Your access to this service has been limited If you think you have been blocked in error contact the owner of this site for assistance If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site please enter your email address in the box below and click "Send" You will then receive an email that helps you regain access Wordfence is a security plugin installed on over 5 million WordPress sites The owner of this site is using Wordfence to manage access to their site You can also read the documentation to learn about Wordfence's blocking tools or visit wordfence.com to learn more about Wordfence Click here to learn more: Documentation 6 May 2025 1:37:01 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); 6 May 2025 1:37:11 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); 6 May 2025 1:37:16 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); Home » News » Dr David Lowrie named new dean of HPU’s School of Christian Studies 2025 – Howard Payne University recently appointed Dr David Lowrie as dean of the School of Christian Studies Lowrie brings more than 43 years of ministry experience and leadership to the role and will begin the position in August current dean of the School of Christian Studies will continue to serve as director of Christian studies graduate programs and professor of Christian studies David Lowrie to this new leadership role at HPU,” said Dr Lowrie is passionate about equipping young leaders to be faithful and effective pastors and ministers He brings tremendous ministry experience and has provided leadership for 20 years through our Board of Trustees Lowrie has served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Decatur for the last eight years His career in ministry spans four decades and encompasses rural and urban settings as well as church planting and mission work Lowrie has served as pastor in El Paso; Canyon; Milwaukee he was president of Texas Baptists for two years and has served in numerous Baptist associational and state leadership positions Lowrie has served on the HPU Board of Trustees since 2005 He previously taught several Christian studies courses at HPU’s extension center in El Paso when he served as pastor of FBC El Paso He also assisted in the relocation of the extension center to the First Baptist location during his time there He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Baylor University a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Bethel Seminary in St “I am deeply humbled to be given the opportunity to build on the great legacy of the School of Christian Studies,” said Dr The Lord has given me a calling to join this mission to equip and train the next generation of ministers with spiritual depth intellectual rigor and practical tools to be effective in leading churches to change the world.” Phillip Scott ’07 and Jordan Villanueva ’13 We cannot wait to plant our lives in Brownwood For more information about HPU, visit www.hputx.edu David Lowrie (right) has been named the new dean of the School of Christian Studies at HPU in August Gary Gramling (left) will continue to serve as director of Christian studies graduate programs and professor of Christian Studies Howard Payne University is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in education and employment Howard Payne University’s policy is to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal opportunities to students and prospective students The university will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations reserve the right to discriminate on the basis of religion in its employment as it has been exempted by the Department of Education from certain provisions of Title IX in accordance with the university’s sincere religious beliefs 6 May 2025 1:38:05 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); 6 May 2025 1:38:09 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); 6 May 2025 1:38:14 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); 6 May 2025 1:38:16 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); If you are a WordPress user with administrative privileges on this site please enter your email in the box below and click "Send" Click here to learn more: Documentation (opens in new tab) 6 May 2025 1:38:23 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); 6 May 2025 1:38:35 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); Texas high school football is more than just a game — it's a way of life Dave Campbell's Texas Football is spotlighting a different program from across the Lone Star State From powerhouse programs to hidden gems, Texas High School Football Spotlight is your deep dive into what makes each team unique and stories that define Texas high school football TODAY'S SPOTLIGHT: BROWNWOOD LIONS Brownwood High School has long been a cornerstone of Texas high school football history The Lions rose to prominence in the 1950s-1980s marked by remarkable consistency and championship-level success highlighted by 32 consecutive winning seasons from 1958-1989 That era helped shape Brownwood’s identity as a perennial contender setting a standard the program continues to chase as it hunts to return to the state’s championship stage Texas — about 75 miles Southeast of Abilene State Championships by Appearance - 8 District Championships - 26 (most recent: 2023)  Playoff Appearances - 52 (most recent: 2024)  Brownwood’s glory days came in the '60s and '70s, when the Lions reached eight state title games and won seven championships.  Larry Elkins helped launch Brownwood into statewide fame leading the Lions to their first state title in 1960 he became a two-time consensus All-American and set a then-NCAA record with 70 catches in 1963 Elkins was drafted ahead of legends like Joe Namath Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers and later earned spots in both the Baylor Athletic Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame outscoring opponents 305-43 and allowing just over three points per game Their dominance earned them a spot on the UIL’s Top 100 Teams list during its 100-year anniversary celebration in 2020 Brownwood’s clash with Stephenville in "The Battle of 377" stands as one of Texas high school football’s fiercest and most storied rivalries the two programs have combined for 13 state championships—seven for Brownwood and six for Stephenville the Lions and Yellowjackets will add another chapter as they battle for 4-4A Division I supremacy Gordon Wood Stadium - Named after the legendary coach The venue seats over 7,800 and features artificial turf (installed in 2014) concessions and an eight-lane track — making it one of the premier hosting sites in West Texas.  The Lions battled their way back to the postseason finishing 6-5 with a third-place showing in district play They advanced to the second round of the playoffs gaining valuable experience that should pay off in 2025 New head coach Jeryl Brixey has been part of some of the state’s top coaching staffs (Euless Trinity including Katy’s 2020 state championship team 180) headlines the attack and looks to build on his chemistry with WR Carson Noe (6'2 A strong stable of running backs gives Brixey the tools for a balanced scheme While the defense only returns three starters one of the up and comers is 2028 DE Christian Gray (6'1 aggressiveness and motor should excite Lions fans about his potential in the defense over the next three seasons.  "It is an unbelievable opportunity and honor to get to coach in Brownwood.  It is a community that is passionate about anything the Lions do and particularly passionate about football.  Expectations year in and year out are incredibly high and that culture is a big part of what makes this such a great place to be." - Head Coach Jeryl Brixey We've been the Bible of Texas football fans for 64 years By joining the DCTF family you'll gain access to all of our exclusive content and have our magazines mailed to you 6 May 2025 1:38:51 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); Texas — The City of Brownwood has officially reopened Riverside Park following the completion of Phase I of a two-phase improvement project The upgrades mark a significant step in enhancing one of the city’s recreational spaces Spanning over 80 acres along the Pecan Bayou Riverside Park is a key destination for outdoor activities Phase I improvements focused on critical infrastructure needs identified in the city’s 2023 Parks Master Plan The project was funded through federal American Rescue Plan funds funded by a Texas Parks and Wildlife grant will add recreation-focused features such as inclusive playground equipment The park will remain open throughout this next phase AUSTIN — Brownwood's state track and field meet went quite differently Thursday A year after competing in two events — and finishing seventh in each — the Lions medaled in all three relays to capture the Class 4A girls team state championship As event staff rushed spectators out due to the threat of inclement weather Brownwood coaches and athletes soaked up every second they could with their new trophy inside Mike A Lions coach Chelsy Lipsey said a state title hadn't crossed her mind when she envisioned the season "It's the coolest thing ever," Lipsey said "We went into the season with district champs We really weren't even thinking about a state championship until after regionals "I just couldn't be more proud of these girls I'm super blessed to be their coach and getting to be a part of it Getting to win a state championship is going to be something that they never forget." The Lions won the 400-meter relay and earned silver in the 800- and 1,600 relays The championship was sewn up before the last race when Kaya Phillips won the 200 in 23.75 seconds Hannah Deen got Brownwood's only points from field events with a fifth-place finish in the high jump Thursday's outing came on the heels of the Lions' dominant Region I-4A win Brownwood notched 113 points to runner-up Canyon's 75 in Lubbock with Canyon totaling 45 points after finishing ahead of the Lions in the 1,600 relay we have a shot to win the whole thing," Lipsey said was part of the 400- and 800 relays to go with her individual gold She was part of both seventh-place finishes in 2024 "I've done a lot of big things," Phillips said Jade Morin and Aniah Hines joined Phillips on the winning sprint relay (47.00) Rebekkah Delgado and Braycee Lee broke the school record in the 1,600 relay at 3:50.93 they bought in when I got here last year," Lipsey said It's a huge thing just to get one athlete here "To have all three relays and eight girls competing is just something super special and something that I definitely want to never forget as a coach." AUSTIN — The Brownwood girls 4x100-meter relay team had some nervous moments late in the Class 4A girls UIL state track meet but not enough to derail their state championship moment Kaya Phillips and Jade Morin built a lead for anchor Aniah Hines on Thursday evening at Mike Myers Stadium and she was able to hold off hard-charging Celina anchor Lexi Simmonds in the final steps for a 47.00 seconds-47.06 victory The Lions are hoping that was the start of a special day as they enter the 4x200 relay later Thursday as a favorite They were also seeded first in the 4x100 and made seeding equal reality Bret Bloomquist can be reached at bbloomquist@elpasotimes.com; @Bretbloomquist on X 6 May 2025 1:39:15 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); by Shelby Byrd Lake Brownwood is experiencing a surge in water levels, reaching over 100 percent capacity and sitting a foot above the conservation pool, according to the Texas Water Development Board. The recent heavy rainfall has led to minor flooding, resulting in the closure of some campsites and boat ramps. However, the fishing pier remains open, though without power, said Texas Parks and Wildlife. many visitors are pleased to see the lake full as warmer weather approaches "It’s looking really beautiful right now expressed her excitement about the wildlife attracted by the high water levels "It is exciting to get and see all the different birds that the water attracts encouraged others to explore Texas state parks "If you have not been to a Texas state park we have something for everyone," she said "And especially if you’ve never ever been before look around and see what programs are around you With more rain expected in the coming days water levels at Lake Brownwood are anticipated to rise even further Two of the state's most historic Texas high school football programs have linked up in the latest move of a busy offseason of coaching changes On Friday, Brownwood ISD announced that Katy offensive coordinator Jeryl Brixey would become the Lions' new head coach Brixey takes over a Brownwood squad just two years removed from a regional final appearance A young 2024 squad struggled to a 6-5 record and an exit in the area round.  “I am excited to welcome Coach Brixey to the Brownwood Lion football program,” BISD Assistant Superintendent and Athletic Director Mitch Moore said in a press release “His extensive experience with tradition-rich programs that prioritize toughness and great effort will undoubtedly influence our team positively I look forward to collaborating with him as he leads the Lions into a new era building upon our storied history while instilling a culture of excellence.” His biggest challenge may be mending fences in a community that was divided over the decision not to renew former head coach Sammy Burnett Brixey has been on staff at Katy High since 2012 and on staff for three state titles in 2012 He had a separate stint on staff at Katy from 2004-2006 where he was the offensive line coach Brixey also was an assistant coach at Galena Park North Shore and he spent a season in the college ranks at the University of Idaho He was the head coach at Comanche from 2007-2011 KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com BROWNWOOD, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — When it comes to poker most people play a friendly game in the garage of a friend’s house or even travel out of state to enjoy the game on a more professional level but one Brownwood business is allowing players to enjoy the game right here in the Big Country part owner and one of the minds behind bringing a legal poker room to Brownwood said one of the goals for the new business is to establish a community gathering place for individuals who share the love of the game of poker There are people who play poker three or four times a week and there are people who play at the kitchen table with friends and family and they really would like to play more often but they don’t want to go through the hassle of having to organize a game,” Clark explained Clark explained that poker is legal in Texas because it is not considered a game of luck but rather one that relies on skill the customer isn’t playing the house but rather their fellow players and the business is merely providing a seat “Poker is legal if it’s a private club and if all we charge is a seat fee so we don’t take any money off the table we’re no different than a yoga studio where they’re renting yoga mats,” Clark shared Brownwood local Shaunna Simpson works in the downtown area She reflected on what the Brownwood community might think of this type of establishment and her feelings towards the new business “I think you’re going to have people that are going to enjoy it and I think you’re going to have people that look down on it I think it’ll be something fun to do for a date night My husband doesn’t know what it is either so just something you could learn and do together,” Simpson shared The Royal Card Club will open its doors on March 15th at 102 South Broadway in downtown Brownwood these are the actual most popular baby names so far in 2025 Whether it’s a short vacation or they’re jetting off to begin their career show the future traveler you care with a meaningful graduation gift National Teacher Appreciation Week begins May 5 take advantage of these freebies and deals Brandon Stevens admitted to police of having multiple acts of sexual abuse against several children over a decade Texas — A Brown County jury has sentenced Brandon Stevens to 99 years in prison after finding him guilty of continuous sexual abuse of a young child The case came to light when Brownwood police were alerted to threatening text messages sent to the mother of a young child authorities questioned Stevens about past inappropriate relationships with a family member admitting to multiple acts of sexual abuse against several children over a decade Further investigation revealed additional victims of Stevens' abuse 6 May 2025 1:39:53 GMT.Your computer's time: document.write(new Date().toUTCString()); 18: Brownwood's head coaching position was posted onto the Brownwood ISD website on Tuesday morning.  Burnett has led his alma mater to a postseason berth in all seven seasons at the helm Brownwood finished with a 6–5 record in 2024 after back-to-back double-digit win seasons “It was a dream come true to coach in my hometown a place that has given me so much,” Burnett told News.Com in a phone interview “My only goal was to give back to this program what it gave me I know that was accomplished because of the outpouring of support I’ve received from the players currently in the program.” BISD Trustee Amary Doremus summed up the four votes against Burnett’s extension as a reflection on his coaching rather than his character He also credited Burnett as an integral player in the near $60 million bond passed in 2023 “Being a Brownwood alum and coming into this program I had really high expectations,” Doremus said I think he does so much for those boys and is such a good leader in the way he speaks to them and what he does it’s been talked about within the community and with parents of kids who are in the school Marc Followwell addressed the Board in opposition to extending Burnett Brownwood High School has won seven state championships overall but has endured a drought since 1981 “The Brownwood Lions have had a rich and storied history spanning decades that commands the respect of our opponents but recently we have observed a troubling trend – a lack of motivation and drive and our community support for our teams,” Followwell said “When there’s a lack of accountability we risk fostering an environment where mediocrity becomes the norm rather than the exception Mediocrity is now the norm at BISD.” Brownwood High School assistant coach Draco Miller spoke to the Board in favor of extending Burnett citing legendary coaches like Highland Park’s Randy Allen and Denton Guyer’s John Walsh who left Brownwood and went on to soaring achievements “Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would stand before you to defend a coach from Brownwood that’s the epitome of Brownwood played (for) the greatest coach in Brownwood returned tradition to Brownwood,” Miller said Worth was arrested for allegedly shooting a gun and waving it around in a Brownwood hotel parking lot Brownwood Police were called Tuesday afternoon to the Home 2 Suites because a woman was in the parking lot yelling and hitting a man while waiving a pistol around Police were able to find the victim along with 35-year-old Alyssa Chick but both denied having any problems Police reviewed the security cameras and saw Chick pushing and pulling a gun out on the man and firing it into the air Eventually police found the gun in chick's car along with some suspected meth Chick was arrested on gun and drug possession charges On Monday night the Brownwood Police Department was contacted by staff at Hendrick Medical Center in Brownwood regarding an injured 10-month-old Police say the child's mother brought the infant to the emergency room with a serious head injury The child was stabilized by medical staff and flown to Cook Children's Hospital for care Detectives met with the child's mother and her boyfriend 22-year-old Steven Wayne Peacock of Brownwood Police say Peacock admitted to physically abusing the infant Police arrested Peacock and charged him with injury to a child and two outstanding warrants Child Protective Services removed the three other children from the home Texas — A measles case has been confirmed in Brownwood Brown County health officials announced there's one confirmed case as of Friday afternoon RELATED | Measles case reported in Tom Green County Measles is an airborne virus that's spread through coughing and sneezing and sore throat followed by a rash breakout 3-5 days after symptoms begin.