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Westwood Elementary replacement campus, critical infrastructure considered for potential Friendswood ISD bond

Friendswood ISD’s board of trustees reviewed preliminary plans for a potential bond that could go before voters in May at its Jan. 22 workshop session.

The overview: The drafts include plans for three potential propositions totaling $85 million, including:

  • Proposition A: Westwood replacement, critical infrastructure replacements, safety and security, buses and land
  • Proposition B: New agricultural science center
  • Proposition C: Technology

“We need to show the community that we’ve listened by fixing our language and clearly identifying our critical priorities,” board member Rebecca Hillenburg said at the workshop.

What’s next: The board of trustees plans to further review draft proposals at its Jan. 28 workshop in the FISD boardroom, located at 302 Laurel Drive, Friendswood.

 
On The Business Beat
Whataburger opens 4th location in Pearland

San Antonio-based burger chain Whataburger opened its fourth Pearland location on Dec. 26, an employee with the restaurant confirmed.

The details: The chain was founded in Corpus Christi in 1950 and moved its headquarters to San Antonio in 2009, according to its website.
The restaurant, which features a drive-thru, dining room and online ordering options, sells burgers, chicken sandwiches, taquitos, salads and more.

1632 E. Broadway St., Pearland

 
In Your Community
Q&A: Get to know the Republican primary candidates running for Texas House District 129

On March 3, voters in the primary election will decide who will be the Republican candidate in the race for Texas House District 129 in November.

The overview: Republican candidates Bob Mitchell and Scott Bowen are currently running to be the primary candidate for Texas House District 129.

The winning Republican candidate will face the sole Democratic candidate, Albert Wittliff, in November; the winner of that election will serve a two-year term in January 2027.

What you need to know: 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.

 
Key Information
Postponed meetings, government closures and warming center openings to know across the Greater Houston area

Schools, government buildings and some polling places will remain closed on Jan. 26 as Winter Storm Fern had a late arrival to the Greater Houston area Jan. 24.

Current situation: According to the National Weather Service, the Greater Houston area can expect continued temperatures below freezing into Jan. 27. Per information on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas’ Grid and Market Conditions dashboard, power supply continues to outweigh demand.

Government closures: Meeting plans Jan. 26 for Roman Forest City Council and Fort Bend ISD have been postponed. Meanwhile, it is still unclear if Katy City Council's Jan. 26 meeting will take place as planned. 

Additionally, all early voting centers for the special runoff election for Congressional District 18 closed Jan. 25-26 due to inclement weather. 

Additional warming centers: More warming centers have opened across the Greater Houston area, in addition to the 13 warming centers that were announced in Harris County Jan. 22. All warming centers will be open through at least Jan. 26; however, residents are encouraged to call ahead if possible.

 

Your local team

Haley Velasco
Editor

Papar Faircloth
General Manager

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