HTX-KTY: Impact 10/20/2025

Officials said the Nov. 4 Lamar CISD bond election, which is consistent with the district’s three-year cadence, is aimed at preparing for a future of rapid student population growth, which is expected to surge by nearly 72%, reaching approximately 67,400 students by 2034-35. 

The breakdown: With over half of LCISD’s campuses are projected to exceed capacity within 10 years, $1.9 billion is set aside for new campuses, including five in Fulshear.

The impact: Ballots must legally say the bond will raise taxes; however, Chief Financial Officer Jill Ludwig confirmed if the bond passes, tax rates will stay the same for the 2025-26 school year.

Put in perspective: Without funding for new schools and critical repairs, officials said the district could face higher long-term costs and reduced educational quality.

Notable quote: "We have to continue to do what we can to make sure young people get exactly what they need to be successful, young adults," Superintendent Roosevelt Nivens said.

Livewell Animal Hospital has opened in Katy.

The overview: From wellness check-ups to emergency walk-ins, the hospital offers comprehensive veterinary medical services, according to the company’s website. 

Available Katy location services include:

• On-site pharmacies and laboratories
• Advanced surgical procedures
• Wellness and prevention
• Nutritional and behavioral counseling
• Spay and neuter
• Pet vaccinations

• 24818 Morton Ranch Road, Ste. 100, Katy

Harris County commissioners implemented a burn ban beginning Oct. 16 for unincorporated Harris County due to what county officials are calling "ongoing dry weather and heightened fire danger."

Quote of note: "In these dry conditions, a small spark could cause a big problem for our community," Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said in a statement.

The big picture: More than 150 counties across Texas are also under burn bans to reduce wildfire threats, according to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office, including Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, Chambers and Liberty counties.

What you need to know: The ban will last for 90 days or until the Texas Forest Service determines drought conditions no longer exist in Harris County. The TFS measures drought conditions based on the Keetch-Byram Drought Index scale, which finds conditions between 600-800 with the potential to lead to intense, prolonged wildfires. County officials found Harris County averaging 671, according to a news release.

Early voting in the Nov. 4 election begins Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 31. During early voting, registered voters can cast ballots at any polling place within their county of residence, according to the secretary of state’s office.

What to bring: Voters must bring one of seven forms of identification to the polls:

• A Texas driver license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety)
• A Texas personal ID card (issued by the DPS)
• A Texas handgun license (issued by the DPS)
• A Texas election ID certificate (issued by the DPS)
• A U.S. military ID card with the voter’s photograph
• A U.S. citizenship certificate with the voter’s photograph
• A U.S. passport

As Community Impact enters its third decade, it’s returning to its roots of growth and deeper reader connections. The “Patron” program, which began in 2020 by reader demand, is relaunching as the InCIder this month.

“This relaunch represents our renewed commitment to readers who support our local news,” CEO John Garrett said. “Beyond funding great journalism, we also want to reward our InCIders and build deeper connections with them, creating a true sense of community around the work we do.”

The InCIder program currently gives donors access to a special Saturday email edition across each metro: Austin, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio.

Memberships are currently $10 per month or $110 annually. A membership will include the previously mentioned perks, as well as:

• Quarterly discounts at local businesses 
• Invites to in-person events
• Optional naming and “thank you” in our newspaper
• Community Impact swag
• InCIder anniversary gift