North Channel Star

Texans QB DeShaun Watson highlights Chamber Gala

Jan 31, 2019

TEXANS QB DESHAUN WATSON ANSWERS QUESTIONS AT THE NORTH CHANNEL CHAMBER GALA.

By Gilbert Hoffman

The North Channel Chamber of Commerce held their 42nd Annual Membership & Awards Gala last Thursday night. The event was held for the first time at a new beautiful venue, the Sylvan Beach Pavilion in Deer Park.

A crowd of several hundred enjoyed dinner, a silent auction, and chamber awards. A new board of directors was sworn in, and Chairman Shalonda Dawkins retired and Dr. John Moore was sworn in as the Chairman of the Board.

The featured speaker for the evening was Texans star quarterback Deshaun Watson, but he almost didn’t make an appearance. After agreeing to Gala, he learned later that he had been chosen to play in the Pro Bowl football game, and would have to be in Orlando, Florida for the whole week, including the day of the Gala. However, Ronny Dwairy of Bestway Oilfield company made arrangements to fly Watson to Houston for the Gala, and then return him the same evening. Needless to say, it added some excitement to the evening.

Watson was his usual low-key and quiet self, but answered a number of questions from Dwairy and the audience as the format for his appearance.

Watson gave a brief talk about his life and previous football career. As one of four children to a single mother, he led a simple and sparse life, centered on family, faith, and football. The audience was impressed with his sincerity and simplicity. He made the point several times in his talk that “I live my life from Love. I’m a man of faith.”

(more…)

Rep. Sylvia Garcia appointed to powerful House Financial Services and Judiciary Committees

Jan 31, 2019

By Allan Jamail

January 16, 2019 — Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia of the 29th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives was recently appointed on two of the House’s most influential committees.

To get appointed on the House Financial Services Committee and the House Judiciary Committee for the 116th Congress is a testament to her many accomplishments as a public servant.

“These assignments are vital to the Houston region, the State of Texas, and the nation. I’ve always fought for working families, and my appointments will allow me to use that experience to continue these efforts,” Garcia said. “It is an honor to serve on two impactful Committees.”

(more…)

Harris County Judge Hidalgo launches community-wide survey on local government

Jan 31, 2019

Survey is a key component of Judge Hidalgo’s signature civic engagement program, talking transition: Harris County

Harris County, TX – January 28, 2019 – Judge Lina Hidalgo announced today that she is launching a community-wide survey online as part of Talking Transition: Harris County, a civic engagement program designed to help shape the first year of her administration.

The first program of its kind in Harris County, Talking Transition will provide a forum for residents to discuss the issues that matter most to them, learn about the county government and budget, and weigh in on pressing public policy matters.

“Talking Transition is an initiative that invites Harris County residents to engage with their local government We want residents to understand how Harris County government works and to feel connected to their county government,” said Judge Hidalgo. “This is also an opportunity for my administration to learn from community members as we shape our policy agenda moving forward, so we can make sure our government works for everyone.”

The survey is designed to elicit public feedback on several essential issues, such the quality of early childhood education to the availability of reliable public transportation options. Harris County residents will also be able to express their opinions on how storm recovery resources should be prioritized.

The online survey is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, and Vietnamese. Additionally, teams of canvassers will spread out across Harris County with the survey starting Tuesday, January 29.

The survey launch is the first part of Judge Hidalgo’s signature civic engagement program, which will feature a variety of ways for Harris County residents to interact with and learn more about their local government. Other core components include:

(more…)

Alabama QB Jalen Hurts transfers to Oklahoma

Jan 24, 2019

JALEN HURTS, outstanding QB for Channelview, and Alabama, now will play for Oklahoma.

Alabama’s star quarterback, Jalen Hurts, announced last week in an essay published in the “Players Tribune” that he would leave the Alabama team, and play his last eligible season with the University of Oklahoma.

Hurts has had a storied football career, with outstanding play at Channelview High School, before he was recruited by Nick Saban to play at Alabama. Hurts was the starting quarterback in his first two seasons, but in the third year he was replaced with a newcomer, Tua Tagovailoa. Tua led the Crimson Tide to a victory over Georgia in overtime in 2017, replacing Hurts midway through the last title game. In 2018 Tua was the starting QB, but Hurts came off the bench in the SEC championship game when Tua was injured, and led Alabama to a victory over Georgia.

(more…)

Sheldon FFA holds Livestock Show

Jan 24, 2019

GRAND CHAMPION STEER was exhibited by Kerry Kelly, and purchased by Shy Girls Saloon for $4,000. (Photo TJ Johnson)

SHELDON – The Sheldon ISD FFA held their 61st Annual Livestock Show and Sale last Saturday, January 12 at the Ag Barn on US90.

Hundreds of spectators, buyers, and exhibitors participated in this important event for FFA students, who spend a year raising an animal. Net proceeds from the sales are then given to the student for college expenses, or for undergrads to raise another animal.

The sale consisted of 36 lots, which was up from the quantity of 30 that were shown last year. However, sale prices were flat, and the sale brought in about $30,000, compared with about $40,000 last year.

In addition to the animal and ag project sales, this year a Quilt donated by Denise Smesny sold for $1,000, purchased by Robert and Sandra Fletcher.

The North Channel Star will have a special issue in the next month, featuring photographs of most of the exhibitors and their animals. If you would like to advertise and support this issue, please call 713-266-3444.

Judge Lucia Bates starts term with open house reception

Jan 17, 2019

Open House guests in Baytown at the office of newly elected Justice of Peace Lucia Bates. Seen are Pct. chair Hunter, State Rep. Carol Alvarado, Judge Bates, Former Constable Ken Jones, Former JP Tony Polumbo, and former Mayor Pete Alfaro. Congrats Judge Bates!

BAYTOWN – A meet and greet for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Position 2 Lucia Bates brought in some local legends to wish her well last Saturday.

Mike Parrott, Tony Polumbo, Ken Jones, Pete Alfaro and Jason Rabelais came out to hear the new J.P. talk of working with young girls from her position — as her partner Joe Stephens, Justice of the Peace Precinct 3 Position 1, works with boys. She was later joined by Precinct 3 Constable Sherman Eagleton. Among other ideas expressed was that although misdemeanors bring youth into contact with the Justices the experience need not necessarily be punitive but an opportunity to grow and develop.

(more…)

Sterling Forest residents hear from officials on bond drainage project

Jan 17, 2019

Adrian Garcia, Harris County Commissioner Precinct 2 (right), discussing drainage issues in Precinct 2 with Jeremy Phillips, Director of Infrastructure Harris County Precinct 2 (center) and John Blount, Harris County Engineer. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Houston, TX. – January 10, 2019 at the Leon Grayson/Baldree Community Center residents of Sterling Forest Subdivision met with Harris County officials concerning flood reducing projects in their neighborhood.

On August 25, 2018, Harris County voters approved $2.5 billion in bonds to finance specific flood damage reduction projects throughout the county which included projects in Sterling Forest subdivision.

A total listing of 104 subdivision drainage improvement projects have been identified as part of the bond program. Additional projects may be added to the list in the future or projects on the list could be modified based upon public input and other factors if authorized by Harris County Commissioners Court.

Before a final report on each project can be presented to Commissioners Court for approval for construction there must first be opportunities for further community engagement for each project.

To develop the final report and as part of the preliminary engineering process the Harris County Engineering Department (HCED) and the County’s Flood Control District is conducting public meetings in a primary project watershed to solicit public comments about the project. From these meetings the HCED will prepare a preliminary engineering report to support the advancement of these projects toward final design and construction report to give Commissioners Court.

(more…)

C. E. King/Texas A&M Star heads to the NFL

Jan 17, 2019

Trayveon Williams, Texas A & M junior running back and former C. E. King alumni, heading to the National Football League (NFL)

By Allan Jamail

Thursday, January 3, 2019 – Texas A&M running back and former C. E. King alumni Trayveon Williams, the SEC’s leading rusher this past season, will forgo his senior season and enter April’s NFL draft, he announced in a video on Twitter on Thursday.

Williams last college game as an Aggie was New Year’s Eve, December 31st, in the Florida Gator Bowl. During the game, Williams broke the Aggies record for single-season all-purpose yards and single-season rushing yards with 1,760 yards. He broke the Gator Bowl record for single-game rushing yards, with 236 and three touchdowns in the Aggies blowout win, a 52-13 victory over the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

Trayveon and family members have told the story many times about how he was brought up by family members other than his natural parents. His mother Felicia Davis, who felt she wasn’t ready for the responsibilities of motherhood, gave him to her father James Davis to raise. Felicia and Trayveon now have a positive relationship.

It’s been said that James and his grandson Trayveon were never seen apart in the East Houston Norwood Manor subdivision in the early 2000’s. James Davis asked his son Kevin Davis and daughter-in-law Joyce to please raise Trayveon should anything happen to him. At about the same time, James signed up Trayveon for the youth football league.

(more…)

Texans QB Watson to keynote Chamber Gala

Jan 17, 2019

Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson

The North Channel Area Chamber will hold its Annual Gala on Thursday, January 24 and have announced that the Keynote Speaker will be Houston Texans star QB DeShaun Watson. This year the Gala will be held in a new location, the Sylvan Beach Pavilion in LaPorte. A few seats are still available by calling the Chamber at 713-450-3600.

Watson is a star quarterback for the Houston Texans. Born in Gainesville, Georgia, he played college football at Clemson University, and led the Clemson Tigers team to a CFP Championship game appearance in 2015 and a national championship win in 2016. He was selected by the Texans 12th overall in the 2017 National Football League Draft.

Major sponsor for the event is Ronny Dwairy, CEO of Bestway Oilfield.

Two men charged in 7 yr-old girl’s murder

Jan 10, 2019

Jan. 8, 2019 – Harris County Sheriff’s Office homicide investigators have filed a capital murder charge against Larry D. Woodruffe, 24, and Eric Black Jr., 20, for the Dec. 30 shooting death of 7-year-old Jazmine Barnes.

Jazmine’s mother was driving Jazmine and her three sisters southbound on the East Sam Houston Parkway feeder road near Wallisville Road at approximately 6:50 a.m. on Dec. 30 when they were fired upon by someone in another vehicle.

Investigators identified Woodruffe, and Eric Black Jr. as suspects based on a tip. Subsequent investigation revealed evidence that corroborated the tip, and both men were taken into custody on Jan. 5 in East Harris County.

Woodruffe was booked into the Harris County jail on a felony drug possession charge, pending further investigation.

Black then admitted to taking part in the shooting and was charged with capital murder.

(more…)

Texas Legislature starts 86th Bi-Annual Session

Jan 10, 2019

ANA HERNANDEZ, State Representative for District 143, is shown at the first session of the 86th Legislature after her swearing-in ceremony. Pictured with Ana is Amir Khan and Debra Barrera Carrizal.

Rep. Ana Hernandez Sworn-in

Austin, TX — Tuesday marked the beginning of the 86th session in the Texas Senate, a 140-day term in which state leadership has pledged to tackle the complex issues of public school finance reform and property tax reform. Governor Greg Abbott was on hand to welcome the members, new and current, and promised to finally resolve these issues.

“We are going to step up and address it,” he said.

Other major issues facing the Legislature this session include state pension funds and contracting oversight, but like Abbott, Senate leader Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and newly elected House Speaker Dennis Bonnen have highlighted property tax and school finance reform as critical issues this session.