The city of Katy is forming a historic preservation commission advisory group to help keep the city’s landmarks up to current safety standards, prioritizing the city’s historic rice dryers.

The gist: At a Feb. 9 meeting, Katy City Council unanimously approved an ordinance to create the advisory group, which will comprise structural engineers and residents valuing the city’s history and culture.

“The Katy rice dryers have been major landmarks not only for Katy residents, but for the millions of people who have driven the I-10 corridor,” Ward A council member Janet Corte said. “Safety and [Americans with Disabilities Act] regulations must come first.”

Remember this: The first phase of The Dryer, a 3-acre revitalization project, began with the Katy Beer Garden, an indoor and outdoor venue that opened last June off Hwy. 90.

What they’re saying: Several residents advocated for the preservation of the dryers during public comment, supporting the creation of the advisory group.

What’s next: The advisory group will report back to council April 27, per Corte’s direction.

After shutting down briefly for rebranding purposes, the Alamo Drafthouse movie theater will reopen in Katy at the end of the month under new management.

What’s happening: The brand recently closed down four locations, including the theater in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch, according to a statement on the company’s website. The statement said Triple Tap Ventures, which also operated three other locations in El Paso and Lubbock, will no longer operate these four locations. 

Latest update: While the Alamo Drafthouse statement published on the website did not include any new management information, Flix Brewhouse released a Feb. 10 news release announcing its acquisition of the four Alamo Drafthouse locations. 

• 2707 Commercial Center Blvd., Ste. K-100, Katy

Five Democratic candidates are running for Fort Bend County treasurer in the upcoming March primary election.

The details: The position is currently held by Republican Bill Rickert, who is running unopposed in the Republican primary.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.

Commissioners will consider and potentially take action on over 300 agenda items Feb. 12, including approving an interlocal agreement for a mental health mapping project in Precinct 4 and a progress update on a countywide flood mapping system.

The big picture: Harris County Flood Control District officials will provide an update to commissioners on the progress and next steps of the MAAPNext project. The project is a collaborative effort with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which is also funding the project, and HCFCD to create up-to-date hydrology and flood maps to gauge current and future flooding risks across the county.

Also of note: Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones will seek to approve an interlocal agreement with the University of Houston to conduct an extension of a mental health resource mapping project to "provide actionable data to guide policies, budget priorities, and community engagement strategies aimed at enhancing access to care."

Harris County Commissioners Court meetings are held at 9 a.m. in the administration building at 1001 Preston St., Houston.

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse for Lunar New Year at one of multiple celebrations being held across the Greater Houston area.

Lunar New Year at Children's Museum Houston
Enjoy two days of Lunar New Year festivities at the Children's Museum Houston. On Feb. 14, entertainment will begin at 11 a.m. and include a traditional lion dance; a Diabolo, Chinese yo-yo, performance; and a contemporary Chinese dance show. On Feb. 15, at noon, a traditional Chinese dance will take place.

• Feb. 14-15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• $19.95 (entry for adults and children ages 1 or older), $17.95 (seniors)
• 1500 Binz St., Houston

• Feb. 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
• $9 (admission for adults and children 1 year old and older)
• The Woodlands Children's Museum, 4775 West Panther Creek Drive Ste. 280, The Woodlands