Highlands Star - Crosby Courier • P.O. Box 405, Highlands, TX 77562 • Phone: 713-266-3444 • Fax: 713-977-1188 • Email: grafikstar@aol.com
The Cody Bill, or House Bill 76, that provides an opt-in opportunity for parents to have their children screened with an EKG before participating in competitive activities, passed the Texas Senate on May 20 by a vote of 20-11 after clearing the House overwhelmingly.
The bill goes back to the House for an amendment before going on to the Governor who can sign it or do nothing after 15 days and the bill become law. The bill probably comes into effect in 2020.
HIGHLANDS – Monday night was the Rotary Club Annual Scholarship Banquet, held at the San Jacinto Community Center.
Receiving scholarships were 18 students, who attended along with their families. The scholarships totaled $32,000 and these funds were a result of the Chili Feast held each February. Scholarships were in the amount of $1500 except for four special awards named for individuals as memorials. These were $2500 apiece.
The keynote speaker was Justice of the Peace Lucia Bates, of Precinct 3 in Baytown. Judge Bates spoke of her early life, having been born on the island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean (hence her name), and coming to this country at an early age.
Bates was educated at the University of Houston Clear Lake, and the University of Phoenix. Her major was communication and marketing, and she worked for GTE, several newspapers, and then her own marketing firm, LB Marketing Solutions.
She has a passion to give back to the community, which led her to seek a position as judge. She has held a number of public service positions, including Rotary director, chair of the North Channel Chamber, president of her HOA, and former board member of the YMCA, Pilot Club, Top Ladies of Distinction, and an advisory panel to LyondellEquistar. She said she is busy improving her court, making it a more people friendly, inviting atmosphere.
In anticipation of heavy rains and storms through the rest of the month, the City of Houston Public Works has warned residents along the lake to expect lower lake levels for at least the rest of this month, and perhaps extending further into the year. The normal lake level is 42.5 feet above sea level, and authorities will let it drop to 41.5 inches.
Officials said that all four of the flood gates on the dam structure are open and will remain open until the desired level is reached. This means that property below the dam can expect higher water levels, but hopefully will not be flooded if the heavy storms do occur.
HUFFMAN – In March of 2018, trash cleaners found the severed head of a woman in a trash bag near the McKay Bridge, doubtlessly thrown from FM 1960. Now Houston Police are still trying to follow up and obtain leads concerning this murder, similar to one that occurred in Louisiana.
A description of a suspect has been released. He is described as in his mid-twenties, short dark hair with long bangs standing about 5’4” to 5’8”. He was observed driving a teal or green blue Chevy Silverado Extended Cab. The victim was described as being between 20 to 45 years old.
A head was similarly found in Calcasieu Lake inside Camron Parish nearly 100 miles apart. Call (713) 222-TIPS with any information for a reward.