Local archive
Education
Barbara Jo Fry Arnold, a Brownwood native and longtime credit union executive, died November 1, 2026, at age 92. A memorial service is scheduled for December 3 at Heartland Funeral Home in Early, followed by burial at Cedar Point Cemetery.
Education
Kendall Heaps, a Brownwood resident remembered for his humor, mechanical skills and service to others, died November 6, 2026, after a nine-month battle with cancer. He was 62.
Education Woodland Heights
Brownwood ISD trustees reorganized their board on Nov. 9, swearing in four members, electing Tim Wilson as president and reviewing districtwide technology, teacher incentive and campus instructional initiatives.
Education
Howard Payne University will welcome prospective students and their families to Yellow Jacket Preview Days on Nov. 23 and Dec. 1, offering campus tours, academic information, admissions guidance and opportunities to meet members of the HPU community.
Education
Brownwood ISD reorganized its school board Monday night, electing returning trustee Tim Wilson as president and seating four trustees after the Nov. 3 election.
Education
Brownwood ISD has named Lauren Mays and LeAnn Harris its November Spotlight Employees, recognizing their work supporting students, families and staff at Northwest Elementary.
Education
Sarah Lee Williamson Speck, 82, of Early, died October 30, 2026. The longtime Brownwood-area resident is remembered for her work as a certified public accountant, devotion to family, love of ranching and lifelong commitment to education.
Education
Debra Green, whose son Eric Green and daughter-in-law Ada live in Brownwood, died peacefully Nov. 3, 2026, in Odessa. A visitation and funeral are scheduled in Coleman on Nov. 8 and 9.
Education
Mary J. Moore of Early died November 2, 2026, at age 90. A visitation, funeral service and burial are planned in Early and Zephyr, while family and friends remember her church service, friendships and years working in Brownwood and Early.
Education
American Legion Post 196 participated in the Pathways for Success event on Nov. 3 at the Brownwood Event Center, where Paul Wade discussed scholarship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. A follow-up scholarship awareness event is scheduled for Nov. 17 at Howard Payne University.
Education
Brownwood High School has recognized eight students as its October 2026 Students of the Month, with honors awarded across all four grade levels.
Education
The annual Community Thanksgiving Feast will be served Nov. 26 at Howard Payne University’s Mabee University Center, with free dine-in meals, limited home deliveries and volunteer opportunities.
Education
Four Howard Payne University social work participants—including a Brownwood student—spent 43 hours in Mission Waco’s poverty simulation, an experience designed to expose students to the uncertainty, barriers and human needs associated with poverty.
Education
Thirteen Brownwood Middle School Choir students were selected to advance after competing in Region 8 auditions this past weekend.
Education
Howard Payne University students, faculty and staff packed a shipping container with furniture, computers and other educational supplies for William V.S. Tubman University in Harper, Liberia, during a visit from Tubman President Dr. Olu Menjay.
Education
Brownwood Independent School District will conduct emergency response drills at its schools from Nov. 2 through Nov. 6 as part of efforts to maintain a safe learning environment.
Education
Brownwood High School recognized teacher Jennifer Simpson and staff member Marion Eoff as its October 2026 honorees, with each recognition including a $200 check sponsored by TexasBank and Demand Staff, Inc.
Education
Howard Payne University is highlighting its Spanish minor and Hispanic Studies courses as preparation for careers in health care, education, business, ministry, social work and criminal justice. Brownwood students and faculty say language skills and cultural understanding can help professionals build trust and serve Spanish-speaking communities more effectively.
Education
Howard Payne University’s Department of Spanish and Hispanic Studies is highlighting its Spanish minor as preparation for work in health care, education, business, ministry, social work and criminal justice. Faculty, Brownwood health professionals and students say language ability and cultural understanding can improve communication with Spanish-speaking communities.
Education
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Brown County will host a free scholarship-planning workshop for students and families at Howard Payne University on Nov. 17, 2026, with attendees automatically entered into a scholarship drawing.
Education
Wilson A. Fields, known to many as Pete and to his family as Papaw, died October 19, 2026, in Brownwood at age 92. A graveside service is scheduled for October 23 at Bangs Cemetery.
Education
Howard Payne University will host Baylor professor Dr. Doug Weaver for a free public lecture on the preaching and ministry of Rev. John Claypool at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, in Grace Chapel. Reservations are requested.
Education
Howard Payne University will welcome Baylor professor Dr. Doug Weaver to Brownwood for a free public lecture on Rev. John Claypool, followed by a Chapel presentation the next morning.
Education Fisk Avenue
Brown County 4-H families can complete entries for major Texas livestock shows and the Brown County Youth Fair during an evening event Nov. 3 at the Brown County Extension Office in Brownwood. The newsletter also outlines upcoming validation dates, deadlines, a scholarship workshop and changes for the 2027 youth fair.
Education
A Brown County AgriLife Extension column offers practical strategies for people cooking for one or two, including planning flexible meals, right-sizing recipes, reusing leftovers and following food-safety guidelines.
Education
Alana Hefner, vice president of career services at Texas State Technical College’s Brownwood campus, was among four employees recognized with TSTC’s annual Chancellor’s Cornerstone Award on Oct. 14.
Education
Howard Payne University dedicated its Center for Student Success to former student Bo Rozell during an Oct. 13 ceremony in Brownwood. Rozell, who died at 21 after leaving campus for cancer treatment, was remembered for his faith, kindness and connection to the center. The facility provides tutoring, coaching, testing and learning accommodations, and its use has grown since opening in fall 2023.
Education
Howard Payne University’s Student Speaker Bureau hosted nearly 40 students and teachers from six area high schools for its annual UIL Congressional Debate Workshop. The HPU team will hold another workshop on Oct. 28 covering debate, speaking and journalism events.
Education
Two graduates of the Central Texas College Police Academy have started law enforcement careers with the Brownwood and Early police departments after completing six months of intensive training.
Education
Howard Payne University junior Bethany Blair of Zephyr has joined the Joint Admission Medical Program, completing her first summer internship at Texas Tech School of Medicine in Lubbock while working toward a career as a surgeon.
