After years of delays, Lone Star College-Kingwood’s fire training facility is now expected to be finished in 2027, college system leaders announced Sept. 3.

In case you missed it: The fire training facility was designed as a space for LSC fire science students to train to become firefighters, Executive Vice Chancellor of Operations Bridgett Johnson said during LSC trustees’ regular Sept. 3 board meeting.

As previously reported by Community Impact, the 2,000-square-foot facility will:

• House equipment needed for firefighting exercises

• Feature training areas to simulate burning buildings, car fires and chemical emergencies

How we got here: A groundbreaking was held for the fire training facility in February 2022, and the project was originally projected to be completed by August 2023, as previously reported.

Check out what's happening in the Lake Houston area from Sept. 11-14.

Music & Motors: The streets of Downtown Humble will be filled with custom builds, classic cars and trucks. The event will also feature live music and local vendors.

• Sept. 11, 6-9 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• Uptown Park, 308 Main St., Humble

Matthew West Jesus Is King Tour: Join Matthew West and guest Peter Burton at Grace Church Humble to attend the Jesus Is King Tour.

• Sept. 11, 7 p.m.

• Tickets starting at $27.62

• 7224 N. Sam Houston Parkway E., Humble

Humble Founder’s Day celebration: In honor of the city of Humble’s Founder’s Day and the Humble Museum’s 50th anniversary, a joint celebration will be held.

• Sept. 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Free (admission)

• Humble Museum, 601 Higgins St., Humble; Charles Bender PAC, 611 Higgins St., Humble

The Harris County Commissioners Court is moving forward with a 7.6% property tax rate increase compared with last year, marking one of the largest tax hikes in the county’s recent history.

The overview: The court approved a tax rate of about $0.67 per $100 in taxable property value in a 3-2 vote during its Sept. 8 meeting. County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Precinct 4 Commissioner Tom Ramsey opposed the rate recommended by the county’s Office of Management and Budget.

The increase will add about $193 to the average homeowner’s property tax bill, OMB Director Daniel Ramos said.

Looking ahead: With a projected shortfall of about $180 million, the court is expected to adopt its 2026-27 fiscal year $3.09 billion budget during the Sept. 17 meeting. The court is expected to also take a final vote on the proposed tax rate, adopting it before the new fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

Two candidates are running for Harris County District Clerk in the Nov. 3 election, including Chris Daniel and Darrell Jordan.

What you need to know: Early voting begins Oct. 19 and runs through Oct. 30, according to the Texas Secretary of State's website. Election day is Nov. 3 and polls are open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Registered voters can cast their ballot at any polling location during early voting and on election day.

Four candidates are running for Texas lieutenant governor—the second-in-command to the governor—in the Nov. 3 election.

What's happening: Libertarian Anthony Cristo, Democrat Vikki Goodwin and Green Party candidate Kevin McCormick are challenging Republican incumbent Dan Patrick, who is seeking a fourth term.

The lieutenant governor leads the Texas Senate and can exercise the powers of the governor if the governor dies, resigns, is removed from office or is absent from the state, according to the Texas State Historical Association.

How we got here: Patrick won his Republican primary race in March, while Goodwin advanced to the general election after beating another Democrat in a May primary runoff, Community Impact reported. Cristo and McCormick were selected as their parties' respective candidates during nominating conventions in April.

Looking ahead: Early voting in the midterm election runs from Oct. 19-30, and Election Day is Nov. 3.