LOOKING BACK: KWHI’S TOP NEWS STORIES IN 2018
As we move forward to 2019, here’s a look at some of the biggest stories to cross the KWHI news desk in 2018.
KWHI based this list on how much interest the story received online, as well as how long the storyline played out.
Here are some of the top stories of 2018, in no particular order:
Baylor Scott and White: After the Brenham Clinic ended its relationship with College Station Medical Center, it began one with Baylor Scott and White. It was announced in August that the Brenham Clinic would become an affiliate of Baylor Scott and White, who would also begin services at a clinic in Bellville and at the Blinn College Student Clinic. In November, local Baylor Scott and White board members were asked to attend a special meeting considering the potential closure of labor and delivery care services at the Brenham hospital. Board members said they were considering discontinuing these services because of the hospital only having one certified OB/GYN. The Labor and Delivery Department at Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Brenham was closed in December, due to the only certified OB/GYN, Dr. Aaron Campbell, being on medical leave. Services currently remain closed, with expectant mothers asked to make alternate arrangements. However, board members say the hospital has been working on recruiting additional physicians, and has short- and long-term goals to continue labor and delivery services at the Brenham hospital.
Bluebonnet Haven: Word quickly began spreading in January about a new residential treatment facility being built on Highway 36 South in Brenham. The facility is being built by Randall Bryant, who has ties to both the Five Oaks Achievement Center in New Ulm and Prairie Harbor in Wallis. Each of these facilities has come under fire in recent years. Over the course of 2018, opposition was voiced by several local officials, with the Brenham School Board, Washington County Commissioners and Brenham City Council all passing resolutions against the facility’s opening. Despite this, the facility was granted an initial license by the state to operate.
New Washington Co. Facility Development: Washington County took several steps towards the development of new facilities in 2018. Commissioners agreed to a contract with Collier Construction to build a new Road and Bridge Facility. In addition, they began the initial stages of developing a new Emergency Communications and Operations Center.
Sentencing of Michael Dixon: Another notable happening in 2018 was in September, with the sentencing of Michael Dixon to 45 years in prison. After a weeklong trial, Dixon was found guilty of the first degree murder of Blinn College Student Trey Kurtz in 2014. Dixon will not be eligible for parole until at least half of his time is served.
Eliot Allen Hired as Brenham Athletic Director: It was the beginning of a new era for Brenham sports. The Brenham School Board unanimously approved the hiring of Eliot Allen to become the district's new Athletic Director and Head Football Coach in April. Allen had previously served as Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator at Stratford High School in the Spring Branch ISD for the past 16 years. Allen replaced Glen West, who had been Brenham ISD's Athletic Director for the past 20 years. West resigned in March to become the Assistant Executive Director for the Texas High School Coaches Association.
Investigation of Robbie Gail Charette: Questions arose in 2018 regarding contribution and expense reports for the campaign of Washington County Court at Law Judge candidate Robbie Gail Charette. Before March’s Republican Primary, a prosecutor was appointed to investigate claims of possible campaign finance violations. In June, Charette would be indicted by a grand jury in Washington County, which charged her with several misdemeanor charges. She would post $8,000 bail concerning those charges.
Washington Co. Fair: The 150th Washington County Fair was one full of history. The livestock auction saw Kelby Jasinski’s Barrow sell for $61,000, with a long list of contributors to the sale. Hanna Warmke shattered records for season passes sales on her way to becoming the Fair Queen. The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales also made an appearance at the fair. In addition, the fair’s entertainment lineup was one for the books, featuring performances from Dale Watson, Gary P. Nunn, Robert Earl Keen, and the Randy Rogers Band.
Recovery and Resignation of Charlie Pyle: Brenham City Councilmember Charlie Pyle was rushed to the hospital in March, after being found unresponsive in his downtown Brenham restaurant, Must Be Heaven. He suffered a heart attack, which was caused by a heavily blocked right coronary artery. He is continuing his recovery, and in August, he announced that he would resign from his council position. The position would later be filled by Clint Kolby, former Project Manager for Brenham’s Economic Development Foundation.
Election: Voters saw several elections in 2018, with a lot of interest for each one. From March’s Republican Primary, May’s Runoffs, and November’s General Election, to the election for the Burton School Board, there was a change-up in several positions across Washington County.
Losing Loved Ones: This past year was also a year of sorrow, seeing the deaths of several members of the Washington County community. Dr. Henry Boehm, Gilbert Janner, and Weldon Williams were just some of the longtime community members that passed away in 2018, along with the tragic deaths of Matthew Spahn and Kelby Jasinski.
Burton State Bank Robbery: Authorities are still searching for the man who robbed the Burton State Bank at gunpoint back in early June. The case is being investigated by numerous local and statewide authorities. Authorities are offering up to $10,000 for the arrest of the suspect.
Brenham Assuming Tourism Responsibilities: The City of Brenham announced in early July that it would cancel its contract with the Washington County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. Doing this, city staff took control of tourism responsibilities across the county. While the city is continuing to work with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, it remains to be seen how local tourism entities will be affected by this transition in the long run.
KWHI invites you to join the conversation. Let us know what you think were the biggest topics of discussion in 2018, in the comments below.