Local archive
Education
Caleb Gamblin, an agricultural sciences teacher at Bangs High School, is one of six finalists for the 2027 Texas Teacher of the Year award. The Bangs ISD educator is recognized for hands-on instruction and coaching student teams, including four state champion agricultural mechanics teams.
Education
Ray Reed, a Howard Payne graduate and longtime educator, reflects on family, loss and the extraordinary life he shared with his wife, Barbara, and their Yellow-collared Macaw, Pogo.
Education
Five Howard Payne University students returned from a month in Seville, Spain, with new Spanish-language skills, academic credit and a broader understanding of the region’s culture and history. HPU’s Spain Summer Immersion Program will return in summer 2028.
Traffic & Construction
The Neighbor Fire south of U.S. Highway 67/377 near Blanket was reported 90% contained Monday evening after consuming an estimated 220 acres. No homes were damaged and no injuries were reported, while crews continued cleanup and the cause remained undetermined.
Community Fisk Avenue
Brown County 4-H families must order state validation tags by noon Tuesday, Aug. 25, to show animals at the Brown County Youth Fair and major shows under newly changed rules.
Traffic & Construction
Brown County commissioners approved a real estate exchange with the City of Early involving 2.2 acres on Old May Road, 5.1 acres on Hutton Street and a $75,000 payment. The meeting also covered new Child Welfare Board members, grant accounts, November election deadlines, a September public hearing and an ongoing burn ban.
Culture Downtown Brownwood
Brownwood’s Downtown Preview Night will return Friday, Oct. 2, giving residents and visitors extended shopping hours, special offers and live music the evening before the Feels Like Home Festival.
Traffic & Construction Center Avenue
The Brownwood Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing Sept. 8 on a request to build a carport at 2410 Vincent Street within the required side-yard setback.
Sport
The Brownwood Lady Lions won four straight matches at the Heart of Texas volleyball tournament before falling to undefeated Early in the gold-bracket championship. Brownwood’s record moved to 6-6, with the team scheduled to play at Fredericksburg Tuesday before entering the Godley tournament Thursday through Saturday.
Sport
A Brownwood News column urges parents and fans to support young athletes, respect coaches and officials, and avoid behavior that can create hostile games or lead to removal from school athletic events.
Traffic & Construction
The Neighbor Fire in eastern Brown County burned approximately 200 acres Sunday between Early and Blanket before firefighters stopped its forward progression. Voluntary evacuations were lifted, but the fire remained active and crews stayed overnight.
Traffic & Construction
Fire departments from eight area communities responded Sunday afternoon to a large wildfire near Blanket, where structures were threatened and residents along three county roads were asked to evacuate.
Education
A weekly update from U.S. Rep. August Pfluger highlights upcoming federal opportunities and assistance for residents of Texas’s 11th Congressional District, including the Congressional App Challenge, White House volunteer applications, a San Angelo Service Academy Night and agricultural guidance related to New World screwworm.
Culture
Brownwood-area voters will choose between Republican Bo French and Democrat Jon Rosenthal in the November 3, 2026, race for a seat on the Texas Railroad Commission, the agency that regulates oil, gas, energy infrastructure and related resources.
Sport
Brownwood News outdoors writer Luke Clayton is preparing to hunt with a TenPoint crossbow after years of using muzzleloaders, compound bows, PCP air rifles and traditional firearms. Clayton says the newer crossbow is easier to cock, accurate and accessible to older hunters who can no longer draw conventional bows.
Education Downtown Brownwood
Brownwood ISD improved its Texas Education Agency score from 78 to 83, earning a B rating, while leaders from 12 Brown County schools and colleges outlined enrollment, financial and academic developments at the annual Education in Brown County Luncheon.
Crime & Public Safety
Albert Salazar of Brownwood was sentenced to three concurrent two-year State Jail terms after a contested hearing involving two methamphetamine possession cases and an evading-arrest case. Court evidence included injuries to a Brownwood police officer and a separate pursuit requiring six officers to take Salazar into custody. Three other felony defendants also received sentences in Brown/Mills County District Court.
Sport
After two days of pool play at Brownwood High School, the Heart of Texas volleyball tournament has finalized its Saturday gold and silver bracket schedules, with Brownwood playing at noon in Warren Gym and Brownwood JV beginning at 10 a.m. in the Auxiliary Gym.
Business & Openings
Texas A&M AgriLife nutrition expert Odessa Keenan shares practical meal-planning and shopping strategies that can help Brownwood residents save money while maintaining nutritious meals.
Culture
The Brownwood Lyric Theatre will host “Cabaret: An Evening Honoring Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld” on Saturday, Aug. 29, featuring Broadway favorites, hors d’oeuvres, wine, live music and a performance by the Lyric Players.
Community Fisk Avenue
Brown County 4-H families can now enroll for the new year, but payment alone does not complete registration. Organizers also announced new state-validation, membership and processing-fee requirements for exhibitors preparing for the 2027 Brown County Youth Fair.
Community
Hendrick Rural Health Clinic Primary Care has welcomed Stephanie Sobotie, MD, who will provide family medicine, obstetric and preventive care at 109 South Park Drive in Brownwood.
Sport
Brownwood High School tennis battled Brock at home in its District 6-4A opener, with the Lady Lions sweeping doubles and winning the top three girls singles matches before the team fell 11-8. Brownwood returns to district action Tuesday at 4 p.m. in Graham.
Sport
The No. 24 Brownwood Lions overcame a slow start and scored three straight touchdowns in the live half of Thursday’s final preseason scrimmage to defeat Class 4A Division I No. 12 Alvarado, 21-14. Brownwood opens its 2026 regular season at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Abilene Wylie.
Sport
Early improved to 10-0 after defeating Abilene Cooper JV, Abilene TLCA and Ballinger at the Heart of Texas tournament at Brownwood High School. The Lady Horns are scheduled to return Saturday for bracket play.
Sport
Brownwood went 3-0 in Thursday’s pool play at Warren Gym, defeating Bangs, Brady and Richland Springs as the Lady Lions improved their overall record to 5-5.
Education Coggin
Brownwood Middle School students Madelyn Jacobson and Charlotte Myers participated in Education in Action’s 2026 Lone Star Leadership Academy after receiving educator nominations for leadership potential, academic achievement and community involvement.
Culture Fisk Avenue
The Brownwood Art Association is launching Creative Edge, a free after-school arts enrichment program for students ages 16–18, with a September soft opening at the Brownwood Art Center.
Sport
Hendrick Health has welcomed Stephanie Sobotie, MD, to Hendrick Rural Health Clinic Primary Care at Hendrick Medical Center Brownwood. Her services include family medicine, obstetrics, pregnancy and childbirth care, pediatric exams, physicals and treatment for several common medical needs.
Sport
The third annual Heart of Texas volleyball tournament returns to Brownwood High School, with the Lady Lions scheduled to play Bangs, Brady and Richland Springs in pool play before bracket competition determines the gold and silver matchups.
