Exciting Developments in Brazos County: New Medical Examiner’s Office and Texas A&M Leadership Changes

Exciting Developments in Brazos County!

Brazos County is buzzing with some big news that residents can’t help but talk about! From the groundbreaking of the new medical examiner’s office to leadership changes at Texas A&M, there’s plenty to keep everyone on their toes.

New Medical Examiner’s Office Coming Soon!

Let’s start with the groundbreaking ceremony that took place on December 17, 2024. Construction has officially started on the new medical examiner’s office right here in Brazos County! This $34 million single-story building will provide services across a 100-mile radius, which is a significant upgrade for the area.

Attendees at the event included well-known figures like Brazos County Judge Duane Peters, District Attorney Jarvis Parsons, and former College Station Mayor Karl Mooney. Mooney’s presence was particularly poignant as he shared his drive for this project, stemming from his personal experience with the delays in securing an autopsy for his late wife, Laura. These voices all chimed in, emphasizing the importance of having a local facility that can meet the community’s needs without long wait times.

Dr. Amy Waer, the dean of Texas A&M’s College of Medicine, also spoke at the event, underscoring the office’s vital role in the healthcare system of the Brazos Valley. If all goes smoothly, we can expect the office to open its doors in April 2026. Weather permitting, of course! So, let’s keep our fingers crossed that Mother Nature plays nice.

A&M’s Student Affairs Shakes Things Up

Switching gears a bit, there’s some buzz happening over at Texas A&M University, where they are busy searching for a new Vice President of Student Affairs. This comes after the announcement of Joe Ramirez’s retirement, effective January 1, 2025.

President Mark Welsh has informed the staff about the ongoing search and has handed the steering wheel to Vice Provost Tim Scott, who will lead the search committee. President Welsh is keen to get the right fit for this important role and has planned to meet with the committee shortly to outline their task. In the meantime, Tom Reber will fill in as the interim Vice President for Student Affairs. This is a significant appointment as it marks the second time during his long, 40-year career that he’s taking the role. Talk about experience!

During a recent chat on a local radio show, Susan Ballabina, the president’s chief of staff, praised Reber for his commitment to student success. She highlighted how Reber, like many dedicated staff members, truly cares about ensuring that Aggie students have what they need to chase their dreams.

Crime Stoppers Update

And here’s another story making rounds: a member of the Brazos County Crime Stoppers’ top 10 most wanted list has made headlines again. Jukorey Luna-Johnson, just 23 years old, hasn’t had the best luck lately as he was recently returned to jail for the twelfth time within six years!

After a College Station officer stopped a car for undisclosed insurance issues, Johnson was found to be a passenger and is now facing potential consequences for violating his probation regarding previous crimes. His colorful record includes two drunk driving incidents, two robberies, and two family violence assaults. On top of that, he allegedly attempted to use a fake name during his arrest.

Currently, Johnson is being held without bond due to probation violations stemming from his robbery convictions. It seems he has quite the uphill battle ahead, with additional bonds totaling $55,400 for the other charges. Let’s hope this serves as a wake-up call, reminding everyone of the importance of personal responsibility.

A Busy Time in Brazos County!

With these stories circulating, it’s clear Brazos County is in for a thrilling ride over the next few years. Be sure to stay tuned to the latest updates as we continue to watch these stories unfold—there’s never a dull moment in our community!