Representatives from the Houston Museum of African American Culture, community members and public officials gathered Feb. 5 at the museum to receive a new donation of public funds. 

The overview: Orchestrated by council member Edward Pollard and his office, the $25,000 donation is the first donation of public funds the museum has received. 

A closer look: During the gathering at the museum, Chief Executive Officer John Guess Jr. and Chief Operating Officer Davinia Reed debuted new technology to make exhibits more accessible. 

Something to note: The new initiative uses Oculus virtual reality technology to bring immersive art and cultural experiences into public libraries, schools, the Harris County Women’s Empowerment Center and other community spaces, according to a Feb. 2 news release from the council member’s office. 

• 4807 Caroline St., Houston

The owners of Ramen Tatsu-ya, an authentic ramen shop in Houston, filed project details on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation's website, indicating a third location is anticipated for Beechnut Street.

What we know: The filing shows that construction on the $1.5 million renovation project is expected to start by Feb. 20, with a targeted completion date of Oct. 20. The remodel will include transforming the former Boston Market.

What's on the menu: The menu includes an assortment of classic and specialty ramen bowls, including:

• The OG, a combination of pork bone broth, chashu pork, scallions and sesame seeds
• Nu Skool, an almond milk tonkotsu mixed with shroom abura, spinach, tofu and kikurage
• Mi-So-Hot: A spicy pork bone broth with miso blend, goma park, scallions, cabbage and bean sprouts

• 4672 Beechnut St., 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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