The first medical examiner’s office in Brazos County is expected to open this summer—a process County Judge Duane Peters said first started more than a decade ago.

In a nutshell: Peters said conversations regarding the need for a local medical examiner’s office began in 2012 among members of the Brazos Valley Council of Governments, an organization including governmental leaders from Brazos County and the six surrounding counties in the Brazos Valley. According to the BVCOG, the results of a feasibility study were released in 2015.

Marking a milestone: Peters said construction of the facility is paid for through federal American Rescue Plan Act funds the county received during COVID-19 and county reserve funds.

Stay tuned: Dierksen said she hopes to provide forensic education opportunities for the local community with the debut of the medical examiner’s office.

Several businesses in the Bryan-College Station area are opening, coming soon or closing. Check out five of the most recent business updates.

Now open
Hurricane Harry's
After closing in 2024, the dance hall has been reopened in the Northgate District, Community Impact previously reported. It reopened in the former Shiner Park location, which shut its doors last fall.

• Opened March 17
• 217 University Drive at Boyett St., College Station

• Opening TBD
• 3349 University Drive E., Ste. 101, Bryan

• Closing April 30
• 2701 Texas Ave., Bryan

There are several events to attend in the Bryan and College Station area this weekend. Check them out below. This is not a comprehensive list and events are subject to change.

‘Legally Blonde’
Stage 12 is hosting a movie night with "Legally Blonde."

• March 20, 7 p.m.
• Free (admission)
• 455 George Bush Drive W., College Station

• March 21, 8 a.m.-noon
• Free (admission)
• 4201 Hwy. 6 S., College Station

• March 21, 1-6 p.m.
• $10 (per plate)
• 794 N. Harvey Mitchell Parkway, Bryan

The city of Bryan's Development Advisory Committee is hosting a pair of public hearings to get resident feedback on plans related to grant funds and the city's fair housing plan, according to a March 16 notice from the city.

The gist: The first of the two meetings will cover the city's 2026 Annual Action Plan, according to the city's website. That plan recommends projects using grant funds from the Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Grant, both of which are federal programs that offer local funding, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

What else? Residents can also take a survey on how the city should prioritize federal funds, which is open until April 8, according to the city's website.

Stay tuned: The hearings will be held during the committee's regular meeting at 6 p.m. March 19 at Bryan City Hall's council chambers, 300 Texas Ave., Bryan.