WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS RECOGNIZE FAITH MISSION SMART KIDS PROGRAM, ‘COUNTY JUDGE OF THE DAY’
Washington County Commissioners recognized the participants of Faith Mission’s summer academic and enrichment program at their meeting today (Tuesday).
Commissioners gave special recognition to Faith Mission’s SMART Kids, who are taking part in a month of activities revolving around science, math, art, reading and technology. The court also recognized the “County Judge of the Day,” Kiseman Wanza, a 7th grader at Brenham Junior High School. Wanza had the honor of adjourning today’s meeting.
Faith Mission Executive Director Reverend Randy Wells said it is a privilege to be a part of the growth of these children and help them accomplish great things.
The SMART Kids program collaborates with Brenham ISD to provide academic and cultural enrichment for students. The SMART Pro Kids is a component of the overall program that allows participants to identify what they want to be when they grow up and meet a professional in that industry.
Through the program, SMART Kids are able to be Brenham ISD Superintendent of the Day, Teacher of the Day, Veterinarian of the Day, County Judge of the Day, Mayor of the Day, Police Chief of the Day, Doctor of the Day, Letter Carrier of the Day, and Professional Football Player of the Day.
Also at today’s meeting, commissioners:
- Recognized Frances Wegner of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years of service with the county. Lauren Haevischer of the District Attorney’s Office, Jonathan Williams of EMS, Elizabeth Garcia of the Sheriff’s Office and John Howard of Road and Bridge were also set to be recognized today, but they were not in attendance at the meeting.
- Approved a $30,000 contribution toward the purchase of a $276,000 tanker truck for the Meyersville Volunteer Fire Department and amended the fire protection budget.
- Approved a set of formal notices for water service lines. County Engineer Ross McCall said some of the oil companies that are coming in are causing damage to county roads, and that the Road and Bridge Department is attempting to work with them to receive compensation to offset damages while patching up the roads. Commissioner Joy Fuchs said the court realizes that these roads are being damaged, but noted that once the companies get their permit from the state and a lease agreement from landowners, the companies have the right to get water to their wells. She and Commissioner Kirk Hanath both said no thru truck signs do not work, as the companies’ oil trucks have the right to get to their wells. The formal notices approved include: a new water service line from Corix Utilities, Inc. on Palestine Road in Precinct 1; a road bore for a water service line replacement from PGMS on Old Gay Hill Road in Precinct 3; temporary lay flat water lines from Apache Corporation within right-of-way of Iron Bridge Road in Precinct 3 and Eberhardt Road, Sandtown Road and crossing Young Lane in Precinct 4; a temporary fresh water line transfer from Magnolia Oil and Gas Operating, LLC for Bascome Lane in Precinct 4; and a temporary water line from Ironroc Energy Partners, LLC on Raymond Lehmann Lane in Precinct 4.
- Rescinded item No. 8 from the May 25th commissioners court meeting, which awarded the purchase of a new tractor with a rotary boom mower under the state of Texas cooperative purchasing program SourceWell. According to McCall, the 2021 New Holland model originally sought was no longer being sold, and the 2022 model would not work with the boom attachment without modifications. The court then agreed to award the purchase of a CASE tractor for $159,832. McCall said the tractor is “essentially the same,” but the mounting brackets allow for the attachment.
- Approved subdivision variance requests for a land division fronting Sweed Road in Precinct 1 and a land division fronting Highway 237 in Carmine in Precinct 4.
- Heard reports from the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, Information Technology and the veterans service officer.