Year in Review 2018

Compiled from the files of the Northeast News

JANUARY:

Houston Independent School District Board of Education approved plan to rebuild 4 Harvey-damaged schools. Aldine Independent School District named schools to honor individuals. Northeast News named Dominic Livingston and Jacoby Simpson as Co-Defensive Players of the Year. A total of 11 candidates competed for Congressman Green’s seat (TX29), 7 Democrats and 4 Republicans. North Forest High School celebrated transition to new high school.

FEBRUARY:

Aldine FFA livestock show rewards students’ work. Local Channel 2 sponsored flood forum with Mayor Turner and Judge Emmett to explore solutions to flooding. Texas Central picked high-speed rail train station site at Northwest Mall. Congress voted to keep government offices opened. East Aldine District reviewed crime stats at safety forum. Congressional candidates for District 29 spoke at East Aldine District. Pct. 2 met with public on improving drainage.

MARCH:

Primary Election day for Congress in District 29 set for March 6. Rodeo Time in Houston. Senator Sylvia Garcia won Congressional District 29 seat. New station for Houston Police Department opened in North Belt Division. Two fires destroyed 16 apartments and building in North Houston. Aldine ISD selected Teachers of the Year. UT Clinic Jensen held open house and festival. Thousands of students rally for stricter gun control in downtown Houston.

APRIL:

Water level in Lake Houston lowered as a flood control measure. Pct. 1 Commissioner Ellis planned $30 million in “Complete Streets” improvements. East Aldine’s Richard Cantu elected to LSC-Foundation Board. Rep. Walle held Immigration forum. Westfield Fire Department celebrated 76 years of service to the community. Thousands enjoyed 11th annual Turner Family Day. Astrodome tour to the public held. Harris County Control District began $84 million Hurricane repair program. East Aldine celebrated Earth Day with tree planting. Pct. 1 and City spent $15.5 million for bike and pedestrian safety. Former First Lady Barbara Bush died at 92. New Aldine ISD center named in honor of Superintendent Bamberg.

MAY:

Aldine ISD Board named Dr. LaTonya Goffney Superintendent finalist. Mother of injured students in bus crash sued First Class Tour bus company in Aldine for $1 million. Grand Texas Theme Park set opening, started selling tickets. Aldine Education Foundation and Aldine Scholarship Fund awarded 251 scholarships. A welcome reception is held for new Aldine Superintendent, Dr. Goffney. Aldine ISD received alleged threat note.

JUNE:

$2.5 Billion flood bond issued for August’s election. Aldine ISD said goodbye to Superintendent Wanda and Deputy Superintendent Archie. Mayor Turner held Juneteenth Parade. First allocation of funds for voluntary home buyouts due to Hurricane Harvey flooding set. East Aldine District voted to enter into contract with H-E-B Company for a new Joe V’s Supermarket at Town Center.

JULY:

Immigrants kids housed in Harris County facility. Work began at detention basin to reduce flood risks in Greens Bayou. Civic Clubs heard from County Attorney on services. Aldine Optimist Club recognized Partners. Judge Emmett announced $5 billion more for flood work. Free Karate classed sponsored by East Aldine District. Sen. Sylvia Garcia resigns Legislature to run for TX-29 Congress seat. Residents attended second flood bond meeting in Aldine. Aldine ISD held Jamboree.

AUGUST:

Baker Ripley opened new Town Center facility with back-to-school health fair. Aldine ISD announced the opening of six new schools for 2018-2019 school year. Congressman Gene Green held 23rd annual immunization day at UT Clinic. Aldine ISD held Jamboree with bands, cheerleading and performing arts. Voters approved flood bond. A new Leo Daniels tower construction announced to helped in Jensen revitalization efforts.

SEPTEMBER:

Congressman Gene Green toured immigrant children’s shelter. Huge crowd heard Candidate Beto at Aldine Town Hall meeting. Grandparents Raising Grandkids strengthened families with annual conference. MacArthur High School announced car show for September 29. Report showed crime dropped in North Houston.

OCTOBER:

BakerRipley center held Grand Opening. Kids’ program kicked off at Haverstock Hill apartments. National Night Out observed. Aldine ISD Police arrested student for Instagram threats. Aldine Fire Department received high water vehicle makeover. Community hosted parade to revitalize Eastex Jensen area. 140,000 cubic yard of hurricane storm debris removed from Bayous and Channels. East Aldine approved design for new offices. Greens Bayou held 3rd annual Reggata.

NOVEMBER:

Texas selected Sylvia Garcia as first Latina to Congress. Pct. 2 Commissioner Jack Morman defeated as well as Judge Ed Emmett, winners were Adrian Garcia and Lina Hidalgo respectively. Ted Cruz won National Senate Race. 288 new apartments were proposed for Aldine. Gov. Abbott called for Special Election for Senate 6 seat; Rep. Ana Hernandez and Carol Alvarado competed. Mattress Mack provided free Turkey dinners to families. Eastex Fire Department sent help to combat California wildfires.

DECEMBER:

Mayor and County Judge announced final round of Hurricane Harvey relief funds grants. Early voting began for Senate candidates. Underserved Northside kids received stocking stockings stuffed with books and legos. East Aldine District held annual awards ceremony. Carol Alvarado won election for Texas Senate. Holiday cheer spread at the Annual Nadine Kujawa Gala. Warrant service left 3 officers shot and gunman dead in Aldine.