The Affordable New Option for Power Outages
You know how it goes in Houston. It is sunny and warm one minute and cold and icy the next. Then, the lights go out. Well, what about all that food in the refrigerator or even worse, a life saving medical device that canโt run? What can you do to prepare your family or your home for a power outage?
โKingwood Kindnessโ: Organization created after Hurricane Harvey aims to help storm victims
Bob Rehak isnโt a flood mitigation expert by trade, but after witnessing the devastation caused in Kingwood during Hurricane Harvey, heโs dedicated the last five years to investigating the causes of flooding and trying to stop another disaster.
โIt made us feel uneasyโ: Residents worried after rash of vehicle break-ins in Kingwood neighborhood
Car break-in victims in a Kingwood neighborhood near Kings Bend Dr, say whoever broke into multiple vehicles on Monday morning was brazen, committing the acts when many were up getting ready for work and school.
Under the Radar Athletes: Cameron Burkes, Cameron Thomas and Terrence Guillory II
On this weeks episode of VYPEโs Recruit Spotlight, we featured 3 athletes in our Under the Radar segment: class of 2023 LB/FB Cameron Burkes of Kingwood, class of 2023 WR Cameron Thomas of New Caney and class of 2024 WR/DB Terrence Guillory II of North Shore
Spring break vacation: 4 places you should try, 4 you should forget
Some travel experts are comparing this coming spring break to a prison break. It makes sense when you consider that millions of Americans have been cooped-up in their homes because of COVID-19 restrictions for far too long and many are just now ready to break free and take a real vacation.
Click2Pins: KPRC 2 viewers give us a look at weekend severe weather damage
The second weekend in January brought severe weather to Southeast Texas with some of the worst damage occurring north of Houston. A tornado touched down overnight in Humble. Others experienced heavy rain and a lot of lightning.
Owner uses social media to help track down teen who vandalized his baseball field
Like most baseball fields, Gary and Tee Benderโs Field of Dreams in Kingwood is supposed to be reserved for one sport -- Baseball. But Tuesday night, surveillance cameras caught a van barging through an opening on the field in what looked like a drag race.
23 local fire departments prepare for possible street flooding, severe weather
Houston Fire Department has everything from inflatable boats to high water rescue vehicles strategically stationed throughout the city, ready to go if needed. Some of the equipment was already put into good use in the Kingwood area after Monday evening storms.
Kingwood-based crawfish and seafood business opens second location in Spring
Swamp Donkeys Crawfish and Seafood is opening a second location in Spring. HOUSTON โ Swamp Donkeys Crawfish and Seafood is opening a second location in Spring. It also has swamp combos, featuring corn and potatoes with your choice of seafood, and kidโs meals with corn dog or pizza with a choice of chips and drink. Swamp Donkeys is located at the Track Shack at 25811 W. Hardy Road. The soft opening hours are Thursday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.For more information or bulk orders, customers can call 281-813-7500.
VYPE Houston Girl's Soccer Rankings powered by Lethal Enforcer Soccer 3/15
VYPE has partnered with Lethal Enforcer Soccer to provide the best soccer team rankings in the Greater Houston area. Every week, we will bring you a new set of Class 6A and 5A Boys and Girls Soccer Rankings. Check out the latest rankings below! CLASS 6A1- Ridge Point (6 Weeks at #1)2- The Woodlands3- Memorial4- Bridgeland5- Cy-Fair6- Cy-Woods7- Tompkins8- Deer Park9- Clear Lake10- Seven lakes11- Atascocita12- College Park13- Pearland14- Bellaire15- Kingwood16- Beaumont West Brook17- Tomball Memorial18- Grand Oaks19- Katy20- Cinco Ranch21- Tomball22- Cy-Creek23- Clements24- Stratford25- Klein CollinsCLASS 5A1- Friendswood (New #1)2- Kingwood Park3- Magnolia4- Foster5- Katy JordanAd6- Port Neches-Groves7- College Station8- A&M Consolidated9- Montgomery10- Barbers Hill11- Fulshear12- Manvel
VYPE 2021 Baseball Preview:โ Public School #16 Kingwood
Kelly Mead has been the skipper at Kingwood for 14 years and lives by the philosophy of "doing the right things, always and protecting the K for Kingwood". Kingwood is looking for their 10th consecutive playoff appearance and Mead will preach "chemistry" all season. The top horses in the stable include Riley Bender (Abilene Christian University), who is most comfortable at third base. Connor Johnson will lead the outfield and pitch when needed, while JP Mendoza is solid behind the plate. AdCLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL MAGAZINECLICK HERE TO PURCHASE 2021 VYPE BASEBALL/SOFTBALL PHOTOSCLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL DIGITAL MAGAZINE
You'll have to boil your water until at least Monday, Mayor Sylvester Turner says
The City of Houston will remain under a boil water notice until at least Monday, Mayor Sylvester Turner said in a press conference Thursday. Turner posted the boil water notice on Twitter on Wednesday morning, according to Chron's Matt Young. HOW TO SURVIVE: How do you boil water without power or water? According to Fox 26 Houston, most Houston-area cities and municipalities have a boil water notice in effect. Haddock added that residents with water should minimize their water use and only use water for critical functions, to help stabilize the city's water pressure.
chron.comRandalls Set To Close 5 More Houston-Area Stores Including The Woodlands and Spring
Spring, Texas Houston supermarket chain, Randalls has announced that it will be closing five more store locations in the Houston area. This includes their only stores in The Woodlands, Spring, and Kingwood. The closure of the five additional stores was confirmed by Christy Lara, director of public relations and communications for Randalls. However, in a public statement, Christy Lara explained that the closures are due to a highly competitive marketplace. The remaining Randalls stores now include 17 stores across the area, down from 51 locations back in 2005.
springhappenings.comMan answering his door shot and killed in Kingwood
NEW: Family confirms to me man who was killed in Kingwood home invasion was 27YO Tennyson Smith. On #Abc13 at 5:30 I have surveillance video capturing the moments before and after the shooting. We also here from this young mans mother & girlfriend who witnessed this tragedy pic.twitter.com/KWxo1zpnCZ Stefania Okolie (@StefaniaOnABC13) November 24, 2019Shooting at Lantern Hills was pretty brazen. Abt 915pm, when the victim opened the door, the suspect fired multiple shots. To our community members in the Kingwood area, if you review your cameras and/or have info, pls call us at 713-221-6000 or @CrimeStopHOU #HouNews Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) November 24, 2019HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Deputies are searching for the gunman who shot and killed 26-year-old Tennyson Smith during a deadly home invasion at his Kingwood residence.Investigators say Smith heard a knock on the door at 9:30 p.m. Saturday on Lantern Hill and Knights Cove.According to deputies, when he opened it, the gunman burst his way inside and started shooting at Smith, killing him.Surveillance camera captured the sound of the incident where a short struggle can be heard before a single gun shot is fired.Smith's mother said she is broken by her son's loss and did not want to be identified for her own safety.She remembers him as being very friendly and always smiling.Investigators say they don't have a motive for the shooting and no arrests have been made.Deputies are asking community members to review their surveillance cameras.If you have any information, call CrimeStoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.
abc13.comMan shot and killed in Kingwood home invasion
NEW: Family confirms to me man who was killed in Kingwood home invasion was 27YO Tennyson Smith. On #Abc13 at 5:30 I have surveillance video capturing the moments before and after the shooting. We also here from this young mans mother & girlfriend who witnessed this tragedy pic.twitter.com/KWxo1zpnCZ Stefania Okolie (@StefaniaOnABC13) November 24, 2019Shooting at Lantern Hills was pretty brazen. Abt 915pm, when the victim opened the door, the suspect fired multiple shots. To our community members in the Kingwood area, if you review your cameras and/or have info, pls call us at 713-221-6000 or @CrimeStopHOU #HouNews Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) November 24, 2019HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Deputies are searching for the gunman who shot and killed 26-year-old Tennyson Smith during a deadly home invasion at his Kingwood residence.Investigators say Smith heard a knock on the door at 9:30 p.m. Saturday on Lantern Hill and Knights Cove.According to deputies, when he opened it, the gunman burst his way inside and started shooting at Smith, killing him.Surveillance camera captured the sound of the incident where a short struggle can be heard before a single gun shot is fired.Smith's mother said she is broken by her son's loss and did not want to be identified for her own safety.She remembers him as being very friendly and always smiling.Investigators say they don't have a motive for the shooting and no arrests have been made.Deputies are asking community members to review their surveillance cameras.If you have any information, call CrimeStoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.
abc13.comHusband shot and killed in Kingwood home invasion
Shooting at Lantern Hills was pretty brazen. Abt 915pm, when the victim opened the door, the suspect fired multiple shots. To our community members in the Kingwood area, if you review your cameras and/or have info, pls call us at 713-221-6000 or @CrimeStopHOU #HouNews Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) November 24, 2019HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Deputies are searching for the gunman who shot and killed a husband during a deadly home invasion in Kingwood.Deputies say a woman heard a knock on her door at 9:30 p.m. Saturday on Lantern Hill and Knights Cove.According to deputies, when she opened it, the gunman burst his way inside and started shooting at the husband, killing him.Investigators say they don't have a motive for the shooting and no arrests have been made.Deputies are asking community members to review their surveillance cameras.If you have any information, call CrimeStoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.
abc13.comOne dead in brazen Kingwood shooting
One dead in brazen Kingwood shootingA brazen shooting at a home in Kingwood Saturday night left a male victim dead, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office. A brazen shooting at a home in Kingwood Saturday night left a male victim dead, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office. Photo: On Scene Photo: On Scene Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close One dead in brazen Kingwood shooting 1 / 15 Back to GalleryA brazen shooting at a home in Kingwood Saturday night left a male victim dead, according to the Harris County Sheriffs Office. The resident opened the door after hearing a knock and a male fired multiple shots at him, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said. Anyone with information can contact the Harris County Sheriffs Office at 713-221-6000 or CrimeStoppers at 713-221-TIPS.
chron.comKingwood pizza shop offers free food to flood victims and first responders
KINGWOOD, Texas (KTRK) -- While residents in Kingwood prepare for another line of strong storms Thursday evening, a local pizza shop is offering free food. "You have people coming down, giving people food and drinks," Kingwood resident Kurt Basler said. For all the challenges the world has, sometimes a community in chaos is a good thing. "Wholesome Pies is offering free food to flood victims and first responders. We want to reach out to those people because we know how difficult it can be," manager Adam Faulkner said.
abc13.comSon of Holocaust survivor wants you to know history of Union Station
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- While Astros fans know Union Station as the busiest entrance to Minute Maid Park, a Kingwood man wants everyone to know the historical impact.It was once a train station that was vital to Houston's growth. A picture taken in August of 1949 at Union Station shows a man getting off the train in a suit with his briefcase that just had a change of clothes and $5. "I always liked to say he has an air of confidence about him and ready to start a life in his new home," said Dr. Hy Penn, Morris' son.Penn was a Holocaust survivor. She also came to Houston via Union Station.The couple lived in Houston for 50 years and owned multiple clothing stores. Their names are now memorialized with over 1,000 others at the Holocaust Museum in Houston.
abc13.comSon of Holocaust survivor wants you to know history of Union Station
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- While Astros fans know Union Station as the busiest entrance to Minute Maid Park, a Kingwood man wants everyone to know the historical impact.It was once a train station that was vital to Houston's growth. A picture taken in August of 1949 at Union Station shows a man getting off the train in a suit with his briefcase that just had a change of clothes and $5. "I always liked to say he has an air of confidence about him and ready to start a life in his new home," said Dr. Hy Penn, Morris' son.Penn was a Holocaust survivor. She also came to Houston via Union Station.The couple lived in Houston for 50 years and owned multiple clothing stores. Their names are now memorialized with over 1,000 others at the Holocaust Museum in Houston.
abc13.comSon of Holocaust survivor wants those to know history of Union Station
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- While Astros fans know Union Station as the busiest entrance to Minute Maid Park, a Kingwood man wants everyone to know the historical impact.It was once a train station that was vital to Houston's growth. A picture taken in August of 1949 at Union Station shows a man getting off the train in a suit with his briefcase that just had a change of clothes and $5. "I always liked to say he has an air of confidence about him and ready to start a life in his new home," said Dr. Hy Penn, Morris' son.Penn was a Holocaust survivor. She also came to Houston via Union Station.The couple lived in Houston for 50 years and owned multiple clothing stores. Their names are now memorialized with over 1,000 others at the Holocaust Museum in Houston.
abc13.comThe Royalton at Kingwood multifamily development to open on Northpark Drive
The Royalton at Kingwood, a high-end multifamily development from Dallas-based firm SWBC Real Estate, will open in January at 22003 Northpark Drive, Kingwood. The three-story, 331-unit development will offer one- to three-bedroom apartments featuring 9-foot ceilings and walk-in closets. Located on 15.9 acres, the complex will also include a clubhouse with a game room, a 24-hour fitness center, a spin and yoga room, a pool and a dog park. 281-791-0505. www.royaltonatkingwood.com
communityimpact.comReflecting America: What to know about the 2020 census
Kelly Schafler is the editor for the Lake Houston, Humble and Kingwood edition of Community Impact Newspaper, covering public education, city government, development, businesses, local events and all things community-related. Before she became editor, she was the reporter for the Conroe and Montgomery edition for a year and a half.
communityimpact.comEarly child care center Alphabet Zone of Kingwood to open early 2020 in Centre at Northpark
Alphabet Zone of Kingwood, an early child care center, is scheduled to open March or April at 1418 Northpark Drive, Kingwood, in the Centre at Northpark. Manager Joyce Smith said the business will offer day care services for infants 6 weeks to 18 months old, toddlers 18 to 36 months old as well as private preschool for ages 3 to 5 years old and before- and after-school care for children 6 and older. 832-594-3923 www.alphabetzoneofkingwood.com
communityimpact.comFree teen heart screenings
After six years of trying our best to protect athletes from dying on the athletic field, KPRC 2 is once again partnering with Masons Heart Foundation out of Kingwood to provide athletes free, in-depth heart screenings. They can detect hidden heart defects that the standard school sports exam just cant find. Our next screening will take place Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Atascocita Community Church. You can sign your children up through this link.
Shop for a cause: 4 Kingwood retailers participating in The Holiday Shopping Card, Oct. 24-Nov. 3
Kingwood-area residents looking to get a head start on holiday shopping while helping out a good cause can do so at four shops in Kingwood that are participating in Houstons 2019 Holiday Shopping Card event. The Card event runs from Oct. 24-Nov. 3. No other Lake Houston-area retailers are participating in the event, according to the full list of retailers. In-person shopping is the focus of the Card event, but five online retailers are also participating this year. 1-6 p.m.Wild Birds Unlimited4523 Kingwood Drive, Ste.
communityimpact.comHarris County Precinct 2 completed Timber Forest Drive expansion in early September
Kelly Schafler is the editor for the Lake Houston, Humble and Kingwood edition of Community Impact Newspaper, covering public education, city government, development, businesses, local events and all things community-related. Before she became editor, she was the reporter for the Conroe and Montgomery edition for a year and a half.
communityimpact.comFree teen heart screenings
After six years of trying our best to protect athletes from dying on the athletic field, KPRC 2 is once again partnering with Mason's Heart Foundation out of Kingwood to provide athletes free, in-depth heart screenings. They can detect hidden heart defects that the standard school sports exam just can't find. Our next screening will take place Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Atascocita Community Church. You can sign your children up through this link.
Lake Houston-area Voter Guide: Sample ballot for November election
There are numerous candidates on the November 2019 ballot, including the city of Houston and New Caney ISD board of trustees positions. Since Kingwood was annexed by the city of Houston in the 1990s, Kingwood residents can cast their ballots for Houston mayor, city controller, City Council at-large positions and Houston City Council, District E. Meanwhile, residents living south of FM 1960 just west of Hwy. 59 can cast ballots for Houston City Council District B.
communityimpact.comFEMA applications open for Imelda victims
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be offering assistance to residents affected by Tropical Storm Imelda.Applications for FEMA Individual Assistance for Imelda recovery open Sunday, October 6.FEMA help comes in a variety of forms for home owners, certain types of renters, and businesses in Harris County.The application will be open until February 28, 2021.FEMA assistance cannot duplicate the assistance you receive from your insurance company, but you may receive assistance for items not covered by insurance.You must apply online at disasterassistance.gov . Type in your address to see what kind of aid is available in your area.The application requires your Social Security number or the SSN of a minor child in the household who is a U.S. Citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien, annual household income, contact information (phone number, mailing address, email address, and damaged home address), insurance information (coverage, insurance company name, etc. ), and bank account information (if you are eligible to receive financial assistance, the money can be deposited in your account).After you complete your application, FEMA will also complete a home inspection.If you qualify for a grant, FEMA will provide you a check by mail or a direct deposit into your checking or savings account and a letter describing how you are to use the money.If you are denied, FEMA will provide you a letter explaining why you did not qualify and an opportunity to appeal the decision.
abc13.comCity of Houston files cease and desist against development accused of causing flooding in Kingwood neighborhoods
The city of Houston filed cease and desist orders against three companies involved in the construction of a Montgomery County development. Kelly Schafler/Community Impact NewspaperThe city of Houston has launched an investigation and filed cease and desist orders against three companies involved in the construction of a Montgomery County residential development that Kingwood residents and some local officials allege caused recent flooding in northeast Kingwood neighborhoods. This discharge has caused severe damage to the city of Houstons [storm sewer system]and to the property of the citizens of the city of Houston, the release stated. As a result of this discharge the city of Houston started a 12 week extensive investigation of the stormwater system located within Elm Grove and other [affected]communities within the far northeast section of Kingwood. Community Impact Newspaper has reached out to a Figure Four Partners representative for a comment on the cease and desist orders.
communityimpact.comLightning damage? You're going to NEED this website
Then you'll see all the red and green + signs indicating positive (green) and negative (red) lightning strikes at the time! Both are dangerous -- positively charged lightning starts at the top of the cloud and can travel farther while negatively charged lightning starts at the lower part of the cloud and tends to drop pretty much right below the storm. The site is used by the government to track lightning which causes wildfires and is instrumental to those forecasts. Thank you, National Weather Service! ****************Speaking of lightning and thunderstorms, where's our big cold front to usher in fall as we know and love it?!
Right of way acquisitions for Northpark Drive expansion project to begin soon in Kingwood
The multimillion-dollar expansion of Northpark Drive pushes forward. Soon, Kingwood officials will begin seeking right of way acquisitions for properties along the heavily trafficked corridor. The Lake Houston Redevelopment Authority, which oversees the property tax revenue collected within Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 10, held a meeting Sept. 26 to discuss the mobility project. The Northpark Drive project will expand the road from four to six lanes between Hwy. One of the things coming out of the meeting last month was we were trying to figure out ways to compress the schedule, Obregon said.
communityimpact.comRed Cross in 'urgent need' of volunteers to help victims of Tropical Storm Imelda
Red Cross in 'urgent need' of volunteers to help victims of Tropical Storm ImeldaPHOTOS: Imelda soaks southeast TexasA man and woman walk past a stalled truck down Kings Manor Drive as rain from Tropical Depression Imelda inundate the area, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in Kingwood. >>>See more photos from Imelda... less PHOTOS: Imelda soaks southeast TexasA man and woman walk past a stalled truck down Kings Manor Drive as rain from Tropical Depression Imelda inundate the area, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019, in ... more Photo: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer Photo: Jason Fochtman/Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 28 Caption Close Red Cross in 'urgent need' of volunteers to help victims of Tropical Storm Imelda 1 / 28 Back to GalleryIn urgent need of volunteers to help victims of Tropical Storm Imelda, the American Red Cross is asking for the public's help in its recovery efforts. The Red Cross is looking for trained volunteers for recovery efforts in the Beaumont and Orange areas, according to a release. A Red Cross representative will reach out with a position, according to the release. ON HOUSTON CHRONICLE.COM: In Houston, Trump promises to make federal government 'totally available' for Imelda relief effortsMore Information 6.2.5The Red Cross is also seeking donations.
chron.comUp to 800 homes in Winnie flooded during Imelda: Sheriff
EMBED >More News Videos Kingwood resident Melissa Clark said Tropical Storm Imelda ruined the rebuild that she and her husband have worked on since May. EMBED >More News Videos ABC13's Miya Shay breaks down the active assistance being offered in the wake of Tropical Storm Imelda's flooding in the Houston area. WINNIE, Texas (KTRK) -- Chambers County continues its efforts to rebuild a week after Tropical Storm Imelda's devastating flood. Hurricane Harvey flooded their property.The family found themselves again with almost a foot of water inside their house. "Officials said the biggest need in the wake of the storm is volunteers who can help muck out homes.
abc13.comKingwood accounting business GrowthForce to relocate in late 2019
Kingwood accounting business GrowthForce will relocate in late November or early December from 800 Rockmead Drive, Ste. 200, to 22001 Northpark Drive, Ste. The business, which has been in Kingwood for 15 years, offers outsourced accounting services, including bookkeeping, accounting and QuickBooks consulting services for nonprofits and small businesses. 281-358-2007. www.growthforce.com
communityimpact.comAreas of concern with certain rivers, bayous out of their banks
HOUSTON - Flooding issues are still ongoing along the East Fork of the San Jacinto River around Humble and Kingwood. Moderate flooding is currently occurring in Huffman, as well from Cedar Bayou. River levels will continue to slowly fall through the weekend. There are still some areas of concern with certain rivers and bayous out of their banks. The water levels at the East Fork locations will slowly recede over the next 24 hours while locations along the Trinity River will fall below flood levels over the next two days.
Kingwood mom blogger shares essential items for back-to-school
BACKPACKPicture by: Nikkie HancockPottery Barn BackpacksWith exterior pockets for carrying water bottles or snacks. If they get dirty just wipe it off, and the inside material is made to be mildew-resistant and bacteria-resistant as well. I love all the compartments that you can put whatever you want for your kids snacks, said Hancock. STASHER BAGSPicture by: Nikkie HancockSay goodbye to Ziploc bags and pack your kids snacks in these reusable silicone bags. They have water resistant material inside.
City, county officials tackle Kingwood drainage issues with major projects
As city and county officials work to mitigate drainage issues in Kingwood, more than 100 area residents are pursuing legal action against a developer that allegedly exacerbated the damages their homes sustained during a heavy rain event in May. Neither Harris County Flood Control District, the city of Houston [or]Friendswood Development has done anything [to address drainage]since Kingwood was developed back in the 70s, Martin said. RELATED Harris County shifts road funds away from precincts 3, 4 pending reassessment of needs Following a vote by the Harris County Commissioners Court to temporarily shift road funding away from precincts 3 and 4,... >The engineering contract will be brought to Harris County Commissioners Court for approval at the Aug. 13 meeting. We will be evaluating all of the large, open channels in the Kingwood area, he said. Elm Grove residents sue developer over water damagesWhile officials address long-term drainage issues in the Kingwood area, Elm Grove residents are seeking reparations for damages to their homes in May.
communityimpact.comKingwood residents heal from disaster trauma 2 years post-Harvey
His organization hosted a Rainxiety event in May following heavy rains that hit parts of Kingwood to help residents deal with the distress. Assessing mental health post-HarveyThe Hurricane Harvey Registry, a Houston-area organization, is studying the long-term impact of Harvey on housing, physical health and mental health to better help agencies provide disaster assistance. Joally Canales, community outreach coordinator for the Hurricane Harvey Registry, said mental recovery from disasters is sometimes described as happening in waves. However, as of early April, 637 Kingwood and Lake Houston-area residents were included among the more than 16,500 registrants, she said. Additionally, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, an education and advocacy nonprofit, provides free mental health workshops to residents, schools, first responders, disaster-case managers and others involved in Harvey-recovery efforts.
communityimpact.comAlong came Hurricane Harvey: A look at the recovery of the Lake Houston area 2 years later
Although almost two years have passed since Hurricane Harvey battered thousands of homes and businesses in the Kingwood area in August 2017, some community members are still in limbo. Many homeowners were just beginning to recover from the May 2016 floods that hit the region when, unexpectedly, along came Harvey. Fighting for fundingWhile various flood-prevention projects have taken place since Hurricane Harvey, officials are still seeking funding for future projects and home buyouts. Recovery in retailAverage retail rates decreased and vacancy rates increased in the Kingwood area immediately after Hurricane Harvey, but rates have since stabilized. The Hurricane Harvey Registry, which was released in February, includes responses from 637 residents in the Lake Houston and Kingwood areas.
communityimpact.comLake Houston-area residents, agencies await funding for home buyouts, flood-prevention projects
Home buyouts, flood mapsHarris County Flood Control District officials confirmed that the townhomes are on the districts list of eligible home buyouts. Zeve said the HCFCD continues to partner with local agencies to study and address causes of flooding in the Greater Houston area. Houstons Chief Recovery Officer Steve Costello said he believes dredging the river is one of the more important projects in the Lake Houston area since the storm. Meanwhile, the city of Houston also continues its $48 million Lake Houston dam project. Creighton said $1.7 billion will be available across four different accounts, all of which could be applied to projects specific to the Lake Houston area.
communityimpact.comRetail rebounds in most Kingwood areas after Hurricane Harvey; some business owners still feel storms sting
Editors note: This story is Part 2 of a three-part series looking at how Hurricane Harvey continues to affect the Kingwood area two years after the storm. Many Kingwood-area retail businesses are finally getting back on their feet nearly two years after taking in floodwaters during Hurricane Harvey. Prior to Harvey, McAlpine said property owners of the development would invest $4,000 to paint and carpet a space. Some landlords can afford to do that, other ones cannot.While the Hamblen Road area continues to be rebuilt, another retail area, Kings Harbor, moves closer to revitalization. Pinch a Penny Pool Patio Spa relocated from the shopping center to the adjacent Kings Crossing shopping center in January 2019.
communityimpact.comTex-Mex restaurant La Huerta Bar & Grill to open in Centre at Northpark
Locally owned Tex-Mex restaurant La Huerta Bar & Grill will open a new location in late 2019 at 1414 Northpark Drive, Kingwood, in the Centre at Northpark shopping center. The restaurant will feature healthier Tex-Mex options, a full-service bar, and indoor and outdoor seating.
communityimpact.comHarris County Precinct 4 completed Woodland Hills Drive intersection improvements
Kelly Schafler is the editor for the Lake Houston, Humble and Kingwood edition of Community Impact Newspaper, covering public education, city government, development, businesses, local events and all things community-related. Before she became editor, she was the reporter for the Conroe and Montgomery edition for a year and a half.
communityimpact.comItalianos Restaurant to open fourth eatery in Centre at Northpark shopping center
Italianos Restaurant, an Humble-based restaurant chain, will open its fourth Greater Houston-area eatery in late 2019 or early 2020 at 1414 Northpark Drive, Kingwood, in the Centre at Northpark shopping center. The other three restaurant locations are in Humble, Atascocita and Pearland. The Italian restaurant will feature a full-service bar, pasta, calzones, pizza and garlic knots. www.italianosrestaurant.net
communityimpact.comHouston City Council Map Could Change After 2020 Census Houston Public Media
District Es councilmember is calling for the city to take another look at Kingwood and Clear Lake. At Wednesdays council meeting, District E Councilmember Dave Martin said the city should consider redrawing city council district boundaries, particularly in his own district. District E includes two far-flung suburbs, Kingwood and Clear Lake. Martin said its a ridiculously arranged council district where it is difficult to coordinate meetings. I think its worth taking a look at.The map was last updated after the 2010 census, when Districts J and K were added.
houstonpublicmedia.orgHouston Restaurant Weeks 2019 features 2 restaurants participating in Lake Houston area
Houston Restaurant Weeks, a monthlong fundraiser that benefits the Houston Food Bank, returns to the Greater Houston area Aug. 1-Sept. 2. Participating eateries will serve fixed-priced, multicourse menus that include brunch, lunch and dinner. Here are the restaurants in Lake Houston area that have been announced as participants in Houston Restaurant Weeks 2019. Map keyBlue: dinner onlyYellow: lunch and dinnerGreen: brunch and dinnerRed: brunch, lunch and dinnerZammittis Italian Ristorante1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood281-361-7499www.zammittis.comDinner: $35 per personThe Union Kitchen-Kingwood23918 Hwy. For more information about Houston Restaurant Weeks, visit www.houstonrestaurantweeks.com.
communityimpact.comSharkys Waterfront Grill reopens in Kings Harbor, offers reservations only until further notice
Sharkys Waterfront Grill, located 1660 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Kingwood, opened July 29 after it received 6 feet of floodwaters in August 2017 from Hurricane Harvey. However, owner Ronald Perez said the business is open for reservations only until further notice. The Kings Harbor eatery serves its classic menu items, including burgers, seafood and signature dishes, like the Shark Bites. Perez said there are some differences between the old restaurant and the renovated restaurant, including a new modern aesthetic with a decorative fish tank as well as more drink options. Additionally, Sharkys Waterfront Grill now offers one liter carafes of red and white wines for $19.99, Perez said.
communityimpact.comPool service franchise debuts in Kingwood, Humble, Atascocita
Pool Scouts, a pool service franchise, expanded into Kingwood, Humble and Atascocita on July 8. Pool Scouts operates in the Houston area, and the Lake Houston area is the second territory for the company. The company offers various services including pool cleaning, maintenance and minor repairs at residential properties. 281-800-1484. www.kingwood-thewoodlands.poolscouts.com
communityimpact.comKingwood residents file lawsuit against homebuilder after May flood event
KINGWOOD, Texas - Victims of a May flood event in Kingwood filed a lawsuit against a homebuilder, claiming they were responsible for the flood. Kingwood resident Kelly Guy said the May 7 flooding had damaged sentimental items she had held on to for years. Guy and Vera said their homes never flooded before, even during Hurricane Harvey. Figure Four Partners is facing a lawsuit involving 200 homeowners who say the developer blocked the Elm Grove subdivision drainage system, which violated the Texas Water Code. Figure Four Partners is countersuing the homeowners, claiming they didnt violate the Texas Water Code and that the residents should pay the developer's attorney's fees.
Kingwood residents affected by May storms can now apply for low-interest loans
Residents and business owners in Kingwood and Harris County who were affected by the May 7-8 flooding can apply for low-interest loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration, according to a July 11 news release from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgos office. Businesses, private nonprofit organizations and renters are also eligible to apply for disaster assistance, according to the release. The process for obtaining federal disaster assistance all too often ignores the reality of whats happening on the ground, Hidalgo said. After extensive damage assessments, Harris County damage did not meet that threshold. Harris County officials worked with local, state and federal partners to advocate for disaster assistance.
communityimpact.comGALLERY: Ribbon-cutting held to celebrate improvements made to Dylan Duncan Skatepark in Kingwood
A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the Dylan Duncan Skatepark in Kingwood was held July 16. Kelly Schafler/Community Impact NewspaperA ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the Dylan Duncan Skatepark in Kingwood was held July 16. Kelly Schafler/Community Impact NewspaperA ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the Dylan Duncan Skatepark in Kingwood was held July 16. Kelly Schafler/Community Impact NewspaperA ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the Dylan Duncan Skatepark in Kingwood was held July 16. The Dylan Duncan Skatepark, originally called the Kingwood Skatepark, opened as the city of Houstons first public skate park in 2004.
communityimpact.comDrivers capture bubbles pouring out of fountain and into street in Kingwood
""My initial reaction was that I have never seen it in this scale before," Weinrich wrote. "Another viewer who took a photo said it's something kids in the area do as a "rite of passage. ""I smiled and appreciated that someone was trying to bring a little joy to a community that is still recovering from Harvey. "Like it or dislike it, we won't be able to stop it from happening, so might as well smile and move on. "ABC13 reached out to the Houston Fire Department and all they could tell us was that someone put an "unknown substance" in the fountain, and that the substance could possibly be soap.
abc13.com