The post Burn Ban Remains in Place appeared first on Brownwood News.

There will be a candlelight vigil held at 7:30 on Wednesday evening at Christ Chapel (2101 Coggin Ave.)

The family will receive friends at Heartland Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home.

Landry passed from this life on Saturday, September 21, 2019 in Fort Worth.

The post Landry R. Blackstock, 38 (Brownwood) appeared first on Brownwood News.

Below is information about Police Communications Operator positions with the Texas Department of Public Safety.  Currently, Abilene has two vacancies with more statewide. Below is basic information on the vacancy — more information located at http://www.joindps.com.

Requirements for Communications Operator

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or the equivalent.
• Must qualify for and obtain TLETS and TCIC/NCIC Terminal Operator certification within six (6) months of employment.
• Must qualify for and obtain Basic Telecommunicator Proficiency Certificate from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement within twelve (12) months of employment.
• Previous law enforcement experience is not necessary, but, helpful.
• The person filling this position must be able to work individually with minimal supervision.
• Applicants must have the ability to operate computers systems, speak clearly, perform multiple duties simultaneously, comprehend and process written and verbal directions.
• Skill in dealing with the public and other law enforcement personnel.
• Ability to operate computer systems.
• Must pass medical and psychological screening.
• Ability to tolerate confinement to work area for duration of work shift.
• Ability to perform multiple duties simultaneously.
• Ability to comprehend and execute written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to tolerate and react to high stress situations and emergencies while maintaining composure.

Benefits For Communications Operator

• State-paid health and life insurance plans for you. Insurance becomes effective the first month following the 90-day waiting period. (Hourly and Part-time employees, State-paid at 50%)
• Optional dental plan and health insurance for your family members
• State retirement matching contribution of 6.5 percent of gross salary. Starting after your 90th day of employment, mandatory 6.6% of your monthly salary is deducted pre-tax and deposited into your personal state retirement account.
• Optional 401K and 457 Plans
• Flexible health and dependent day care accounts
• Optional term life insurance for you and your dependents
• Short and long term disability insurance for you
• Voluntary AD&D insurance
• Employees Retirement System (ERS)
• Longevity Pay (Full-time employees)
• Direct Deposit
• Paid sick leave accrues from your first day at work
• Sick Leave Pool for catastrophic illnesses and injuries
• Family Medical Leave
• Smoke-free workplace
• Paid vacation accrues from your first day worked
• Paid Federal and State holidays
• Free Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Programs
• DPS Credit Union
• On-site training opportunities
• Use of gym/fitness center (not available at all locations)
• Health and Wellness Program

Sick Leave
Sick leave is earned at the rate of 8 hours per month and may be carried from year to year. A Sick Leave Pool is available to those who make a contribution to the pool.

Vacation
Vacation is earned according to the following schedule:

Salary For Communications Operator

Salary Information

• Starting – PCO (probationary) – $2775.08
• PCO II at 2 years – $2960.23
• PCO III at 4 years – $3214.20
• PCO IV at 7 years – $3429.22
• PCO V at 10 years – $4211.73
• SR PCO at 16 years – $4619.19
• Will pay for experience as a Licensed Telecommunicator

Overtime
On occasions when personnel are required to work overtime, it is submitted for payment at time and a half.

Compensatory
Holiday Time is earned when employees work on designated state and federal holidays observed by the State of Texas. Holiday Time must be used within a year after it is earned.

The post Job Openings – DPS Looking for Communications Operators appeared first on Brownwood News.

1. Call to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Invocation
4. Items to be withdrawn
5. Introductions, Announcements, and Recognitions

6. Citizen Presentations
Any citizen who desires to address the City Council on a matter not included on the agenda may do so at this time. The City Council may not deliberate on items presented under this agenda item. To comply with the provisions of the Open Meetings Act, the Council respectfully requests that prior to addressing Council that each person submit a citizen presentation form that is located at the entryway to the Council Chambers, stating your name, address, and topic of presentation. All presentations are subject to a five (5) minute time limit.

7. Approval of Minutes
A. Special Called Meeting – September 3, 2019
B. Special Called Meeting – September 5, 2019
C. Regular Called Meeting- September 10, 2019
D. Special Called Meeting- September 17, 2019

8. Claims and Accounts
9. Ordinances and Resolutions
A. Consider an ordinance on first I final reading updating the salary, longevity pay, and certification pay for all Civil Service – Firefighters and Police Officers.
B. Consider an ordinance on second and third/final reading adopting the FY 2019/2020 City of Brownwood annual budget and ratify the property tax increase in the budget.
C. Consider amending an ordinance and approving the amended ordinance on second and third/final reading levying taxes for the year 2019 for the City of Brownwood.
D. Consider a resolution approving nine new capital leases with Citizens National Bank and assigning a property tax pledge.

10. Consent Agenda
A. Consider an ordinance on second and third/final reading setting utility rates for FY 2019/2020 for the City of Brownwood.
B. Consider an ordinance on second and third/final reading setting fees, rentals, licenses, and permits for FY 2019/2020 for the City of Brownwood.
C. Consider ratification of the Brownwood Municipal Development District Board for a Building Improvement Incentive Program (BHP) grant to Ribble Construction not to exceed $16,200 for a property located at 713 Belle Plain.

11. Agreements and Contracts
A. Consider authorizing the Mayor to sign a contract with Brown Reynolds Watford, Inc. for a schematic design of a community facilities project.
B. Consider approving the Meet and Confer Agreement between the City of Brownwood and the Brownwood Professional Firefighters Association (BPFF A) for a one (1) year term – October 1, 2019 -September 30, 2020.

12. Requests and Presentations
A. Consider a request from Donny Seale, President of the Heartland Cruisers, requesting forgiveness of $433.75 of indebtedness to the city for concrete for a burn-out pad at Riverside Park.

13. Reports
A. National Night Out-Tuesday, October 1, 2019.
14. Adjournment

The post Brownwood City Council to Meet Tuesday Morning – Agenda Posted appeared first on Brownwood News.

On 9/22/19 at approximately 14:18 hours, on Officer met with a man at his residence located in the 2500 block of Vincent Street.  The man told the Officer that, during the night-time hours, someone struck his vehicle and left the scene.

On 9/22/19, an Officer took a report of a burglary of a vehicle in the 1700 blk of 8th Street where numerous tools were stolen from the bed of a truck. A report has been completed.

On 09/21/19, Brownwood PD was dispatched to a south Brownwood address (4^th Street/Brady Avenue) for a welfare check on a white male lying in a field, which resulted in the arrest of the male for public intoxication.

On 9-21-19 at approximately 15:08 hours, two Officers were dispatched to 911 Beaver St (Lee Chapel AME church) in reference to criminal mischief. A report was generated regarding the incident.

On Saturday, September 21, 2019 at approximately 00:24 hours, four Officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle accident located in the 1200 block of Austin. Upon arrival an investigation and an arrest were completed.

On 9/20/2019 at approximately 2300 hours, Brownwood Police were patrolling in the 400 block of West Depot when they were flagged down for a domestic disturbance. Police made a report for domestic violence.

On Friday, September 20, 2019 at approximately 19:00 hours, Brownwood Police Officers were dispatched to a south Brownwood address (1500 block Ave. I) for a domestic disturbance. A report was generated for this incident.

On Friday, 09/20/2019, two Officers were dispatched to a south Brownwood apartment complex in the 1700 block of Magnolia, at approximately 1859 hours, regarding a theft. An investigation was completed and a report was filed.

On 9/20/19, an Officer received a fake one hundred dollar bill from a subject who owns a business in town. A suspect attempted to pass it at the business.

On 9-20-19, at approximately 10:05 hours, BPD Officers were dispatched to the 300 block of Bluffview in reference to an Agency Assist call with a Brown County Constable regarding an eviction. During the call, a quantity of Psilocybin Mushrooms were located.  A woman was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance PG 2 >=1G<4G in a Drug Free Zone.

On Thursday, September 19, 2019, officers were dispatched to a three-vehicle accident at the intersection of Austin Ave and Indian Creek Drive. Officers were informed by dispatch the vehicle that caused the accident had left the scene. The owner of the truck was identified and the vehicle was located at his place of residence. The driver was identified and a DWI investigation ensued. The driver was placed under arrest and subsequently transported to the Brown County Jail.

On 9/19/2019 at approximately 10:00 hours, Brownwood Police were doing a follow up on an earlier call in the 2800 block of Southside. Police made a report of criminal trespass.

The post Brownwood Police Blotter appeared first on Brownwood News.

Users can preview routes, view photos, read reviews and download directions to their mobile device while browsing scenic points and drives. The crowdsourced application displays a map that shows the current rating of each route to help users find the best displays of fall foliage.

“Texas has many extraordinary places to view scenic landscapes. This application helps connect users with those majestic hardwood forests, stunning bluebonnet fields, and inspiring wide open spaces that define this great state,” said Hughes Simpson, Texas A&M Forest Service Forest Systems Department Head.

While Texans are out exploring and enjoying fall colors, they can upload their photos of fall foliage to Texas Scenic Views and rate and comment on the routes they travel.

Texans have a good reason to get outside and explore. Exposure to forests and woodlands decreases mental fatigue by relaxing and restoring the mind, as well as providing a sense of security.

By taking a drive to scenic outdoor areas, Texans can embrace the health benefits provided by trees and green space and gain an appreciation for their value.

“Medical research is increasingly showing the numerous, positive health benefits of trees in our everyday lives. This application helps Texans enjoy the natural beauty of this state while positively impacting their health,” said Simpson.

In the spring, Texans can use the app to find routes that showcase beautiful wildflower displays.

Texas A&M Forest Service provides statewide leadership to assure the state’s trees, forests and related natural resources are protected and sustained for the benefit of all. Conserving Texas’ trees and forests, the state agency helps property owners maintain land and natural resources to ensure forestlands remain productive and healthy not only for the environment, but for generations of Texans to come.

Visit texasforestinfo.tamu.edu/txscenicviews/ to visit Texas Scenic Views.

The post Texas Scenic Views leads Texans to fall foliage appeared first on Brownwood News.

1. Declare a Quorum and Call Meeting to Order
2. Prayer
3. Citizen Comments
(All speakers will be required to adhere to the rules of procedure, conduct and decorum adopted by the Court on August 19, 2019. Any disruptive, abusive, obscene, or disrespectful behavior will be terminated immediately.)
4. Consideration and Approval of all appropriate action regarding the following:
A. Dr. Paul Lilly, Brown County Judge – Consideration and possible approval of the Proposed Tax Rate;
5. Adjournment

The post Special Co. Commissioner Meeting Tuesday on Proposed Tax Rate appeared first on Brownwood News.

A. Call to order, Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
B. Consideration of the minutes for regular meeting held on September 10, 2019.
C. Citizen’s comments.

D. Matters of New Business
1. Consideration of street closure for Early ISD Homecoming parade. By: Larry McConn
2. Consideration to approve a variance allowing a bonfire for Early High School Homecoming. By: Larry McConn
3. Consider appointing two (2) board members to Early Municipal Development District. By: Larry McConn

E. Executive Session in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 551, Texas Government Code:
1. Section 551.087, Deliberation regarding Economic Development.
F. Reconvene into Open Session and consider action, if any, on items discussed in executive session.
1. Consider approval of Resolution 2019-EDR11, approving Municipal Development funding requests from Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure.
2. Consider approval of Resolution 2019-R07, authorizing a 380 agreement between City of Early and Solaris Oilfield Infrastructure.
G. Reports (No Council action may be taken)
1. Administrator’s Report.
H. Announcements
I. Adjourn/Recess

The post City of Early City Council to Meet Tuesday Evening appeared first on Brownwood News.

On September 5, a Deputy received a call about a couch, which had been dumped on the side of County Road 257/County Road 270. A report was made.

On Wednesday, September 18, at 07:34 hours, two Deputies were dispatched to Belfast Drive in Brownwood in regards to an assault in progress. Upon arrival they spoke to a woman who said she was arguing with a man who assaulted her. After further investigation, the man was taken into custody for Continuous Violence Against the Family. A report was taken.

On Wednesday, September 18, an S.O. Lieutenant responded to West County Road 423 in regards to a burglary. Contact was made with a man who advised someone had burglarized his barn and had taken several tools. A report was taken from the victim.

On September 18, a Deputy received a phone call about a mattress which was on the side of the road on FM 2273. A report was made.

On September 19, at approximately 5:16 pm, a Deputy with the Brown County Sheriff’s Office was working a special assignment in the city limits of Brownwood. The Deputy received a traffic accident call and responded. The driver of one of the vehicles was issued a citation for following too closely.

On September 19, an S.O. Sergeant followed up with faculty and former students about school safety concerns at Zephyr ISD. No immediate threat was found but a report was made.

The post Brown County Sheriff’s Report appeared first on Brownwood News.

1. Declare a Quorum and Call Meeting to Order
2. Prayer
3. Citizen Comments
(All speakers will be required to adhere to the rules of procedure, conduct and decorum adopted by the Court on August 19, 2019. Any disruptive, abusive, obscene, or disrespectful behavior will be terminated immediately.)
4. Consideration and approval of meeting minutes of September 20th, 2019.
5. Presentation of Treasurer’s/ Auditor’s Report.
6. Consideration and Approval of Payment of any bills needed

7. Consideration and Approval of all appropriate action regarding the following:
A. Mr. Joel Kelton, Commissioner Pct. 2 – Consideration and possible approval of action regarding burn ban;
B. Bob Contreras, County Coordinator Grants & Government Affairs – Consideration and possible approval of a County Mission Statement (span cj);
C. Bob Contreras, County Coordinator Grants & Government Affairs – Consideration and possible approval of resolution to adopt a Regional Hazard Plan Mitigation Update in conjunction with other WTCOG entities (span cj);
D. Larry Franks, County Elections Administrator — Consideration and possible approval of Notice of Special Election (span cj);
E. Larry Franks, County Elections Administrator — Consideration and possible approval of new election judges (span cj);
F. Larry Franks, County Elections Administrator- Presentation on replacing poll books for Voter check-in (span cj)

8. Adjournment

The post Brown Co. Commissioners in Session Monday Morning appeared first on Brownwood News.