Houston City Council members approved the authorization of a grant application to the state of Texas that would allow the city to partner with Houston ISD in a program aimed at addressing youth truancy.

The details: Council members approved the measure during the council’s Jan. 27 meeting. The city is seeking roughly $664,000 through the state to help fund the city's Juvenile Case Manager Program. According to agenda documents, the program aims to improve student attendance and deter involvement in the juvenile justice system by:

• Identifying truant youth
• Assessing factors contributing to truancy

Studio Pulse held a soft opening throughout January before celebrating its grand opening at the end of the month. 

The gist: Founded by sisters Ashton and Adele Verrengia, Studio Pulse offers an array of classes that blend dance cardio and mat Pilates. 

One more thing: Both heated and non-heated classes are available at Studio Pulse, with heated classes varying from 80 to 90 degrees. Pricing varies by membership packages, but participants can purchase a single class pass for $35. 

• 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. 449, Houston

Major lane closures will remain in place on I-10 East near Normandy Road as repairs continue, according to a Feb. 5 news release from the Texas Department of Transportation.

What you need to know: TxDOT said crews have worked overnight after a utility waterline rupture late Feb. 5 triggered a pavement failure near Normandy Road, forcing TxDOT to shut down all eastbound lanes and close the inside lane and shoulder westbound.

Motorists should expect delays and are strongly encouraged to take alternate routes, per the release, including:

• US 90
• US 90A/BU 90 (McCarty Road)
• Hwy. 225

To help reduce pet overpopulation while supporting responsible pet ownership, Harris County Pets is expanding low-cost spay and neuter services with appointments available every Tuesday and Thursday throughout February.

What you need to know: Starting Feb. 3, Harris County Pets—the open-admission animal shelter for unincorporated Harris County—is offering spay and neuter surgeries for $40 per pet performed by licensed veterinarians, per a Feb. 2 news release. 

In observance of Spay and Neuter Awareness Month and Responsible Pet Owners Month, HCP will serve up to 20 dogs and cats each date.

Quote of note: “At Harris County Pets, prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to save lives,” said Corey Steele, director of HCP and the Veterinary Public Health Division at Harris County Public Health.

The details: Per the release, demand for these services are high, and appointments are required and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Need to catch up on Community Impact’s coverage from last week? Check out five trending stories in the Greater Houston area from Feb. 2-6.

In case you missed it: Main Street Market held its last market in downtown Conroe Feb. 7 after nearly five years. The organizers announced the closure via Facebook on Jan. 29.

"This has always been more than a market," market developer Farralyn Withrow said in the social media post. "It’s been a tight-knit community and the starting place for 100+ new businesses. It’s been a major part of the ecosystem that is downtown Conroe." 

Also of note: Magnolia City Council moved Jan. 28 to terminate City Administrator Chris Whittaker, approving a resolution declaring a “lack of confidence” and removing him from office effective immediately.

The motion to terminate Whittaker's employment passed 4-0, with council member Geoff Beyers absent.

One more thing: Statewide enrollment for a new Katy ISD online program called Legacy Virtual High School opened Feb. 2, according to a Jan. 30 news conference from district officials. 

Community Impact is now covering BCS, from growth and schools to business and city happenings. 

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