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Deer Park in 2008
  
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By JERI MARTINEZ
Numerous things happened within the city of Deer Park in 2008. Many were honored for the work they did in the community, and such impacts which caused sadness with the loss of a police chief and a young boy who touched the lives of many firefighters.
What follows is a month-by-month recap of some of the few events in the Deer Park area.
JANUARY
Supporters honored by Wheelhouse
Representatives from The Wheelhouse presented plaques to four individuals for their help throughout the past year.
“Without your help, we wouldn’t be here today,” said Ralph Russo, a volunteer with The Wheelhouse. “It’s a small token of our appreciation to you for everything that you have done.”
Individuals that were recognized included David Slade of Pepsi Co. for donating soft drinks for the golf tournament, Les Ellard with his help at the motorcycle rally, Ryan Taylor of TNT Construction for his help with the concrete work for their storage building, and Melissa Harrison for help during board meetings and registration at the golf tournament.
The Wheelhouse started in 1952 and for 55 years has continued to get support from individuals in the area.
“We wanted to do something special because we appreciate their help,” said Russo. “Without their help, we would have to close our doors.”
Junior high accepts generous donation
Weeks after three unidentified individuals allegedly broke into Deepwater Junior High and stole approximately $4,000 worth of electronic equipment, an individual offered to donate projectors to the school.
Altogether, five data projectors were taken from the school in the early morning hours of Friday, Nov. 23, with four of them being brand new.
“It was a devastating time for us when this happened,” said DWJH Principal Stephen Harrell.
Shortly after the incident, League City banker Joe Lovell saw the report of the break-in on a local television station and felt the need to him the school out.
“The day after the news report I called the school to talk to the principal to tell him what I wanted to do,” he said.
Lovell has been in the financial services business for eight years and had purchased two projectors to do presentations.
“After accepting another position, the projectors were just sitting at home,” he said. “I began thinking that I may need them sometime in the future, but the kids at that school needed them right now.”
FEBRUARY
Local newlyweds take part in reality TV
One newlywed couple from Deer Park is going to be competing for money in ABCs newest reality TV show, “Here Come the Newlweds.”
Residents Barry and Toni Woodward, 51 and 45, are one of seven just-married couples who are vying for the nest egg that is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to help start their new lives together.
The couples are diverse, sexy and competitive, including such pairings as high school sweethearts, couples who fell in love at first sight, an arranged marriage, an interracial couple and two divorcees who are hoping the fourth time is the charm.
The Woodward’s are the divorcees of the group that are now in their seventh marriage, combined.
“He has been married three times, I have been married three times and ours together makes the seventh marriage ceremony between the two of us,” she said. “This is the one because he is my best friend.”
Just weeks after the show started, the Woodward’s were voted off of the show.
Teacher resigns after improper relationship with student
A Deer Park High School South Campus teacher resigned from her position on Feb. 11 for allegedly having an improper relationship with a student at the campus.
The situation, that involved 23-year-old Emily Kate Janes, was brought to the attention of officials in the Deer Park Independent School District then to Deer Park Police Department on Feb. 8.
“When campus administration received word that something inappropriate may have happened, they contacted the district administration and the beginnings of an investigation took place,” said Matt Lucas, DPISD Director of Communications.
Authorities determined upon an investigation that Janes, an 11th grade English teacher, was having an improper relationship with an 18-year-old male who was a senior at the time.
The investigation also revealed that the two met at the school, but the inappropriate portions of the allegation did not occur on school property.
Janes was charged with an improper relationship between educator and student, which is a 2nd degree felony, on Monday, Feb. 11 through the Harris County 232nd District Court.
Her bond was set at $30,000, which she posted prior to her arrest.
MARCH
A special gift for honorary member
Members of The Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department made a special visit to their honorary member to present him with a gift.
Nine-year-old Emilio Flores, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in May 2007, was surprised to see about 20 firefighters and EMS personnel entered his room.
DPVFD firefighter Keith Vasquez was chosen by Fire Chief Greg Bridges to present a firefighter helmet with a personalized shield to Flores.
Flores, with the help of firefighters and his father, proudly wore his helmet and even gave the thumbs up sign to the firefighters and EMS personnel along with telling them thank you.
“We wanted to do this for Emilio because after all he is an honorary member of our department,” said Bridges. “They were more than willing to do this because he is a special kid to them and this shows how big their hearts are.”
Battleground golf course continues to progress
Plenty of changes occurred in the past year at The Battleground Deer Park Golf Course because of the popularity it has received from members of the community and surrounding areas.
According to General Manager Louis Gantz, a major change at the golf course is that they have now obtained their mixed beverage license and implementing it.
Another significant change that occurred in the past year is the condition of the golf course that has improved tremendously.
A project that involved refurbishing all of the sand bunkers on the course was completed.
At the practice facility, which was originally designed and built with artificial mats to help it be open on wet days, the mats began to deteriorate over time.
“What we did was invested in artificial turf that is actually part of the teeing area, it’s not just a mat,” he said. “We are able to be open on days that normally we would have been closed.”
Additional projects that the golf course worked on included curbing around some of the tees and greens.
Golfers will soon have an easier task in finding a parking spot once the current parking lot is expanded.
“It was originally designed at some point to add parking area both on the north and south sides of the existing parking lot, so the time has come to go ahead and do that,” said Gantz.
Community mourns the loss of young child
Nine-year-old Emilio Flores was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor 10 months ago while he was a third-grader at San Jacinto Elementary.
The community came to know this young child as the one that wanted to become a firefighter when he grew up. A surprise visit from the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department came last July with them naming him an honorary member of the department.
He lost his battle on March 8 at his home in Deer Park with numerous family and friends along his bedside.
His family stated in his obituary, “He is no longer suffering; he is in peace and will rejoice in heaven and have everlasting happiness.”
Many who came in contact with Flores have many wonderful memories of him that they shared among one another and will never forget the sense of humor he had.
APRIL
Breast Cancer advocates honor McInnis
Another honor was given to Deer Park High School senior Palmer McInnis for his past contributions to The Rose, Houston’s leading non-profit breast cancer organization.
Yoplait yogurt and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure named McInnis, 18, as one of 25 individuals in their 2008 “Champions.” Each year, they honor them for their extraordinary efforts in the fight against breast cancer and that is what he did for The Rose.
“I was shocked when I found out that I was chosen, but I think it’s pretty incredible … it’s definitely a good feeling,” McInnis said. “I’m glad that I like Yoplait.”
The 2008 Champions represent 17 states and are made up of breast cancer patients, survivors and advocates as well as husbands, mother, daughters and friends of those affected by breast cancer. Each champion has a unique tie to the disease, but all share a passion for raising awareness and educating others about breast health.
McInnis is one of two Texans and four men on this year’s list.
For this honor, Yoplait will donate $1,000 to The Rose.
Patrick’s Cabin rededicated
As part of the Totally Texas Festival, the community came together to remember history as the rededication of Patrick’s Cabin took place.
The replica piece of history moved to its current location that was once the Deer Park Police Department last December.
Patrick’s Cabin made its original home behind the Deer Park Library for quite some time then was moved to Dow Park in 1991 near the gazebo.
This cabin belonged to Dr. George Moffitt Patrick and was located on Buffalo Bayou, where Rohm and Haas is located today, which is considered the City of Deer Park.
Patrick’s Cabin’s replica was constructed in 1986, using building techniques of 1830, including hauling logs to site with a horse team.
MAY
DPPD saddened by loss of chief
The Deer Park Police Department was struck with tragedy on Sunday as they learned that Chief of Police Bill Young had passed away from a medical condition at Bayshore Hospital that morning at the age of 60.
“The police department is very sad today (Monday) and there are a lot of tears over the loss of Bill Young,” said Ken Findley, acting chief of police. “He was a wonderful chief and a good friend to many people that worked here.”
Along with the police department, the City of Deer Park was saddened to hear of Young’s sudden passing.
“We (the city) are very saddened by the loss of Chief Bill Young,” said Deer Park City Manager Ron Crabtree. “He was a very strong leader not only in the police department, but within the community.”
Shell donates to Project Stars
Members of the Economic Alliance-Houston Port Region along with dignitaries from area communities came together on Wednesday afternoon to recognize a local chemical company for making a generous contribution to the San Jacinto Texas Historic District and the Economic Alliance Project Stars Master Plan.
Shell Deer Park donated half-million dollars to this program that came up about four years ago.
Lawler went on to say that the money Shell donated is going to used for three murals that are going to be placed along Highway 225.
Part of this money will be used for a marketing video which be used as a documentary for this region to show the process of this project.
Project Stars is being considered a museum without walls that belongs to everyone in the southeast Texas region because they all play a role.
JUNE
Class of 2008 says goodbye to DPHS
Eight hundred and thirty-one seniors from Deer Park High School walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas.
Something that was different this year was that there were two valedictorians for the class of 2008 with a grade point average of 5.63.
The two valedictorians were Derek Schnitzer and Rachel Sparks.
School board OKs Adair’s Contract
The Board of Trustees of Deer Park Independent School District approved Superintendent Arnold Adair’s employment contract on Monday.
The new contract, dated June 16, will expire June 30, 2013.
“I have the best job in the world,” said the superintendent who graduated from Deer Park High School in 1970, “This is where I want to be and where I grew up. I know as superintendent, there is probably not a better school district anywhere to work for. I couldn’t be happier.”
JULY
Police arrest two murder suspects
Police arrested Emanuel Hernandez, an 18-year-old La Porte resident, and another 16-year-old male as suspects of the homicide which occurred in the southeast edge of Deer Park.
According to a police report, Christopher Seabreak, a 20-year-old La Porte resident, was killed due to shot wounds to his chest. A few minutes before 6 p.m., multiple individuals made 911 calls informing police of a homicide in the 9700 block of Spencer Highway.
Detective Jason T. Meredith of the Deer Park Police Department said the suspects and Seabreak were acquaintances and the two were allegedly going to rob him at the scene, but it is “unknown” how the situation escalated to the point where somebody was killed.
Shell’s new digs
The Refinery Operations Control Center at Shell Deer Park, right behind the Shell’s new six story office building, still has some operating stations to be filled with different units of refining process. Russell Utsey, operations team leader of Shell Deer Park, said currently 25 operators are monitoring the refining process from the center and they are going to house up to about 50 operators in 2009.
Operation began in May in the 20,000-square-feet control center, which is one of the two new buildings Shell Deer Park has developed recently. The operators housed in the center with one-foot thick walls monitor the refining process through fiber optic cables.
AUGUST
City Council OKs Providence Town Square
The Deer Park City Council approved the final development plan for the Providence Town Square planned unit development. The project will create “a senior citizen community” with apartments and amenity center for people at age 55 and older and commercial establishments on about 14.5 acres of land east of Center Street and south of Pasadena Boulevard.
DPISD rating increases
The Texas Education Agency released the 2008 accountability ratings for Deer Park Independent School District.
DPISD, which received “academically acceptable” last year, achieved “recognized”— one rank higher rating— this year.
SEPTEMBER
Deer Park residents take steps to recovery
People started cleaning up their front yards and streets soon after the storm passed the area early Saturday morning. Some were gathering leaves and some were cutting fallen trees and limbs with chainsaws.
CenterPoint Energy estimates about 43 percent of its customers in zip code 77536 experiences power outage, as of Wednesday at 8 p.m. The estimate shows 5,136 customers in the zip code area are without power. A few hours after Hurricane Ike passed through the area, Saturday Sept. 13 at 11 a.m., more than 10,000 customers in the zip code area were out of power, the estimates show.
Cars line up at POD
Hundreds of people lined up for ice, water and meals Monday as the city recovers from the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, which hit the area from Friday night through Saturday morning. The line of cars stretched for about half a mile from the parking lot of Deer Park High School south campus, the distribution site, to Center Street at noon.
A handful of community volunteers and 30 members of Texas National Guard helped distribute ice, water and ready-to-eat meals in Deer Park, where many people still didn’t have power at their home.
OCTOBER
Deer Park cuts this year’s tax rate
The Deer Park City Council, on Monday, unanimously adopted 70.5 cents per $100 of value as this year's tax rate, reducing the rate by 1.5 cents from the last year's rate, 72 cents per $100 of value.
The city has levied ad valorem taxes at 70.5 cents per $100 of value for the last four years since 2004, when it raised the rate from 70 cents per $100 of value.
School district raises tax
The Deer Park Independent School District Board of Trustees approved to raise this year’s tax rate, by about 2 cents per $100 of value, to $1.3367 per $100 of value from the last year’s $1.31765 per $100 of value. The district kept the rate for maintenance and operation at $1.1067, but raised the rate for debt service to $0.23 from $0.21095 per $100 of value.
NOVEMBER
Deer Park to remap recreation facilities
People in Deer Park may see a drastic change in the map of outdoor recreation facilities in town in the future.
Some concepts indicate a new amphitheater or stage might replace baseball fields on the south side of the park, and that many other parts of the park would be relocated and reorganized.
The city, meantime, is planning to develop a youth sports complex on the 35-acre property at the northeast corner of East Boulevard and 13th Street, and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region is conducting a feasibility study for the city to bring a multi-field baseball complex on the site.
DPHS North program promotes tolerance
Hundreds of students who finished morning classes soon filled the cafeteria where tolerance-themed songs were playing, sat at tables decorated with different colors, and faced with friends and friends-to-be.
Last week, about two and half months after the beginning of the new school year, the high school north campus held the “Mix It Up at Lunch” to give new high school students a chance to meet new friends other than those from the same junior high schools.
DECEMEBER
City names Grigg as new police chief
Gregory “Greg” L. Grigg, deputy chief of police at Tyler (Texas) Police Department, has been named to be new chief at Deer Park Police Department.
Grigg will assume his duty in Jan. 5. The Deer Park City Council unanimously approved the appointment made by City Manager Ronald V. Crabtree.
Snow surprise for Deer Park
Residents were surprised to see snow falling from the sky on the night of Dec. 10. About three inches fell that night. The last time the area had seen snow was in Dec. 2004. The young and old bundled up to go outside to build snowmen, have snowball fights and make snow angles on the ground.
What follows is a month-by-month recap of some of the few events in the Deer Park area.
JANUARY
Supporters honored by Wheelhouse
Representatives from The Wheelhouse presented plaques to four individuals for their help throughout the past year.
“Without your help, we wouldn’t be here today,” said Ralph Russo, a volunteer with The Wheelhouse. “It’s a small token of our appreciation to you for everything that you have done.”
Individuals that were recognized included David Slade of Pepsi Co. for donating soft drinks for the golf tournament, Les Ellard with his help at the motorcycle rally, Ryan Taylor of TNT Construction for his help with the concrete work for their storage building, and Melissa Harrison for help during board meetings and registration at the golf tournament.
The Wheelhouse started in 1952 and for 55 years has continued to get support from individuals in the area.
“We wanted to do something special because we appreciate their help,” said Russo. “Without their help, we would have to close our doors.”
Junior high accepts generous donation
Weeks after three unidentified individuals allegedly broke into Deepwater Junior High and stole approximately $4,000 worth of electronic equipment, an individual offered to donate projectors to the school.
Altogether, five data projectors were taken from the school in the early morning hours of Friday, Nov. 23, with four of them being brand new.
“It was a devastating time for us when this happened,” said DWJH Principal Stephen Harrell.
Shortly after the incident, League City banker Joe Lovell saw the report of the break-in on a local television station and felt the need to him the school out.
“The day after the news report I called the school to talk to the principal to tell him what I wanted to do,” he said.
Lovell has been in the financial services business for eight years and had purchased two projectors to do presentations.
“After accepting another position, the projectors were just sitting at home,” he said. “I began thinking that I may need them sometime in the future, but the kids at that school needed them right now.”
FEBRUARY
Local newlyweds take part in reality TV
One newlywed couple from Deer Park is going to be competing for money in ABCs newest reality TV show, “Here Come the Newlweds.”
Residents Barry and Toni Woodward, 51 and 45, are one of seven just-married couples who are vying for the nest egg that is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to help start their new lives together.
The couples are diverse, sexy and competitive, including such pairings as high school sweethearts, couples who fell in love at first sight, an arranged marriage, an interracial couple and two divorcees who are hoping the fourth time is the charm.
The Woodward’s are the divorcees of the group that are now in their seventh marriage, combined.
“He has been married three times, I have been married three times and ours together makes the seventh marriage ceremony between the two of us,” she said. “This is the one because he is my best friend.”
Just weeks after the show started, the Woodward’s were voted off of the show.
Teacher resigns after improper relationship with student
A Deer Park High School South Campus teacher resigned from her position on Feb. 11 for allegedly having an improper relationship with a student at the campus.
The situation, that involved 23-year-old Emily Kate Janes, was brought to the attention of officials in the Deer Park Independent School District then to Deer Park Police Department on Feb. 8.
“When campus administration received word that something inappropriate may have happened, they contacted the district administration and the beginnings of an investigation took place,” said Matt Lucas, DPISD Director of Communications.
Authorities determined upon an investigation that Janes, an 11th grade English teacher, was having an improper relationship with an 18-year-old male who was a senior at the time.
The investigation also revealed that the two met at the school, but the inappropriate portions of the allegation did not occur on school property.
Janes was charged with an improper relationship between educator and student, which is a 2nd degree felony, on Monday, Feb. 11 through the Harris County 232nd District Court.
Her bond was set at $30,000, which she posted prior to her arrest.
MARCH
A special gift for honorary member
Members of The Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department made a special visit to their honorary member to present him with a gift.
Nine-year-old Emilio Flores, who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in May 2007, was surprised to see about 20 firefighters and EMS personnel entered his room.
DPVFD firefighter Keith Vasquez was chosen by Fire Chief Greg Bridges to present a firefighter helmet with a personalized shield to Flores.
Flores, with the help of firefighters and his father, proudly wore his helmet and even gave the thumbs up sign to the firefighters and EMS personnel along with telling them thank you.
“We wanted to do this for Emilio because after all he is an honorary member of our department,” said Bridges. “They were more than willing to do this because he is a special kid to them and this shows how big their hearts are.”
Battleground golf course continues to progress
Plenty of changes occurred in the past year at The Battleground Deer Park Golf Course because of the popularity it has received from members of the community and surrounding areas.
According to General Manager Louis Gantz, a major change at the golf course is that they have now obtained their mixed beverage license and implementing it.
Another significant change that occurred in the past year is the condition of the golf course that has improved tremendously.
A project that involved refurbishing all of the sand bunkers on the course was completed.
At the practice facility, which was originally designed and built with artificial mats to help it be open on wet days, the mats began to deteriorate over time.
“What we did was invested in artificial turf that is actually part of the teeing area, it’s not just a mat,” he said. “We are able to be open on days that normally we would have been closed.”
Additional projects that the golf course worked on included curbing around some of the tees and greens.
Golfers will soon have an easier task in finding a parking spot once the current parking lot is expanded.
“It was originally designed at some point to add parking area both on the north and south sides of the existing parking lot, so the time has come to go ahead and do that,” said Gantz.
Community mourns the loss of young child
Nine-year-old Emilio Flores was diagnosed with a brain stem tumor 10 months ago while he was a third-grader at San Jacinto Elementary.
The community came to know this young child as the one that wanted to become a firefighter when he grew up. A surprise visit from the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department came last July with them naming him an honorary member of the department.
He lost his battle on March 8 at his home in Deer Park with numerous family and friends along his bedside.
His family stated in his obituary, “He is no longer suffering; he is in peace and will rejoice in heaven and have everlasting happiness.”
Many who came in contact with Flores have many wonderful memories of him that they shared among one another and will never forget the sense of humor he had.
APRIL
Breast Cancer advocates honor McInnis
Another honor was given to Deer Park High School senior Palmer McInnis for his past contributions to The Rose, Houston’s leading non-profit breast cancer organization.
Yoplait yogurt and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure named McInnis, 18, as one of 25 individuals in their 2008 “Champions.” Each year, they honor them for their extraordinary efforts in the fight against breast cancer and that is what he did for The Rose.
“I was shocked when I found out that I was chosen, but I think it’s pretty incredible … it’s definitely a good feeling,” McInnis said. “I’m glad that I like Yoplait.”
The 2008 Champions represent 17 states and are made up of breast cancer patients, survivors and advocates as well as husbands, mother, daughters and friends of those affected by breast cancer. Each champion has a unique tie to the disease, but all share a passion for raising awareness and educating others about breast health.
McInnis is one of two Texans and four men on this year’s list.
For this honor, Yoplait will donate $1,000 to The Rose.
Patrick’s Cabin rededicated
As part of the Totally Texas Festival, the community came together to remember history as the rededication of Patrick’s Cabin took place.
The replica piece of history moved to its current location that was once the Deer Park Police Department last December.
Patrick’s Cabin made its original home behind the Deer Park Library for quite some time then was moved to Dow Park in 1991 near the gazebo.
This cabin belonged to Dr. George Moffitt Patrick and was located on Buffalo Bayou, where Rohm and Haas is located today, which is considered the City of Deer Park.
Patrick’s Cabin’s replica was constructed in 1986, using building techniques of 1830, including hauling logs to site with a horse team.
MAY
DPPD saddened by loss of chief
The Deer Park Police Department was struck with tragedy on Sunday as they learned that Chief of Police Bill Young had passed away from a medical condition at Bayshore Hospital that morning at the age of 60.
“The police department is very sad today (Monday) and there are a lot of tears over the loss of Bill Young,” said Ken Findley, acting chief of police. “He was a wonderful chief and a good friend to many people that worked here.”
Along with the police department, the City of Deer Park was saddened to hear of Young’s sudden passing.
“We (the city) are very saddened by the loss of Chief Bill Young,” said Deer Park City Manager Ron Crabtree. “He was a very strong leader not only in the police department, but within the community.”
Shell donates to Project Stars
Members of the Economic Alliance-Houston Port Region along with dignitaries from area communities came together on Wednesday afternoon to recognize a local chemical company for making a generous contribution to the San Jacinto Texas Historic District and the Economic Alliance Project Stars Master Plan.
Shell Deer Park donated half-million dollars to this program that came up about four years ago.
Lawler went on to say that the money Shell donated is going to used for three murals that are going to be placed along Highway 225.
Part of this money will be used for a marketing video which be used as a documentary for this region to show the process of this project.
Project Stars is being considered a museum without walls that belongs to everyone in the southeast Texas region because they all play a role.
JUNE
Class of 2008 says goodbye to DPHS
Eight hundred and thirty-one seniors from Deer Park High School walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas.
Something that was different this year was that there were two valedictorians for the class of 2008 with a grade point average of 5.63.
The two valedictorians were Derek Schnitzer and Rachel Sparks.
School board OKs Adair’s Contract
The Board of Trustees of Deer Park Independent School District approved Superintendent Arnold Adair’s employment contract on Monday.
The new contract, dated June 16, will expire June 30, 2013.
“I have the best job in the world,” said the superintendent who graduated from Deer Park High School in 1970, “This is where I want to be and where I grew up. I know as superintendent, there is probably not a better school district anywhere to work for. I couldn’t be happier.”
JULY
Police arrest two murder suspects
Police arrested Emanuel Hernandez, an 18-year-old La Porte resident, and another 16-year-old male as suspects of the homicide which occurred in the southeast edge of Deer Park.
According to a police report, Christopher Seabreak, a 20-year-old La Porte resident, was killed due to shot wounds to his chest. A few minutes before 6 p.m., multiple individuals made 911 calls informing police of a homicide in the 9700 block of Spencer Highway.
Detective Jason T. Meredith of the Deer Park Police Department said the suspects and Seabreak were acquaintances and the two were allegedly going to rob him at the scene, but it is “unknown” how the situation escalated to the point where somebody was killed.
Shell’s new digs
The Refinery Operations Control Center at Shell Deer Park, right behind the Shell’s new six story office building, still has some operating stations to be filled with different units of refining process. Russell Utsey, operations team leader of Shell Deer Park, said currently 25 operators are monitoring the refining process from the center and they are going to house up to about 50 operators in 2009.
Operation began in May in the 20,000-square-feet control center, which is one of the two new buildings Shell Deer Park has developed recently. The operators housed in the center with one-foot thick walls monitor the refining process through fiber optic cables.
AUGUST
City Council OKs Providence Town Square
The Deer Park City Council approved the final development plan for the Providence Town Square planned unit development. The project will create “a senior citizen community” with apartments and amenity center for people at age 55 and older and commercial establishments on about 14.5 acres of land east of Center Street and south of Pasadena Boulevard.
DPISD rating increases
The Texas Education Agency released the 2008 accountability ratings for Deer Park Independent School District.
DPISD, which received “academically acceptable” last year, achieved “recognized”— one rank higher rating— this year.
SEPTEMBER
Deer Park residents take steps to recovery
People started cleaning up their front yards and streets soon after the storm passed the area early Saturday morning. Some were gathering leaves and some were cutting fallen trees and limbs with chainsaws.
CenterPoint Energy estimates about 43 percent of its customers in zip code 77536 experiences power outage, as of Wednesday at 8 p.m. The estimate shows 5,136 customers in the zip code area are without power. A few hours after Hurricane Ike passed through the area, Saturday Sept. 13 at 11 a.m., more than 10,000 customers in the zip code area were out of power, the estimates show.
Cars line up at POD
Hundreds of people lined up for ice, water and meals Monday as the city recovers from the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, which hit the area from Friday night through Saturday morning. The line of cars stretched for about half a mile from the parking lot of Deer Park High School south campus, the distribution site, to Center Street at noon.
A handful of community volunteers and 30 members of Texas National Guard helped distribute ice, water and ready-to-eat meals in Deer Park, where many people still didn’t have power at their home.
OCTOBER
Deer Park cuts this year’s tax rate
The Deer Park City Council, on Monday, unanimously adopted 70.5 cents per $100 of value as this year's tax rate, reducing the rate by 1.5 cents from the last year's rate, 72 cents per $100 of value.
The city has levied ad valorem taxes at 70.5 cents per $100 of value for the last four years since 2004, when it raised the rate from 70 cents per $100 of value.
School district raises tax
The Deer Park Independent School District Board of Trustees approved to raise this year’s tax rate, by about 2 cents per $100 of value, to $1.3367 per $100 of value from the last year’s $1.31765 per $100 of value. The district kept the rate for maintenance and operation at $1.1067, but raised the rate for debt service to $0.23 from $0.21095 per $100 of value.
NOVEMBER
Deer Park to remap recreation facilities
People in Deer Park may see a drastic change in the map of outdoor recreation facilities in town in the future.
Some concepts indicate a new amphitheater or stage might replace baseball fields on the south side of the park, and that many other parts of the park would be relocated and reorganized.
The city, meantime, is planning to develop a youth sports complex on the 35-acre property at the northeast corner of East Boulevard and 13th Street, and the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region is conducting a feasibility study for the city to bring a multi-field baseball complex on the site.
DPHS North program promotes tolerance
Hundreds of students who finished morning classes soon filled the cafeteria where tolerance-themed songs were playing, sat at tables decorated with different colors, and faced with friends and friends-to-be.
Last week, about two and half months after the beginning of the new school year, the high school north campus held the “Mix It Up at Lunch” to give new high school students a chance to meet new friends other than those from the same junior high schools.
DECEMEBER
City names Grigg as new police chief
Gregory “Greg” L. Grigg, deputy chief of police at Tyler (Texas) Police Department, has been named to be new chief at Deer Park Police Department.
Grigg will assume his duty in Jan. 5. The Deer Park City Council unanimously approved the appointment made by City Manager Ronald V. Crabtree.
Snow surprise for Deer Park
Residents were surprised to see snow falling from the sky on the night of Dec. 10. About three inches fell that night. The last time the area had seen snow was in Dec. 2004. The young and old bundled up to go outside to build snowmen, have snowball fights and make snow angles on the ground.
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