Katy ISD is set to sign an $4.9 million agreement with contractor LECS for life safety and system upgrades at Franz Elementary, Rhoads Elementary and Seven Lakes High. 

At the Nov. 17 work study meeting, Nathan Fuchs, senior executive director of operations, said the projects address systems that have reached the end of their life expectancy, making replacement parts increasingly difficult to source.

He said the system upgrades are a component of the district’s $806.56 million bond approved by voters in 2023, which included safety and security improvements.

The breakdown: The work includes life safety system upgrades encompassing fire alarm systems, electronic communication systems, master clock systems and emergency generators, Fuchs said.

Of the $4.89 million, which includes contingency engineering and design amounts, Seven Lakes High will see the highest cost at $2.45 million, followed by:

• Franz Elementary at $1.03 million
• Rhoads Elementary with $1 million

Fulshear will see three new dining options at the Shops at Fulshear in late 2026.

What’s happening: The three confirmed dining concepts include The Alley, Mr. Baguette and Wingbay, said Tooba Patoli, senior associate of retail leasing for Hunington Properties.

• 27125 Fulshear Bend Drive, Fulshear

As Thanksgiving week is expected to be one of the busiest U.S. travel periods for Texans, according to projections from AAA, Houston travelers flying on Frontier Airlines from George Bush Intercontinental Airport will have four new nonstop services starting Nov. 20.

What they're saying: “With our launch of new service to Baltimore, Detroit, Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale, we are thrilled to offer Houston-area consumers affordable travel to even more exciting destinations just in time for the busy holiday travel season,” said Josh Flyr, vice president of network and operations design, in a Nov. 20 news release.

Digging deeper: A record 5.8 million Texans are projected to travel within and outside the state from Nov. 25-Dec.1, according to AAA, which is up from approximately 5.7 million travelers in 2024. The airline announcement comes just days after the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration lifted a flight reduction emergency order for 40 airports across the country, including IAH, on Nov. 17.

Missed any Community Impact articles from this week? Check out the top trending stories from Community Impact's coverage areas in Houston from Nov. 17-21.

League City residents raise concerns about Marina del Sol
Several residents raised public safety concerns about the waterfront Marina del Sol development at the Nov. 18 League City City Council meeting, prompting city officials to commit to seeking solutions at a future December meeting.
Uncover the full story by Reporter Rachel Leland.

Conroe City Council approves contract for traffic signal reconstruction at I-45, South Loop 336
Conroe City Council voted Nov. 13 to award a contract for the reconstruction of a damaged traffic signal at the intersection of I-45’s southbound frontage road and South Loop 336, according to city documents.
Expand your knowledge with Reporter Nichaela Shaheen.

Sugar Land’s Walmart Neighborhood Market to remain open during renovations
The Walmart Neighborhood Market stor is set to undergo after-hours renovations to streamline the shopping experience while remaining fully open to customers, store officials said.
See more from Reporter Valeria Escobar.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is moving forward with a set of permanent rules designed to prohibit the sale of consumable THC products to anyone under 21 years old.

The overview: The proposal is similar to emergency rules adopted Sept. 23, which are currently in effect and prohibit Texas alcohol retailers from selling intoxicating THC products to minors. The state health department adopted similar emergency rules in October.

The context: The existing and proposed THC rules are the result of a September executive order by Gov. Greg Abbott, who called for age restrictions on THC sales and tighter guardrails on the multibillion-dollar industry.

Earlier this month, federal lawmakers approved a ban on most consumable THC products, which is set to take effect in November 2026. The ban is part of a federal funding package that became law Nov. 12, ending a 43-day federal government shutdown.

Next steps: Texans can weigh in on the TABC's proposed permanent rules during a Dec. 11 virtual public hearing or submit written public comments through Jan. 4.