The Brazos County Commissioners Court, at a March 10 meeting, approved staff salaries for the county’s developing forensic services department after a discussion about cost and demand. 

The breakdown: Jennifer Dierksen, director of forensic services for the county, spoke at the commissioners’ meeting to explain why two investigators would be necessary. She said investigators handle much more than examining a body. They also conduct scene investigations, write reports and coordinate with law enforcement day and night.

What they said: Brown initially asked the court to table the item, citing concern over how the county can’t know the exact demand yet, particularly in terms of how much surrounding counties would request services. He argued hiring two investigators could be excessive.

Also of note: Brazos County has previously relied on outside help for medical examiner services. Dierksen said the county sent 160 death investigations to Travis County in a year. With those numbers, she predicts up to 300 investigations in a full year with a Brazos County medical examiner.

Brazos Valley Endodontic Associates is moving to a new building this summer, officials with the business said.

About the project: Construction began in February of last year on the new location, according to project information from the City of College Station.
The dental practice is currently located at 2901 E. 29th St., Bryan.

What they offer: Brazos Valley Endodontic Associates specializes in root canals and patient care.

• 3109 Corsair Drive, College Station

The city of Bryan’s splash pads are open for the season as of early March. Splash pad admission is free and open to the public. 

What you need to know: The city of Bryan operates three splash pads, but one is closed for repairs, city officials said. Splash pads at Tanglewood Park and Tiffany Park are open daily from March 1 to Oct. 31, according to city information.

Looking ahead: Summer hours for city pools begin May 24 or May 25, varying by pool, city officials said. The Bryan Aquatic Center, located at 3100 Oak Ridge Drive, is open year-round for lap swim and fitness activities.

On March 6, Blinn College hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on the 100-acre property that will be the home of the new Waller campus. During the ceremony, Blinn College officials spoke about how the new campus symbolizes the strong relationship Blinn has with the local Waller area. 

How it happened: The new facility came to fruition thanks to legislation passed by Sen. Lois W. Kolkhorst, which added the Harris County portion of Waller ISD to Blinn’s official service area, she said during the ceremony. Kolkhorst expressed her joy at the growth not only of Blinn College but also of the Waller area as a whole. 

Quote of note: “It’s a physical symbol of the commitment for the future of [the] Texas area that is growing so dynamically,” Kolkhorst said. “I will tell you the march for the future of Texas is really right here and Blinn College will be at the front of that line.”