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Star-Courier News

County raises COVID threat level

January 13, 2022

INCREASE IN COVID-19 HOSPITALIZATIONS TRIGGERS INCREASE IN HARRIS COUNTY COVID-19 THREAT LEVEL

Harris County, Texas – On January 10, 2022, Judge Lina Hidalgo announced that she is raising the county’s COVID-19 Threat Level Indicator from Level 2: Orange to Level 1: Red. A surge of the highly contagious Omicron variant has contributed to an increase in COVID transmission across Harris County.

Level 1 signifies a severe and uncontrolled level of COVID-19 transmission in Harris County. Residents experiencing symptoms should get tested and avoid contact with others, assuming they have COVID until they confirm otherwise. Any gatherings should be held outdoors and ideally with masking. Unvaccinated residents should avoid all gatherings and get vaccinated immediately.

“We’re finding ourselves again at a point in this pandemic where hospital staff are being stretched way too thin,” said Judge Hidalgo. “We owe it to our nurses, doctors, and teachers to take steps to protect ourselves and give them a break. If you have been on the fence about getting vaccinated, now is the time to roll up your sleeve. We are in the midst of a COVID-19 tsunami and our best defense are vaccines and booster shots. We’ve been here before, but this time we have more tools available and a better understanding of this virus.”

The COVID-19 vaccine and vaccine booster continues to be available at no charge for all Harris County residents. To find out more information, locations and hours, click ReadyHarris.org.

Hidalgo said she made the decision because hospitalizations and ICU cases have spiked at area hospitals, along with the positivity rate.

Continue reading...County raises COVID threat level

Crosby’s Prieto named Coach of the Year

January 6, 2022
COACH JERRY PRIETO WITH WIFE JULIE AND AWARD.

HOUSTON – It was a huge honor this month for Crosby ISD Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Jerry Prieto. He was named the 2021 Coach of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Houston.

Prieto was nominated for the second year in a row, taking home the top prize this year. Prieto was among twelve high school coaches from the Houston region named as finalists.

During his acceptance speech, Prieto thanked his family, including his wife Julie, two sons, and his in-laws who have never missed a game since he’s been a head coach. Prieto also thanked Crosby ISD Superintendent Paula Patterson for her support and his coaching team. Prieto said his coaches spent more time with him than with their families this past season.

“This award is not very much about me. It’s way more about the village that I surround myself with in Crosby.”

Continue reading...Crosby’s Prieto named Coach of the Year

Santa arrives in Highlands on Fire Truck

December 16, 2021
Santa waves from the Highlands Fire Department truck, as he arrives at the Park. Also riding with Santa was Miss Highlands, Haley Maxey. (Photos courtesy Highlands Chamber).

HIGHLANDS – A warm, balmy evening was the start of the Holiday season in Highlands last Tuesday night, Dec. 7th.

Several hundred children and parents turned out at the park on San Jacinto Street, to see Santa Claus arrive on a Highlands Fire Truck. The truck also made a tour of residential neighborhoods first, as Santa waved to the children along the streets.

Santa sits in the pavilion at the end of the path through the colorful Holiday arches, and along the path of the decorated Christmas Trees.
Continue reading...Santa arrives in Highlands on Fire Truck

Cougars’ successful season ends in Semifinals

December 16, 2021
Crosby Cougars take the field against Liberty Hill Panthers in a Class 5A Division II semi-final rematch at Bryan’s Merrill Green Stadium. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

Liberty Hill 42 – Crosby 14

By Allan Jamail

Bryan, TX — On Friday, December 10, 2021, the Crosby Cougars lost to Liberty Hill 42-14 in a Class 5A Division II semi-final rematch at the Merrill Green Stadium, snapping their 12-game winning streak and ending with a 12-3 record.

The game’s Team Captains were Braden Womack, Cyrin Myles, Kameren Kirkwood, and McCoy Casey.

Last season it was the Cougars who won against the Panthers. In the semifinals last year, Crosby won with a 62-61 overtime victory after the Panthers fumbled the ball inside the 1-yard-line on the 2-point conversation to try to win it. Crosby lost the state title game to Aledo the following week in Arlington.

Crosby won the coin flip and deferred, wanting to kickoff to the Panthers so they could open the second half receiving the kickoff. Crosby’s defense held the Panthers, forcing them to punt. Things looked good for the Cougars as they marched down the field near the goal, when quarterback (QB) Cyrin Myles run came up inches short of the goal (see photo in print edition). On the next play when the ball was centered, Myles couldn’t control it and a Panther pounced on it, stopping what would have put the Cougars ahead for the game’s first score.

Continue reading...Cougars’ successful season ends in Semifinals

Rotary Chili Feast set for Feb. 5th

December 16, 2021
Winner of the Chili Feast Raffle will have their choice of a 2022 Chevy Trailblazer or a 2022 Chevy Equinox SUV, from Turner Chevrolet.

HIGHLANDS – The Rotary Club is preparing to hold their 47th Annual Chili Feast, on Saturday, February 5. A chili lunch will be served from 11 am to 3 pm or until the chili runs out, according to Chili Feast chairman Andy Scott. A live auction will take place starting at 12:30 pm.

The event is being held at the St. Jude’s Catholic Church social hall. The club president, Jerry Fallin, said that the raffle and chili feast will be held with COVID-19 protocol followed.

The club members are continuing to sell raffle tickets. There are 700 tickets available for a $100 donation. A ticket entitles you to two bowls of “Chester’s Famous Recipe” chili, and a chance to win one of 17 raffle prizes, all worth more that the $100 ticket price.

Club members are also selling Chili lunches only, for $10. Great for extra hungry folks, or to take home for later.

This annual event is a high point for many in the community, who see their friends at least this one time each year, and catch up with stories. It also has great good, and quality auction items.

Continue reading...Rotary Chili Feast set for Feb. 5th

Crowds enjoy 22nd Annual Christmas Festival in Crosby

December 9, 2021
Santa and Mrs. Claus were the highlight of the Parade. (MORE PHOTOS IN THE PRINT EDITION)

CROSBY – The community celebrated the 22nd Annual Crosby-Huffman Chamber of Commerce Christmas Festival and parade with lots of joy and bright smiles.

The festivities began Saturday at the Crosby Church on Highway 90. The church’s music hall was filled with booths from local business owners selling arts, crafts, treats, and homemade items. Crosby Music Academy provided entertainment at the festival.

Continue reading...Crowds enjoy 22nd Annual Christmas Festival in Crosby

Crosby Cougars defeat Texas HS 14-7, will meet Liberty Hill in Playoff rematch

December 9, 2021
A Victory Salute after the 14-7 win over Texas HS.

CROSBY – Cougar fans were on the edge of their seats most of the game last week against Texas High, due to the low scoring game where only a few points would make the difference.

Played at Lufkin’s Abe Martin stadium on Friday night, a large contingent of Crosby fans were on hand for the game, cheering their team for the final winning score near the end of the fourth quarter. With only 10 minutes left in the game, Cougar QB #10 Cyrin Myles rushed 4 yards to take the lead 12- 7, and then #4 Braden Womak ran a 2 point conversion for a final score of 14-7.

#10 Cyrin Myles carries the ball across the goal line from the 4 yard line, to score the winning touchdown for the Cougars.
Continue reading...Crosby Cougars defeat Texas HS 14-7, will meet Liberty Hill in Playoff rematch

Lee College offers free tuition and expenses for first-time students

December 9, 2021

Baytown, TX – High school graduates and GED recipients who live in the Lee College service area and have never attended Lee College before can attend for free during the Spring 2022 semester as part of the First Time Free at Lee program. Under this program, first-time Lee College students have the opportunity to earn up to 12 semester credit hours with no out-of-pocket cost for tuition, fees or e-books.

“We are excited to be able to offer this opportunity to first-time Lee College students,” said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, president of Lee College. “We are optimistic that this program will offer a ray of hope for people who thought college wasn’t possible because of finances. If you want to achieve a better future, we want to help you accomplish that dream.”

To be eligible, students must have a high school diploma or GED, reside within the Lee College service area, and apply for financial aid at www.studentaid.gov.

Continue reading...Lee College offers free tuition and expenses for first-time students

Cougar win over A&M Consolidated 53-50 sends team to Semifinals

December 2, 2021
After their victory over A&M Consolidated, the team holds up the winning Quarterfinals match, in UIL 5AD2 Region III matchup. Next the team goes plays the Semifinals against the Texarkana Texas Tigers.

By Gilbert Hoffman

CROSBY – The community was thrilled with the Cougar victory over the A&M Consolidated team from College Station, played last Friday night at the Cy Fair ISD stadium in Houston. Crosby won by a score of 53-50, holding on to a lead that was challenged by the Tigers in the last few minutes of the game.

The Cougars, with a record now of 11-2 overall, and 7-0 in District play, will move on to the Quarterfinals this Friday, and play Texarkana’s Texas Tigers at 7:30pm at Abe Martin Stadium in Lufkin. The Texas record is 12-0 overall, and 7-0 in District play.

Crosby had to stop a late drive by A&MC in the fourth quarter, to hold the lead and win the game. Senior Kameren Kirkwood intercepted two passes, and scored a touchdown in the last quarter to help bring victory to the Cougars. Crosby played a strong offensive game, with a total of 500 yards gained, 316 passing and 184 rushing.

Four players were named for their outstanding play: Players of the Game were Special Teams, Trevor Helburg; Overall performance, Kameren Kirkwood; Defensive Player, McCoy Casey; and Offensive Player, Cyrin Miles. QB Cyrin Miles had a total of 351 yards advanced. He was 13 for 21 passing with 239 yards, and also rushed 24 times for 112 yards.

Also notable was a halfback pass by Luke Smith for a gain of 69 yards.

Coach Jerry Prieto said, “I am proud of our guys for staying in the fight,” when A&MC challenged late in the game, but the Cougars held them off.

In the first half, the Cougar offense performed well, with a number of runs along the perimeter. Kicker Trevor Helburg completed a 32-yard field goal in the second quarter. At halftime Crosby led by 39-29.

But in the second half the Tiger defense stiffened against these plays.

Although penalties hurt the Cougars in the second half, they managed two interceptions to slow the Tigers and maintain the lead.

Another outstanding play was a fumble recovery by #40 McCoy Casey, with an 80 yard return.

In the 4th quarter, Crosby scored on an 11-yard pass from Miles, and then he followed up later with a 5-yard run after Camari Parker intercepted a Tiger pass.

In the next playoff game Friday night, the Cougs will face a team that they beat last year in the Region III area round playoffs. The Crosby community looks forward to a repeat of that victory and advancing to the Semifinals.

Continue reading...Cougar win over A&M Consolidated 53-50 sends team to Semifinals