Posts published in “Community”

Bad smell in Galena Park traced to LyondellBasell

Jul 22, 2021

LYONDELLBASELL identified their plant in Pasadena as the source of the bad smell that has permeated Galena Park for several days.

GALENA PARK — Residents of the city have experienced an unpleasant odor in the air since last Friday. Harris County Pollution Control Services confirmed to this newspaper that they’ve received numerous complaints and they’re looking into it. One person in the area described the smell as a combination of garlic and bug spray.

Just after 9:30 a.m. Friday, a message posted to CAER (Community Awareness Emergency Response) announced the source of the smell as the LyondellBasell Houston Refinery at 12000 Lawndale. Plant officials said they’re working to address the odor, and sought to clear the air on any potential health impact.

“While unpleasant, the odor does not pose any harm to our workers or community, and there is no need for nearby community members to be concerned or take any action,” the statement read. “We regret any concern this odor may have caused.”

Galena Park’s mayor posted the update to Facebook as well.

County Attorney informs CHIC environmentalists

Jul 22, 2021

By Allan Jamail

Channelview, TX. – June 24, 2021 at the Channelview Fire Department on Dell Dale, Harris County residents gathered to learn how they can get pollution concerns addressed. Organizers of the newly formed Channelview Health & Improvement Coalition (C.H.I.C.) had Bethany Dwyer, Asst. Attorney Environmental Harris County Attorney’s Office (CAO), as their guest speaker.

Dwyer explained what’s needed to successfully present a case in court against environmental violators. She presented an exceptionally informative slide show which thoroughly educated the attendees on the step by step process of how to file a complaint. She explained the need for complainants to gather and document valuable evidence on the violators that’ll give the CAO proof enough to be successful in court proceedings. Violations can be reported by calling: CAO: 713-755-5101.

For an emergency with a chemical spill, odor, or fire, call the Channelview Fire Department: 911.

C.H.I.C. has organized in a continuing effort by residents to share information, to educate others and to work with governing and other agencies to address issues impacting Channelview, to bring awareness and to document, prevent and improve the issues and conditions affecting residents.

Upcoming C.H.I.C. meeting dates: July 22nd, August 26th, September 23rd, October 28th, November 18th, December 16th. For information or to join email: c.h.i.c.77530@gmail.com

New Bus Service to Generation Park

Jul 15, 2021

HOUSTON — (July 6, 2021) — Harris County Transit Plus begins its inaugural on-demand transport service today for residents living in the Generation Park-area of Precincts 1, 2 and 4.

This affordable service allows residents to schedule transportation from point A to point B, within two established zones, running along the Northeast quadrant of Beltway 8. The service provides a faster trip and enhanced passenger experience through areas of the county that are less densely developed.

The fare to ride is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children, seniors and those with disabilities. Cash, transfers from other buses and the METRO Q® Fare Card are acceptable forms of payment.

The North Zone runs along Beltway 8 between Highway 59 and the northeast portion of Beltway 8. The South Zone runs between the northeast portion of Beltway 8 to Wallisville Road. The transit zone also includes the area within three-quarters of a mile in either direction of these sections of Beltway 8.

JC/GP Celebrate 4th of July together!

Jul 15, 2021

State Representative Ana Hernandez and Judge Victor Trevino III provided the 4th of July celebrators free bottled ice water, candy for the children and registration of voters. L – R: Victor Trevino III, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 6, Ana Hernandez, State Rep. District 143, Hunter, Emma & Jazlyn Escalante (kids) Linda Jamail, District 143 Community Liaison, “CC” Cazares, JCPD officer and Katherine Nanney (kids mom) (Allan Jamail Photo)

By Allan Jamail

Galena Park – Jacinto City, TX. – On the 4th of July, 2021 the two neighboring cities, Galena Park and Jacinto City joined together to provide a beautiful aerial fireworks show which thousands from each city came to see.

An aerial cluster firework explodes high into the sky as thousands of 4th of July celebrators gathered in Galena Park & Jacinto City to recognize the Nation’s Birthday & Independence Day. (Allan Jamail photo)

According to Lon Squyres, Jacinto City’s City Manager, each city funded half of the fireworks cost of about $7,000 each.

Community says Goodbye to Lewis Spearman

Jul 15, 2021

A Memorial Service honoring the life and work of our newspaper colleague Lewis Spearman was held last Tuesday evening at Crosby Church. Above, Pastor Keenan Smith led the service.

CROSBY – Two memorial services last week marked the community’s sense of loss at the unexpected death of Lewis Spearman. Last Tuesday evening, the community came together for a memorial service in honor of Lewis Spearman, held at Crosby Church. Scores of friends came to pay their last respects, and to share some remembrances. And on Saturday, a large crowd gathered at the Crosby Fairgrounds for a benefit and reminiscences.

The Tuesday service was guided by Pastor Keenan Smith of Crosby Church. He spoke about his personal relationship with Lewis, and the unique qualities he had as an individual. His love of friends, joy of companionship and parties, and his interest in history. A slide show captured his moments in a Pirate costume at the Renaissance Festival, and as a Texan Patriot at the reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto.

Pastor Larry Koslovski, who knew Lewis for many years through the Chamber of Commerce activities and board of trustees, gave a review of his life and his love of Crosby, its people and its traditions. He imagined Lewis in heaven working with his camera and tape recorder for the next story.

Others who spoke at the memorial included Gil Hoffman, the publisher of this newspaper.

Garcia: Precinct 2 initiates Pothole Repair program

Jul 15, 2021

Pct. 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia with the new Pothole Repair truck that will speed up the repair of dangerous Potholes.

EAST HARRIS COUNTY – One of Commissioner Garcia’s top missions has been to develop new strategies in making sure Precinct 2 roadways are well maintained and safe for constituents.

Commissioner Adrian Garcia says that “Summer is here, one of the busiest times of the year for Precinct 2: from park renovations to ribbon cuttings, road repair, and bridge maintenance, we do a lot of everything!”

With all those initiatives ongoing, today, Commissioner Garcia announces the newest way Precinct 2 is getting the job done! Specially-equipped trucks are being used to repair potholes in the Precinct.

If you see a pothole that needs to be addressed, all you have to do is call the Pct 2 Call Center at 713-274-2222 or visit www.hcp2.com to file a report and get the pothole fixed.

It’s Way Too Early to Claim Victory Over the Virus

Jul 2, 2021

Many Harris County Residents Still at Risk for Getting COVID-19

HARRIS COUNTY –– Don’t get too comfortable with Harris County’s decline in COVID-19 cases. At this time, 58% percent of Harris County residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine and almost 48% of ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated. However, that means nearly half are not and still at risk for getting the virus. To ensure cases continue to decline, more people must get fully vaccinated.

Unvaccinated residents are not only at risk of contracting the virus but spreading it to others, including children under the age of 12 who can’t be vaccinated. Be cautious when you’re public with your family since most people are not wearing masks, more than half are not vaccinated and some could be infected. In addition, many people who are sick with the virus don’t know they have it. 4 out of 10 infected people have no symptoms but are still contagious. Harris County Public Health recommends all adults get vaccinated and that parents of 12- to 17 year-old children get them vaccinated.

Vaccines are free at HCPH vaccination sites throughout Harris County and no appointment is needed. To find one near you, go to vacstrac.hctx.net or call 832-927-8787.

North Shore Rotary installs new officers

Jul 1, 2021

NORTH SHORE ROTARY held their Annual Installation banquet to install new officers and board members. Seen above at right is Judge Lucia Bates, swearing in the new president, Shawn Silman (in the hat). Others sworn in include Ken Wimbley, president-elect, Lee Brown, secretary, Danna Nino, treasurer, and board members Fred Saunders, Alan Wolcik, Joe Coleman, Jared Dagley, and Mini Izaguirre.

By Gilbert Hoffman

North Shore Rotary held their annual Installation Ceremony and Awards Banquet last Friday, June 11 at Monument Inn. Attending were club members and their families, and members of District 5890.

District 5890 guests included Director of Rotary International Suzi Howe and husband Bill, District Governor Scott Rainey and wife Martha, District Governor Elect Michelle Bohreer, and District Governor nominees Mindy Snyder and Heather Rimatto. Also attending was Assistant District Governor Brian Clements from the Galena Park/Jacinto City club.

New officers that were sworn in include President Shawn Silman, Pres-elect Ken Wimbley, Secretary Lee Brown, and Treasurer Danna Nino.

Board members that were installed include Fred Saunders, Alan Wolcik, Joe Coleman, Jared Dagley, and Mini Izaguirre.

New principal at Whittier Elementary

Jul 1, 2021

By Allan Jamail

June 30, 2021 – Jacinto City, TX. The Houston Independent School District (HISD) has named Yamel Melchor as the Whittier Elementary School principal for 2021.

Principal Melchor was Whittier’s Assistant Principal last year in 2020. She has been recognized with several awards, including First Year Assistant Principal of the Year and Tier II Excellence in Leadership.

We Lose Lewis Spearman

Jun 27, 2021

We are sad to report that our friend and colleague, Lewis Spearman, passed away on Friday, June 25, peacefully at home. Lewis had been recovering from a cardiac procedure the previous week. Lewis has been an important part of the newspaper team since our start in 1994, and his contribution will be sorely missed. He had many friends in the Crosby and East Harris County area, and was active with the Crosby/Huffman Chamber and the Crosby Fair & Rodeo, and others. Memorial arrangements will be announced later, but a GoFundMe account for expenses has been established at http://gofund.me/7ac91f54. More of the story is also at this address.

Galena Park refutes charges in citizen protest

Jun 24, 2021

This water bill from the City of Houston water department, shows the account of the City of Galena Park. On the left, top line under AMOUNT DUE, Past Amount Due is $0.00. The line below that shows the monthly charge for water, $72,571.08 but it is not overdue. The copy of the water bill was furnished to the NORTH CHANNEL STAR by the City of Galena Park. It does not show any unpaid balance on the account, as charged by Dolcefino Consulting.

GALENA PARK – The city, through its attorney Robert Collins, has refuted the claims made last week by a citizens protest group at the opening of the city swimming pool.

The protestors included city commissioner Maricela Serna, charging the city and the Mayor with secrecy in their method of running the city, stating that City Hall was not open to the public, that Commissioner meetings were closed and limiting what was discussed and told to the public, and in general the business of the city was hidden so that some persons would benefit from the secrecy.

It was also charged, in a public information release by Wayne Dolcefino of Dolcefino Consulting, that the city had a back unpaid bill of $705,000 to the City of Houston for water supply.

Collins said that each of these charges were untrue, and some through a misunderstanding of circumstances.