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Star-Courier News

Rotary Washer Tourney hits target

September 23, 2021
FIRST PLACE TEAM: Rotary president Jerry Fallin, center, poses with team “Community.” L to R: Keith Gaedchens, Bob McFehring. Gaedchens was also judged the Grand Champion of all players in the Tournament. (SEE MORE PHOTOS ON PAGE 5 OF THE PRINT OR PDF EDITION)

Crowds enjoy games, raise money for benefit

HIGHLANDS – Dozens of Rotarians, both local and city-wide, and friends and other residents converged on Charlie’s Ice House on N. Main Street last Saturday, Sept. 11 to compete in the annual Washer Board Charity Competition.

This year the event had a special Patriotic theme, since it was held on 9/11 and the 20th Anniversary of the Twin Towers attack. Rotary past president Andy Scott arranged to have a military honor guard present the colors in memory of those who have given their lives for this country.

The tournament is now in its 14th year, and the money raised by the Rotary Club is used for international projects, including Polio eradication worldwide. The club usually nets about $8000 for this effort.

Continue reading...Rotary Washer Tourney hits target

Train-truck crash in Huffman kills driver

September 16, 2021
AERIAL VIEW of the accident scene shows remains of the truck, upper left, under the train. The cab of the semi truck was severed, and came to rest in the wooded area at the lower left. (Photo courtesy KHOU)

HUFFMAN, Texas — One person was killed in a collision involving a Union Pacific freight train and an 18-wheeler in the Huffman area early Wednesday, September 8 according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Deputies responded to 12299 FM 1960 Road at FM 2100 before 8 a.m. where the crash was reported.

After the collision, the big rig reportedly burst into flames.

“The driver of the 18- wheeler/flat-bed trailer has been confirmed dead on scene,” Sheriff Gonzalez later tweeted. “No chemicals were being transported, however diesel fuel spilled onto the tracks after the collision. The fire has been extinguished.”

Continue reading...Train-truck crash in Huffman kills driver

Community members concerned about new “Permitless Carry” law

September 9, 2021
Participating in the on-line discussion were (L-R) Houston Police Department Executive Assistant Chief Larry Satterwhite, Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia (a former Harris County Sheriff), and Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Edison Toquica. The public was invited to call in with their views also.

Commissioner Garcia moderates discussion with law enforcement

Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia led a discussion last Wednesday, September 1 on the concerns surrounding the new law. The panel consisted of law enforcement officials and domestic violence advocates, among others.

Law enforcement officials want people to make sure they understand the law before doing anything that could put themselves or others in danger.

“Make sure that you understand the law and make sure you get trained to use that weapon,” Harris County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Toquica said.

“With permit-less carry officially going into effect September 1, the state’s record shows loosening weapon restrictions only make living in Texas more dangerous.”

Continue reading...Community members concerned about new “Permitless Carry” law

School heads to hold public forum Sept. 17

September 9, 2021

The community is invited to join a virtual Back to School Panel presented by Lake Houston Area School Districts Update on Friday, September 17, starting at 8:30 a.m.

Local school superintendents will be among six area district leaders invited as special guest speakers. Superintendents include Paula Patterson of Crosby ISD, Dr. Benny Soileau of Huffman ISD, Dr. Elizabeth Fagen of Humble ISD, Kristi Shofner of New Caney ISD, Dr. King Davis of Sheldon ISD, and Dr. LaTonya Goffney of Aldine ISD.

The discussion will center on new schools and initiatives this school year, what came out of the legislative session, and more.

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Rotary sets 9/11 for Washer Tournament

September 2, 2021
Highlands Rotarians invite you to the 14th Annual 3-Hole Washer Board Charity Tournament. In this photo they demonstrate throwing techniques that will be used in the tournament on Saturday, September 11th. 50 teams of two players will compete for prizes, and bragging rights. The Charity event this year will honor Patriot Day “We Will Never Forget 9.11”, and benefit the Rotary Foundation.

Benefit event returns with Patriotic theme

HIGHLANDS – Rotarians are practicing their washer throwing techniques in preparation for the upcoming 14th Annual 3-Hole Washer Board Charity Tournament, to be held next Saturday, September 11th at Charlie’s Ice House. Charlie’s is at 906 N. Main Street in Highlands, and the tournament starts at 1:00 pm sharp, lasting until about 5:00 p.m.

This year the proceeds from the charity event will benefit Polio worldwide, in a Rotary program known as Polio Plus.

This event has become a city-wide tradition, with two-person teams coming from various clubs around the Rotary 5890 District, as well as local Highlands folks, to compete for bragging rights and the three top positions in the double elimination tournament. Teams are also expected from North Shore and Baytown clubs. The public is invited to field a team, also. You are welcome to come and watch if you don’t play, and there will be refreshments, and live and silent auctions.

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Voter Regulations bill passes, Abbott ready to sign controversial legislation

September 2, 2021

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement following the passage of Senate Bill 1, which Republicans say will protect the integrity of elections in Texas:

“Protecting the integrity of our elections is critical in the state of Texas, which is why I made election integrity an emergency item during the 87th Legislative Session. I thank Senator Brian Hughes, Representative Andrew Murr, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, and Speaker Dade Phelan for stepping up to ensure that this bill made it to the finish line during the second special session. Senate Bill 1 will solidify trust and confidence in the outcome of our elections by making it easier to vote and harder to cheat. I look forward to signing Senate Bill 1 into law, ensuring election integrity in Texas.”

Senate Bill 1 creates uniform statewide voting hours, maintains and expands voting access for registered voters that need assistance, prohibits drive-through voting, and authorizes poll watchers to observe more aspects of the election process. The bill also bans and penalizes the distribution of unsolicited applications for mail-in ballots and gives voters with a defective mail-in ballot the opportunity to correct the defect.

UPDATE ON BILLS MOVING THROUGH THE TEXAS LEGISLATURE DURING THE SPECIAL SESSION

Report by State Representative Mayes Middleton

Continue reading...Voter Regulations bill passes, Abbott ready to sign controversial legislation

Special Election For Constitutional Amendments

September 2, 2021

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott has issued a proclamation setting Tuesday, November 2, 2021 as the special election day for eight proposed constitutional amendments in Texas. The eight proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot are:

PROPOSITION 1: The constitutional amendment authorizing the professional sports team charitable foundations of organizations sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association to conduct charitable raffles at rodeo venues.

PROPOSITION 2: The constitutional amendment authorizing a county to finance the development or redevelopment of transportation or infrastructure in unproductive, underdeveloped, or blighted areas in the county.

PROPOSITION 3: The constitutional amendment to prohibit this state or a political subdivision of this state from prohibiting or limiting religious services of religious organizations.

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AVOID EVICTION: Rent Relief available from Harris County

September 2, 2021

Money available for Residents Facing Eviction

HOUSTON — (August 27, 2021) — The Harris County Community Services Department has funds available for emergency rent relief for tenants living in unincorporated Harris County who are financially affected by COVID-19. The deadline to apply for aid was just extended to Nov. 30.

“People who find themselves in a bind right now may never have needed help before and they don’t know where to turn,” said Dr. Adrienne Holloway, executive director of CSD. “We want them to know we have resources and we are here to help.”

Tenant eligibility for the Texas Emergency Rental Assistance Program relies on the ability to provide a copy of the lease agreement, a household income at or below 80% of area median income and proof that financial hardship is a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most importantly, this program requires landlords register their property to enable tenants to participate. Landlords may be able to recover up to six months of rent (dating back to April 2020).

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Sterling-White Funeral Home and Cemetery presents: THE WISDOM OF PRE-PLANNING

August 31, 2021

Everything you ever wanted to ask about funeral, cemetery and cremation planning!

PLEASE JOIN US

Free dinner and complimentary educational seminar providing valuable information about final arrangement planning, financial considerations, and much more. Gain the peace of mind of understanding all your options!

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
7:00 – 8:30 PM
TEAPOT DEPOT
112 DENNY ST., HIGHLANDS, TX 77562

RSVP: 281-426-3555
Seating is limited! Call now!

Sterling-White Funeral Home & Cemetery
11011 Crosby-Lynchburg, Highlands, TX 77562

Continue reading...Sterling-White Funeral Home and Cemetery presents: THE WISDOM OF PRE-PLANNING

Railfans view UP Big Boy in Huffman

August 26, 2021
Photos by Jody Fuchs and Chris Wisdom

HUFFMAN – The world’s largest steam engine made an appearance in Huffman and Houston last week, on its 10 state, 32 day tour through the midwest of the United States.

Union Pacific No. 4014 is also known as “Big Boy” for its huge and unique size.

It was restored in 2019, and since has been housed in the UP engine facilities in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Almost every year the UP takes one of their restored steam locomotives on a tour of the United States for publicity purposes. Last year they skipped the tour due to the Pandemic, so Railfans were very enthusiastic to get a chance to see 4014 this year.

After spending a day in downtown Houston, where the public got to board the train and the Museum car that it was pulling, it steamed away toward New Orleans, passing through Huffman and stopping for photo opportunities. Several hundred people were on hand to witness the huge locomotive and enjoy the unique experience.

Continue reading...Railfans view UP Big Boy in Huffman