Harris County Commissioners unanimously approved appointing Marcus Stuckett, a former engineer with the Harris County Flood Control District, to the role of executive director for the agency.

The breakdown: In a June 25 business court meeting, Stuckett was nominated by Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey to fill the role following the resignation of Tina Petersen on June 11. Stuckett worked for the flood control district from 2015-2022, becoming a certified floodplain administrator and director of engineering for the district. Stuckett left the HCFCD to work as an associate vice president at Pape-Dawson Engineers.

Quote of note: “I am honored by the confidence placed in me by Commissioners Court and Administrator [Erica Lee] Carter," Stuckett said. "The Harris County Flood Control District has a long history of protecting residents from flooding through innovative engineering, strong partnerships, and responsible stewardship of public resources. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated employees, community partners and elected officials to continue delivering projects that reduce flood risk and improve quality of life for Harris County residents."

Shaped by life at sea, after operating for a year, Below Deck Bar has become a gathering place for families and locals in Tomball. Founded on June 28, 2025, by Nicholas Salazar, a Marine Corps veteran and professional sailor, and his wife Christine Salazar, the bar offers a family-friendly atmosphere, centered on affordable, quality drinks and elevated bar food cooked in beef tallow, a method Nicholas Salazar said adds a health-conscious twist to bar food.

The inspiration: While the bar's sailor-inspired decor pays tribute to its owner's seafaring roots, its most cherished attraction is a community wall displaying customers' prized treasures from beloved pet photos to college flags that tell the stories of the patrons that keep the bar afloat.

On the menu: Menu item staples offered include:

• Bacon PB&J burger: Beef, bacon, peanut butter and jelly 

• Southeast egg rolls made with pork, shrimp and stuffed with carrots and cabbage

• Wings including Asian style, buffalo, lemon pepper, barbecue, garlic parmesan and mango habanero

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is planning an expansion along Hwy. 288, with a new agricultural and livestock complex expected to add more than 1 million square feet of event and programming space.

What we know: The organization announced June 24 that the project will be the largest single facilities investment in the rodeo’s more than 90-year history. Construction is expected to take several years, with the goal of opening the complex in time for the 2029 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

The new facility is designed to support livestock shows, horse show competitions, junior and open breeding shows, archery competitions, agricultural mechanics, commercial auctions and educational contests, including 4-H and intercollegiate programming. Some livestock events will continue to be held at Reliant Center, according to the release.

Diving in deeper: Outside of the annual rodeo, the complex is expected to host year-round educational programming, committee meetings, fundraisers, auctions, galas and other agricultural, youth and Western heritage events.