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Star-Courier News

Crosby woman tried for murder of daughter

November 28, 2019
Kelly Renee Turner, a.k.a. Kelly Grant

CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO – A woman that had lived and gone to church in Crosby is now on trial for the unthinkable murder of her own 7 year old daughter.

Kelly Turner 41, a.k.a Kelly Grant has been charged with the 2017 murder of Olivia Grant, her daughter. Allegedly she faces 2 charges of murder in the first degree for the same death under Colorado law that makes special provisions for those entrusted with children under 12 years of age. She is charged with child abuse and ten associated counts.

Olivia Grant was seen as a terminally ill seven year old who was a favorite of firefighters and police and pretend opponent of convicted criminals in local events. She had been dubbed the “Bat Princess.” But authorities allege it was a concocted story put together by her mother to bilk the community of money and use the girl’s death as cover.

The grand jury found that Kelly has taken over half a million dollars from Make A Wish Foundation, Medicaid, local hospitals and a half dozen local charities under false pretenses.

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Newspaper publisher celebrates milestone birthday, memorable life

November 21, 2019
Publisher Gilbert Hoffman with his wife Mei-ing

In 1994, Gilbert Hoffman and his wife Mei-ing bought the Highlands Star – Crosby Courier, fulfilling one of Gilbert’s lifelong dreams: to own a newspaper. This also marked the beginning of what would become a small publishing conglomerate, serving the greater Houston area with community papers such as the Star-Courier, Northeast News, and North Channel Star.

This week, Gilbert celebrates his 80th birthday. Upon such a significant milestone, it is worth looking back on his remarkable life, family, adventures, and many careers. (more…)

DEPUTIES’ LIFESAVING RECOGNIZED AS HEROIC

November 21, 2019
Deputies Sergeant Williams, Mitchell and Guidry recognized at District III meeting for their efforts during Tropical Storm Imelda. These three braved inclement flood waters to travel to the American Red Cross in downtown Houston to assemble supplies. Successfully delivering the needed supplies to the evacuees located at the Crosby United Methodist Church.

On Thursday, September 19, 2019 an Emergency Declaration was implemented in Harris County due to Tropical Storm Imelda. District III, specifically the Crosby area and Newport subdivision, received a downpour of rain which caused flash flooding. The flooding stranded motorist in their cars and people inside their homes. People were in need of rescue and were rescued.

Evacuees were taken to Crosby United Methodist Church for shelter. An immediate need for supplies for evacuees was identified and addressed by Sergeant Donnie Williams. He commandeered help from Deputies Mitchell and Guidry.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association (Ron DeLorge, Bernadette Beauchamp, Karen Foster, Eddie Foster & Becky Moon) along with Captain Morrison recognized and showed their appreciation to all three of them for their bravery and sacrifice made to the citizens of Harris County that were in need.

Campaign to move Battleship to Baytown

November 21, 2019

BAYTOWN – A grassroots citizen group is leading the effort to bring the Battleship Texas to a berth in Baytown, after it is repaired and restored.

The group is headed by businessman Jay Eshbach, with help from well-known historian Russell Hamman, Jake Daniel, Peter Piontkowski, and others.

The Battleship was originally built in 1912, and has seen service in both World Wars. Since 1948 it has been berthed at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Park in LaPorte.

The State of Texas has spent $85 million to preserve the ship and keep it afloat, but now wants to turn it over to a private foundation to maintain and operate. (more…)

Rotary prepares Holiday Gifts

November 21, 2019

Highlands Rotarians were busy this week, preparing a number of gift wrapped bags with toys and clothing items for the needy children of a Highlands family. The Gift bags will be distributed in the Holiday spirit at the beginning of December.

County Judge Hidalgo outlines key accomplishments at First State of the County

November 21, 2019
Harris County Judge
Lina Hidalgo

Announces New Focus on Early Childhood Development

Harris County, Texas – November 15, 2019 – Today, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo joined business leaders, residents, and community leaders from across the region to deliver the first State of the County address of her term. During her remarks to about 900 attendees, Judge Hidalgo outlined key areas of progress in fostering a safer, healthier, and more equitable Harris County and announced a new initiative that will focus on improving early childhood development.

“The state of our county is strong,” said Judge Hidalgo. “But being strong is about much more than having a low unemployment rate or a strong bond rating. It’s about making sure that all of our residents enjoy equal access to the great opportunities available to them in Harris County. Over the past year we’ve made county government more transparent, made strides to reform our criminal justice system, and have begun to make up for lost time when it comes to investing in our flood control infrastructure. But there is much more to do, and we look forward to another year of ambitious, meaningful initiatives, including a focus on what we can do to improve early childhood development and education.”

Drawing from the “Talking Transition” initiative, Judge Hidalgo will kick off a community engagement series next year as the first step towards a larger goal of a meaningful early childhood development initiative in Harris County. Programs that focus on early childhood development have one of the strongest returns on investment for any type of public program. Children who benefit from initiatives like subsidized childcare and early education tend to have higher high school graduation rates, fewer arrests, lower rates of substance use, and higher rates of employment as adults.

During her remarks, Judge Hidalgo also provided updates on key priorities since her swearing in. Some key areas of progress include:

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Cougars, Falcons advance on State

November 21, 2019

The Crosby Cougars and the Hargrave Falcons convincingly advanced in the Bi-District playoffs last week as they routed their opponents by over 28 points.

Crosby defeated Willowridge by 70 to 42 with the homefield advantage last Friday. It was a record high score for the Cougars.

Huffman bested Furr Brahmans 49-6 last Thursday with he home field advantage before the half time. The blow out before the half allowed the coaches to keep the second half time clock turning like after the two minute warning. The Falcons have won eleven games straight.

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Veterans saluted with Crosby parade

November 14, 2019
Precinct 3 Constable Sherman Eagleton leads the salute in one of four rescue vehicles secured through a federal LESO Program for used military equipment at no cost Harris County. Two of these vehicles were used during Hurricane Harvey and the other two were in time to join the others for Storm Imelda.

CROSBY – Locals again remembered those that served their country on Saturday before the Monday that was Veteran’s Day with a parade down Main Street. The weather was perfect.

An honor guard of Crosby High School JROTC followed the first responders of Crosby Volunteer Fire Department, HCESD#5 the ambulance service for Crosby and Precinct 3 Constables Deputies.

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Crosby schools celebrate Veterans

November 14, 2019

CROSBY – Formerly the Red, White and You, the Crosby ISD Veteran’s Celebration was held Thursday night from 6:30 the schedule indicated the first half hour would be in recognition of the veterans known to be in attendance but frankly the parking lot was packed by 6:10 p.m. The venue as moved from the football field to inside the Middle School Gym and improved. The crowd overflowed one side of the gym and loosely filled the other side. The first four rows were reserved for veterans and family and veterans were given posies to wear for recognition.

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Crosby & Huffman in football play-offs

November 14, 2019

Both Crosby and Huffman have succeeded it to be in the play-offs this year.

The Huffman Falcons had a banner year in 11- 4A as Champions with their 10-0 regular season and 5-0 in district. Their undefeated stature is the first time in that division. The falcons will play Furr Brahman on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Falcon Stadium. Brahman is 5-5 in regular season but number three seed in their division.

Crosby will play at home this week against Fort Bend Willowridge of 11-5A. The game starts at 7:30 on Friday in Cougar Stadium formerly known as the Jungle.

Crosby is 5-2 in District and tied for second place. Fort Bend Willowridge is 6- 3 in regular season.

Crosby comes into the play-offs after a sound feasting on the Baytown Lee Ganders of 59-14. The Cougars recently were reranked in the State as 39 and 393 in the nation. Just in time, they are building momentum.