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Star-Courier News

County schedules hearings on November Bond vote

September 29, 2022

HARRIS COUNTY $1.2B BOND

OVERVIEW

On November 8, 2022, voters in Harris County will have the opportunity to vote on three propositions for the issuance of bonds totaling $1.2 billion. This bond package would provide funding for multiple categories, including public safety facilities, roads, drainage and transportation- related programs, and parks and trails.

At least $220 million of the bond issuance would be spent in each of the four Harris County precincts for Transportation, and Parks and Trails projects. The $100 million in public safety investments will be countywide. The bond funds cannot be used outside the three categories on the ballot, nor may they be used to fund day-to-day operations.

We are collecting community input through meetings, online tools and comment submissions. This input will be shared with Harris County Precinct staff as they make decisions regarding future projects that could be funded through these bonds. For more on key dates and other information related to the November election, visit http://www.harrisvotes.com.

Bond allocation categories include:

Continue reading...County schedules hearings on November Bond vote

Deputy tells Rotary about ATV patrols

September 29, 2022

HIGHLANDS – The Rotary Club members heard from Pct. 3 Deputy Constable Layman McDonald at their luncheon meeting last week, regarding techniques his office is using to fight crime.

McDonald is a certified bike officer, and with 4 bikes this is one of the methods they use for patrol. He said that they would also like to use motorized patrols, especially in Pct. 2 and 3 parks in the area, and he asked the Rotary Club to consider funding the purchase of an ATV for his department. He said it would be used to patrol the 14 parks in the area, as well as used at public events. The club is looking into the possibilities of a purchase.

He also said his department encourages requests for extra patrols in certain areas, and they respond by scheduling regular additional patrols.

Continue reading...Deputy tells Rotary about ATV patrols

Jamboree Parade, Fair, Pageant Saturday

September 29, 2022

THEME: FALL IN LOVE WITH HIGHLANDS!

HIGHLANDS – The Highlands/Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce is busy this week preparing for the 65th Annual Highlands Jamboree, held every year since 1955 except for the Pandemic in 2020 and one other year in 1956.

According to Chamber director Jessica Woods, the event has returned to its traditional schedule of the first Saturday in October. Last year it was moved back to the end of October due to COVID, and combined with an Halloween event.

The theme this year is “Fall in Love with Highlands,” a bow to the return date of October 1.

The Jamboree will have most of the usual events this year, including a Parade on Main Street starting at 10am, and a Crafts fair with booths of food and memorabilia, as well as crafts made by area artisans. There will also be a silent auction. The Jamboree benefits the Chamber activities.

Continue reading...Jamboree Parade, Fair, Pageant Saturday

Remembering King Charles’ (then a Prince) visit to Highlands in 1986

September 22, 2022

By Gilbert Hoffman

HIGHLANDS – With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and the assencion to the throne of King Charles, many persons in Highlands are remembering the visit that Charles, then Prince, paid to the Mountbatten House on Maple Street in Highlands in February 1986.

Due to the interest in the subject, we are reprinting part of the Front Page of the Highlands Star of February 27, 1986, and below the text of the article that was included:

HRH THE PRINCE OF ENGLAND “Heir To Throne Visits Mountbatten House”

HRH Prince Charles’ Visit Here Leaves Warmth, Friendliness

By Brenda White

For the first, and perhaps the only time, Highlanders experienced a touch of royalty last week.

Continue reading...Remembering King Charles’ (then a Prince) visit to Highlands in 1986

#1 Crosby falls to Barbers Hill 28-27 in OT

September 22, 2022

BARBERS HILL – Two rivals met Friday night in a thrilling football game, which ended in a victory for Barbers Hill. Coaching decisions and strong offensive play on both sides kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Outstanding play by Crosby QB Cyrin Miles accounted for 293 yards (192 passing, 101 rushing) and RB Levi Fontenot carried for 76 yards. BH QB Kody Fuentes was 22 for 29 in passing with 388 yards. But the clincher was in OT, tied 21-21 he passed on the first play to bring the score to 28-21. Crosby scored shortly thereafter on a Myles run, and with the score 28-27 attempted a 2- point conversion, which failed when the Eagles defense held and stopped the run.

Continue reading...#1 Crosby falls to Barbers Hill 28-27 in OT

Highlands Homeless Navigation center moves to new location in Church

September 22, 2022

HIGHLANDS – An organization planning on providing services to the homeless population in East Harris County has decided to set up operations in several rooms of the Highlands United Methodist Church. Previously they had announced that they would be located in a residential property at the corner of Wallisville and Thompson Road, but that plan changed, according to the director, Tom Kelchner.

Kelchner’s organization is known as the East Harris Navigation Center for the Homeless, and is a 501c3 charity. Kelchner told this newspaper that they will provide food, clothing, general counseling, job training and placement, and life skills training to the homeless population they will serve, with the goal of helping them establish a normal life off the streets.

Continue reading...Highlands Homeless Navigation center moves to new location in Church

HIGHLANDS ROTARY: Washer tournament raises Funds and Fun

September 15, 2022
1ST PLACE TEAM Cougars Chasers with Trip Teel and Brycen Wells receives their trophy from Rotary President Andy Scott.

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. 10 to compete in the 15th Annual Washer Board Charity Competition.

This year the festivities included a special presentation to Rotarian Charlie Ward for reaching a Level 2 Major Donor category for Rotary International, and Highlands Rotary’s International Exchange student not only was present, but competed in the games.

The tournament is now in its 15th 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...HIGHLANDS ROTARY: Washer tournament raises Funds and Fun

Arrest made in Fireworks warehouse arson case

September 15, 2022
Fireworks explode last July 4 in a Top Dog Fireworks Warehouse on I-10 in Channelview.

HOUSTON – One of three men has been charged after fireworks were ignited inside a warehouse in east Harris County, according to the Harris County Fire Marshal Office. The wanted suspect, Alex Herrera, 28, has been charged with arson.

The incident was reported on July 4, at 10:30 p.m. at TOP DOG Fireworks Warehouse, located in the 14000 block of the East Freeway.

Officials said one of the three suspects was seen igniting the fireworks inside the store, prompting customers to panic. The ignition of the firework also caused the buildings audio and visual alarms to sound off, resulting in an emergency evacuation. Investigator said the firework ignited is called a “bursting bouquet.”

The suspects allegedly stole $200 worth of fireworks during the incident. No injuries were reported.

Continue reading...Arrest made in Fireworks warehouse arson case

League City Man Arrested After Threatening Chambers County Judges and Calling Multiple Bomb Threats

September 15, 2022
Dustin Matthew Riddle

CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas – A man has been arrested after investigators say he threatened the lives of more than one judge this week.

On Sept. 8, Chambers County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch say they received a suspicious phone call from an unknown man. During the call, the suspect reportedly threatened the lives of both Chambers County District Judges.

Deputies were said to have been immediately sent to the homes of the judges and remained on site to provide security.

During the course of the investigation, deputies reportedly began to track down information on who originally called 911 with the threats. Officials say it appears that the man attempted to use calling apps and virtual private networks to prevent being tracked.

Continue reading...League City Man Arrested After Threatening Chambers County Judges and Calling Multiple Bomb Threats

SMALL TAXING UNIT NOTICE

September 15, 2022

The Harris County Emergency Services District #14 will hold a meeting at the Highlands Volunteer Fire Department, 2301 E Wallisville Road, Highlands, Texas 7562 at 12 noon, on Monday, September 19, 2022, to consider adopting a tax rate for tax year 2022.

The proposed tax rate is 0.0500 per $100 of value.

No change in the tax rate is planned.

The ESD#14 tax rate has not increased since the inception of ESD #14 in 1999.

The proposed rated would increase total taxes paid on property in Harris County ESD #14 by .0024477/$100.

Continue reading...SMALL TAXING UNIT NOTICE