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Posts published in “Day: August 10, 2017”

Constable Chris Diaz speaks to NC Chamber

Aug 10, 2017
Constable Diaz and Chamber President Margie Buetello talk after the luncheon, which was held at the Towne Center in Jacinto City.

Harris County Pct. 2 Constable Chris Diaz was on familiar ground last Friday, when he was the speaker at the North Channel Chamber’s monthly luncheon. The event was held at the Jacinto City Towne Center, where Diaz was once city councilman, and then Mayor. Accompanying him at the head table was Ana Diaz, his wife and current mayor.

Diaz made a lively presentation, explaining the organization and functions of a Constable’s office.

He explained that the duties break down into these categories:

– Civil Process, which includes process serving and seizure of property, as an officer of the court;

– Criminal and Law Enforcement, including arrests either with a warrant, or without for felonies;

– Patrol and traffic, especially in the unincorporated areas of the Precinct, accident investigation, and task force duties;

– Support, including office and record keeping functions;

– Training;

– Community Services, including such activities as National Night Out, Easter Egg Hunt, Parades and other events involving participation in the community.

Rep. Gene Green hosts 22nd Annual Immunization Day Aug. 19

Aug 10, 2017

HOUSTON, TX – Congressman Gene Green will be hosting his Annual Immunization Day on Saturday, August 19, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at three locations in the 29th District, which are listed below. In addition to providing free immunizations for children, the event will give parents an opportunity to speak with Congressman Green about preventive health initiatives.

Immunization Day is one of our most widely attended events. “Last year, over 1,500 shots were given,” said Congressman Green. “Immunizations are one of the most important disease prevention steps we can take to protect our children. This is a great opportunity for children to get the shots they need for school at no cost.”

Parents are encouraged to bring their child’s immunization record to ensure that all necessary shots are received.

More Waste Pits by McGinnes IMC discovered in Galveston County

Aug 10, 2017
Halls Bayou (Galveston County) sludge pits. Aerial view courtesy of KRIV CH26.

McGINNES WASTE PITS HALLS BAYOU

Another waste pits site used by McGinnes Industrial Waste Corporation has come to the attention of local authorities, environmental agencies, and the media. After a TV report on the Halls Bayou Waste Pits, by Channel 26 KRIV’s Greg Groogan, State Senator Larry Taylor, and the Galveston Bay Foundation’s Scott Jones, called for an investigation into the status of the pits.

The San Jacinto Waste Pits are one site where McGinnes Industrial Waste Corporation deposited sludge from the Champion Pasadena paper mill. But there is a site along Halls Bayou (the one in Galveston County, not Harris County) near the Intercoastal Waterway, between the mainland and Galveston, where McGinnes dumped sludge after they quit using the San Jacinto river pits.

In a recent report by Greg Groogan on Channel 26 KRIV, the Galveston Bay sludge pits were investigated and presented to the public for the first time. Groogan discovered that there are 32 pits or ponds, enclosed with earth berms but open to the sky. These pits were an alternate site for waste from the Pasadena Champion paper mill, after the site on the San Jacinto River was no longer used due to capacity. They have existed here for over 40 years.

Groogan was made aware of the pits by a former chemical engineer who worked for the Simpson Pasadena Paper mill, and has knowledge of the dumping. Dr. Kent Hood told Groogan he was concerned because he believes the pits are a threat to public health. Some of the pits contain the deadly chemical Dioxin, he said.

Although McGinnes and Simpson met requirements of state law at the time, Dr. Hood feels that McGinnes should have taken more precautions to protect the public. The sludge was loaded onto barges in Pasadena, and dumped into unlined, open pits.