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Posts published in January 2019

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.

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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.

San Jacinto College has $1.3 billion impact on local economy

Jan 10, 2019
One of San Jacinto College buildings.

College’s effect equals 2.4 percent of region’s total gross regional product

PASADENA, Texas – A recent study has found that San Jacinto College had a $1.3 billion impact on the region’s economy in fiscal year 2016-17.

The study, conducted by Economic Modeling Specialists International (EMSI), reported that the impacts created during the 2016-17 fiscal year are comprised of $143 million in added income from operations spending, $24.4 million from student spending, and another $1.1 billion from alumni. The College’s impact equals 2.4 percent of the regions gross regional product, and a total of 13,044 jobs.

“This study takes into account the investments of our students, our taxpayers, and our communities,” said Dr. Brenda Hellyer, San Jacinto College Chancellor. “It reflects our ongoing efforts and commitment to improve our communities and the Gulf Coast region by providing an educated and skilled workforce, and offering our students a quality education that allows them to pursue a San Jacinto College has $1.3 billion impact on local economy College’s effect equals 2.4 percent of region’s total gross regional product higher education credential or gain and maintain employment in high-demand careers.”

In return for their investment in the College, the present value of the higher future earnings that San Jac’s students will receive over their working careers is $1.6 billion. This amounts to a return of $6.30 in higher future earnings for every dollar that students invest in their education. The study also found that students receive a 19.8 percent annual return on their investment in a San Jacinto College education.

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Governor Abbott Sets Special Election For Texas House District 145

Jan 3, 2019

AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation announcing Tuesday, January 29, 2019, as the special election date to fill the Texas House of Representatives District 145 seat recently vacated by former Representative Carol Alvarado.

Candidates who wish to have their names placed on the special election ballot must file their applications with the Secretary of State no later than 5:00PM on Thursday, January 3, 2019.

Early voting will begin on Monday, January 14, 2019.

BARRET STATION: Man found fatally shot inside car

Jan 3, 2019

A suspect is in custody after a man was found shot to death in a pickup truck in east Harris County last Saturday, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. When deputies arrived around 6 a.m. at Magnolia and Holly, south of Crosby, a man was dead in the passenger seat of the truck, which was parked in the driveway of a home, authorities said.

The bullet had came through the passenger-side window, authorities said.

A possible suspect has been detained. Investigation continues.

Congresswoman Garcia visits Jacinto City Health Care

Jan 3, 2019
(Photo by Allan Jamail)

December 19, 2018 — Santa Claus (Roger Matheny) and Congresswoman elect Sylvia Garcia made a visit to the residents at Jacinto City Health Care and Rehabilitation Center. The Christmas party was a thrill to everyone both residents and health care workers. Garcia said seeing the happy faces on the residents was the best Christmas present she could ever ask for.

If you would like to help on the upcoming Easter party, please contact NC Star writer Allan Jamail at: allanj211@aol.com