Local archive
Education Woodland Heights
Brownwood ISD earned an overall B rating of 83 from the Texas Education Agency, up from a C rating of 78 the previous year. Brownwood High School rose 11 points to an 89, while East Elementary earned an A.
Business & Openings
Brownwood’s girls volleyball team earned its first win of the 2026 season Friday at the Abilene Bev Ball Classic, defeating Class 3A Sweetwater before losing to Class 5A Abilene Cooper. The Lady Lions entered Saturday bracket play with a 1-2 record and an 8 a.m. match scheduled against an opponent that had not yet been determined.
Business & Openings
The Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce will host a free Business Expo and Food Truck Cook-Off on Sept. 17, 2026, at the Brownwood Event Center Complex, with registration still open for businesses and food trucks.
Education
Several Howard Payne University offices in Brownwood will open from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 15, to assist students ahead of the fall 2026 semester. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 17.
Sport
Brownwood’s veteran defense held Brock’s starters scoreless through most of the live quarter, while the Lions’ offense showed late signs of progress in a 2026 preseason scrimmage at Gordon Wood Stadium.
Sport
The No. 24 Brownwood Lions will open their 2026 football scrimmage schedule Thursday evening at Gordon Wood Stadium against No. 6 Brock, giving the team an early test against one of Class 4A Division II’s top programs.
Crime & Public Safety
A pedestrian was flown to a Fort Worth trauma center after being struck by an 18-wheeler early Tuesday morning in the 1700 block of Early Boulevard, according to the Early Police Department.
Sport
The Early Lady Horns defeated Brownwood in straight sets Tuesday at Warren Gym, winning 25-17, 25-12 and 25-18. The Lady Lions, beginning the second season under Kristen Grimes with a largely new 12-player varsity roster, will play next at the Abilene Bev Ball Classic.
Culture
Howard Payne University says Grammy Award-winning Christian artist Chris Tomlin will perform a free community concert and night of worship at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Brownwood Event Center outdoor stage. The event was postponed from April because of severe weather; no tickets are required for the rescheduled concert.
Traffic & Construction
Brown County recorded fewer home sales and a lower median price in July 2026 than in July 2025, while active listings increased and properties took longer to move through the market.
Crime & Public Safety
Brown County Commissioners Court adopted a 90-day prohibition on outdoor burning in the county’s unincorporated areas on Aug. 10, 2026, citing a public-safety hazard. Certain authorized activities remain exempt, and violations may bring a fine of up to $500.
Education
Brown County Commissioners Court approved Anna Davenport’s hiring as the county’s next Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agent. Davenport, who has taught at a Tennessee college and has an agriculture and 4-H background, is expected to begin Sept. 1, 2026.
Crime & Public Safety
Texas DPS and the Brown County Sheriff’s Office are seeking information about the 1996 killing of Juan Leon Laureles near Brownwood. A reward of up to $6,000 is available for information leading to an arrest, but the tip must be submitted before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced.
Culture Baker Street
Howard Payne University has rescheduled a free Chris Tomlin concert and night of worship for 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Brownwood Event Center’s outdoor stage, 601 Baker St. The event was postponed from April because of severe weather, and admission will now be first come, first served with no tickets required.
Community
The Brownwood ISD Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet Aug. 10, according to Brownwood News. The supplied announcement does not provide a meeting time, location or agenda details.
Sport
Brownwood volleyball begins its 2026 season Tuesday at Warren Gym against Early, with the Lady Lions seeking their first playoff berth since 2021 after ending a 30-match district drought last year.
Sport
Brownwood-area athletes will compete in volleyball, football scrimmages and cross-country events during the week of Aug. 10-16, according to the weekly schedule published by Brownwood News.
Community
A nationwide Cyclospora investigation is ongoing, with iceberg lettuce grown in Mexico believed to be a primary source. Brownwood residents can reduce risk by following produce-safety guidance and checking federal recall notices.
Education
Revitalizing Our Community, A Breath of Praise Community Church and First Blessings provided new shoes, socks, backpacks and school supplies to more than 200 children and youth in Brownwood on Aug. 8, 2026.
Sport
The Brownwood Lions completed their first week of 2026 football practice with an intrasquad scrimmage at Gordon Wood Stadium. Coach Jeryl Brixey said the team is on schedule but must improve pass protection, tackling, ball security and penalties before hosting No. 6 Brock.
Culture
The Brown County Museum of History has named retired Wendlee Broadcasting co-owners Mariann and Rex Tackett honorary chairs of its September 12 gala, a fundraiser supporting educational programs for children.
Sport
Brownwood High’s tennis team closed its weekend at Abilene’s Rose Park with an 18-1 loss to Canyon High on Aug. 8, with Duncan Dennison earning the Lions’ only victory. Brownwood will host Brock on Aug. 20 in its District 6-4A and home opener.
Community Fisk Avenue
Brown County 4-H members and families face several August deadlines, including fair entries, livestock validation tags, an awards and fun day RSVP, and enrollment requirements for the new 4-H year.
Education
Howard Payne University in Brownwood is introducing minors in data science, cybersecurity and nutrition for the fall 2026 semester, with nutrition also available as a kinesiology emphasis.
Sport
The Brownwood Lions are projected to finish third in District 13 and open the Class 4A Division II playoffs against Lago Vista after a 7-5 season and fourth consecutive bi-district championship.
Sport
Brownwood High team tennis will begin its 2026 season against Hereford at 4 p.m. Thursday in Abilene, then play three additional matches before opening District 6-4A competition against Brock on Aug. 20.
Sport
The Brownwood Lions began the second season of coach Jeryl Brixey’s tenure Monday at the Multipurpose Activity Center, with defense standing out during the first practice and an intrasquad scrimmage scheduled for Saturday at Gordon Wood Stadium.
