Brenham ER Getting $2.3 Million Renovation
The Brenham Banner-Press
• The Emergency Room at Baylor Scott & White Hospital-Brenham looks a little different as crews work to renovate the space for the first time in more that 20 years. Renovation began in November and are expected to be completed by December 2022. The $2.3 million investment and renovation will expand the ER from 10 patient areas to 13 fully private rooms, two fast-track rooms and a dedicated triage space. As the project is affecting the patient care area of the ER, the project is being completed in different phases in order to not interfere with care.
• The Brenham Police Department named Officer Jimmy Ha as the “Police Officer of the Year” for 2021 at the Brenham City Council meeting on Thursday. Ha was appointed to the ranks of the Brenham Police Department on Sept. 4, 2020. Previously he served as an agent for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. When speaking about Ha, Brenham Police Chief Ron Parker said “Jimmy consistently performs above expectations and covers enforcement for active arrests, narcotic seizures and other categories.” In November 2021, Ha was awarded the department’s life saving award for rescuing several suspects when their car submerged in water after crashing into a creek during at pursuit on U.S. 290.
• Animal shelters and rescues across the nation are seeing an influx of donations are being made in the honor of Betty White. According to Animal Services Manager Allison Harper, the Brenham Pet Adoption Center (BPAC) has collected roughly $600 in monetary donations and supplies. “BPAC is blown away by the support we received through the #BettyWhiteChallenge,” Harper said. “This added bonus will help us purchase items to provide enrichment for the shelter animals and medical attention for those who need it. Thank you for being a friend.”
The Navasota Examiner
• Two bodies, presumed to be those of Ronald Busse, age 63, and Donna Busse, 57, were found in their home on the 9900 block of South Business 6 in Navasota that burned early Friday morning Jan. 21. Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell stated at approximately 3:47 a.m. a call was received in reference to a structure fire. Sheriff Deputies arrived on scene at 3:51 a.m. to find the home completely engulfed. Navasota Fire Department arrived at 3:53 a.m. and began extinguishing the flames. The home was extinguished at approximately 7 a.m. The cause of the fire is being investigated, but there is no indication of foul play.