WASHINGTON CO. LEADERS TALK CURRENT PROJECTS, FUTURE ENDEAVORS AT STATE OF THE COMMUNITY PROGRAM
Leaders around Washington County gave updates and shared their insights today (Tuesday) during the Washington County Chamber of Commerce’s State of the Community Luncheon at the Blinn College Student Center.
Representatives from Washington County, the Cities of Brenham and Burton, Brenham and Burton ISDs, Blinn College, and Baylor Scott & White Health spoke on current developments, future projects and initiatives, and the outlook for their respective entities.
Washington County Judge John Durrenberger led off the program with information on the county’s plans to build a judicial center, the proposed multi-purpose facility at the Expo that will be on the November ballot as a bond measure, and the ongoing work to restore the exterior of the courthouse, which he said is targeted for completion by the end of the year.
Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura discussed some of the Texas Department of Transportation’s projects in Brenham, including the sidewalk construction along South Day Street and the medians that are planned on South Day Street and Highway 36 South. He also talked about several residential and commercial developments in the works, as well as infrastructure improvements like the expansion of the water treatment plant, the city’s plans to build an additional water tower on the south side of town, and the completion of a water well at Loesch Street that will pair with another well to greatly increase the city’s capacity.
Burton Mayor Karen Buck pointed to the completion of the city’s new water well as a high point, while also noting the hiring of Amanda Klehm as the new city secretary. Collaboration was an emphasis of Buck’s presentation, as she shared information on the opening of a new clinic and the city’s participation in the Texas A&M University Texas Target Communities Program to take additional steps with future planning and improve dated infrastructure.
Dr. Eric Alford, Chief Medical Officer at Baylor Scott & White, emphasized the healthcare system’s “Brenham First Strategy” and the goal of ensuring local residents do not have to leave town to receive the care they need. That effort includes the recruiting and hiring of physicians in several medical fields, investing in new imaging and scanning technology, creating or expanding partnerships with Washington County EMS and Blinn College, and building a new, 50,000-square-foot medical office building at 2635 Ryan Street.
Brenham ISD Superintendent Clay Gillentine said the district is on positive trajectories with its academics, extracurriculars and financials. He said the community’s involvement, combined with the dedication of teachers, staff and administrators, have been instrumental in getting the district to where it is now, but there is still room to grow.
Burton ISD Superintendent Vikki Curry highlighted the district’s “A” accountability grade from the Texas Education Agency and said strong progress is being made in bond construction. She also talked about the “Burton Blueprint” and the importance of having a strong foundation, committed people and a clear direction in taking the district where it needs to go to achieve success.
Blinn Chancellor Dr. Mary Hensley discussed the College’s addition of new programs to meet workforce demands and projects such as the new Waller Campus and the sports complex on the Brenham Campus. She reaffirmed Blinn’s commitment to Washington County while acknowledging that factors such as a statewide tuition freeze and less-predictable state funding have made pursuing growth critical.
Following the individual presentations, the panelists sat for a round of questions from the audience.
Click below to hear the full speech from John Durrenberger on Washington County.
Click below to listen to Atwood Kenjura’s complete address on the City of Brenham.
Click below to listen to the full presentation from Karen Buck on the City of Burton.
Click below to hear Dr. Eric Alford’s full address on Baylor Scott & White.
Click below to hear Clay Gillentine’s complete presentation on Brenham ISD.
Click below to hear Vikki Curry’s full presentation on Burton ISD.
Click below to listen to Dr. Mary Hensley’s full report on Blinn College.