As we reflect on the significant events that shaped Brownfield and Terry County over the past year, many stories emerged, highlighting both triumphs and challenges within the community. From the exciting transition in local sports with the hiring of a new head girls’ basketball coach to urgent law enforcement actions that underscored public safety, these top ten stories capture the essence of what’s been unfolding. Join us as we delve into the standout moments that garnered attention and impacted the lives of residents in Brownfield and beyond.
The City of Brownfield has received a substantial grant.
In January, the City of Brownfield announced it had secured a $750,000 park grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC). This funding is part of a larger initiative in which the TPWC awarded a total of $20 million in matching grants for park renovation and restoration projects throughout Texas. The grant will be specifically allocated for the expansion and enhancement of the Gillham-Howell Lake Park, commonly known as The Duck Pond. The funding comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is classified as an “in-kind” match. This means that the City of Brownfield plans to utilize its own equipment and labor, in addition to financial matching, to facilitate the project. The city expects to receive the grant after the beginning of the year. For more details, check out the related article, click HERE.
New BISD Program Soars to New Heights!
Brownfield Independent School District (BISD) provides various educational opportunities for its students, including a new program that was introduced for the 2023-2024 school year: the Civil Air Patrol (CAP). As an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, CAP offers unique learning experiences. Recently, after the first semester, 11 students from the sixth and seventh grades at Brownfield Middle School participated in this program and had the chance to fly in a Cessna 172 over the South Plains of Texas. This represents a significant milestone, as it is the first time such an event has taken place in BISD’s history. For more information, click HERE.
New national retail store came to town
Discussions regarding the establishment of a new Tractor Supply store in Brownfield commenced in December 2022. After several months of negotiations and planning, the necessary permits were finally granted. In the following months, 7B Construction began the ground preparation for the project, marking a significant milestone in the development process. As the construction progressed, excitement within the community grew, anticipating the benefits this new addition would bring. Fast forward to September 21, 2024, the much-anticipated grand opening of the Tractor Supply store took place, drawing in a crowd of local residents eager to explore the new offerings. With the arrival of Tractor Supply in Brownfield it was able to create job opportunities for the community, enhancing the local economy. Additionally, the store has a greenhouse for plants and trees, and will provide a wider selection of farm, ranch, and other outdoor products, catering to the needs of both farmers and outdoor enthusiasts. This new establishment not only reflects progress for the town but also ensures that residents have increased access to essential goods and services. Find the story HERE.
Homeland Security arrest Brownfield man on Federal Charges
In early March, Brownfield man Joel Kenady, 32 at the time, was arrested on a federal warrant for “sexually exploiting” a 12-year-old girl from Corpus Christi, Texas, by text message and officially charged with “Coercion and Enticement of a Minor and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor”. On March 8, 2024, TownTalk contacted the US Marshals for details regarding the arrest of an individual named Kenady. The Marshals confirmed that the arrest was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). This operation occurred at 1218 E. Cardwell in Brownfield, where authorities executed a sting operation early Thursday morning, March 7, 2024, around 7:00 a.m. Kenady was taken into custody without any incidents. Check story out HERE.
Lubbock woman found dead south of Brownfield
On March 12, 2024, the Lubbock Police were called to the 100 block of Waco Avenue in response to reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found Jabaar Smith, 40, with a gunshot wound. He was transported by EMS to University Medical Center with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. However, a woman named Stacy Williams was reported missing. According to the investigation, Williams had gone outside, and shortly thereafter, Smith heard a struggle. He then saw a man Miguel Garcia taking Williams against her will. It was during this altercation that Garcia shot Smith and fled the scene with Williams. The following morning, Williams’ body was discovered about six and half miles southeast of Brownfield near the intersection of TX Hwy 137 (Lamesa Hwy) and FM 1076, close to the Union Community in Terry County. On March 14, Miguel Garcia was booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center in connection with Williams’ kidnapping and was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Related story HERE.
BISD changes athletic director
In late March 2024, a pivotal announcement was made by Chris Smith, the Superintendent of the Brownfield Independent School District (BISD), alongside the school board, regarding a critical restructuring within the athletic department. This decision involved the elimination of the “Athletic Director” position that had been held by the Head Football Coach, Taheric Brantley. Moving forward into the 2024-2025 school year, Art Ontiveros, the former principal of Brownfield Middle School, was appointed as the new Athletic Director for BISD. In this dual role, Ontiveros will also serve as an assistant principal at BMS, combining his educational leadership with his new athletic responsibilities.
This change took place in the wake of a particularly arduous football season, during which Coach Brantley led the team to a record of only 5 wins against 17 losses over two seasons. Following the restructuring and subsequent challenges faced during his tenure, Coach Brantley made the decision to resign from his position, signaling a new chapter for the Brownfield football program.
On December 19, 2024, the BISD School Board convened and officially approved the hiring of Lawrence Johnson as the new Head Football Coach. In addition to his head coaching duties, Johnson will also assume the role of Assistant Athletic Director, bringing fresh energy and a promising vision to the athletic department as they look to rebuild and enhance the sports program at BISD. Check out the story HERE.
Lady Cub basketball has new head coach
In early March 2024, Michelle Wyatt, the former head basketball coach of the Brownfield Lady Cubs, announced her retirement. This left the Brownfield Independent School District (BISD) searching for a new coach. Coach Wyatt had a successful tenure, leading the Lady Cubs to the Class 3A State Title game, where they secured a championship victory. A month after Wyatt’s resignation, BISD hired Ja’Lee Carver as the new head coach for the girls’ basketball team. Coach Carver is a 2014 graduate of Amarillo High School, where she played as a guard for one of Texas’ most renowned girls’ basketball programs, the Sandies. You can catch Coach Carver and her team this Friday, January 3rd, at home against Lamesa. Click HERE for related story.
Local municipal elections add new faces
In May 2024, three local municipal entities conducted contested elections: the City of Brownfield, Brownfield Regional Medical Center (BRMC), and Brownfield Independent School District (BISD). Five candidates campaigned for the two At-Large positions on the BISD Board of Trustees: Rocio Gamez, Eric Gonzales, Cat Gonzalez, Sara Hernandez, and Matthew “Big Matt” Valdonado. Incumbents Gonzalez and Valdonado successfully secured reelection and retained their positions. Four candidates contended for the two At-Large Director positions at BRMC: incumbent June Cooper, Kelli Mendez, incumbent Brian Paiva, and newcomer Heather Sherill from Terry County. Cooper and Mendez were elected to occupy the two available seats. Following the filing deadline, Director Sue Cottrell tendered her resignation, resulting in an open seat; subsequently, the newly elected Board of Directors voted to appoint Brian Paiva. Three out of four positions were contested in the mayoral and Districts 1, 2, and 3 elections within the City of Brownfield. No candidates filed for District 1; however, in District 2, Mary Valdonado and Susano Esparza competed against each other, while incumbent JC Tijerina faced challenger Lee Gamez in District 3. In the mayoral election, three candidates emerged: Johnny Acevedo, Eric Horton, and Leon Pope. The electorate of Brownfield elected Valdonado to represent District 2, Gamez for District 3, and Horton as the mayor of the city. The newly elected council went on to appoint Paul Vasquez to represent District 1. Click HERE for more info.
Nine go to jail from federal raid in Brownfield
On the early morning of October 3rd, a federal law enforcement raid in Brownfield resulted in the arrest of nine individuals. The coordinated operation involved officers and agents from multiple agencies, including the Brownfield Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency, the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, the Lubbock Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and Homeland Security Investigations. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the alleged organized crime ring was operating in Brownfield and surrounding areas, and the individuals have been federally charged. As of now, seven of the nine arrested individuals remain in the Lubbock County jail under holds from the U.S. Marshals. Article right HERE.
Brownfield murder
On November 4, 2023, at approximately 6:26 PM, officers from the Brownfield Police Department were dispatched to respond to a reported disturbance at 709 North Atkins in Brownfield, Texas. Upon their arrival at the scene, the officers found a 62-year-old man named Danny Guerra suffering from severe injuries to his chest. Following the incident, law enforcement took a 38-year-old male, Anthony Rosales, into custody. He was arrested and subsequently booked into the Terry County Jail on charges of murder. Detectives from the Brownfield Police Department are actively working alongside investigators from various agencies, including the Texas Rangers, the Terry County Attorney’s Office, and the Department of Public Safety, to gather evidence and establish a clearer understanding of the events that led to this tragic situation. For story, click HERE.
