The Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 board agreed on May 28 to hold its next commissioner election in November instead of May 2027 for three seats on the five-person dais.

The gist: Three board members are approaching the end of their terms this year—Commissioners Rob Paiva, Naressa MacKinnon and Cameron Dickey–who filled the unexpired term of former Commissioner Kevin Stertzel in August. Paiva and MacKinnon were elected in 2022.

Some context: According to Texas law, Harris County ESD 9 must hold its general commissioner election on one of two uniform election dates, which occur in May and November. The requirement comes from Chapter 775 of the state’s Health and Safety Code, the statute that created all emergency service districts in Texas.

The action taken: The board voted 4-0 to hold the election in November on Harris County's general ballot. 

What's next? The district has until June 18 to post a notice of candidate filing deadline, and candidates may begin filing in mid-July, according to the Texas secretary of state's office.

Local burger spot Andy's Kitchen relocated to be under the same roof as Andy's Bar & Grill, according to the business' website.

What's on the menu: Located off of 290, Andy's Bar & Grill offers a variety alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and American cuisine including:

• Burgers

• Country fried chicken or steak

• Chicken wings

• Fried pickles

• Salisbury steak

According to the business' website, they offer dine-in, take-out, and catering options. On the weekends they offer live music, and other events on weekdays.

• Relocated Spring 2026

• 27200 US-290, Ste. 160, Cypress

A new Bruster's Real Ice Cream shop near the Grand Parkway opened May 15, according to a May 16 news release from the business. The location offers walk-up and drive-thru service, with more than 24 flavors made fresh daily.

What we know: On the menu, customers can find ice cream, sundaes, milkshakes, blasts, banana splits, waffle cones, ice cream cakes, pies and take-home pints and quarts. The shop also serves non-dairy options and sherbets, according to the release
Per the release, the Tomball store marks the fourth Houston-area Bruster’s location owned by the Martinez family, joining locations in Spring and Conroe.

“We are thrilled to open our fourth Bruster’s location and bring our fresh-made ice cream to the Tomball community,” owner and operator Greg Martinez said in the release. “Our family has proudly served the Houston area for more than two decades, and we look forward to creating memorable experiences for families and friends for years to come.”

• 25555 Tomball Parkway, Tomball

Catch up on Community Impact’s coverage this week with five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from May 25-29.

1. Lamar CISD’s property value growth expected to increase to 4.5% for 2026-27 school year

2. See election results for Harris County judge, district clerk

3. Target, MD Anderson plans included in proposed Manvel mixed-use development

4. All the Crave Cheesecakes announces permanent closure

5. Bed Bath & Beyond to reopen inside four The Container Store locations in the Greater Houston area