Posts published in “Day: May 21, 2009”

EAST HARRIS COUNTY — Foreclosed and vacant houses that were once havens for illegal activity are getting a second lease in life thanks to a new program from Harris County.

Precinct 2 Commissioner Sylvia Garcia said that the county will spend about $8 million in federal housing funds to purchase foreclosed properties, then resell the houses to residents at a discount. The program targets houses in specific neighborhoods where foreclosures have been most hurtful. Of the 22 ZIP codes designated by the county for the program, three are in the Aldine/ Northeast Area. These are 77037, 77039 and 77093.

Garcia said the program would be beneficial in that it will not only prevent the properties from decaying, which hurts the neighborhood image, but it helps renters become homeowners which brings stability and neighborhood closeness.

To be eligible to purchase one of the homes families must earn less than 120% of the area’s median income (about $76,500 for a family of four), have a job, decent credit and not owned a home in the last three years. The county plans to buy homes within the specified ZIP codes at a minimum of 15% below appraised value, then resell them at 30% discount below resale value. This could mean up to a 40% saving on a home. Additional discounts could also apply. New home-buyers can also get up to $10,000 for repairs. Those interested in the homes are encouraged to speak with their local real estate agent, who will have a list of the homes eligible through the program.

The county says the program is not intended for those who buy houses cheap, repair them and then sell them for a profit. Anyone who sells a home purchased through the program is required to repay the county for the discounts off the appraisal value.

GRAND CHAMPION STEER sold for a record $20,000. Raised by Jacob Beckham.

CROSBY – The Crosby Fair & Rodeo expects to have more people attending concerts this year than at any other set of concerts before.

The Fair Board put the limit of Cook-off teams this year at 60, and that number has already been achieved in paid cooking teams for the 63rd Annual Crosby Fair & Rodeo.

The previous Cook-off record is shattered and this year there are to be two nights of concerts and parties both Friday and Saturday. Friday June 5 is a party featuring Roger Creager with Philip Griffin Band leading. It is the night in which the Showmanship Award is granted.

The Business Showmanship competition is being held for the second year to encourage all businesses in the community to get in the spirit and support the members and volunteers of Crosby fair & Rodeo by decorating your business and store front with the “My Home Town The Past, The Present and The Future of the Crosby Community” and while the decorators are at it get a Country & Western theme going with that home town past present and future tense.

Attendees this year are encouraged to purchase the $50 membership to allow admittance at each of the concerts and rodeo events and the membership dinner after the rodeo is concluded.

Saturday June 6, the 63rd Annual Crosby Rodeo Parade will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Crosby High School. The parade will march North on FM 2100 to 1st Street turn left at Kernohan St. to FM 2100 then South to return to the high school.

The parade this year will be lead by our local heroes, the veterans of the current conflicts that have returned home from active duty. All soldiers returning from active duty are to act as Parade Marshalls.

Saturday night, June 6, the man the C.M.A. is going wild for, Jamey Johnson, is to be the featured act and Bo Cox is to be the lead. This concert is expected to bring in Country Music fans from throughout Texas on the Jamey Johnson crest as a rapidly rising star. His lyrical acclaim is a shooting star in the Western charts, especially after scoring a hit with George Straight.

A carnival and concession area will be ongoing for kids and adults as the Cook-Off Progresses and during part of the week. Tickets are available at www.crosbyfairandrodeo.net, at the Crosby Fair & Rodeo Office at the Fairgrounds, Arlan’s Market and Crosby Ace Hardware.

The Crosby Fair & Rodeo livestock auction is to be held on Wednesday, June 10 at 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, local singer David Glenn leads for Kevin Fowler, ticket prices are $20 or $15 in advance.

Friday, June 12, local singer Cody Kouba leads off for featured act, Eli Young Band. Saturday, June 13, Gene Watson leads off for the Bellamy Brothers.

The PRCA rodeo will exhibit the cowboy arts in a fantastic competition Thursday through Saturday before the concerts begin.