Brazos County commissioners approved nearly $160,000 in personnel changes Oct. 5, including salary increases in the District Attorney’s Office, Juvenile Court and Road and Bridge Department.

The gist: The approved changes include more than $13,000 for an administrative attorney in the District Attorney’s Office’s child protective services department, $22,513 for an Assistant District Attorney I and $5,164 for an investigator supervisor.

Commissioners then approved a $26,688 increase for the Juvenile Court Referee position, which will be renamed Juvenile Associate Judge, and an $11,267 increase for the Misdemeanor Associate Judge.

The Road and Bridge Department also received approval to re-establish a Multiple Equipment Operator II position at $31.09 per hour, with an $80,691 budget impact.

Also on the agenda: Commissioners also unanimously approved a resolution supporting development of a Brazos County Community Wildfire Protection Plan. Emergency Management Director Jason Ware said the plan would have no financial impact to the county and would involve identifying wildfire risks before they occur.

Bryan-College Station will have closures on the Harvey Mitchell turnaround and Emerald Parkway for demolitions off Hwy. 6 throughout the week of Oct. 5-12.

What you need to know:

• Oct. 6-7: Turnaround closure of the northbound and southbound frontage roads at Harvey Mitchell Parkway, 7:30 p.m.-6:30 a.m.

  • Both roads’ turnarounds will be closed for bridge demolition work.

• Oct. 9-12: Full closure of Emerald Parkway

  • The road will be closed from Friday at 7:30 p.m. until Monday at 6:30 a.m. for a bridge demolition. TxDOT recommends the SH 6 frontage roads and the U-turn at Southwest Parkway for westbound traffic on Emerald Parkway or Rock Prairie Drive and eastbound traffic on Harvey Mitchell Parkway (FM 2818).

Locally owned graphic design and consulting business Zeal Design Studio celebrated 20 years of operation at the Kimbell Cultural Event Center in Bryan on Oct. 2. 

The overview: Owner Nicole Holmes started Zeal in Belton and operated the business between Texas and Oregon before settling down in Bryan. The firm has worked with 250 clients, including businesses, non-profit organizations and entrepreneurs.

Holmes said starting a business from scratch came with a lot of hard work and unknowns, but she found the work rewarding and her clients the best part of the job. 

While Zeal works with businesses of all types, Holmes said her specialty and focus are non-profits. As part of the 20th anniversary, Zeal gifted a brand makeover to the local organization Acara Hospice Care.

One more thing: As previously reported by Community Impact, Acara opened the Brightside Thrift store in Historic Downtown Bryan in June to help sustain its community house in the Bryan-College Station area.

• Celebrated 20 years on Oct. 2

The backstory: Fritella Italian Cafe was founded in 2003 by Italian immigrant Adriano Farinola in Bryan. Farinola operated the restaurant until he retired in 2022. The business and building were sold to current owner Tracy Munden and four other business partners, reopening in 2023.

What’s on the menu: The restaurant serves made-to-order classic Italian dishes, desserts and soups. Staff members arrive at 8 a.m. daily to prepare the dough and pasta from scratch before opening at 11 a.m.

A long time coming: The building was originally a Taco Bell. Munden and his partners have updated the structure by painting the outside, changing the landscaping, and revitalizing the inside.

Interior updates include:

• A new sound system

• String lights

• A new host stand

• Neon lights, silverware and tables

Going forward: Fritella is an official sponsor of Texas A&M athletics. Located next to the Bryan-College Station border, the restaurant is open seven days a week.