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Katy North Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 8 APRIL 16 MAY 15, 2025
2025 Higher Education Guide 2025 Voter Guide
Working on workforce Senior computer engineering students take courses at University of Houston at Katy’s capstone laboratory, completing projects alongside their peers and professors. Engineering programs like these could expand if the college receives $165 million from the Texas Legislature this session for a new academic building in Katy. (Jamaal Ellis/Community Impact) Industry demands fuel Katy college’s state request for new building
University of Houston at Katy
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Also in this issue
Impacts: Learn about the inspiration behind fashion brand Consuela, which debuted in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch (Page 6)
Election: See who’s on May’s ballot and how candidates responded to our questionnaire (Page 9)
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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KATY NORTH EDITION
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Nurture a child’s curiosity and it will blossom.
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Learn more about the Primrose schools in the Greater Houston area.
Each Primrose school is a privately owned and operated franchise. Primrose Schools is a registered trademark of Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. ©2025 Primrose School Franchising SPE, LLC. All rights reserved.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact
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Unlock your next home, Charlie is the key!
713-851-4871 CHARLIE RUSSO BROKER ASSOCIATE CharlieRussoRealty.com 1411AvenueA,Katy,TX77493•832-913-6937Office EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED BUYING • SELLING • BUILDING ON YOUR LOT • NEW CONSTRUCTION • INVESTMENTS
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KATY NORTH EDITION
Impacts
GEORGE BUSH PARK 5 Invista The Kansas-founded company produces chemical intermediates, fiber and resin, which are used to make everyday products. The nearly 40,000-square-foot facility in Katy will employ more than 50 staff members who include engineers and data scientists. • Opened Feb. 11 • 21920 Merchants Way, Katy • www.invista.com 6 The Enrichery The business provides academic support, test preparation and counseling for college admissions for students in grades K-12. • Opened Feb. 13 • 5300 Ranch Point Drive, Katy • www.theenrichery.com 3 Jallikattu Authentic Indian Grill The menu features a variety of south Indian dishes, including samosas, tandoori chicken, various curries, fried rice, roasted crab and vegetarian options. • Opened Jan. 31 • 1165 Katy Fort Bend Road, Ste. 120, Katy • www.jallikattuindian.com 4 Game Over Escape Rooms Patrons can choose from five themed rooms where they will try to escape by finding clues and solving puzzles in under 60 minutes. • Opened Feb. 3 • 25705 Katy Freeway, Ste. 140, Katy • www.katy.escapegameover.us 7 EoS Fitness The facility is open 24/7 and features cardio equipment, free weights, group fitness classes, indoor green turf and a cardio theater where members can watch movies
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723 2 Gyro Republic The eatery offers gyros featuring halal meat, rice bowls, salads, pita sandwiches and loaded fries. • Opened in late December • 2716 W. Grand Parkway N., Katy • www.gyrorepublic.com
Fulshear
Now open
while working out. • Opened Feb. 27 • 22314 FM 529, Ste. 100, Cypress • www.eosfitness.com
O 1 Cheeky Monkeys The indoor play venue offers softplay areas based on Montessori principals for children age 8 and younger. • Opened Dec. 3 • 26440 FM 1093, Ste. C, Richmond • www.cheekymonkeys.us
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8 Alliance Fencing Academy The Houston-based fencing school offers group and
See ALL the reasons to discover West Houston’s premier community. Call 1-888-884-4174 for your free brochure.
More Value. More Amenities. More Peace of Mind.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ASIA ARMOUR, KELLY SCHAFLER & AUBREY VOGEL
• Opened March 28 • 2717 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. D110, Katy • www.chewy.com 14 Jeremiah’s Italian Ice The eatery’s signature treat, the Jelati, layers any flavor of Italian ice with the brand’s creamy and soft ice cream. • Opened April 3 • 28840 FM 1093, Fulshear • www.jeremiahsice.com
private classes for children and adults as well as camps. • Opened March 3 • 11555 Gaston Road, Unit C, Katy • www.alliance-fencing-academy.com
Now open
9 Pickleball Katy and Schafer Badminton Academy
The joint facility offers a weight room and memberships for 24-hour access to pickleball and badminton courts as well as day passes. The facility will feature a bar with beer, soft drinks and snacks. • Opened March 15 • 24825 Roesner Road, Katy • www.pickleballkaty.org • www.schaferbadminton.com 10 Crust Pizza Co. The Chicago-inspired eatery offers specialty thin-crust pizzas, calzones, pastas, salads, flatbread sandwiches and desserts. • Opened March 15 • 24826 Morton Ranch Road, Ste. 800, Katy • www.crustpizzaco.com 11 Airi Ramen and Sushi The restaurant serves Japanese-style ramen, sushi, poke bowls, bao and some Chinese food.. • Opened March 15 • 24826 Morton Ranch Road, Ste. 700, Katy • www.airiramen.com 12 Steadfast Primary Care The clinic offers immunizations; annual physical exams; diagnostics for acute symptoms such as ear infections, strep throat and the flu; and treatment for chronic illnesses including diabetes, asthma, hypertension and elevated cholesterol. • Opened March 17 • 28432 FM 1093, Ste. A, Fulshear • www.steadfastprimary.com 13 Chewy Vet Care The online pet retailer’s new clinic offers services such as routine appointments, urgent care, vaccinations, dental procedures and surgery for pets.
Coming soon
15 Pastel Pizza The Katy-based eatery will sell an Americanized version of traditional Venezuelan street food, called pastelitos, which are puff pastries filled with ground beef, chicken or queso fresco. • Opening in late April • 4747 FM 1463, Ste. 800, Katy • www.pastelpizza.com 16 Culver’s The menu will feature sandwiches, chicken entrees, cheese curds and its signature butterburgers. The restaurant also offers frozen custard with a variety of
19 Consuela The fashion and lifestyle brand with headquarters in Austin and Mexico unveiled its new flagship store design at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Consuela is known for its textural, handcrafted handbags and accessories that include bag straps, wallets, bag charms and cosmetic cases. The store features a pink tile exterior, custom iron fixtures, and handcrafted wooden displays and elements. • Opened March 27 • 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Ste. B150, Katy • www.consuelastyle.com
mix-in and topping options. • Opening in late summer • 3133 Peek Road, Katy • www.culvers.com
Jacob Robinson gain a $200,000 investment to help his business’ nationwide expansion. • 5000 Katy Mills Circle, Katy • www.digworldnation.com
17 The UPS Store The nationwide business will offer customers services such as packing, shipping, printing and faxing, shredding, mailboxes and notary. • Opening in late summer • 29907 Jordan Crossing Blvd., Ste. 800, Katy • www.theupsstore.com
Closings
20 Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant Officials cited “circumstances beyond our control” as the reason for the Tex-Mex restaurant chain’s closure. • Closed Jan. 27 • 24600 Katy Freeway, Ste. 1020, Katy • www.abuelos.com
In the news
18 Dig World The park scored a new investor through “Shark Tank.” The episode aired March 14 and shows Dig World owner
LOCAL EXPERTISE
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©Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens ® is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Franchise is Independently Owned and Operated.
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KATY NORTH EDITION
Government
BY MELISSA ENAJE & AUBREY VOGEL
Harris County seeks 5 additional district courts from state Legislature
Harris County moved forward with a request to Texas lawmakers to create ve additional civil district courts by 2027 to address the county’s longstanding court case backlog. Commissioners voted 3-1 in favor of the resolution during a Feb. 27 Commissioners Court meeting. Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis dissented while Judge Lina Hidalgo abstained from the vote. State Rep. Mano DeAyala, R Houston, led House Bill 3600 on March 3, which would create three new judicial districts in Harris County on Oct. 1 and two additional judicial districts on Oct. 1, 2026. These courts would all focus on civil matters, according to the legislation. How it works Should the additional courts receive legislative approval, county o cials said they would plan to keep the courts located in the judi- cial complex in Downtown Houston. Additional courts are estimated
“We can’t continue to advertise that Harris County is an economic beacon without investing in a robust justice system where disputes are resolved timely and thoughtfully.” LAUREN REEDER, HARRIS COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGE, 234TH CIVIL COURT
4803 GARDEN CREST LANE | FULSHEAR, TX 77441 APRIL 26 • 11 am- 1 pm
to cost the county at least $2.5 million-$3.5 million for each court, Engineering Department Executive Director Milton Rah- man said. Looking back Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones said county o cials worked with state legislators in 2023 to secure six additional crim- inal district courts and a probate court to address the court backlog. While the 2025 motion called for nine additional courts, only ve were approved.
The Culinary Crawl Home Tour is an opportunity to sample diverse culinary delights and flavors prepared by local restaurants while checking out our gorgeous model homes. A DJ will complement it all. It’s a culinary adventure you don’t want to miss. Plus, you’ll have the chance to enter to win $500. Cross Creek West is hosting the tastiest home tour ever with beautiful model homes and mouthwatering delights.
Katy to launch police cadet program
"Being able to recruit an applicant before they apply to an academy gives us more people to look at for the job." BYRON WOYTEK, KATY POLICE CHIEF
Complimentary Food Fair Provided by:
DOZIERS • ROUXPOUR • MOLINA’S ANTHONIE’S • LOCAL TABLE • PIER 36 TJ CATERING • GRAMMYS COOKIES
The city of Katy will implement new cadet recruiting techniques to help attract police o cers. The cadet program, approved at a March 24 City Council meeting, will cover a participant’s certi cation training at a police academy and o er a minimum salary of $43,000 annually,
Katy Police Chief Bryon Woytek said in an email. Cadets must complete at least two years of employment with the city after completing their certi cation, per agenda documents. Looking ahead The city has chosen two appli- cants to sponsor, he said.
CrossCreekWestTX.com/Crawl
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY KELLY SCHAFLER
Voter Guide
2025
Dates to know
Where to vote
April 22: First day of early voting April 22: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election)
City of Katy and Katy ISD residents can visit www.katyisd.org for polling locations.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
KEY : *Incumbent
Katy ISD Board of trustees, Position 1 Victor Perez* James Cross Board of trustees, Position 2 Tammy Reed Lance Redmon*
Charter Proposition C Shall the city of Katy Charter be amended by amending Section 4, vacancy, of Article IV, the council, to remove the automatic resignation of a member of the council upon filing to become a candidate for nomination or election to public office if that filing occurs when the unexpired term of the office then held does not exceed Shall the city of Katy Charter be amended by amending subsection (B)(2) of Section 6, powers of the mayor, of Article III, The Mayor, to provide department heads removed by the mayor to seek reinstatement of employment through an appeal to City Council? Charter Proposition E Shall the city of Katy Charter be amended by amending Section 2, Term, of Article IV, The Council, to increase the number of consecutive terms for the office of the council member from two consecutive terms to four consecutive terms, inclusive of time already served, and prohibit an individual from serving as a council member, whether in Ward A, Ward B or At-Large, for more than the maximum permissible consecutive terms? one year and 30 days? Charter Proposition D
Sample ballot Katy Mayor William H. “Dusty” Thiele* Michael Anthony Payne Charter Proposition A
Shall the city of Katy Charter be amended by amending Section 1(B), absence or disability of the mayor, of Article III, The Mayor, by allowing the mayor pro tem to retain voting privileges and count toward the quorum, but removing the power of the veto when acting in absence of the mayor? Charter Proposition B Shall the city of Katy Charter be amended by amending Section 5, vacancy, of Article III, The Mayor to remove the automatic resignation of the mayor upon filing to become a candidate for nomination or election to public office if that filing occurs when the unexpired term of the office then held does not exceed one year and 30 days?
SOURCES: KATY ISD, KATY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Individual Therapy is a journey, which aligns your mental health journey with your spiritual values, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life. Group Therapy offers the chance to gain multiple perspectives, feel a sense of belonging, and understand that you’re not alone in your journey. The collective wisdom and support of the group can provide comfort and practical insights into managing mental health issues. Couples/Family Therapy Take Charge of Your Mental Well-Being Through Faith-Based Care
is more than just resolving issues -it’s about growing together in understanding and love, underpinned by your shared faith.
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KATY NORTH EDITION
Election
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
*INCUMBENT
Katy ISD board of trustees, Position 1
I have deep roots in KISD. Our three children graduated from KISD and we have four grandchildren in KISD. I ran to improve the education of all children by getting back to the basics, as well as to protect parental rights and our conservative Katy community values. Why did you choose to run for the Katy ISD board of trustees?
Funding for the needs of our diverse community. We must prioritize resources in the classroom to ensure the success of students. We have demands to build and repair schools, compensate our staff fairly, and fund the needs of special education and bilingual students. What do you think is the most pressing issue in KISD, and how would you address it?
Victor Perez* Occupation & experience: retired; former [chief financial officer] for [New York Stock Exchange] and NASDAQ energy companies; former corporate banker www.victorperezforkatyisd.com James Cross Occupation & experience: retired KISD principal; executive director, Southeast Texas Education Coalition www.crossforkatyisd.com
I am a recently retired educator who worked in KISD for 20 years. I believe my experience being the leader of a large campus is like running a business, and 30 years in education has given me a perspective that is valuable to the role of school board trustee.
Funding and teacher shortage. Attract new teachers to the profession. Once the funding is given from the state, a more accurate analysis of the budget will allow us to address this issue adequately.
Katy ISD board of trustees, Position 2
What do you think is the most pressing issue in KISD, and how would you address it? Book banning must end, and all students should have a great education.
Why did you choose to run for the Katy ISD board of trustees? Students and their education should come first.
Tammy Reed Occupation & experience: Texas teacher for 26 years, currently at Langham Creek High School Facebook: TammyReed4KatyISD
As a parent of three current Katy ISD students and as a business owner, I want to not only provide the best opportunities to my kids, but I want all our children to have the opportunities I had to learn, grow and succeed.
The most pressing issue facing Katy ISD right now is school funding. We need our legislation to increase the basic allotment so Katy can continue to focus on kids! Educating our community about what and how to communicate with our representatives is an important task.
Lance Redmon* Occupation & experience: business owner www.redmonforkaty.com
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AUBREY VOGEL
New homes
KEY: *Incumbent
from the $300s to $1M+
Katy mayor
William H. “Dusty” Thiele* Occupation & experience: mayor of the city of Katy (May 13, 2022-present) www.dustythieleforkaty.com
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy?
My top priority is to see ongoing projects through to completion, while launching new initiatives that enhance quality of life. From infrastructure to public safety and economic growth, I will ensure Katy continues to thrive while maintaining its small town charm.
All Together now
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it? Drainage remains a key concern. We’ve made significant progress in flood mitigation, but improvements must continue. I will prioritize funding, partnerships and strategic planning to advance drainage projects that protect homes and businesses.
Michael Anthony Payne Occupation & experience: information technology manager at Advanced Roofing Solutions LLC, business associate degree at Houston Community College https://michaelpayneformayor.weebly.com
Either-or? Not at Elyson. Whether you’re a pickleball pro or a fishing first-timer, a sun-soaker or a shade- seeker, a window-shopper or a hopscotcher, Elyson has it all and then some — in a wow-everything-is-right- here community.
What is your top priority if elected to represent the citizens of Katy?
Transparency, accountability and reshaping local government that’ll work with and for the people.
7303 Prairie Lakeshore Lane Katy, TX 77493
What do you think is the most pressing issue for local residents, and what will you do to address it? Local government becoming way too big and increasingly inefficient at the same time, like trying to grow the tourism bureau to be a planner and instilling sole power for [city of Katy] events, while letting our public works and permitting departments suffer. The solution is getting core priorities back in order.
Elyson.com
Newland is proud to be a part of Brookfield Properties. We are one of the largest developers of mixed-use communities in the United States. With our partner, North America Sekisui House, LLC, we believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. newlandco.com | nashcommunities.com
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.
Homes at Elyson® are built and sold by home builders (“Builders”) unaffiliated with NASH FM 529, LLC (“Owner”), Newland Real Estate Group LLC (“Newland”) or their related entities. Buyers should review the purchase agreement, public offering statement, and other offering materials provided by the seller prior to signing any contract to purchase a home. Details on the prospective development are provided for informational purposes only and there is no guarantee that the final development will match the developer’s vision. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. Copyright © 2025 NASH FM 529, LLC (“Owner”). All Rights Reserved. No reproductions, distribution, or unauthorized transmission of any portion is permitted without written permission of Fee Owner. (3/25)
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KATY NORTH EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
Higher Education Guide
2025
UH College of Nursing nears decade of combating Texas’ nursing shortage
90% Bachelor's graduates with job placement at graduation
Master's graduates with job placement at graduation 100%
As the University of Houston’s Andy & Barbara Gessner College of Nursing approaches its 10-year anniversary in August, the college has more than quadrupled its student enrollment and produced nearly 2,000 trained individuals to help tackle the state’s nursing shortage. Through the college’s two instructional sites in Sugar Land and Katy, students are able to receive training from faculty and gain clinical experience at hospitals across Houston, said Kathryn Tart, dean of the college of nursing.
The results The college is the only public nursing program in the Houston area that sits in a fully comprehensive university, Tart said. The college offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate nursing degrees. “If you talk to our hospitals, … they’ll say they love to hire our students, because our students stay in the community,” Tart said. Looking ahead The college has requested $15 million from the 2025 Texas Legislature to fund a
98% Graduates working in Texas
Clinical Affiliation Agreements with Houston-area health care facilities 111
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Perioperative Nursing Center of Excellence at the Sugar Land campus.
Camp West is a Christian day camp open to children Kindergarten through 8th grade. The camp offers a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, rock climbing, indoor and outdoor games, scavenger hunts, ziplining, outdoor water activities, and much more!
281-391-5683 l 2225 Porter Road l Katy, TX 77493
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KATY NORTH EDITION
BE UNSTOPPABLE IN KATY
University of Houston at Katy’s new fall 2025 offerings from the Colleges of Business, Engineering and Education impact tomorrow’s leaders and innovators with skills to meet the needs of the region.
UH.EDU/KATY
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR
University of Houston-Victoria to close Katy instructional site by fall 2026
UHV implemented the following measures to reduce operating costs since last March.
Faculty were assigned to at least three courses per semester, unless externally funded. Construction projects without contractual obligations were paused, including those with Legislature-approved funding. The college’s vice president and president had their salaries reduced 5% and 10%, respectively, until the 2024-25 school year. Consultants provided an 18-month notice for academic programs identified for elimination.
University of Houston-Victoria will no longer offer in-person courses at the Katy instructional site after summer 2026 as part of an effort to reduce its operating budget, college officials said. The details Roughly 500 UHV students take in-person classes at the Katy instructional site, Shawn Lindsey, senior associate vice chancellor for strategic commu- nications, said in an email. UHV moved into the University of Houston at Katy building in fall 2019. The ongoing spring semester will resume as planned. However, for the 2025-26 school year, UHV students will complete their degree plans through two options, Joann Olson, UHV interim provost and vice president for academic affairs, said in an email. Olson said students can either:
• Continue taking UHV courses, whether in-person in Katy, Victoria or 100% virtual • Work alongside an advisor to transfer in courses from either the UH at Katy or other institutions What’s happening? UHV President Bob Glenn first announced the college would reduce the budget’s operational costs to make up for multiple years of budget shortfalls in a news release last March. The transition to a central Victoria campus would cut operational costs and could increase student engagement, Glenn said. The college faced a $3.7 million shortfall in 2023-24 and a $5.7 million to $7.2 million gap in the 2024-25 budget, according to the release. Next steps Affected students should contact Katy Transition
SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-VICTORIA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Advisors, who will provide individualized support in coordination with the International Programs Office and Financial Aid Office, according to the UHV website.
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KATY NORTH EDITION
Working on workforce From the cover
Zooming out
What’s happening?
focused on quality employment opportunities, has long-standing relationships with UH and HCC to ensure the Katy area has a workforce to support local business needs, President Alan Steinberg said. While engineering, oil, gas and medical jobs dominate the I-10 corridor region, he said there will be more logistics jobs focused on automating warehouse and factory production.
Demographers predict 44,239 new housing units will join Katy ISD over the next 10 years, according to a November report from demographics rm Population and Survey Analysts. O cials said they believe expansions at the two colleges would continue supporting the growing area’s workforce needs in the engineering, technol- ogy, logistics and health care sectors. The West Houston Association, a nonpro t
University of Houston at Katy o cials are requesting $165 million from the 89th Texas Legislature for a new academic building to meet the workforce needs of the growing Katy area. The college’s legislative proposal shows the 150,000-square-foot building would provide space for engineering, architecture and design, natural sciences and math, and business programs. “We have every degree that your heart could desire [at UH],” said Jay Neal, associate vice president and chief operating o cer for UH at Katy. “If you’re going to be at the [Katy] instructional site, though, there are real jobs tied to them.” Meanwhile, Zachary Hodges, president of Houston Community College’s Northwest College, said enrollment is growing at HCC-Katy, leading to system o cials discussing how to fund a second building.
Leading employers in Katy area, May 2024
Education Oil & gas
Retail
Engineering Medical
Katy ISD 17,000
9,092
17,000
20K
15K
BP America Inc. 5,000
Shell USA 4,092
10K
Academy Sports 2,540
Wood Group 2,175
Houston Methodist 2,175
2,540
5K 0
2,175
2,160
Oil & gas
Retail
Medical Engineering
Education
SOURCE: KATY AREA ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL COMMUNITY IMPACT
Spring enrollment growth
The backstory
University of Houston at Katy
117
2020 2025
fall 2019, o cially becoming a shared site for UH nursing and engineering students and the University of Houston-Victoria at Katy, per a news release. Meanwhile, HCC spent $23.6 million to open its 120,000-square-foot Katy campus in 2022, relocat- ing from 1550 Foxlake Drive, Hodges said. Now, the building’s lecture and computer labs are reaching capacity before noon from Monday to Thursday, per HCC data.
The push for more space comes less than 10 years after the colleges underwent capital improvement projects to build their campuses. The 2015 Texas Legislature allocated $46.8 million for UH to purchase land after the college identi ed health care and energy as needed components in higher education for the Katy community, per the UH website. The 80,000-square-foot campus opened in
500
Houston Community College-Katy
4,133
2020 2025
4,360
SOURCES: HOUSTON COMMUNITY COLLEGE KATY, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON AT KATY COMMUNITY IMPACT
16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY VALERIA ESCOBAR, KELLY SCHAFLER & AUBREY VOGEL
What they o er
The funding options
What’s next?
The legislative session began Jan. 14, with a bill ling deadline of March 15, according to the Texas Legislative Council’s website. The session is slated to adjourn June 2, barring extensions through special sessions. UH at Katy o cials have proposed the request, but a bill number wasn’t available as of press time. However, Neal said higher education issues typically extend onto the special sessions that are scheduled after adjournment around October. “In the past two sessions, if not three sessions, [UH requests] usually made it into the special sessions,” Neal said. “We’re prepared to go the distance.” If awarded, university o cials said they expect to receive funding in early 2026 and will begin the design phase for the building, which is anticipated to take approximately a year.
Both UH at Katy and HCC Katy already have o erings that reect the area’s workforce. The UH site houses undergraduate courses for HCC’s Engineering Academy, where students can co-enroll at both institutions for an associate and bachelor’s degree. The University of Houston-Victoria also o ers a co-enrollment engineering bachelor’s program with HCC. However, with UHV at Katy transition- ing back to the Victoria main campus, all UHV at Katy students will continue coursework online or in Victoria starting in fall 2026, HCC o cials said.
UH receives its capital improvement budget from allocations in the Legislature, but HCC depends on taxpayers to fund buildings, Hodges said. However, when HCC launched its rst four-year degree program in late 2023, the college’s accreditation changed to where HCC could gain state funding, Hodges said.
Community college state funding factors
Number of high school students who earned at least 15 credit hours through dual credit programs Students with 15 credit hours who transferred to or co-enrolled in a Texas public university Number of credentials or degrees awarded, with a return on investment 10 years post-grad
“As Victoria is going to diminish, we’re pushing really hard to o er more programs.” JAY NEAL, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER AT UH
SOURCE: TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION COORDINATING BOARD COMMUNITY IMPACT
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KATY NORTH EDITION
Transportation
BY AUBREY VOGEL
Fort Bend County pioneers crosswalk technology by schools
Fort Bend County will be the first U.S. agency to deploy new crosswalk technology in school zones that aim to keep pedestrians safe and drivers alert. The gist The Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything, or C-V2X, school zone safety beacons and pedestrian technology are designed to warn drivers on their smartphones or through vehicle technology through voice alert to slow down as they approach schools, county and C-V2X officials announced in a March 4 news release. A closer look Brian Fields, traffic operations superintendent for the county’s road and bridge department, said the technology will be installed in all school zone signs with flashing lights that are maintained by the county in Katy, Fort Bend and Lamar Consolidated ISDs. The technology will also be installed in traffic signals.
Pedestrian-involved accidents in Houston area, 2014-23
+29.27%
1,200 1,000
0 200 400 600 800
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020 2021
2022 2023
SOURCE: TEXAS OPEN DATA PORTAL/COMMUNITY IMPACT
play a pivotal role in implementing technology that could keep pedestrians safe as pedestrian-involved accidents continue to grow in the Houston area. Installation began March 13 and is slated for completion in August, Fields said. Specific loca- tions of where the technology is being installed were not available by press time.
The $3.03 million project is being funded by the county’s 2024 capital improvement project funds, earmarked for school zone safety and public safety awareness, Fields said in an email. Going forward Fields said the county has the opportunity to
Events
BY ASIA ARMOUR
shop plants, talk to local vendors, and enjoy wine, beer and snacks.
April
• April 26, 5-7 p.m. • Free (admission)
Easter at The Ranch Smith Ranch in Katy will host families for Easter egg hunts and spring activities, such as photos with the Easter Bunny, bounce houses, paddle boats and a petting zoo. • April 19, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. • $20 • 25640 Beckendorff Road, Katy • www.smithranchkaty.com Bloom: Earth Day This spring event series at LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch concludes with this multi-activity Earth Day celebration. Attendees will be able to make their own bouquets, decorate a bath bomb, view a showcase of eco-friendly hair care products, take home one of 150 different tree saplings and watch a screening of “The Lorax” at Alamo Drafthouse. • April 22, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free (admission)
• 1502 Katy Fort Bend Road, Katy • www.nelsonwatergardens.com
Culinary Crawl Home Tour This culinary adventure at the Cross Creek West master-planned community will provide the opportunity to tour model homes while sampling foods from local restaurants. • April 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free • 4803 Garden Crest Lane, Fulshear • www.crosscreekwesttx.com
The Katy Exchange This new marketplace series at the Katy Historic Town Square will span from March to December and celebrate local artisans, vendors and makers while supporting area nonprofits. • April 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • 904 Ave. C., Katy • Facebook: City of Katy Historic Town Square
May
Street Dance on the Square This event will happen in the middle of Katy’s Historic Town Square and feature live music, country and line dancing, face painting, a cake walk, a pie-eating contest, food trucks and drinks.
• 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd., Katy • www.lacenterra.com/bloom
Sip & Stroll at Nelson Nursery Nelson Nursery, a retail water garden center, will host customers for its third annual event, where attendees can
• May 10, 7-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • 904 Ave. C, Katy • www.cityofkaty.com
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20
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
JUST FORE! YOU
A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT APRIL 2025
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
WEEKENDER: A Big Time in Big Spring CRITTER: Gray Fox MADE IN TEXAS: A Recipe for Stunning Ceramics OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas FEATURE PREVIEW: The Texas Monthly Profile of Scottie Scheffler
Above: Hotel Settles, in Big Spring.
21
KATY NORTH EDITION
CRITTER
Gray Fox
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY ONE? Look for a black stripe, typically run- ning down the length of the animal’s back. Gray foxes also have a “bright orange patch on the side of their face and neck,” says Amanda Veals Dutt, a postdoctoral scientist at Sul Ross State University. That distinguishes the species from the slightly larger, non-native red fox (which settlers near Waco introduced for hunting in the 1890s) and two smaller species: the swift fox, found in the Panhandle, and the kit fox, which roams West Texas. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT? It can thrive in a range of habitats, in part because it’ll eat almost anything —mice, small birds, insects—and it seems to enjoy living close to humans. Attacks on us (or dogs or cats) are rare, but rabbits and guinea pigs might make a tasty snack. And if you keep chickens? “They’re basically ice-cream cones running around,” says John Tomeček, a carnivore ecologist at Texas A&M University. ANY URBAN FOX TALES? In October 2021, in front of at least one hundred onlookers at the San Antonio River Walk, firefighters rescued a baby gray fox stranded on a window ledge about 25 feet off the ground. More re- cently, Bethany Snowden, a lieutenant with the city’s animal care services department, sent colleagues to scoop up a fox that had wandered into a court- house. “We enjoy saving urban wildlife,” she says, adding that both foxes were transferred to Wildlife Rescue and Re- habilitation, a local sanctuary. —Rose Cahalan
WEEKENDER
A “Big” Secret in West Texas With a grand hotel and a rich history that includes oil, rail, and Midnight Cowboy , this Permian Basin town holds some surprises. BY COURTNEY BOND
a diner-style room complete with red vinyl– topped chrome stools. At the south end of town, the four-hundred- acre Comanche Trail Park is home to Big Spring’s big spring. Well, what’s left of it. The railroad, the ranches, and all the other busi- nesses of civilization long ago drained the water table, but officials utilize what they call artificial outflow, making for a nice waterfall that spills into a reservoir. Continue your educational journey during lunch at Local’s, a onetime school building down the street from the park. After lunch, fill up on the town’s more modern history at the Heritage Museum of Big Spring. For supper, pop in at J Jayz Bar and Grill (across from the Train Car) for colorful cock- tails and the kind of food—burgers, quesadillas —needed to soak them up. Or head back to home base and enjoy a whiskey sour and chicken-fried steak from Settles Grill. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .
FRIDAY: If you did nothing else but spend a night at Hotel Settles, your visit would be worthwhile. A dust-colored brick building rising fifteen stories, its glowing red rooftop sign visible for miles, the crown jewel of Big Spring exemplifies the word “landmark.” Catty-corner to the hotel, across Runnels Street, is what appears to be downtown’s most popular restaurant, Devour. Inside a narrow space, patrons pair giant margaritas with hearty American fare that includes burgers, pork chops, and bacon-wrapped quail with green onions and hot honey. After dinner, make tracks two blocks north and one street over to the Train Car Cigar Bar. SATURDAY: The sign outside still says Dell’s Café, but this spare restaurant with the odd name of Neutral Ways serves fat egg-filled tacos and classic American breakfast plates in
The entrance to Comanche Trail Park.
22
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
MADE IN TEXAS
From Wheel to Table Restaurants around the country are turning to this Dallas ceramist for artful dinnerware.
BY AMANDA ALBEE
OUT THERE
was born. He attended St. Mark’s School of Texas, where he fell in love with his ceramics classes. At Southern Methodist University, he fulfilled an elective requirement with a ce- ramics course, in which he learned how to use awood-firedkiln,adays-longprocessthatem- ploys ashes to create one-of-a-kind textures and colors. Ortega turned his hobby into a side business while working in the corporate world. In 2018, when he received an order for more than nine hundred pieces to stock Beverley’s Bistro & Bar, on Fitzhugh Avenue, Marcello Andres Ceramics became a full-time enterprise. Ortega opened his current location, which also serves as an event space, two years later. Ortegafulfillsordersforrestaurantsaround the state and beyond: Tatemó, an intimate Mexican tasting menu spot, in Houston; Texas- centric Isidore, in San Antonio’s new Pull- man Market; and Juniper, an Italian bistro in East Austin. Ortega sees his art as having “a conversation with clay.” Fortunately for us, there are lingering —and beautiful—questions to answer.
YOU WON’T FIND “Do Not Touch” signs in Marcello Andres Ortega’s studio and retail space, housed in a Quonset hut just south of downtown Dallas. The ceramics artist encour- ages visitors to the showroom to feel and hold his plates, bowls, and copitas—small cups used for drinking mezcal, sherry, and other spirits. Formed out of Texas clay and natural minerals and fused in fire in one of the workshop’s five kilns, the appeal of the dinnerware extends be- yond the tactile. The primary palette of creams, taupes, and dark grays invites you to appreciate whatsitsatopeachdish:forexample,anorderof avocado toast’s shock of green against the neu- tral canvas of a plate. “The food is the art,” says Ortega of the earth tones he prefers for dishes. Ortega traces his love of dinnerware to the nightly sit-down family meals of his childhood, a ritual important to his Chilean- born parents, who moved to Dallas before he
Meanwhile, In Texas At a feedlot in Carrizo Springs, a man witnessed a group of cattle pin a coyote against a fence before it es- caped unharmed. An American Airlines flight was evac- uated and delayed for nearly five hours at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport after a passenger alerted cabin crew to a Wi-Fi hot spot titled “there is a bomb on the flight.” Upon discovering an unconventional hunting blind made from a portable toilet, Henderson County game wardens used a hidden camera to catch a man who was using it to hunt deer on private property without the owner’s consent. More than one hundred canisters of nitrous oxide were discovered in the car of a Houston dentist who had sped through town, ignored commands to pull over, led police on a brief chase, and, finally, stopped and allegedly ad- mitted to inhaling the laughing gas as he was driving. Port Arthur authorities announced that a man is under investigation for child endangerment after he posted a video on social media in which he used a baby dressed in winter clothing to wipe snow off his car’s windshield. A man in Travis County told police he “won’t press charges” and just wants his dog back after he was approached near his home by a man who shot him in the foot, grabbed his French bulldog, and fled in a car. —Meher Yeda
Marcello Andres Ortega throwing a sculpture in his studio on February 4, 2025.
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KATY NORTH EDITION
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