84.1 F
Houston
Sunday, May 17, 2026

Home Blog Page 625

Fireworks the cause of multiple fires, home damages throughout Houston area

0

 Firefighters across the Houston area were busy Monday evening and overnight as they worked to put out multiple blazes reportedly caused by Fourth of July fireworks.

The Harris Fire Marshal’s Office tweeted about the importance of properly disposing of fireworks, saying a passing neighbor saw smoke coming from a garage and was able to extinguish the fire before it could do any damage to a home.

Spring firefighters said it was a busy evening for them as they received many calls about grass fires in the community, as well as fireworks that hit the side of a chimney and sparked an attic fire in the Fox Hollow subdivision. A family was forced to leave their home because of that fire.

The homeowner, who did not want to go on camera, told KPRC 2‘s Zach Lashway it was her, her sister and their two cats inside the home when the fire broke out late Monday night. She said she had just gone to bed when she smelled smoke. When she got up to check, she saw a glow around her fireplace. According to the chief, the fire was in the attic and spread down the chimney framing quickly. Thankfully, everyone made it out safely.

Officials with the Klein Fire Department said units were on multiple scenes giving and receiving mutual aid on fires in the area. They had also been busy with multiple firework-related grass fires Monday evening and said there were “no signs of it slowing down for a while.”

Officials have stressed the importance of disposing of fireworks appropriately. Firefighters with HCFMO urged users to soak, drain, wrap and trash any used fireworks.

Oil and Gas Regulatory Chairman Highlights Industry’s Tax Contributions to the State of Texas

0

Railroad Commission of Texas Chairman Wayne Christian applauds the Texas oil and gas industry following the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts’ announcement of record-breaking tax revenues from the industry.

“Despite President Biden’s delusional desire to transition away from fossil fuels, Comptroller Hegar’s announcement reinforces the fact that oil and gas literally fuels every facet of our lives from energy to food and beyond,” said Railroad Commission Chairman Wayne Christian. “In addition to paying record-breaking tax revenue which funds our schools, roads, first responders and more, Texas’ oil and gas industry is our economy’s lifeblood supporting roughly one-third of our state’s economy and paying an average salary of $130,000. Oil and gas production is also so much more than simply fueling our energy use and funding our government, it produces about 96% of everyday consumer items including electricity, gasoline, plastics, medicine and countless others.”

The Comptroller recently announced the oil and gas industry paid record-breaking taxes to the state.  In June, the oil production tax generated $679 million – up 87% from June 2021 and the highest monthly collection on record. For the same month, the natural gas production tax generated $439 million – up 176% from June 2021 and the highest monthly collection on record.

DART Names Elizabeth Reich as New Chief Financial Officer

0

 

Elizabeth Reich
Elizabeth Reich

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is pleased to announce that Elizabeth Reich has joined the agency as the new chief financial officer (CFO). A proven and distinguished finance leader, Reich will assume her new role and responsibilities on July 18.

A key member of the executive team, reporting to DART president & chief executive officer Nadine Lee, Reich will lead the agency’s accounting, financial reporting, budget, treasury, fare collections and fare payment systems, debt management, investment management, and risk management functions.

“We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth to our leadership team at DART,” said Nadine S. Lee, DART president & CEO. “She brings a diverse skill set to the agency, including deep financial experience, strong analytics, and a track record of achievement. She is the right leader to helm our talented finance organization and deliver a comprehensive strategic financial plan that will help drive our rider-focused vision for the future.”

Reich comes to DART with more than 20 years of financial leadership experience. She joins the agency from the City of Dallas, where she served as the chief financial officer. This included leadership of Budget and Management Services, Procurement Services, Information & Technology Services, the City Controller’s Office, and the Office of Data Analytics & Business Intelligence. The Bond Buyer honored Elizabeth as a Trailblazing Woman in Public Finance in December 2021.

“These are exciting times for the North Texas region, and DART has developed an unparalleled vision and mission that I feel will make a real difference in lives of our residents,” said Reich. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity to leverage all of my years of finance and business experience to play a role in helping deliver on this vision. I’m excited to work with the team to further strengthen the agency’s financial growth to ensure that we can expand and develop greater mobility opportunities for our riders.”

Prior to joining the City of Dallas, Reich spent 16 years with the Social Security Administration, taking on greater challenges and responsibilities including serving as the deputy regional commissioner of the Dallas Region and also serving as its chief financial officer.

Reich received her Master of Public Administration degree from The American University in Washington, D.C. in 2000. She is also a member of the Dallas Regional Chamber Executive Women’s Roundtable, Women in Public Finance, and serves on the board of Broadway Dallas, previously Dallas Summer Musicals.

Shell to participate in Qatar’s LNG expansion

0

Shell’s investment in this LNG expansion will support the delivery of much-needed supplies of natural gas to markets around the world. The project will also be integrated with carbon capture and sequestration to reduce emissions.

Shell Chief Executive Officer, Ben van Beurden said: “I am honored that Shell has been selected by QatarEnergy. Through its pioneering integration with carbon capture and storage, this landmark project will help provide LNG the world urgently needs with a lower carbon footprint. Lower carbon natural gas is a key pillar of our Powering Progress strategy and will also help us achieve our target of becoming a net-zero emissions business by 2050.

“This agreement deepens our strategic partnership with QatarEnergy which includes multiple international partnerships such as the world-class Pearl GTL asset. We are committed to maximizing the value of the LNG expansion for the State of Qatar and continue to be a trusted, reliable and long-term partner in Qatar’s continued progress.”

Governor Abbott Announces Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program

0
Governor Greg Abbott and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism today announced the opening of applications, beginning July 6, for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR) established by Senate Bill 8 and signed into law by the Governor following the 87th Legislative Session to administer $180 million of funds received from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The purpose of the TTIR program is to provide grants for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted due to COVID-19.

“Travel and tourism is a critical component to both the state and local economies,” said Governor Abbott. “Visitor spending at Texas destinations brings new money into communities and spurs local job creation across industries in every region of the state. After a decade of record expansion where 1 in 10 Texas jobs were supported by tourism, the travel industry was among the hardest hit by the pandemic. While direct travel spending in Texas is recovering at a faster rate than national averages, allocating these grant funds paves the way for a more prosperous, brighter future for all Texas communities.”

The TTIR program will support the Texas tourism, travel, and hospitality industry by making grant funds available to businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. Applicants in the following industries are eligible for a one-time grant of up to $20,000: arts, entertainment, and recreation; food services and drinking places; traveler accommodation; RV parks and recreational camps; traveler arrangement and reservation services; convention and tradeshow organizers; breweries; wineries; and distilleries.

The TTIR program application requires all applicants to submit supporting documents along with their application to demonstrate compliance with grant and eligibility requirements.

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism will host a series of webinars for specific industry groups to provide more information and answer questions on the application process and the TTIR program:

  • Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, Travel Arrangement & Reservation Services, Convention & Trade Show Organizers, and RV Parks & Recreational Camps Webinar – Tuesday, July 12, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Webinar – Thursday, July 21, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT
  • Traveler Accommodation Webinar – Thursday, August 11, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT
  • Food Services and Drinking Places Webinar – Thursday, September 1, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT

To register for the webinars and for eligibility and grant application details, deadlines, and more, visit: https://ttir.gov.texas.gov

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism is tasked with marketing and promoting the state of Texas as a premier business location and travel destination.

WANTED: Suspect responsible for Capital Murder and Aggravated Robbery w/ serious bodily injury

0

 

Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division need the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for a Capital Murder and Aggravated Robbery-Serious Bodily Injury.

On Friday, February 18, 2022, at approximately 8:50 p.m., two victims were shot by the same suspect in Greater Houston, Texas area. During the first incident, the suspect approached the victim, retrieved a firearm, and demanded their property in the 1300 block of Webster Street. The victim refused and the suspect shot them multiple times. Moments later, the suspect approached the second victim, retrieved a firearm, and demanded their property in the 1300 block of Hadley Street. An altercation occurred and the suspect shot them multiple times. Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and one victim died as a result of their injuries. Afterward, the fugitive fled the scene in an unknown direction of travel.

The suspect: Hispanic male, heavy set, wearing all black with a white logo or patch on his left arm.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the charging and/or arrest of the suspect(s) in this case. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

Suspect Sketch
Report a Tip Now!

BARC Offers Tips for Keeping Pets Safe This Fourth of July Weekend 

As many Houstonians prepare to kick off their Independence Day celebrations this weekend, BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, is sharing tips for how to keep pets safe. Many pets become lost on July 4th due to the stress induced by the loud celebration. Use these helpful tips to keep your furry friends safe at home this year.

Keep pets indoors

Even in fenced yards, pets may become so spooked that they could escape and become lost. It is best to keep all pets indoors during firework displays.

Create a comforting space

Set up a comfortable room or crate in your house just for them. Noise from a radio or TV can help diffuse the sound of fireworks. Provide your pets with plenty of toys and treats to keep them entertained and busy.

Escape-proof your home

Fireworks can cause some pets to panic even when indoors. To prevent escapes, ensure all windows and doors are closed and secured. If your pet escapes, please visit the BARC website or visit in person any time from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. any day of the week at our entrance at 3200 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026.

Update pet identification

Identification is important in the event of separation. Make sure ID tags on collars are up to date and verify that microchips are current.

Never share party food and drinks with pets

Many human foods can be dangerous or even deadly for dogs, cats, and other types of pets. Remember to dispose of any leftover food waste in appropriate, secure garbage bins, both inside and outside of the home. Also, be sure to keep all alcohol out of reach of pets.

Keep your pets cool and hydrated

Sufficient shade and cool water is important for your pet to have while outdoors. Pets cannot regulate heat like humans and must be monitored carefully in hot weather. Their paws are also susceptible to heat, so be sure to keep pets off hot asphalt, concrete, or sand.

Beware of insect repellent

Never apply insect repellent products to your pet that are not labeled specifically for use on animals.

Pet Adoption Special at BARC this Weekend:

BARC is offering $4 pet adoption fees for all pets from Friday, July 1, through Sunday, July 3. To meet our adoptable pets, stop by BARC’s Adoption Center at 3300 Carr St. from 12 – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday or visit http://www.houstontx.gov/barc/adopt_a_pet.html to see our adoptable pets. For more information on BARC’s full services, visit www.houstonbarc.com.

Please note that BARC will be closed for all services on Monday, July 4.

About BARC

BARC, the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Center, takes in more than 25,000 animals annually regardless of behavior, breed, or medical condition. BARC works each day to improve Houstonians and their pets’ health and safety by pioneering programs such as low-cost and no-cost spay/neuter services, mobile adoptions, transfer/rescue partnerships, and community outreach.
Through these programs and with community partners’ support, BARC’s live release rate has continued to improve and reached a historic high of 95.9% in the fiscal year 2021.

Visit www.houstonbarc.com or www.Facebook.com/BARCHouston for more information.

CRIME STOPPERS OF HOUSTON  FUGITIVE FRIDAY

0

In an effort to keep our neighborhoods safe, Crime Stoppers of Houston and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s help locating the following individuals that have active Felony and/or Misdemeanor Warrants.

Crime Stoppers may pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the location and arrest of the suspects featured. Information may be reported by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.

The following individuals all have active warrants as of July 1, 2022 8:30 am.

DWAIN L BALDON JR

B/M      10-12-95      5’10”/150 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1664549, 1664550
SEX ASSLT CHILD 14-17 x2
Last known location: Houston Texas

TABITHA NICHOLE BURTON

W/F      02-09-85      5’05”/160 Lbs.      Bln/Haz
Warrant #: 1763084
DWI W/CHILD UNDER 15 YOA
Last known location: Houston Texas

MARKQUESHA COLLINS JONES

B/F      02-19-96      5/06”/220 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1772833
MONEY SERVICES ACT VIOLATION
Last known location: Houston Texas

TOY SHAENICE HILL

B/F      04-16-92      5’06”/150 Lbs.      Blk/Bro
Warrant #: 1721354, 1598533
THEFT >=2,500 <30,000
PROBATION VIOLATION INJURY CHILD UNDER 15 B/INJURY
Last known location: Humble Texas

MARK ANTHONY MARTINEZ

W/M      03-29-94      5’06”/200 Lbs.      Blk/Blk
Warrant #: 1745099, 1696937
VIOL BOND/PRO ORD 2+ TIMES W/I
STALKING
Last known location: Baytown Texas

REBECCA ANN NUSS

W/F      04-05-92     5’01”/125 Lbs.       Bro/Grn
Warrant #: 1671684
POSS CS PG 1 4G – 200G
Last known location: Houston Texas

BRYAN WAYNE ROGERS

W/M      12-16-85      5’11”/230 Lbs.      Bro/Blu
Warrant #: 1740087
THFT MAT ALUM/BRNZ/COPPR/BRASS
Last known location: Porter Texas

HEWITT ROSS JR

B/M      11-08-83      6’00”/170 Lbs.      Bld/Blk
Warrant #: 1689369
TERRORISTIC THREAT
Last known location: Houston Texas

BRANDON REID ROYBALL

W/M      06-29-96      5’05”/110 Lbs.      Bro/Bro
Warrant #: 1762935
RETALIATION
Last known location: Humble Texas

REPORT A TIP NOW

Spring man sentenced to 45 years in prison for killing neighbor in her front yard

0

A 48-year-old Spring man was sentenced to 45 years in prison Thursday after being convicted of murder for shooting his neighbor in broad daylight as she stood with her dog in her front yard, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.

“Hector Campos is a violent and vengeful man who killed his neighbor simply because they did not get along,” Ogg said. “Ana Weed, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, is dead and her family is devastated because an angry man with a gun could not control himself.”

Hector Arturo Campos was convicted earlier this week for gunning down his neighbor, 53-year-old Ana Weed, in her front yard on Jan. 24, 2017, in the 3400 block of Mourning Dove in Spring.

Weed’s family members testified they had a feud with Campos that began when Campos’ then-wife took the couple’s infant daughter on a trip to Mexico in June 2016. Campos had arranged the trip, then changed his mind and tried to cancel it. Because of that, Weed drove Campos’ then-wife and the baby to the airport, which apparently angered Campos, who eventually filed for divorce.

 Months later, Campos was cleaning a truck in his driveway when he confronted Weed in her front yard about where his estranged ex-wife and daughter were. The two began arguing. Weed’s small dog got away and started barking at Campos, who tried to kick the dog. Weed, who had been wrapping a gift for her grandson and had a roll of clear packing tape in her hand, tried to retrieve the dog. At that point, Campos produced a handgun and shot her one time.

Campos later told police that Weed pushed him and then made a motion as though she was going to wrap a length of tape around his neck to choke him, so he shot her.

Jurors rejected Campos’ claim of self-defense, and sudden passion, convicting him of murder and sentencing him to 45 years in prison.

“You took away the life of an incredible and valuable person,” Weed’s sister, Carmen Guillen, said during her victim impact statement. “We will cherish her memory and she will never be forgotten. She lives on through her son and grandchildren.”

Assistant District Attorney Christopher Condon, who prosecuted the case with Ryan Trask, said the jury came back with the right verdict and a just sentence.

“He showed no mercy to Ana Weed,” Condon said. “For this family, every possible joyful occasion will be marred by sorrow, so we’re thankful for the jury’s hard work in bringing them justice.”