76834, Coleman, TX
(325) 625-2153

20/08/2025

Four Brownwood ISD Students Participate in 2025 Lone Star Leadership Academy Camps

Over the summer, four outstanding students from Brownwood ISD attended 2025 Lone Star Leadership Academy camps. These students, who were 6th graders at Coggin Elementary last year and are now 7th graders at Brownwood Middle School, were nominated and participated in one of the weeklong leadership camps offered through Education in Action.

Students representing Brownwood ISD:

· Sophia Ongteco (Dallas/Fort Worth Program)

· Mattison King (Dallas/Fort Worth Program)

· Skylynn Bessent (Houston/Galveston Program)

· Charlotte Myers (Houston/Galveston Program)

These four were among 713 outstanding 3rd–8th graders from across Texas who participated in one of the 2025 Lone Star Leadership Academy summer camps.

Each student was nominated by an educator for the Lone Star Leader Award based on leadership ability, academic success, and school/community involvement. In addition to a certificate of recognition, each nominee was invited to join other outstanding Lone Star Leader nominees from across Texas on a Lone Star Leadership Academy summer camp.

The participants traveled to Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin/San Antonio, or Houston/Galveston for weeklong, overnight camps. They developed leadership skills, built friendships, and experienced Texas first-hand at sites including the Texas State Capitol, Johnson Space Center at NASA, The Alamo, the Fort Worth

Stockyards, Moody Gardens, and more. In addition, professionals at sites visited introduced students to a wide variety of careers.

"In just one week, we see students grow tremendously in confidence and leadership," said Jennifer Pasteur, Executive Director of Education in Action. "Time and again, we see them return home and put those skills into action—in their schools, organizations, or communities."

Educators are invited to nominate their outstanding 3rd–8th graders for the 2026 Lone Star Leader Award and Leadership Academy at www.educationinaction.org/nominate

20/08/2025

Heart Saver CPR/First Aid Class Friday, Aug. 22
The Brownwood/Brown County Health Department will be having a Heart Saver CPR/First Aid Class on Friday, August 22nd from 2-4 p.m. Class is $40 per person and will provide a 2 year CPR certification. This is open to the general public.

We schedule CPR classes every other month, we have Heart Saver classes for the general public and BLS class for healthcare workers, next scheduled classes will be in October.
You are welcome to call and schedule a class for groups of at least 6.
Call 325-646-0554 to register. For more information ask for Jennifer.

19/08/2025

Commissioners approved public hearings for budget, tax rate
Brown County Commissioners on Monday approved Sept. 8 as the date for public hearings on the proposed
2025-26 budget and the proposed ad valorem tax rate. Commissioners are also set to approve the fiscal budget and tax rate on the same day, following the public hearings.

The panel approved a call for special election to be held on November 4, 2025. Three items will be on the November 4 ballot: Seventeen proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution; Place 6 on the Brownwood Independent School District’s Board of Trustees; a proposed sales and use tax of 1% in the City of Blanket to provide revenue for maintenance and repair of municipal streets.

Brown County Elections Administrator Brenda Arp discussed the county's need to purchase a new poll pad for voter check in. The VOTEC has been used but the company has gone out of business. She presented the Knowink system at almost $36,000 and the VR system for almost $53,000. Commissioners will decide on the system at a future meeting.

Also on Monday, Brown County Sheriff Vance Hill honored two retiring deputies, Valton Posey who served for 45 years and Ricky Belvin who served for 12 years.
The Commissioners also agreed to take no action on a Burn Ban, leaving the burn ban off for now.

19/08/2025

Upcoming Scrimmage and Meet the Lions Events to be held at Gordon Wood Stadium

Brownwood Independent School District (BISD) is excited to invite the community to two upcoming events at Gordon Wood Stadium: the Brownwood Lions Scrimmage at 6:00 p.m. (FR/JV) and 7:00 p.m. (V) on Thursday, August 21, and Meet the Lions at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 22.

Please note that ongoing construction at the stadium requires all attendees to exercise caution while making their way around the venue, adhering to construction fencing and designated restricted areas for safety.

PARKING AND GATE ENTRANCE

· Home Side (West Lot): The home parking lot is open with portions closed due to construction materials; please proceed carefully when walking to and from your vehicle. Enter through the main gate located in the center of the stadium.

· Visitor Side (East Lot): Access via the main gate in the center of the stadium. A sidewalk is available on the north end of the stadium for those needing to cross from the visitor side to the home side.

· No gate access is available at the north or south ends of the stadium.

ACCESS TO BLEACHERS

· Home Side: Stairs are available at the north end and under the bleachers in the middle. Ramps are also accessible on the north and south ends.

· Visitor Side: Stairs are accessible at the north and south ends, as well as under the bleachers. Ramps are also accessible on the north and south ends.

RESTROOMS

· Home Side: Facilities are located at the north end next to the new concession area, and under the bleachers.

· Visitor Side: Facilities are available under the bleachers.

CONCESSIONS

· Any food, drink, or snack items will be available for purchase on the home side in the new concessions building at the north end of the stadium.

· Meet the Lions: Enjoy a special $8 meal deal featuring a burger, chips, and a drink. *Proceeds support the Brownwood High School Mighty Maroon Marching Band.

19/08/2025

HPU kicks off the 2025-2026 school year



BROWNWOOD – August 18, 2025 –Howard Payne University’s campus had a busy weekend kicking off the 2025-2026 academic year. Student-athletes participating in fall sports moved back to campus on Monday and Tuesday, August 11 and 12, followed by incoming students on Friday, August 15. Faculty, staff and students lined the parking lots to help new students unload belongings and move them into the three residence halls.



Chime In was held along Center Avenue on Friday afternoon. During the Chime In ceremony, a tradition which began in 2001, new students followed Dr. Cory Hines, HPU president, and First Lady Melinda Hines through the Wilson Gate on Center Avenue, surrounded by upperclassmen on either side. This marked their entrance onto campus and the start of their HPU experience. It also was the first activity for Jacket Journey, a new student orientation weekend.



“It was a wonderful weekend welcoming new students into the HPU Family,” said Dr. Hines. “This incoming class is one of the largest on our campus in over a decade. We are grateful they chose to come to HPU for their education and look forward to all that is in store at HPU this year under God’s direction.”



During Jacket Journey, students participated in small group activities, large gatherings, Primetime outdoor games, a business fair and more. New and returning students joined the Hines at their house on Friday evening for a cook-out, which provided them with a great opportunity to connect with the president and first lady. On Saturday, the HPU Alumni Association packed and delivered welcome bags to all the on-campus students and hosted an ice cream social. Local churches also attended a church fair, allowing students the opportunity to engage with many ministry leaders in the community.



Then on Sunday, a campus worship service was held in Mims Auditorium, with worship led by the Heritage Chapel Band and a sermon from Dr. Hines. The weekend concluded with a Street Party on Sunday evening, where campus organizations set up booths and introduced new students to many ways to get involved.



“Jacket Journey weekend is the first step in our incoming students’ college experience,” said Kailee Torgerson, director of student leadership and engagement. “This is where connections are made, traditions begin and their first HPU memories are formed. It’s always an exciting and meaningful start to their journey as Yellow Jackets!”

Classes began on Monday, August 18, across campus and online. The university offers more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs.



For more information, visit www.hputx.edu.



# # #



Cutline 1: New students moved into their dorms on Friday, August 15.



Cutline 2: Students participate in the Chime In tradition.



Cutline 3: Incoming students pose for a photo during Chime In.



Cutline 4: Jacket Journey is HPU’s new student orientation weekend.

18/08/2025

CISCO, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Two Cisco residents have been accused of child endangerment after their child tested positive for m**hamphetamine. Zebadijah Adams, 25, and Breanna Williams, 25, we…

18/08/2025

Rising Star man killed in two vehicle crash in Eastland County

A Rising Star man was killed in a crash with an 18 wheeler on State Highway 36 1.5 miles from Rising Star on Thursday, Aug. 14 the Department of Public Safety reported.

A 2019 Kenworth towing a flatbed trailer driven by Noel Enrique Torrez Carrasco, 31 of Houston was traveling east on SH 36 at 1:56 pm when he struck the rear of a 2025 Chevrolet Trax SUV driven by Early Morgan Wright, 74 of Rising Star. According to the DPS, Carrasco failed to control the speed of the 18 wheeler and crashed in to Wright, who was stopped, waiting to turn left on CR 377. Wright was pronounced dead at the scene. Carrasco was not injured.

Stacy Marie Wright, 53, of Rising Star was transported to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth with non-incapacitating injuries and is listed in stable condition.

All involved were wearing seat belts and the accident remains under investigation,.

15/08/2025

BCSO notice of SCAM alert.

Sheriff Hill would like to advise the community of a recent phone scam.

The caller is stating that they are a detective with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office and that the person has active warrants for their arrest. The caller will ask for cash to be deposited into an Apple Pay Account or an Apple Card.

The Sheriff’s Office would never contact you directly over the phone for warrants nor ask someone to send money or deposit money into any type of financial institution.

Please report any type of phone calls of this nature immediately to the Brown County Sheriff’s Office.

15/08/2025

JURY DUTY CANCELLED FOR 35TH DISTRICT COURT MONDAY, AUG. 18

JURORS WHO WERE TO REPORT TO THE 35TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT OF BROWN COUNTY FOR A JURY TRIAL AUGUST 18, 2025 @ 8:45 A.M. DO NOT NEED TO APPEAR.

JURY DUTY HAS BEEN CANCELLED.

15/08/2025

Rep. Pfluger Announces Service Academy Nights in Midland and Killeen

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) announced his office will host Service Academy Nights in Midland and Killeen for students, parents, and educators to learn about the opportunities for students to serve at a U.S. Service Academy.

Pfluger said the opportunity is open to If you are a students in Texas's 11th Congressional District interested in seizing the opportunity to serve the country and attend a U.S. Service Academy.

Midland Academy Night:
August 27th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
*Registration begins at 5:30 pm*
University of Texas Permian Basin, CEED Center
1310 North FM 1788
Midland, Texas, 79707

Killeen Academy Night:
August 28th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
*Registration begins at 5:30 pm*
Texas A&M University-Central Texas, Bill Yowell Conference Center
1001 Leadership Place
Killeen, Texas, 76549

15/08/2025

Persons sentenced to prison in 35th District Court

Several persons were sentenced to prison in the 35th District Court recently District Attorney Micheal Murray reported. Judge Mike Smith handed down the sentences.

Brandon Gilbreath pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and burglary and he was sentenced to three years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Probation was revoked for Bryson Angel for theft of a firearm and he was sentenced to 9 months in state jail.

Probation was revoked for Michael Shane Scofield for possession of a controlled substance and he was sentenced to six months in state jail.