North Channel Star

Community members concerned about new “Permitless Carry” law

Sep 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.”

NS Mustangs Defense Tramples Tigers 34-7

Sep 9, 2021

Mustang’s #8 junior David Amador scores the game’s first touchdown (TD) under a minute into the game on this 57 yard scramble. He played 3 positions in the game: quarterback, running back and wide receiver. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

September 3, 2021 — Spring, TX — The North Shore Mustangs traveled to the Klein ISD Memorial Stadium to take on the Klein Collins Tigers. Early in the game it was obvious the Mustangs’ defense would once again destroy another 6A offensive unit. Before the half, the East Side Boys led 24 – 7; at game’s end, the rout was 34 -7.

HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL SEASON OPENER: NS Mustangs Defense Destroys Sharks 33-10

Sep 2, 2021

Mustang’s speedster #21 Damon Ford blasts through an opening at the goal-line for a 4th quarter TD, the 5th of the game for North Shore. (Allan Jamail Photo)

By Allan Jamail

ROSHARON, TX. – On 7 PM Friday, August 27, 2021, at Freedom Stadium, the Galena Park ISD North Shore Mustangs easily defeated the Alvin ISD Shadow Creek Sharks 33-10.

Head Coach Jon Kay said months ago — after losing his premier offense, led by Auburn-bound quarterback and 4-year starter Dematrius Davis, as well as receiver Shadrack Banks to TCU — that he’ll lean on his experienced defense to keep them in the win column until the new offense, led by two junior quarterbacks, can materialize as a productive unit.

The Eastside Boys’ defense performed as Kay wanted; they destroyed the Sharks’ offense, making 4 interceptions, two of those for pick-six touchdowns. The stampeding defense relentlessly chased Sharks quarterback Duke Butler all night — he could only complete 8 of 23 passes (35%) — and held their running game to minus yards gained, 21 attempts for 14 yards with only 5 first downs.

Voter Regulations bill passes, Abbott ready to sign controversial legislation

Sep 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

Special Election For Constitutional Amendments

Sep 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.

AVOID EVICTION: Rent Relief available from Harris County

Sep 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.”

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

Aug 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

PUBLIC ENJOYS FIRST RESPONDERS DAY

Aug 26, 2021

The Harris County Sherriff’s Office Deputy’s booths personnel: L – R: Deputies, Sgt. D. Meek, Sgt. J. Gomez, E. Rivera, A. Schubert, E. Payton, T. Mordecal, S. Guidry, N. Powell and D. Almendarez. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

The Harris County Emergency Services District No. 12 (HCESD#12). Back row: Deputy Chief Scotch Blair, Battalion chief Sergio Gomez, Captain Brian Bunnell, Captain David Lee, Captain Beau Powers, Engineer Tralaya Jackson, Firefighter Joel Navarro, Firefighter Ricardo Rangel. Front Row: Firefighter Brian Petry, Firefighter Jose Valdez, North Channel EMS Jose Garza, North Channel EMS Christian Rivera, Firefighter Sean Peterson, Firefighter Richard Davis (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

At the Leon Grayson Center, hundreds of residents of the area came out to visit their 1st Responders and venders booths to learn and hear about many topics of interest.

Some of the busiest booths visited were from the Harris County Sheriff’s office and the Harris County Emergency Services District No. 12 (HCESD#12).

Attendees visiting the HCESD#12 booth learned how to reach them in case of a fire or a need for an ambulance. The ambulance service is the North Channel Emergency Service and the Fire Department both can be reached by calling 911. When making a 911 call caller needs to answer the WHERE-WHO-WHAT questions. Which is: WHERE is the location of the emergency, WHO you are and a call back number, and WHAT is the nature of the emergency. Pamphlets were provided on many safety concerns from fire prevention, hurricane preparedness, rising flood waters and many more issues.

You can Bet: Casino night was fun

Aug 26, 2021

PARTICIPANTS came dressed as the “Roaring 20s”. (Photos Willie Glasgow)

By Jada Mier

Jacinto City’s Town Center transformed into a casino for the North Channel Chamber Foundation’s annual scholarship fundraiser last Friday, Aug. 13.

With a “Roaring 20s” themed casino night, foundation chairman Bill Palko said that the theme was meant to express the community has come roaring out of COVID. This of course was decided before we once again entered the red zone with COVID cases increasing.

Local companies, North Shore Rotary, and Chamber members joined for a night of games and Chick-fil-a. Poker, blackjack, and roulette were a few of the games played with funny money. A raffle took place with a chance to win a bucket of wine, a YMCA membership, and much more.

Namesake Bill Palko tries not to lose too much.

Playing it safe, all attendees sported masks, and tables were set six feet apart. Bill Palko, the foundation’s chairman, explained that all the proceeds would be going to a $5,000-dollar scholarship. The scholarship is to be awarded to a local student.

Walle’s return from DC allows Quorum in Legislature

Aug 26, 2021

Texas Democratic Representatives Armando Walle, and Ana Hernandez, seen above, and Garnet Coleman broke ranks with the group of missing Legislators, and returned to Austin from DC. This allowed the Republican controlled House to declare a Quorum for the first time in over a month.

ALDINE – State Representative Armando Walle and two other Democratic legislators, Ana Hernandez and Garnet Coleman, returned from their hiatus in Washington to the state Capitol in Austin last week. Their absence, along with about 50 others, had kept the Texas House from having a quorum and unable to pass controversial Voter Restriction legislation that the Democrats said would disenfranchise many minority voters.

However, with all Republicans plus these three Democrats and a few others who never left, the Speaker of the House Dade Phelan declared they had a Quorum, and would proceed to act on legislation.

The three returning Democrats received a great deal of criticism for allowing this to happen, from labor unions, minority voter groups, and their colleagues that were still in Washington.

Walle’s office issued the following statement in defense of the return:

North Shore Rotary hears area Coaches as High School Football season starts

Aug 26, 2021

At last week’s North Shore Rotary luncheon, held in the Monument Room of San Jacinto College North, the audience had the opportunity to meet and hear from the head football coaches at each of the high schools in the area.

ABOVE, Rotary president Shawn Silman, center, with coaches (L to R) Spiro Amarantos, GALENA PARK; Averion Hurts, CHANNELVIEW; Jon Kay, NORTH SHORE; and Derek Fitzhenry, C. E. KING/SHELDON.