The post LOAN RESOLUTION SPECIALISTS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>UFLP offers a benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision and more!
Full-time opportunities available!
No collection experience is necessary! UFLP will provide continued development after training to ensure your success.
You must be dependable, competitive, and motivated to grow!
*Bilingual is a Plus!
**Teller experience is a plus
WE HAVE A POSITIVE CAN-DO ATTITUDE AT UFLP – We go above and beyond our role to get things done for our customers and our teammates.
Apply today if you are serious about building a future with a proven company that values each person and promotes an environment that is positive.
The post LOAN RESOLUTION SPECIALISTS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post EDUCATION JOBS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>Lycee International School de Houston
The post EDUCATION JOBS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post CORPORATE JOBS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post CORPORATE JOBS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post GOVERNMENT JOBS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>Click links to these government agency jobs serving the Katy area
The post GOVERNMENT JOBS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Employers in Katy Texas appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>Katy Magazine has provided a free jobs page to showcase local openings. Check these Katy area jobs pages for opportunities and openings in Katy. To request a link or specific job opening here, please email editor@katymagazine.com
Click links to these government agency jobs serving the Katy area
Click links below of various corporate job openings in Katy TX
Click links to these Katy area education jobs
Lycee International School de Houston
Click links below to Katy’s largest medical employers and job listings
Click links below to these retail employers in Katy TX.
The post Employers in Katy Texas appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Interior Designer Katy TX appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>Visit yellowrosedesign.com
Seasoned Katy Interior Designer, Whole home design, Room by Room Design, Any Room Design, Quick Room Revamps,Renovation Consultations, Home Styling and Staging, Accessorizing, Merging Households, New Move Ins, Kids Rooms, and Other Special Projects. Serving Katy, Fulshear and Richmond TX
The post Interior Designer Katy TX appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post EVENTS ON HOLD appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post EVENTS ON HOLD appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post The Best Neighborhoods in Katy Texas appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post The Best Neighborhoods in Katy Texas appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post KATY SWIM SCHOOLS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>If you’re looking for Katy swim lessons, swim schools or family swim time, here are some Katy swim resources.
Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL 26440 Farm to Market 1093, Richmond, TX 281-377-6985
Offers Katy and Richmond area families swim lessons, family swim time, water safety programs and more. Goldfish teaches essential life skills in an inviting safe environment. https://www.goldfishswimschool.com/katy/
The post KATY SWIM SCHOOLS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Art appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>Carson’s Art School 5131 S Fry Rd. 281-507-3039
Katy Art School24210 Westheimer Pkwy. 281-665-3272
Pinot’s Palette 25920 Westheimer Pkwy. Katy, TX 281-769-2961
The post Art appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post KATY SIP N STROLL appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>Katy Sip N Stroll, presented by Kroger, will take place at Villagio Town Center in the heart of Cinco Ranch. The bi-annual event offers 2,000+ Katy locals a great evening enjoying and discovering culinary creations from 35+ restaurants and food tasting stations, 200+ wine selections and an extensive craft beer garden. Tickets are all-inclusive starting at $35 (General Admission, 6-9 p.m.) and $65 (VIP, 5-9 p.m.) DETAILS HERE
The post KATY SIP N STROLL appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post The Arc of Katy Navigating the Special Education Process appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>Kingsland Baptist Church, 20555 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, TX 77450 Parking Area Entrance #3-Conference Room A
Empowerment Through Knowledge Series Navigating the Special Education Process.
Presenter: Fred Shafer, Arc of Katy and Marchelle Peters, Katy ISD Special Ed. Instructional Officer
Audience: Parents and Special Education Teachers The special education process can be very challenging. Participants will gain information on how to navigate through the special education process including evaluations, eligibility, IEP development, ARD meetings, and effective communication and collaboration with the school.
VIEW DETAILS HERE
The post The Arc of Katy Navigating the Special Education Process appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post CURRENT KATY TEXAS NEWS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post CURRENT KATY TEXAS NEWS appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Harris County ESD 48 Taking Applications for Volunteer Firefighters Academy appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>September 4, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
Harris County ESD 48 is accepting applications for enthusiastic, dedicated volunteers to serve their community as firefighters until September 31.
Twice a year, Harris County ESD 48 Fire and EMS hosts a Volunteer Firefighter Academy for men and women in the area who want to give back to their community.
The course gives extensive, hands-on training in all aspects of the position, and volunteers from all walks of life are welcome and include executives, teachers, nurses, engineers, and more.
These special, selfless community leaders work alongside career firefighters to protect their neighbors in the event of an emergency.
Here’s a video from a few volunteer firefighters about why they decided to join ESD #48.
WHO THEY’RE LOOKING FOR
Volunteer Firefighters
The Academy for the class of 2018 begins December 4, and applications must be received by September 31, 2018. Print out the application and turn it in at Station 5, at 21201 Morton Rd.
Community Team Volunteers/ Teachers
HCESD #48 Public Information Officer Simon Van Dyk says that volunteer firefighters are always welcome, but there are plenty of volunteer roles in addition to firefighters.
“We are specifically looking for people with teaching backgrounds to help with our fire and life safety programs within local schools,” he says.
For more information about how you can get involved and serve the Katy community with ESD #48, contact them here.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
The post Harris County ESD 48 Taking Applications for Volunteer Firefighters Academy appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Renewed Katy’s Rice Festival to Bring Tradition, Family and Community Pride appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>September 3, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Whether you grew up attending as a child or moved to Katy later in life, most residents have heard of the infamous Katy Rice Harvest Festival. The almost 40-year event and city tradition is set for October 12-14, 2018 and plans are underway to return it to it’s original glory.
Last summer Katy residents breathed a sigh of relief with the announcement that the City of Katy would pick up the much-loved Rice Harvest Festival previously managed by the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce.
Katy Mayor Chuck Brawner announced that the event would go on with it’s new name, “City of Katy Rice Festival” back in June as reported by Katy Magazine. “Our goal is to bring the festival back to its original form,” says Mayor Chuck Brawner. “It will be a family-oriented event with only quality arts and craft vendors, live music, excellent food, and drinks and fun for the whole family.” The city is also teaming of up the Rotary Club of Katy.
What to expect
The event was initially created to celebrate Katy’s history and rice. Katy was the “Rice Capital of the World” and the remnants of that history can still be seen from I-10 in the form of the rice silos amongst our great commercial growth and development. The City of Katy Rice Festival will bring people together with great company, music, entertainment, food, crafts and more. The event over time has grown from a few booths and a stage and up to 300 booths and crowds up to 45-50,000.
“While we haven’t been involved in the past, we want the event to continue it’s iconic and long-lasting tradition to the city of Katy,” said Kayce Reina, City of Katy’s Director of Tourism and Marketing. “We are revitalizing it and focusing on our heritage and implementing quality standards to make this event one we can all be proud of. It has been a daunting task to put on this event in such a very short notice and having started from nothing.”
In alignment with the city’s goal they are bringing back some events sure to excite residents like the return of the popular rice cooking competition and student arts competition. They will introduce a new VIP area but all proceeds will be given back to the community in student scholarships and local charities through the Rotary Club of Katy.
The 3-day event starts the second weekend of October with the schedule as follows:
Friday October 12
Where: Avenue B and 3rd Street
When: 6pm-11pm
What: Live music, carnival, food trucks, beer garden and more.
Saturday October 13
Where: 10th Street, Drexel, 5th Street & Avenue C
When: Parade starts a 9am. See the parade map here.
What: Don’t miss a family favorite! Enjoy creative rice and Katy-themed entries. See who takes home the trophies!
Sunday October 14
Where: Downtown Historic Katy
When: 12pm-6pm
What: The fun continues with food, entertainments and family activities.
Get involved
This year’s event is possible thanks to the generous help of the Rotary Club of Katy and all the many volunteers that it takes to make this event happen. Now is the time to get involved. The official Katy Rice Festival site is currently accepting applications for venders. “We’re selecting arts and crafts made on a selective basis,” says Reina. You can also sign up to volunteer and get involved in the beloved Katy tradition.
“At the end of it all we hope for a wonderful experience for everyone involved- patrons, volunteers, venders and guests. We want people to leave with a smile on their face and talking about coming back next year,” said Reina. “I’m looking forward to showcasing what makes Katy unique and special, while paying tribute to our heritage.”
Are you looking forward to this year’s festival? Share your favorite Rice Festival memories below in the comments.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE
The post Renewed Katy’s Rice Festival to Bring Tradition, Family and Community Pride appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post $140K Worth of Drugs Seized from Katy Home appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>August 31, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
Fort Bend Narcotics Task Force seized $140,000 worth of drugs from a Katy home on the 1600 block of Katy Gap Road on Thursday.
Katy’s Jose Alberto Ochoa was arrested and charged Thursday due to this investigation.
A warrant for the address was obtained after months of undercover work where authorities were looking into a “main source of supply of marijuana ,THC extracts and other illicit controlled substances in the Katy area.”
“I am proud of our Narcotics Task Force,” said Sheriff Troy Nehls. “Months of undercover work paid off. We got the bad guy and took a big amount of drugs off the street.”
As a result of the investigation Fort Bend County’s Sheriff’s Office arrested Jose Alberto Ochoa, 35, of Katy on Thursday August 30, 2018 on three First Degree Felony counts of manufacturing and delivery of a controlled substance and a Third Degree Felony Possession of marijuana.
Authorities seized about 17.5 pounds of marijuana, 878 THC vapes, 31.3 grams of THC considerate (WAX), 4.9 pounds of THC edibles, 1 gram of THC crystal, 52 grams MDMA (molly), 25 grams of ecstasy and 45 grams of cocaine totaling a street value of $140,000.
Ochoa is currently in custody with bonds totaling $200,000.
The post $140K Worth of Drugs Seized from Katy Home appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Local Law Enforcement Agencies Support Katy Anti Sex-Trafficking Movement appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>August 30, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
As the date of Childproof America’s Parent Empowerment Seminar draws closer, local law enforcement agencies are giving the group their cooperation, expertise, and support.
Tomorrow, August 31, representatives from four local law enforcement agencies will meet local press to answer questions and spread the word about Childproof America’s Back to School Parent Empowerment Seminar on September 8.
Present will be Houston Police Department Captain James Dale, Human Trafficking Unit, Vice Division, Constable Wayne Thompson, Fort Bend Pct. 3, Johna M. Stallings, Harris County D.A., and Tyler Dunman, Assistant D.A. Chief of Special Crimes Bureau, Montgomery County.
The briefing will discuss the dangers of domestic child sex trafficking in our area and give information about the prevention seminar. Police are putting the full weight of their support behind organizations like Childproof America to combat child sex trafficking and inform parents of the danger it poses to our community.
PARENT EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR
Saturday, September 8, 2018
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Wyndham Energy Corridor
14703 Park Row Dr., Houston
Parents and community members are invited a comprehensive overview of an issue recently declared a “public health crisis” by Governor Abbott. Topics include discussions about the definition of sex-trafficking, Six stages of grooming, international vs. domestic trafficking, physiochemical affects of pornography on a developing brain, and more. Guest speakers include representatives from the Homeland Security Advisory Council, Love People Not Pixels, and more. Register here.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
The post Local Law Enforcement Agencies Support Katy Anti Sex-Trafficking Movement appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post An Open Letter to Sean Dolan from Fed-Up Katy ISD Teacher appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>August 28, 2018
Katy Magazine Editors
On August 28, 2018, Katy Magazine received an anonymous letter by U.S. Mail that claims to be from a current Katy ISD teacher. The letter is an open letter to Sean Dolan, the outspoken Katy ISD critic who launched a social media campaign against Superintendent Lance Hindt, and complains vigilantly at Katy ISD board meetings. The author of the letter expresses fears of retribution by Dolan and his anti-Katy ISD supporters for stating their opinion.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
INTRO LETTER TO KATY MAGAZINE
“Hello,
I am sending the enclosed letter on behalf of many Katy ISD teacher, including myself, who are tired of the negativity being spread by Sean Dolan and his group of followers. I know that many people are following that back and forth that has been going on.
Because of the tactics that Sean Dolan and his group use, I do not feel comfortable commenting on any of his posts of posting my opinion online. Other teachers and staff members that I have talked with feel the same way.
I am sending this letter to a few different Katy news outlets. I thought it might provide some insight into the way that Katy ISD teachers are feeling. If you see fit to publish or post it, great. If not, it was therapeutic to write.
Thank you”
OPEN LETTER TO SEAN DOLAN
Dear Mr. Dolan,
First off, I would like to say that I have been an educator in Katy ISD for the past 12 years and my children attend Katy ISD schools. To be clear and upfront, I am a supporter of Dr. Hindt. I realize that for you and most of your followers the fact that I said that makes anything else I have to say irrelevant, and that you probably already marked me as just another sheep who blindly follows the district, supports bullying, supports plagiarism, and/or any of the other labels that you associate with anyone who disagrees with anything you or your followers have to say, but it is simply not true.
The fact that you and your followers do not see the irony between what you accuse others of doing and the things you are doing is completely mind-blowing.
I cannot believe some of the comments that I read from your followers during the live streaming of Katy ISD board meetings. The name calling, innuendos, and blatant disrespect is reprehensible, especially coming from a group who claims to be trying to bring awareness to bullying. I can only imagine that if the comments that are made about our board members were made about your followers’ own children, they would be on the phone with the school in a heartbeat.
Mr. Dolan, I have heard you claim that teachers are afraid to speak up because they are afraid of backlash from the district. As for me, and a steadily growing number of fellow teachers, I will tell you that the number one reason that we DON’T speak up, is you.
I know that if I were to sign my name to this letter, it would only be a matter of time before my name, salary, direct line, and other personal information would be posted on your page, with your safety net “public information” label.
You are always more than willing to meet anyone for coffee, which is all well and good when there is pure intent behind the invitation, but why in the world would I agree to that? So that our conversation can be recorded and spun into something negative? It is not my district that I am afraid of. Sadly, it’s you.
I hate that I sit here and read some of the comments on your page, KNOWING that they are false, and yet I am too afraid to stand up for something that I believe in. I am afraid to speak my mind or offer my opinion, or many times, clarifying FACTS, because I do not want the backlash from you or any of your followers. It is so sad that you have created such an unsettling atmosphere.
Are there flaws within the district? Absolutely. Are there employees who are unhappy? Absolutely. As I have said, I have worked in the district for 12 years and I also have children who attend Katy ISD schools. Have we had issues? Absolutely, but there is far more good in this district than bad. You have chosen to take the bad, publicly exploit it, and spin it so that you get to look like the hero that is going to single-handedly save the district from itself.
You have created an environment so hostile that anytime there is an issue, no matter the size, it is taken straight to social media as another mark against Katy ISD. It’s apparent, at this point, that you prefer things go wrong. It’s another feather in your election cap. I hesitate to call you an ‘ambulance chaser’ but…
The most recent issue involving transportation was, and still is, a major work in progress. My children were late to and from school every day the first week. I agree that the staggered bell times and shortage of drivers, etc. seems like it was not planned out the best way. While I was irritated and concerned that my children were home late, as a parent, I made sure not to project my agitation onto my children, because I was not going to take away from the excitement of their first day of school.
I never considered my children “missing” (they were either at school or on a bus) and would have never thought to call the police. I was actually shocked that you would suggest this. I think, in spite of planning issues, a majority of the schools, as well as the transportation offices have done a very good job keeping parents in the loop and I trust that it will get better. As of the second week of school, my children have been picked up and dropped off within 5 minutes of their scheduled times. I saw a post of yours where a mom commented about her children having to walk across a busy intersection and that there were some people that wouldn’t stop so that the children could get safely across. You made a comment about wanting to be “deputized” so that you could write those careless drivers tickets… Why didn’t you offer, with your flexible schedule and big military vehicle, to serve as a volunteer crossing guard so that those kids would be able to cross the street safely?
I’ve heard you question the district’s spending and I saw your “protest” at our teacher convocation. I’m sure that your posters were only meant to stir up emotions, because I would hope that you understand that when it comes to school budgets, money that is designated for salaries cannot be spent on school supplies, just like bond money for a stadium can’t be used to hire teachers or buy more buses.
You question the fact that teachers and staff members have the option to allot a portion of their paychecks to the Katy ISD Education Foundation, and I question why where any part of my paycheck goes is any of your business? I think it’s amazing that teachers believe so much in what their peers and co-workers are doing that they want to give back to their community. We are, in no way, shape or form, forced to or pressured to give anything. It is a choice that we make because we are proud of the work being done in our district and want to continue to enhance student learning. The Katy ISD Education Foundation is not solely backed by teacher and staff donations, but the fact that teachers and staff members CHOOSE to put a portion of their money into worthwhile projects of their fellow teachers is a GOOD thing.
Whether you want to believe it or not, in the short amount of time he has been here, Dr. Hindt has been an amazing superintendent. I only had the privilege to meet him one time, but I will tell you that many, many teachers were excited about the direction in which our district was going. It was refreshing to have a Superintendent who made himself so available and visited campuses because he wanted to be out and involved, not because it was a photo opportunity. It is truly a shame that he was not given an opportunity to accomplish the things he set out to do for our district.
I write this letter with the support of many teachers and staff members. I do not think anything I have said will change anything that you or your followers are doing. I tell my students and my children that they do need to speak up if something is wrong and I am an avid supporter of the belief that people should try to be a part of the solution, rather than adding to the problem. As teachers, and most importantly, parents, if we teach our kids to constantly look for the bad and focus on the negative, we are doing them a tremendous disservice, because that is all they will ever find. I don’t think that you are interested in seeing the good, and truthfully, changing board members and Superintendents is not the issue or the solution.
I think you and your followers will find fault with anyone that sits in those seats. the word “legacy” has been thrown around a lot lately, and looking at the list of your followers, there are some recognizable names that have a long legacy of disagreeing with most of what Katy ISD does. Our district, our school board, and our current Superintendent are actually very widely supported.
The sad part is that many of us have allowed ourselves to be bullied into silence because of you. Your initial intent may have been one thing, but the way you have gone about things is just wrong. I don’t know what you expect to accomplish by tearing down so many different parts of the district. I know that many of your requests and questions could have probably been simply handled without all the publicity but it’s evident that you thoroughly enjoy that part. Our district has so many wonderful qualities. We have devoted teachers. We have amazing students. We have outstanding programs and activities. It’s a shame that none of that seems to matter to you.
A large majority of teachers, staff, parents, community members and students support our district and those leading us, even though their jobs have been made unnecessarily difficult in the last year.
While I am very disappointed in myself for not having the courage to post or comment publicly, I will continue to support the district the best way I can. I will welcome my students eagerly, teach them, support and encourage them, love them and remind them that the most important thing they can be is kind.
It’s important to remember that if you can’t think of something kind to say, you probably aren’t thinking hard enough. “
Mailed to Katy Magazine by a reader claiming to be a Katy ISD teacher and parent who wishes to remain anonymous.
The post An Open Letter to Sean Dolan from Fed-Up Katy ISD Teacher appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Parking Lot Dispute Between Katy Parents and Brookshire Brothers Continues appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>August 28, 2018
Ashley Lancaster
An ongoing dispute between an iconic Katy grocery store and parents of Katy Junior High students has frustrations running high. Katy Magazine reached out to both sides in hopes of finding a positive resolution.
Katy Parents Frustrated
Last week, a Katy Junior High parent Ralph Morales expressed disappointment with Brookshire Brothers Grocery Store after the store manager contacted Katy ISD and asked them to notify KJH parents to stop using their parking lot as an alternate student pick-up area, and invited Katy parents to share their frustration. The notice also stated the police might be involved to rectify the situation which left many parents upset.
The following email was issued to Katy Junior High parents on August 23, 2018.
“Dear Parents/Guardians of Car-Riders,
The district has received a phone call from our neighbor, Brookshire Brothers, and has forwarded it to me. Ms. Fry, the store manager, expressed concern not only for the safety of the students, but the impact her parking lot being used as a pick-up area has had on her business. It has had a negative impact.
I spoke with her this morning, and she has asked that I appeal to you prior to her involving her corporate office and or the Katy Police Department to rectify this challenge. Please refrain from using that area as an off-site parent pick-up area. Thanks in advance for your cooperation.”
Dr. LeBlanc”
According to Tim Tyler with the Katy Police Department, Brookshire Brothers is well within their rights to enforce parking restrictions, and reminds citizens that if they have requested that people do not park there, it could result in a criminal trespass violation. “The parking lot is legally owned by Brookshire Brothers. If they wanted a vehicle to move and called us, than we would ask them to move,” he says.
A Harsh Decision
To Morales and other Katy junior high parents, being banned by Brookshire Brothers feels extreme considering the store that has been heavily supported by the Katy Tiger community for decades. “The lot helped alleviate additional traffic on the road and allowed for a second secure pickup for the families,” says Morales Ralph Morales who has been a customer of Brookshire Brothers his entire life. “Brookshire Brothers is well within their rights. I just wish they had asked for adjustments before banning car-rider parents from their lot. It was a harsh decision that will affect many families by increasing traffic and wait times,” Morales explains. Other parents concur and feel that there is no harm in parking in an open lot so close to their child’s school, especially since they regularly purchase groceries there.
Student Safety
Several customers posted that they have seen teens pushing each other in carts through the parking lot, running in front of cars, climbing into ice machines, and openly disrespecting patrons and store management. A store employee who wishes to remain anonymous confirmed the students that hang out in the lot and inside the store after school are causing more of a problem than the parents parked and waiting, and the decision was likely more of a safety and liability concern.
“I have been in [Brookshire Brothers] several times when the kids would get out, and one time a kid knocked me down 24 weeks pregnant, and I stood up and he ran off before I could say anything,” says Kylee M., a 2009 graduate of Katy High School and Katy mom.
Another mom, Diane W., feels that both sides have valid points, but that student safety should come first. “As a parent, I believe that it is risky to pick up a kid in a parking lot. I have seen several people pull into Brookshire Brothers at a high rate of speed,” she says.
Statement from Brookshire Brothers Corporate Office
“Thank you for reaching out to Brookshire Brothers for a statement regarding the use of the store’s parking lot in Katy.
The safety of the students, the adults who pick them up, and all of our customers is paramount to us at Brookshire Brothers.
We realize the after-school pick-up practice has been in place for a number of years. The reason we reached out to the Junior High School principal recently was due to multiple incidents since the start of the school year.
The concerns are three fold:
Motorists using the parking lot as a short cut
Unaccompanied minors without supervision in the parking lot and inside the store
Customer and vendor comments regarding safety for all
When the store leadership reached out to the principal at Katy Junior High, the intent was to come up with a reasonable solution that would safeguard everyone.
It seems that we need to revisit with the Junior High leadership team on this matter and work toward a resolution. “
Trying to Reach a Compromise
Katy Magazine has offered to arrange a meeting between Brookshire Brothers and parents from both sides to find a mutually beneficial solution for everyone. Brookshire Brothers PR representative says they will be reaching out to the school to discuss options and alternatives.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
The post Parking Lot Dispute Between Katy Parents and Brookshire Brothers Continues appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Experts Warn Harvey Flooded Fireplaces Could Pose Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>August 27, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark and Katrina Katsarelis
According to chimney expert, Todd Harkrider, fireplaces that suffered water damage during Harvey or any other flood event, could be at risk for fire or carbon monoxide release.
Harkrider wants to warn Katy Area residents that at least two of the larger fireplace manufacturers – Hearth & Home Technologies (HHT) and Innovative Hearth Products (IHP), are recommending homeowners replace their fireplaces if they have been partially or fully exposed to water. The companies have also deemed fireplace warranties invalid if exposed to water.
System Malfunctions and Carbon Monoxide Risks
The fireplace manufacturers have issued statements of concerns related to fire/carbon monoxide risks associated with rusted holes and potential control system malfunctions due to water damage. One of the statements is below:
“From a safety standpoint, it is our opinion that the fireplace be replaced if any of the fireplace has been exposed to or under water. Further, we recommend that the replacement be done by a qualified service person or agency. If you have any questions concerning this matter, feel free to contact our technical department at 800-655-2008.” – Technical Support, Innovative Hearth Products
According to fireplace experts, gas log burners/controls present the same issue with the control system being submerged and warn that attempted operation may result in fire or explosion, property damage, personal injury or even loss of life. “If fireplace damage was the result of flooding during Hurricane Harvey, we recommend checking the homeowners insurance policy for any benefits related to flooding,” states Heart & Home Technologies.
Harris County Emergency Services District 48 Response
“We haven’t seen anything (chimney related fires) yet but it would make sense,” explains Simon VanDyk, Lt. Public Information Officer Harris County Emergency Services. “One thing that most people don’t know is that in the unincorporated Katy there are no residential fire codes. Home inspectors focus on building codes.” This can create a problem when people think that their home is inspected and approved but then it wasn’t inspected for fire threats.
Some inspectors agree. “The houses flooded from Harvey are now coming back online and I’m seeing, for the most part, that they’ve been rebuilt poorly,” says Jim Davis of About the House Inspection Services. “People need to focus on the overall safety of the home and not the look of the granite counter tops.”
Willowfork Fire Department started offering free fire inspections this year. Harris County Emergency Services District 48 was the first organization in Katy to offer home safety surveys in 2016 . Also residents need to take the time to self inspect their smoke alarms and keep in mind that these do expire. This year would also be the best year to install carbon monoxide detectors as an added precaution.
“Not too many people in the south use their chimney’s too much so with the unprecedented flooding we can expect to see issues that have never come up here before and it is a concern,” stressed Harkrider. This will be the first winter that we’ve experienced this potential threat. Most houses that had chimney water damage would not have been lived in and experiencing chimney use last winter. As the cold weather nears and users start up their fireplaces for the first time since the flood, potential damage and safety hazards could occur.
“I do believe that homeowners did and are missing some good info when they started the rebuild process. I think there were a lot of people that did DIY rebuild/renovations and did not document as well as they should have and are now having trouble selling their once flooded homes,” says George Huntoon, a local Katy realtor.
Bottom line people need to listen to common sense. Make sure that your house is properly inspected.
Here are some tips from the experts:
CHECK YOUR GAS STARTER
REPLACE MALFUNCTIONING FIREPLACES
INSTALL/CHECK SMOKE ALARMS TO MAKE SURE THEY’RE WORKING
INSTALL/CHECK CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
GET A FIRE INSPECTION FROM YOUR FIRE DEPARTMENT
GET YOUR CHIMNEY INSPECTED
Special thanks to Todd Harkrider of Harky’s Chimney & Home Services for bringing this story to our attention.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
The post Experts Warn Harvey Flooded Fireplaces Could Pose Fire/Carbon Monoxide Risks appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Katy Voters Say Yes to $2.5 Billion Flood Control Bond appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>August 26, 2018
By Jennifer Lynn Skelton
Saturday, one year to the day that Hurricane Harvey began it’s destruction in Katy, voters said yes to a $2.5 billion bond that will fund more than 200 projects in hopes to curtail future flooding in Harris county.
Roughly 85% of voters said yes to the Harris County flood bond with 6.5% of the registered voters participating. This was the same percentage of support that was seen in early voting. Votes rarely, if ever, pass at a percentage that high. Although the improvements are for Harris county, many other communities outside will reap the benefits.
POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS
Potential projects supported by bond funding include:
Channel modifications to improve stormwater conveyance
Regional stormwater detention basins
Major repairs to flood-damaged drainage infrastructure
Removing large amounts of sediment and silt from drainage channels
Voluntary buyouts of flood-prone properties
Wetland mitigation banks
Property acquisition for preserving the natural floodplains
Drainage improvements made in partnership with other cities, utility districts, or other local government agencies
Upgrading the Harris County Flood Warning System
Click here for more information and a map of improvements covered by the bond.
STATEMENT
The Harris County Flood Control District Executive Director Russ Poppe released the following statement about the election results:
“We are very excited that the voters have significantly enhanced the Flood Control District’s ability to address the flooding issues that impact Harris County by approving the issuance of up to $2.5 billion in bonds to help us implement more flood risk reduction projects in a shorter timeframe.
“We intend to make immediate use of this opportunity: Next Tuesday’s Harris County Commissioners Court agenda will include items to advance 14 flood risk reduction projects that are made possible by this new bond funding. There will be more projects in the coming months.
“Harris County residents have put their trust in the Flood Control District and we plan to work extremely hard and efficiently to turn the financial resources made available as a result of this election into the reality of reduced flooding risks across Harris County.”
HCFCD will continue to hold community meetings, such as those held to educate the public ahead of the bond, as projects begin.
TIME FRAME
The bonds will be sold in increments over at least 10-15 years, as needed for the multiple phases of each project. The actual timing of individual projects will depend on a variety of factors including environmental permitting and right-of-way acquisition.
Projects will be authorized individually for funding by Commissioners Court, based on recommendations by the Flood Control District.
TAX INCREASE
The Harris County Flood Control District anticipates that bonds will begin to be sold in 2020. Taxpayers will not see an increase until then with property taxes that are due January 31, 2021.
Frank Bruce, Harris County senior director of finance and budget stated that the increase is estimated at 1/3 of a cent per $100 valuation. This number is fluid as market conditions and circumstances change. By 2035, the anticipated tax rate is expected to double the 2.83 cents per $100 valuation.
Homeowners over 65 or that have a disabled exemption with a home valued $200,000 or less will not pay any additional taxes.
The post Katy Voters Say Yes to $2.5 Billion Flood Control Bond appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Share Katy Road Rage Suspect Arrested Again and Held on $250,000 Bond appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>August 24, 2018
By Jennifer Lynn Skelton
Nicholas Dagostino, 29, the suspect arrested for a road rage shooting on Mason Rd. that injured a Katy mom in July, was arrested two days after being released on bond, for a second road rage shooting that took place in March.
The Katy community was on edge and rightly worried as Dagostino admitted to at least five previous shootings that had not been reported after being released on bond Tuesday, August 21. The police have been actively investigating the five previous road rage incidents and asked the public for help. The SUV shown below was used in the two incidents that he has been arrested for and possibly other shootings.
On Thursday, August 23, Dagostino was arrested for a second road rage shooting that took place on March 7, 2018. He is accused of shooting a woman in the arm at a gas station on the Katy Freeway from his SUV.
All of Dagostino’s social media pages were taken down on Thursday. He had a Facebook account, Instagram and Twitter pages. Posts on Facebook were filled with hatred towards many groups including women. Prosecutors believe that this hatred of women fueled the shootings.
Dagostino’s next court date is September 6, 2018. He is currently in jail on the new charge with a bail of $250,000.
He is represented by Ken Mingledorff (although court records currently show Judy Mingledorff as the defense attorney). Katy Magazine reached out to Dagostino’s attorney for a comment. Mingledorff stated,
‘Nicholas is very very sorry for mistakingly overreacting to perceived danger.’
Dagostino has updated his address since his first arrest, stating that he now resides in the Nottingham Country neighborhood off Westgreen between Kingsland and Highland Knolls. The Nottingham address is owned by a man and woman with the same last name of Dagostino. His previous address in July was listed in the Cimarron neighborhood off Cimarron and Mason just 1/2 mile from where the shooting took place.
PREVIOUS REPORT OF ARSON ARREST
Earlier in the day on Thursday, August 23, the Harris County court clerk was reporting that Dagostino had been arrested for Arson on Wednesday, August 22. Katy Magazine reported this information as seen in the screenshot below.
After working to investigate the circumstances regarding this arrest and reaching out to Dagostino’s attorney once again, this was proven to be a mistake. Another suspect is in custody charged with this crime…not Dagostino.
Mingledorff stated,
“That was a mistaken filing according to the clerk’s Office when the bondsman checked.”
Katy Magazine will post updates as they become available in this case.
Click here for the original story and here for the follow-up story after his arrest in July.
The post Share Katy Road Rage Suspect Arrested Again and Held on $250,000 Bond appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post Cane Island Parkway to Open South of IH-10 in Katy appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
August 24, 2018
Posted by Ashley Lancaster
According to Fort Bend Country Commissioner Andy Meyers, TxDOT has given a completion date for the section of Cane Island Parkway that will open between IH-10 and FM 1463.
The road will open to traffic on Friday, August 31st and this new, direct route between FM 1463 and IH-10 will bring much needed relief to the traffic congestion through the Firethorne and Woodcreek Reserve communities.
The contractor was on schedule to have this road open well before school started, but FM 1463 is a state-owned road and the intersection tie-in has been controlled by TxDOT’s scheduling decisions.
On a related note, Phase 2 of Cane Island Parkway is already well underway, as they design the next expansion of roadway to a total of 4 lanes between FM 1463 and I-10. They are working aggressively to start the bid phase of the project in Spring 2019, and are already going through design comments with TxDOT. More progress on this road will begin in the coming months.
The new thoroughfare will make a dramatic improvement for Katy families.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
The post Cane Island Parkway to Open South of IH-10 in Katy appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>The post How It Works: Katy ISD Apps and Technology appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>August 21, 2018
Natalie Cook Clark
One week into school and everyone is trying to adjust to new routines. With a new school year comes the need to stay informed, communicate and organize. Katy ISD gives us easy access to all of those things and sometimes it’s just at our fingertips.
While it’s all designed to make your life easier it’s important to know your app and tech options. Technology is engrained in our lives. Smart boards assist teachers of our youngest students. While parents recall their school days of heavy, book-filled backpacks, their children access textbooks through websites or Ipads. It’s part of their school experience. Now parents and students can use district run apps and technology programs to stay informed, communicate and organize their educational experience.
HAC- Home Access Center
Who: Every parent with a child in Katy ISD is given an access code and password to their Home Access Center at enrollment.
Here you can view everything about your students KISD experience from teachers, schedules, grades, attendance, and more.
“It’s a system of record and is designed to be a parent’s one stop shop for all their information needs,” explains Kerry Rampelli, Director of Enterprise Systems. This page follows you throughout your KISD journey.
HAC is also updated in real time where the app is updated nightly. This is important to know as older students (or parents) may be anxious to get test scores.
Katy OnTheGo App
Who: Everyone with access to HAC.
This application is everything from the Home Access Center (and more) at your fingertips. From news, calendars, menus, bus routes, the new Bullying Tip Line and everything you had at HAC this app is a must for your smart phone.
“The app has many pieces and can easily be added to based on our needs such as the addition of the Bullying Tip Line this year,” says Maria DiPetta, Manager, Media Relations and Multimedia.
Learn more about how KISD is using technology to report bullying in their new campaign.
Canvas
Who: Differs based on grade level and campus. All junior high and high schools are using it to some degree. Elementary schools have access to it but only 3rd-5th use it and at some campuses.
Canvas is a learning management system that is accessed through a website and the canvas app. The link is accessed through your HAC page or your instructure, the Canvas software login.
This a great tool where teachers can post assignments, set to do lists and so much more.
When grading assignments, teachers can grade and post work but with this they can also record comments in audio and video. Teachers can also share a video of them doing a math problem so that students can easily refer to it at home and so parents can better understand the work too.
“Students like it because it gives them a to-do list,” says Darlene Rankin, Instructional Technology Director. “Students (and parents) can set push notifications for reminders based on when and how (email, text) they want to be reminded about assignments.”
This makes remembering assignments easy after long rehearsals, practice, etc. It’s never been so easy to not forget your homework!
Naviance: Career and College Planning Tools
Who: 6th grade-12th grade
Naviance is an application that evolves with it’s service based on your grade. It inventories your interests and skills and identifies where those area overlap. With this and more information, it helps students with college prep by finding a school and scholarships.
“This really helps our counselors to comb through a bunch of things and help students find what they are looking for,” said Christy Maeker, Director of Counseling Services. The program is tailored and controled by the student. Parents have access but it’s read-only.
“It really helps us to empower students to see what their future look like,” says Stacie Zimmerman, Counseling Specialist. Each campus varies in how this is introduced but junior highs cover it in social studies and in high school it is discussed in english.
Another great feature to Naviance is that graduated seniors can still have access to it and refer back to lists and interests to help them continue towards a successful future.
What about…
Now these are all the district run applications and resources. There are a lot or resources out there designed to help education communication. Some teachers or programs may use resources such as SeeSaw. Most of the fine arts programs use an application called Charms that helps students and parents stay informed on the many parts of those programs. We are now at the time of year where parents are having their curriculum nights are schools so when applications or sites are introduced, ask your questions and get ready for this academic year.
My Katy: Single Sign-on Environment
To make our lives even easier, Katy ISD gives us one place to sign on and access all of our district applications and educational resources with My Katy. So this isn’t like our social media headache where we have so many passwords to keep up with. In one login we can access all the tools we need to stay informed, communicate and organize…and with a few clicks we’re on our way to a successful academic year.
Which is your favorite application or site? Let us know in the comments.
SUBSCRIBE FREE TO KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
The post How It Works: Katy ISD Apps and Technology appeared first on Katy Texas
]]>