January 21, 2025

Community Events in Bryan and Navasota: Celebration and Mourning

News Summary

Bryan celebrates the 30th anniversary of Scotty’s House, an advocacy center for abused children, while Navasota mourns the loss of police Sgt. Mark Butler. Events include a community gathering in Bryan and a candlelight vigil in Navasota. United Way also highlights community grants available to support local non-profits. These occurrences underscore the spirit of community amidst joy and grief.

Celebration and Remembrance in Bryan and Navasota

In the heart of Bryan, excitement is building as Scotty’s House, a cherished advocacy center for abused children in the Brazos Valley, prepares to celebrate a significant milestone: its 30th anniversary. This jubilant kickoff event is set for Thursday, January 23, 2025, at their offices located at 2424 Kent Street, right across from Villa Maria and Bryan Collegiate High School. From 4:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., the community is invited to join in the festivities, culminating in a special presentation scheduled at 5:00 p.m..

Cary Baker, the director of Scotty’s House, hinted that the anniversary celebrations aim to raise awareness and support for the vital work being done to help victims of abuse over the last three decades. It’s an opportunity for the community to reflect on the progress made and the challenges that remain in protecting children in need.

United Way’s Reminder

Diving into the world of community support, Peggi Ondrasek, president of the United Way of the Brazos Valley, has reminded local non-profit agencies about the availability of community impact grants. These grants are vital for organizations looking to boost their services and outreach in the area—so if you’re involved in a local non-profit, now’s the time to get those applications in!

City Council Discussions

$7.3 million back in September 2022, and while no formal offers have been made, interest is brewing from various parties. Councilman Mark Smith has emphasized the city’s proactive approach towards discussions with potential buyers, as they recognize the need for economic growth and revitalization in the area.

A Loss for the Community

Mark Butler. Tragically, he lost his life on January 15, 2025, after a collision with a wrong-way driver. This heartbreaking incident shook the community, leading to funeral arrangements that have been announced for January 23 and 24, 2025. Visitation will be held at Nobles Funeral Home on the evening of the 23rd, followed by a service at Central Church in College Station the next day.

Sgt. Butler was engaged in a pursuit with his emergency lights flashing when disaster struck. Both he and the driver at fault, who was from Colorado Springs, lost their lives in what turned out to be a tragic accident. The Texas Department of Public Safety is currently investigating the scene, which saw Highway 6 closed for several hours.

Community Support for the Fallen Officer’s Family

Mark Butler Memorial Fund to provide assistance to his grieving family. The community’s heart is united in supporting the loved ones left behind as they navigate this difficult time.

It’s a mixed bag of celebration and mourning in Bryan and Navasota as they gear up for major events in their communities. Whether it’s honoring the legacy of a fallen officer or recognizing the importance of child advocacy, the spirit of community remains strong.

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College Station Plans Development for Northgate Area
College Station Approves Major Land Development Near Costco
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Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER

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