YC R O S B Y

C R O S B YH I G H L A N D S

StarStarStar ✯✯✯ Courier Courier Courier

VOL. 66, NO. 03– 50¢ THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019© Copyright 2019 P.O. DRAWER 405, HIGHLANDS, TEXAS 77562

Serving Highlands, Crosby, Huffman andSurrounding Communities since 1955

www.starcouriernews.com

EVENTS

THUR., JAN. 17CROSBYCHAMBERLUNCHEONThe luncheon willtake place on Thurs-day, January 17th, atStonebridge inNewport. The addressis 16401 Country ClubDr. in Crosby. Lunchwill begin at11:30am.Please RSVP byJanuary15th. Viaphone at 281-328-6984 or emailchamber@crosbyhuffmancc.org

TUE. JAN. 29JOINT PAINSEMINARThe Houston Method-ist Joint Program inBaytown has theexpertise in jointreplacement surgery.Seminar to take placeTuesday, Jan. 29,2019 from 6-7 pm. at4401 Garth Rd. inBaytown, MainConference Room.

SAT., FEB. 2BRAS FOR THECAUSEA fundraiser for breastcancer patients, to beheld at the SouthernLakes Estate in Crosby.

BIRTHDAYSJan 17--Melody Oviedo

Jaxson MatthewBoyd

Jan 18--Sharon T. Walk-erGabe Welsh

Jan 19--Hannah Hilde-brandCullen GleasonLacy Robinson

Jan 20--Gary LanghamBrenda Weber

Jan 21--Ted BloomJames Mills, Sr.Debra Shields

Jan 22--Linda CraigVernon HassellRichard McKinneyReynaldo PerezKristi SimmonsKathy Zadrapa Stu-artJames WalkerBeth Wotipka

Jan 23--Tiffany Kirk-woodBrad Loggins

DEATHSDorothy Jean Hudson

INSIDE: Houston Methodist Rebranded Artist’s Showcase:

Now in our New Offices1500 E. Wallisville RoadHighlands, TX 77562

WESTON G. COTTENAttorney at Law

O. 281/421-4050F. 281/533-6032

weston@westoncotten.com281-328-4377

TurnerChevroletCrosby.com

✯IN THESTARS

These storiesin the PRESS:•Hotchkiss FamilyHonored• Dredge Proposal changed• Dayton Native Promoted toNavy Petty Officer 1st Class......And more, Page 3

AUTO & HOME INSURANCEJeremy Rosenkranz, State Farm Agent

440 S. Main Street, Highlands, TX 77562281-426-3512

www.jeremyrosenkranz.com

Houston LivestockShow & Rodeo 2019

Brooks&Dunn

CLIP AND SAVE

MARCH 1 MARCH 2

FEBRUARY 27 FEBRUARY 28

Cardi BTurnpikeTroubadours

MARCH 3 MARCH 4

Panic! At the DiscoOld Dominion

CamilaCabello

MARCH 5 MARCH 6

Luke Combs

MARCH 7 MARCH 8

Zedd

MARCH 9 MARCH 10

MARCH 11 MARCH 12

Kings of Leon

MARCH 13 MARCH 14

MARCH 15 MARCH 16

MARCH 17 MARCH 17

Santana Chris Stapleton

CodyJohnson

Brad Paisley

Lyle Lovett &Robert Earl Keen

LosTigresDelNorte

Zac Brown Band

Luke Bryan

George Strait

TimMcGraw

KaneBrown

Judge Lucia Bates starts termwith open house reception

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

BAYTOWN – A meetand greet for Justice of thePeace Precinct 3 Position 2Lucia Bates brought insome local legends to wishher well last Saturday.

Mike Parrott, TonyPolumbo, Ken Jones, PeteAlfaro and Jason Rabelaiscame out to hear the newJ.P. talk of working withyoung girls from her posi-tion. Even as her partnerJoe Stephens Justice of thePeace Precnict 3 Position 1works with boys. She waslater joined by Precinct 3Constable Sherman Eagle-ton. Among other ideas ex-pressed was that althoughmisdeamenors bring youthinto contact with the Jus-

See JUDGE BATES, page 2

Star✯Courier / Press / NORTH CHANNEL✯STARPage 2 THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

Test Drive The All New 2019Silverado! In Stock NOW!

2018 SilveradosMust Go

$13,000. OFF*

* Stock # JG191315 MSRP $49,740 $13,000 Off includes less Gm Loyalty, GMF financing, Auto Show Money, Residncy restorations, Apply Gm Supplier Discoount For All.Final prices is $36,742. Limited time offer. See dealer for completed details. Not all customers will qualify for GMF financing.

David MendezGeneral Sales Manager

Family Owned and Operated

Engineers hear publicon Crosby drain project

CROSBY – On January15 the Harris County FloodControl District held ameeting to inform the pub-lic about partnering withthe Harris County Engi-neering Department to ad-dress flooding issues inresidential neighborhoodsin unincorporated regionsof Harris County with focuson stormwater drainageimprovements and to re-ceive input from the public.

Voters approved $2.5 bil-lion in bonds to financeflood damage reductionprojects within the county.The county is moving for-ward with planning andconstruction of projectswith bond funding, makingeffort to make transparentthose projects to residents.

This meeting was enti-tled Crosby MUD/Town-ship Drainage Project andis listed on the HarrisCounty Flood Control Dis-trict website as HCFCDBond Project E-12. Infor-mation can be obtained andcomments made atwww.hcfcd.org/E12 the dis-trict’s website.

Stormwater drainage inCrosby was discussed withwhat engineers believe arethe best remedies and theyheard residents expresswhat they believe are

Crosby residents carefully examine the graphicdepiction of the neighborhood across the street fromthe Methodist Church on Runneburg to see the impactof floodwater in that neighborhood. Mike Foster ofHarris County Emergency Management and ESD#80talks with Jeremy Phillips of Harris County Precinct 2Engineering.

stormwater problems andpotential improvements.

Internal neighborhooddrainage systems and re-lated infrastructure thatmove flood water to majordrainage channels or bay-ous were explored. Munic-ipalities typically handleinternal drain systems likeunderground sewer sys-tems and roadside ditches.

A presentation proceed-ed an open house discus-sion with the Project Team.

Reid Mrsny a Public En-

gineer points out that hisgroup is working on threesubdivision projects in ornear Crosby ISD that arenot in the flood plain andnot previously identifiedthey are Creole Country,Apache Lane (east of High-lands,) and Dreamland inBarrett Station. Dream-land has found federalfunds to be released for im-provement while CreoleCounty and Apache Laneare in planning stage.

RESCHEDULEDLIQUIDATION AUCTION

FORFOUNDATION SAVERS, INC.

Of 20115 FM 2100, CROSBY, TEXASSATURDAY, JANUARY 19 at 9 am

{Preview Friday, Jan. 18 9am – 3 pm and 8 am Day of Auction}

Owners Retiring After 28 Years In Business(2) 2011 Ford E-350 Vans, 2004 Ford F-350, 1998 GMC Van,1979 GMC Step Van, Enclosed Trailers, Utility Trailers, 25Ton Electric Two-Stage Hydraulic Pumps, Shop Fans, BigCat Concrete Machine, Air Compressors, DisplacementPumps, Generators, Nail Guns, Jackhammers, Gas Tren-chers, Augers, Power Washer, Tamper Machines, Lifts,

Sump Pumps, Mud Pumps, Chain Saws, Concrete Cutters,Arc Welder, Promig Welder, 50 Ton Rams, Band Saws,

Drills, Drill Press, Grinders, Commercial Ice Maker, Inger-sollRand Compressor Triler, Pallet Jacks, Bottle Jacks, ToolBoxes, Golf Cart, Ladders, Rakes, Shovels, Post Hole Dig-gers, Pallets of Concrete Blocks And Much Much More!“TOO MUCH TO LIST, DON’T MISS THIS AUCTION”

Auction Conducted ByW.B. Auction Co.

Call (713) 817-9062 or (281) 328-2700Col. Walter Boullion T.A.L.#10592

www.WBAuctioncrosby.com{TERMS: Cash, Good Checks & Credit Cards, 10% BP, All Merchandize Sold “AS IS, WHERE

IS. ” NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE.

View Photos of Some Items Today atwww.WBAuctioncrosby.com

Judge Bates Open House,CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

tices the expreience need not necessarially be punitive but an opportunity to growand develop.

Bates introduced her family and her office team including deputies.It was evident from her oration to attendees that Bates intends to work with and

in the interest of compassion for the youth that she encounters.

VOL. 24, NO. 03 – 40¢ © Copyright 2019 P.O. BOX 2351, MONT BELVIEU, TEXAS 77580THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

ROUND-UP

Barbers HillDayton PressBarbers HillDayton Press✯

Serving Mont Belvieu, Dayton, Baytown and surrounding communities since 1995

Programsat Sam &CarmenaGossLibrary

These are theevents taking placeat the Sam andCarmena GossMemorial BranchLibrary the week ofJanuary 21, 2019:•Tuesday, January 22- 10:00 am, Baby &Me (ages 0-24 mos.)

•Thursday, January24 - 5:30 pm, Con-quer the Stress Mon-s ter wi th Valer ieC o y l e , C e r t i f i e dHealth Coach

•Friday, January 25 -10:30 am, Storytime(ages 0-5 yrs)

Call Sam andCarmena GossMemorial Library,Mont Belvieu at 281-576-2245 with anyquestions.

Full MoonHike

Join BaytownNature Center,6213 BaywayDrive, Baytown, onSaturday, January19, 2019 at 5:30p.m. This monthly90 minutes hikebegins just aftersunset. Hikers areasked to wearconfortableclothing. Smallchildren shouldnot attend sincehikers have abetter view ingnoctural animals ina relatively quiteatmosphere.Routes and starttimes varymonthly. Meet atthe Visitor’sCenter unlessotherwise stated.Hikers are weatherpermitting andfree with generaladmission.

WinterGator Tales

The Eddie V.Gray WetlandsEducation andRecreation Center inBaytown is hosting aseries of Pre-schoolprograms for ages 3-5 every Wednesdayfrom 10 am to 11 amas follows:

•January 23,Scales and Shells

•January 30,Frogs and Toads

•February 6,Anumal Tails

•February 13,Bee My Valentine

•February 20,Reduce, Reuse,Recycle.

The center islocated at 1724Market Street.

INSIDE: Joint Paint Seminar

Developer changes proposal afterpublic outcry from Beach City residents

By Burrell Parmer, NavyRecruiting District SanAntonio

JOINT BASE SAN AN-TONIO - FORT SAMHOUSTON - Fire Control-man 2nd Class ShereenAllen, a 1997 Dayton HighSchool in Dayton, Texas,graduate and Houston,Texas, native, was promot-ed to the rank of Navy pet-ty officer first class duringa frocking ceremony heldat Navy Recruiting Dis-trict (NRD) San Antonio onJan. 8.

BAYTOWN — (January14, 2019) — For SammyHotchkiss, supporting dia-betes research and treat-ment programs was simplypart of his family’s largerefforts to give back to theBaytown community. Thatall changed in 2012.

That was the yearHotchkiss, vice presidentof family-owned and Bay-town-based Hotchkiss Dis-posal, was diagnosed withtype 2 diabetes. He andTerri, his wife of 35 years,had attended the annualgala benefiting the Bay-town Council of the Juve-nile Diabetes Foundation(JDRF) for over 10 yearsand he was well aware ofthe potential dangers ofthe disease that affectsmillions of people world-wide, but his diagnosis wasa game changer.

“I knew supporting dia-betes research was impor-tant because myfather-in-law was a diabet-ic, but when you becomeone yourself, it changesyour perspective on it rap-idly,” Hotchkiss said. “Un-til you do the research onit because you’ve been di-agnosed, you don’t fullyunderstand the potentialconsequences.”

Hotchkiss credits thatnew-found understandingas a primary reason whyHotchkiss Disposal willserve as the lead “Dream”sponsor of the “Havana

Hotchkiss Family willSponsor Diabetes Gala

The Hotchkiss family (from left) Ronnie, Daphna, Terriand Sammy

Nights” gala, benefitingJDRF and scheduled forSaturday, January 26 atHouston’s Royal SonestaHotel. While the eventpromises a night of funfilled with dinner, dancingand silent and live auc-tions, it also provides infor-mation designed to bringattention to the impor-tance of diabetes preven-tion and management.Houston Methodist Bay-town Hospital is a “Prom-ise” sponsor of this year’sgala.

“The city of Bay-town has been very good tous,” said Hotchkiss, a grad-uate of Ross S. SterlingHigh School. “Sponsoringthe gala is an effort for usto do what we can to giveback and help the people ofour community.”

The honoree for thisyear’s gala, Taylor Baker,

was diagnosed with diabe-tes as a child. The Baytownresident—daughter oflongtime Baytonians Jackand Kim Baker, will speakduring the event on howshe has managed the dis-ease through the years andhow new treatment meth-ods, including improvedinsulin delivery devices,are providing hope to mil-lions of people living withdiabetes.

“I hope people will havea great time at the gala, ofcourse, but I also wantthem to listen to Taylor,who has had the diseasefor most of her life, andbegin to understand how itaffects diabetics and theirfamilies,” Hotchkiss said.

The gala begins at 7p.m., with dinner and

Dayton Nativepromoted to NavyPetty Officer 1st Class

BAYTOWN — (January11, 2019) — HoustonMethodist Baytown Hospi-tal bariatric surgeons Dr.Laura Choi and KendellSowards, MD hosted a freeweight loss seminar lastTuesday, January 15 andprovided information onthe full range of weightloss surgical options tothose seeking to loseweight and improve theirhealth.

Research indicates mor-bid obesity—defined as aBody Mass Index (BMI) of40 or above—is linked tothe development of a vari-ety of potentially seriousmedical conditions, includ-ing type 2 diabetes, highblood pressure, stroke and

NRD San Antonio Commanding Officer Cmdr. JeffreyReynolds presents promotion letter to Petty Officer1st Class Shereen Allen.

Allen is a recruiter as-signed to Navy RecruitingStation Midland, Texas.She enlisted in the Navy in2010 becoming a recruiterin 2018.

Navy Recruiting Sta-tions leverage an inspira-tional culture to inform,attract, influence and hirethe highest quality candi-dates from America's di-verse talent pool to allowAmerica's Navy to assuremission success and estab-lish the foundation forSailors to thrive in a life-changing experience.

Seminar promotes weight loss surgical optionsheart disease. The Hous-ton Methodist WeightManagement Center-Bay-town offers personalizedcare for patients affectedby conditions attributed toobesity through medicalnutritional counseling andbariatric (weight loss) sur-gery.

Choi says weight losssurgery helps patients re-duce their calorie intake,but the procedures arecombined with counselingand dietary education tohelp patients learn abouttheir own eating habitsand stay fit after they loseweight.

Bariatric surgery proce-dures restrict the amountof food that can be con-

sumed and/or alters theroute food takes throughthe body so less food is ab-sorbed. Patients whoseBMI is in the morbid obe-sity range are eligible forbariatric surgery, whilethose whose BMI is in the35-40 range are also eligi-ble if they have existingmedical conditions consid-ered to be caused by or as-soc iated with morbid

obesity.The most commonly

performed weight lossprocedure is the sleevegastrectomy, which re-shapes the stomach intoa thin, sleeve-shapedorgan that helps to lim-it the amount of foodthat can be consumed at

a given time. With theLap-Band procedure, anadjustable band is placedaround the upper stomachto create a smaller stom-ach. Both procedures areperformed laparoscopical-ly, which requires small in-cisions.

S o w a r d s s a y s t h eWeight Management Cen-ter offers comprehensivenutritional and counseling

after-care programs tohelp patients adjust to thephysical and emotionalchanges that frequentlyoccur post-surgery. It is vi-tal that patients be willingto make major lifestyle anddietary changes in order toachieve optimal results fol-lowing any bariatric sur-gery procedure.

Although weight losssurgery isn’t right for ev-eryone, becoming educatedabout it and discussing theavailable options with yourdoctor will help you deter-mine whether it’s right foryou.

The seminar took placein the new conference cen-ter at the hospital’s Garthcampus.

Dr. Laura Choi Dr. Kendell Sowards

See Diabetes Gala,Page 6

REPORT FROMJACKEY LASATER,BEACH CITY MAYOR

Hello, Neighbors! Up-dateWith cautious opti-mism.

I am happy to announcethat the dredge materialfrom the area of concernnear the San Jacinto Riv-er Superfund Site will notbe coming to Beach City!Holtmar Land, LLC in-formed us that they nowplan to develop their 3 acresite in Beach City for Res-idential use. This was toldto us by Tom Marian in ameeting with him yester-day at Judge Silvia’s office.He latter followed up withan email at CommissionerBilly Combs request. I willshare that with you now.

“Billy, My pleasure andgood to know the room wasnot filled with Alabamafans! In any event, consis-tent with this afternoon’s

discussion, Holtmar Land,LLC has directed its newengineering vendor to con-tact the Galveston DistrictACOE project officer (i.e.,Mr. Brian Bader) and in-form him that Holtmar in-tends to amend its permitapplication to substantial-ly reduce the dredgingfootprint.

This will, in turn, dra-matically decrease theamount of dredged spoilmaterial. As such, themuch lower volume of ma-terial can now be placed ata location that is muchcloser to the project ratherthan the previously-pro-posed site located in BeachCity. I appreciate your con-cerns and welcome the de-velopment of high endresidential properties inyour community.

Best regards,Tom Mari-an”

As I said at last nightsmeeting, right now, we onlyhave words. So I urge youto keep on with your awe-

some efforts until we seeproof that Holtmar’s newplan does not designateBeach City as a destina-tion for dredge material.We should know for sure inthe very near future.

I am so proud of theteamwork that everyonehas exhibited. A heartfelt

thank you to all the citi-zens of Beach City and sur-rounding area, JudgeSilvia, CommissionerCombs, former Commis-sioner Rusty Senac and Aspecial thanks toMs.Jackie Young for noti-fying us of this issue. Thereare many others who were

ramping up their efforts byreaching out to their con-tacts to gain support fromorganizations such asGalveston Bay Founda-tion, CCA, Gulf Coast Au-thority and others.JOBWELL DONE!

Jackey Lasater,Mayor,Beach City

DREDGED SEDIMENT will come from this area of Channelview’s River Bottomneighborhood on the San Jacinto River. (Drone photo courtesy of Greg Moss)

APPROXIMATE AREA OFPROPOSED BARGE TERMINAL

WASTE PITSSUPERFUND SITE

Star✯Courier / Press / NORTH CHANNEL✯STARPage 4 THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

✯ O P I N I O N P A G E ✯

STATE CAPITALHIGHLIGHTS

By Ed Sterling

✯

By Dan Crenshaw

This week saw the culmination of the great walldebate. President Trump made his case—one I gener-ally agree with—and explained what an extra $5.7billion (approximately 0.1% of the budget) would do forthe security of our southern border. Democraticleaders Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi immediatelydismissed it. It is honestly surprising how quickly andthoroughly Democrats adopted the notion that a wallof any kind is such an obviously stupid and immoralidea. Well, is it? Let’s lay out the claims one by one:

• They’ll just climb over it, dig under it or breakthrough it. Just like that huh? I spent 10 years as aNavy SEAL, and people often say, “Dan, you knowbetter than anyone how ineffective a wall is.” Actually,I know how effective walls are, even against skilledSEALs. Planning to scale a 30-foot steel slatted barrieris a daunting challenge. Do you bring an enormousladder all the way there? How do you get down fromthe top? Jump? Rappel? This isn’t a Tough Muddercourse. A few skilled and well-equipped people mayfigure it out, but the reality is that most will bedeterred.

The same goes for “digging” or “breaking.” Tunnel-ing would require special equipment and hundreds ofhours to dig under the barrier, the base of which wouldpenetrate many feet underground. To break through it,you’d need specialized circular saws, torches orexplosives. Typical equipment for a special-ops team,but not exactly on the packing list for a migrant. AndBorder Patrol agents would easily detect such aruckus.

This isn’t to argue that a wall is completely impene-trable given the right equipment, but to state theobvious: A barrier is far preferable to an open space,where migrants can simply walk across.

• They’ll just go around it. Exactly—that’s the point.A deterrent at the busiest sections of the border wouldallow more effective allocation of manpower. If a mileof the border is walled off, that’s one less mile theBorder Patrol needs to worry about. Agents can stillrespond to the location if a special-ops caravan showsup with a blowtorch, but otherwise they can focus onopen areas where it is simply not viable to build abarrier.

• You can’t put a wall on the Rio Grande. Fairenough—there are places where a physical barriercan’t work, such as private land along the river inTexas. You can’t build a wall everywhere—but thatdoesn’t mean you shouldn’t build one anywhere.

This whole debate is a classic case of one sideattacking the other’s worst arguments instead ofseriously addressing the actual proposal. Democratsneed to stop assuming we are talking about a contigu-ous 2,000-mile wall. Republicans know that’s notpractical. The budget’s small allocation of $5.7 billionthat President Trump has requested would build 234miles of wall. It’s a start.

We know that border security is a multifacetedproblem, that security at unwalled segments can beenhanced by drones, sensors and additional patrols,and that the Rio Grande requires a different approach.Let’s start looking for a multifaceted solution insteadof automatically dismissing the critical role thatphysical barriers play.

Do Democrats agree that it’s a problem whenhundreds of thousands of people illegally cross ourborder each year or not? If we all still agree on thesanctity of our country’s borders and rule of law—and Ihave faith that most of us do—then we should belooking for solutions. My fear is that Democrats havestaked out a position so extreme that any common-sense compromise involving a physical barrier willconstitute a serious political loss for them. It doesn’thave to. The president’s proposal—a mix of physicalbarriers, technology and more Border Patrol agents—is one that benefits everyone.

Mr. Crenshaw, a Republican, represents Texas’Second Congressional District

This Op-Ed originally appeared in the Wall StreetJournal.

COMMMENTS INVITED: Your thoughts onthis subject should be sent to the Editor c/onenewsroom@aol.com.

The Silly Arguments Againsta Border Wall

They’ll go around it? Exactly—that’s the point.

OPINIONBy REP. DAN CRENSHAW

✯

Editor & Publisher..............................Gilbert HoffmanAssociate Publisher.....................Mei-Ing Liu HoffmanAssoc. Editor/Advertising Manager.....Lewis SpearmanAssistant Editor.........................................Julieta PaitaProduction Manager...........................Luis HernandezAsst. Production Manager............Gerardo HernandezEntered as Periodicals Class at Highlands Post Office, Highlands, TX 77562. Under the Actof Congress of March 3, 1879. Published 50 weeks per year, on Thursday, by GrafikpressCorp., 5906 Star Lane, Houston, TX 77057. Opinions in this paper are those of the au-thors, and not necessarily this newspaper’s. Any erroneous statement which may appearwill be corrected when brought to the attention of the publisher. Liability for errors islimited to the reprinting of the corrected version. Submissions are encouraged, in person,by mail, by Fax, or by email, to grafikstar@aol.com.

GRAFIKPRESS is publisher of community newspapers, including Highlands STAR-CrosbyCOURIER; Barbers Hill Dayton PRESS; Northeast NEWS; North Forest NEWS, North Chan-nel STAR. Combined circulation of these newspapers exceeds 50,000, Readership exceeds110,000 according to industry standards. We also print dozens of school, ethnic, andgovernment publications on contract. Call for information to 713-977-2555.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: In-county, $28.00 per year. Out of county, $35.00 per Year. POST-MASTER: Send address changes to Star-Courier, P. O. Box 405, Highlands, TX 77562

News and Ad Phones....713-977-0270FAX Line....713-977-1188email: grafikstar@aol.com

Member Texas Press Association

and theUSPS 244-500

C R O S B YH I G H L A N D S

Barbers Hill✯Dayton PRESS

Star✯CourierStar✯Courier

281-328-5869

Home Health Care

CROSBY’S HOME

TOWN HOME CARE

Skilled Nursing, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy,Speech Therapy, Medical Social Worker, Home Health Aide,

Hospice Services*Physical Therapy Position Available

CALL TODAY TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR MEDICAREFUNDED HOME HEALTH CAREPhysical Therapy Position Available

Locally owned and Operated by Tabatha and Jonathan Brady

Non-Discrimination PolicyNo client shall be, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, age, sex, disability or handicap,

sexual orientation, marital status, religion or status with regard to public assistance or veteran status,excluded from admission to services through Omnix Health Care Services, Inc.

AUSTIN — The 86thTexas Legislatureconvened on Jan. 8 withall its customary ceremo-nies and recognitions—chief of which was theunanimous election of anew House speaker —Angleton RepublicanDennis Bonnen.

On Jan. 9, Gov.Greg Abbott, Lt.Gov. Dan Patrick,who presides overthe Senate, andSpeaker Bonnenannounced theirjoint commitment topassing legislationthat would improvehow public educa-tion is funded. Thatarduous andheretofore divisivetask means rethink-ing and recalibrat-ing what share ofthe cost would befunded by localproperty taxes —public education’sprimary source offunding.

Patrick predicted thislegislative session wouldbe different from previousones. “If the three of usare aligned, that we’regoing to accomplish amission and pass legisla-tion, it happens,” saidPatrick. “This is not just amessage to the public andto the media, but I thinkour members will takenote, that this is reallyunprecedented, that we’readdressing these issues atthe beginning of session,totally united with oneanother.” Patrick addedthat he would name anew Senate committee onproperty taxes to work on

House elects new speaker aslegislative session kicks off

a plan.

House and Senatecommittee hearings willbegin as soon as Patrickand Bonnen have selectedchairs and members foreach panel. Lawmakersmust keep in mind thatthe comptroller’s officehas estimated the cost ofpublic education, thebiggest of all drivers ofthe state budget, at about$63 billion in fiscal 2018-2019.

Ideas to streamlineand increase the efficien-cy of public educationcame last month from theCommission on Public

School Finance. Amongother things, the commis-sion suggested moving$3.5 billion in existingstate resources away from“outdated programs orobsolete hold-harmlessprovisions” into newstrategies.

The commission’sreport also calls for a haltto the continuing de-crease in state resourcesallocated to publiceducation, and directingmore money towardstudents who need itmost, such as low-income,special needs and Englishlanguage learners.

Revenue estimate isgiven

Texas ComptrollerGlenn Hegar on Jan. 7released his biennialrevenue estimate, thisone covering the state’s2020-2021 budget years.

Hegar said a strongnational economyand rising oil pricesover most of 2018 leftthe state with 8percent more revenuethan two years ago,or $119.1 billion intotal general revenueavailable.

However, he said,“Despite this project-ed revenue growth,the Legislature willagain face somedifficult choices inbalancing the budget.The most pressingand costly budgetdrivers for theupcoming sessioninclude a potentiallylarge boost ineducation spendingto reduce the proper-ty tax burden andreform school

finance.”

“Texas remainseconomically well posi-tioned compared to otherstates and we willcontinue to outpace theU.S. economy in the longterm,” Hegar added.However, he also notedthat the price of oil hasbeen down since October,federal interest rates areup and both the globaleconomy and U.S. tradepolicy remain uncertain.

Meanwhile, the state’sEconomic StabilizationFund, commonly referredto as the “Rainy DayFund,” currently containsabout $12.5 billion, notcounting currentlyoutstanding spendingauthority. Absent anylegislative appropria-tions, the balance of thefund is expected to be$15.4 billion at the end ofthe 2020-21 biennium,Hegar said.

Monthly revenuereported

Comptroller Hegar onJan. 9 announced hisoffice would send cities,counties, transit systemsand special-purposetaxing districts $734.7million in local sales taxallocations for January,an amount 3.6 percentmore than sent inJanuary 2018. Allocationsare based on sales madein November by business-es that report tax month-ly.

Julian Castroannounces

Former U.S. Secretaryof Housing and UrbanDevelopment JulianCastro of San Antonio onJan. 12 formally an-nounced his candidacy forpresident in 2020.He is aDemocrat.

Castro, 44, a formermayor of San Antonio andtwin brother of U.S. Rep.Joaquin Castro, is thefirst Texan to declare hiscandidacy for the nextpresidential race.

Oldest veteran laidto rest

Richard A. Overton ofAustin, who died Dec. 27at age 112, was buried inthe Texas State Cemeteryon Jan. 12 with fullmilitary honors.

Overton, who was inthe U.S. Army from 1940to 1945, served in thePacific during World WarII. He was America’soldest man and oldestmilitary veteran.

Head of state agencydies

The Texas WorkforceCommission on Jan. 7announced its executivedirector, Larry Temple,died Jan. 5. He was 66.

Temple joined theagency in 1997, servingfirst as director of welfarereform for six years. Hehad served as executivedirector since 2004.

Star✯Courier / Press / NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR Page 5THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

Attorney at Law

KAREN A. BLOMSTROM281-328-7311

Crosby, TX 77532

WESTON COTTEN, ATTORNEYBAYTOWN

281-421-5774 5223 Garth Rd.NOT CERTIFIED BY THE TEXAS BOARD OF LEGAL

SPECIALIZATION

Pride only breeds quarrels,but wisdom is found in

those who take advice.

CallGRAFIKSHOP

for printing jobs

713-977-2555

God is our refugeand strengh, a

very present helpin trouble

Psalm: 46:1

I can do all thingsthrough Christ who

strengthens me.

PHILIPPIANS 4:13

FAITHcan move

MOUNTAINSMatthew 17:20

LOVE NEVER FAILSI Corinthians 13:8

CALL 713-266-3444 FOR A QUOTE TOREACH MORE THAN 7,000

READERS WEEKLY

Complete Line of Groceries

KWIK MART FOODS14443 FM 1409 281-576-5788

All of them were filled withthe Holy Spirit and began to

speak in other tongues as theSpirit enabled them. Acts 2:4

Rise in the presence of theaged, show respect for the

elderly and revere your God.Leviticus 19:32

Be alert. Continue strong inthe faith. Have courage

and be strong.1 Corinthians 16:13

ENVELOPESPrinted with your Address

1 or 2 colors

Special Rates 250 to 25,000Please call for a Quote

Grafikshop at Star-Courier713-977-2555

What we suffer nowis nothing compared

to the glory He willreveal to us later

ROMANS 8:18

CERTIFIEDCONTRACTOR

Financing Available

MR. ROOFER281-452-0000

✯ L I F E S T Y L E P A G E ✯

A Ticket makes a great Christmas Gift!Call 713-252-8000

Dorothy Jean Hud-son 67 passed awayWednesday January 9,2019 at her home inBaytown, Texas.

Dorothy was born inRanger, Texas August 18,1951 the daughter of thelate Billy Gene Notgrassand Dorothy JeanetteSanford Notgrass.Dorothy enjoyed singing,dancing, and spendingtime with her family. Shewas loving, caring, and

OBITUARIES✯

kind. She will be remem-bered for her nonjudg-mental ways and herunconditional love.

Dorothy worked forover twenty-five years atUnited DC in Houston innumerous positions. Shewas preceded in death byher parents as well as herthree brothers BillyMichael Notgrass, JamesValson Notgrass, andDanny Paul Notgrass,and her late husbandJames Tirey Hudson.

She leaves behind tocherish her memory herson James Tirey HudsonJr. of Baytown, daughterAngela Jean Hudson ofBaytown, sisters CarolynHumphrey of Crosby andLinda Nickens of Cleve-land. In addition, sheleaves her belovedgranddaughter Kirey

Jade Meadows, andnumerous nieces, neph-ews, friends, and extend-ed family.

Cremation serviceshave been entrusted toSterling White FuneralHome, 11011 CrosbyLynchburg Rd. High-lands, Texas. A Celebra-tion of Dorothy’s life willbe held at 3 pm January19, 2019 at MaranathaChurch 12319 Hwy 146Mont Belvieu, Texas77580. Condolences andmemories can be sharedonline atwww.sterlingwhite.com.

Dorothy JeanHudson

STERLING ~ WHITEFUNERAL HOME & CEMETERY

281-426-3555

11011 Crosby-Lynchburg Rd.Highlands, TX 77562

January is School BoardRecognition Month

Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman

Mayor Brandon Capetillo (middle) presents a proclamation for School BoardAppreciation Month to Goose Creek CISD board members (from left) PetePape, president; Ricky Clem; Ben Pape; Jessica Woods, secretary; HowardSampson, assistant secretary and Al Richard. Not pictured is Agustin LoredoII, vice president.

Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman

Members of the Goose Creek CISD board of trustees receive camping bucketlights at a recent board meeting in honor of School Board RecognitionMonth. The theme for 2019 is “Planting Seeds of Success,” and all schoolssent a poster thanking board members for donating their time and effortin support of the students, staff and schools of Goose Creek CISD. Picturedare (from left) Al Richard; Jessica Woods, secretary; Ricky Clem; Pete Pape,president; Howard Sampson, assistant secretary and Ben Pape. Not picturedis Agustin Loredo III, vice president.

FM2100 Accident killsman, injures two youths

HUFFMAN – OnWednesday, Jan. 9 atabout 4:18 p.m. an acci-dent took the life of Dav-id Moser and sent twoyouths to the hospital.

According to investiga-tors, David Moser was op-erating a 2010 JeepPatriot westbound in the26900 block of FairwayCrossings Drive, ap-proaching the intersec-tion with 26900 FM 2100.The intersection was con-

trolled by one stop sign onFairway Crossings andcross traffic did not stop.At the same time, a 2016Jeep Wrangler was trav-eling northbound on FM2100 approaching the in-tersection.

According to witnesses,Mr. Moser came to a stop,then went on and failedto yield right of way turn-ing left from the stop sign,crossing in front of thepath of the northbound

Wrangler. This causedthe Wrangler to strike thePatriot in the driver side.Mr. Moser was killed dueto injuries sustained inthe crash.

The two juveniles inthe other vehicles wererushed to the hospital byground ambulance.

This crash remainsunder investigation bythe Harris County Sher-iff ’s Office VehicularCrimes Division.

Star✯Courier / Press / NORTH CHANNEL✯STARPage 6 THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

Business DirectorySHOP LOCALLY -- Save Time & Money

✯SHOP LOCALLY -- Save Time & Money

To advertise in the Business Directory, please call 713-266-3444 for details

YOUR LOCALNEWSPAPERS ARE ONYOUR SMART PHONE!

Follow local news on theInternet, on your browser:

www.starcouriernews.com

✯ A S K T H E E X P E R T S ✯

P.O. Box 914, Channelview, TX 77530Mrroofer@mail.com

= Major credit cards accepted =

Free Estimates

Siding & Contracting LLC

281-452-0000New Roofs • Repairs • Painting • Hardi Plank Siding

Financing Available

CERTIFIED CONTRACTOR

Garage Doors &Electric OpenersRepair or Replace. We also repair

broken springs. Call Ricardo

832-647-6378

38-12

Garage Doors &Electric OpenersRepair or Replace. We also repair

broken springs. Call Ricardo

832-647-6378

Jack Noonan B.B.A., T.R.E.B., E.A.

CRI FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT COMPANYA DIVISION OF CORPORATE RECOVERY, INC.

TAX PREPARATION & CONSULTATIONAll Federal, State, Foreign & Individual, Partnerships,Trusts, Estates, Corporations (C,Sub S & Limited Liability)

& Payroll Tax Returns,Intuit Pro-Advisors,Service All Businesses & Individual Taxes

Specialists in getting late filers into I.R.S. ComplianceBusiness Solutions for New Tax Rules, Regulations and Tax AuditsDebt Consultation and Bankruptcy Protection as a Solution to your Debts

Other Services RenderedBookkeeping, Computer Systems, Financial Management,

Investments, Payroll, Property Rendition,Real Estate & Business Brokerage

Normal Business HoursMonday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to Noon – 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday By AppointmentASK FOR YOUR FREE COPY OF OUR INCOME TAX ORGANIZER

JACK NOONAN, B.B.A., TREB, E.A. & STAFFIRS Enrolled License # 2018 – 65282

6400 FM 2100 North Main, P.O. Box 1428, Crosby, TX 77532-1428Telephone (281) 328-1755 Fax (281) 328-5280

E-mail: cri.tax.jhinson@gmail.comSERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1979 - OPEN ALL YEAR!

Maximum Tax Savings

By Susan Passmore

The 7th Annual CareerNight, hosted by the GooseCreek CISD Career andTechnical Education (CTE)Department, took placelast tuesday, January 15,at Robert E. Lee HighSchool, 1809 Market Streetin Baytown, TX 77520. Ashuttle service was provid-ed from Ross S. SterlingHigh School and GooseCreek Memorial HighSchool to Robert E. LeeHigh School.

H-E-B on Garth Roadsponsored a hospitalityroom for business and in-dustry partners as well asvolunteers. The annual ca-reer night was open to allstudents, parents and com-munity members, thisevent is designed to pro-vide Baytown youth withan opportunity to meetprofessionals from a vari-ety of fields as well as rep-resentatives from highschool and post-secondaryprograms and technicalschools to help studentsand parents learn thepathway to a successfulcareer of their choice all inone location.

Among the participantswere Agricultural Sciences– Sam Houston State Uni-versity, Aramark, AustinIndustrial, BaytownCakes, Baytown Police De-partment, Beacon FederalCredit Union, Bottom LineEquipment LLC, ChevronPhillips Chemical Co., Cityof Baytown, Coastal Weld-ing Supply, CommunityToyota*Honda*Kia, Culi-nary Institute LeNotre,Economic Alliance Hous-

Goose Creek CISD hostsseventh annual career night

Photo by Carrie Pryor-Newman

Business, industry, postsecondary and districtrepresentatives provide information for Goose CreekCISD students and parents at last year’s Career Night.The 7th Annual Career Night, hosted by the GooseCreek CISD Career and Technical EducationDepartment, took place last Tuesday, January 15,2019.

ton Port Region, Eddie V.Gray Wetlands Center,ExxonMobil, GRADcafe,HEB, Houston MethodistBaytown Hospital, Jacobs,Karsten Interior Services,Kilgore Industries, LeeCollege, Pepsico, Perfor-mance Contractors Inc.,Plumbing Joint Appren-ticeship program, SamsonControls Inc., San JacintoCollege Industrial Tech,TDCJ Hightower Unit,Turner Industries, WFSBaytown, Winnie Dodge,Zachry and more. GooseCreek CISD teachers andadministrators providedinformation on career clus-ters and specific courses.

“It’s a good opportunityfor students and parents tovisit with representativesfrom local businesses, post-secondary programs anddistrict programs about ca-reers that they’re interest-

ed in to help them on theirpath to choosing a career,”said Monica Swift, StudentWorkforce Connection liai-son.

High School Option In-formation Sessions wereavailable with presenta-tions on the career acade-mies, the Cosmetologyprogram, IMPACT EarlyCollege High School, Stu-art Career Center and Stu-art Career Tech HighSchool. College and CareerReadiness counselors alsoassisted with FAFSA ap-plications in the REL Li-brary.

This was not a job fair,but an opportunity for stu-dents to meet people in ca-reers that may interestthem. The event alsohelped students and par-ents make informed en-dorsement and program ofstudy decisions.

ALVI

13400 FM 2354 Rd.Baytown, Texas 77523

Office: 281-383-3386Cell: 713-898-7413

MARY DUNN REAL ESTATE

Mary Dunn

Fax 281-573-1030www.marydunn.comE-mail: mary@marydunn.com

dancing to follow at 8 p.m.Auction items include afive-day/five-night SouthAfrican photo safari pack-age; a hunting trip for fourto Argentina; and a CostaRican vacation package for

Diabetes Gala,CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

up to eight people.“We’re honored to spon-

sor this year’s gala,” Hotch-kiss said. “Organizationslike JDRF are doing greatwork and making greatstrides. Hopefully, one day

there will be a cure for di-abetes.”

For more informationand for reservations, con-tact Laurie Terry atlaterry@houstonmethodist.org.

Star✯Courier / Press / NORTH CHANNEL✯STAR Page 7THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019

CLASSIFIED ADSCLASSIFIED ADS Your AD will reach up to 120,000readers in our FOUR newspapers, with acombined circulation of 40,000 copies.Get ACTION on your AD. Rates start atonly $16 for 20 words. A bargain!

Call 713-266-3444

RENT/LEASE

PARTY ROOMFOR RENT by theevent in DowntownHighlands. Furnishchairs, tables andcooler. Call281-843-2811 Mr.Bill.

1-2

Classified ADS713-266-3444

HELP WANTED

AssistantPropertyManager

needed for Self Stor-age Facil ity; PartTime or Full Time;must be able to workSaturdays.$ 13.00 / hrApply in person at15118 FM 2100 orEmail Resume withcontact info, phoneNo and references to:camille@chcinvestments.com

1-3

LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL NOTICE

The Barbers Hill Independent School District isaccepting proposals for:

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIRD PARTYADMINISTRATION OF SECTION 125 &

SUPPLEMENTAL INSURANCE

Proposal forms may be picked up weekdaysbetween 8 am and 4 pm, at the BHISDAdministration Building at 9600 Eagle Drive.Interested parties may also contact the BHISDBenefits Coordinator at 281-576-2221 to obtain acopy of the RFP.

Sealed proposals are to be returned to theBHISD Administration Building on or before 2:00p.m. on Friday, February 15, 2019.

3-2

RESCHEDULEDLIQUIDATION AUCTION

FORFOUNDATION SAVERS, INC.

Of 20115 FM 2100, CROSBY, TEXASSATURDAY, JANUARY 19 at 9 am

{Preview Friday, Jan. 19 9am – 3 pm and 8 am Day of Auction}Owners Retiring After 28 Years In Business

(2) 2011 Ford E-350 Vans, 2004 Ford F-350, 1998 GMC Van, 1979 GMC Step Van,Enclosed Trailers, Utility Trailers, 25 Ton Electric Two-Stage Hydraulic Pumps,Shop Fans, Big Cat Concrete Machine, Air Compressors, Displacement Pumps,Generators, Nail Guns, Jackhammers, Gas Trenchers, Augers, Power Washer,

Tamper Machines, Lifts, Sump Pumps, Mud Pumps, Chain Saws, Concrete Cutters,Arc Welder, Promig Welder, 50 Ton Rams, Band Saws, Drills, Drill Press, Grinders,Commercial Ice Maker, IngersollRand Compressor Triler, Pallet Jacks, Bottle Jacks,

Tool Boxes, Golf Cart, Ladders, Rakes, Shovels, Post Hole Diggers, Pallets ofConcrete Blocks And Much Much More!

“TOO MUCH TO LIST, DON’T MISS THIS AUCTION”

Auction Conducted ByW.B. Auction Co.

Call (713) 817-9062 or (281) 328-2700Col. Walter Boullion T.A.L.#10592

www.WBAuctioncrosby.com{TERMS: Cash, Good Checks & Credit Cards, 10% BP, All Merchandize Sold “AS IS, WHERE

IS, ” NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGE.

Star✯Courier / Press / NORTH CHANNEL✯STARPage 8 THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2019