The 09-23-23 Edition of The Heights Leader

Your neighborhood living room in The Heights 1030 Heights Blvd, Houston,TX 77008 713-434-6923

Woman arrested in fatal area shooting

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A woman has been arrested and accused of fatally shooting another woman earlier this year in response to an alleged dispute over a man, according to the Houston Police Department.

Lakiri Tolliver, 25, has been charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 29-year-old Laurielle Faulk, according to Harris County court records. She was already in custody on charges of tampering with evidence and burglary of a habitation related to allegedly breaking into Faulk’s apartment and allegedly tampering with her phone, according to court records and documents, and remained in jail as of Tuesday with her total bond set at $110,000 for all three charges.

Police said that initial investigation identified an unknown man as a suspect in the shooting. However, detectives interviewed him and released

with no charges filed, according to the department. Murder charges were filed against Tolliver related to the shooting on Sept. 12, according to court documents, though she was already in custody.

Police said officers initially responded to an apartment in the 7600 block of Hammerly Boulevard around 5:50 p.m. on June 27 in response to a shooting call to find Faulk having been shot in the head with a 9 mm gun, according to court documents. Paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene, according to the department.

Court documents say a friend of Faulk’s came to police on June 28 saying that Faulk and Tolliver dropped him off at work with his car, as he said Faulk’s had been involved in a crash. After texting with Faulk around 4:30

Ready to respond

Get your barrels A local member is holding their annual rain barrel sale for community members. See how you can get yours inside today

On the rise For the first time in months, local monthly home sales were booming last month. See our monthly market roundup for more on how your neighborhood fared

City moving forward with Shady

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Eat it up Urban Eats will host an art show this weekend with the artist whose art adorns the walls. Check out Mitch Cohen’s Art Valet for the scoop

All around Houston, residents have felt the impacts of a numerous major flooding events over the last several years – including residents in the Heights, Garden Oaks, and Oak Forest. But the city of Houston is now moving forward with a flood mitigation project aimed at helping a Heights-area neighborhood surrounded by waterways have a chance to withstand it.

On Sept, 14, District C councilmember Abbie Kamin joined other city of Houston officials in announcing the beginning of a project in Shady Acres along Turkey Gully and White Oak Bayou. Officials say design is slated to begin in 2024 and construction set to start in 2025.

Cool cocktails See which spots are planning specials for a national cocktail celebration, and more in this week’s Nibbles and Sips

“I represent some of the neighborhoods hardest hit by repetitive flooding in the entire state,” Kamin said. “And when I came into office, I came in with a commitment to protecting as many homes as possible from future storms.”

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

As a local civic association looks to add to its board of directors, it is also in the process of welcoming its newest one as it seeks continued advocacy for its neighborhood. The Woodland Heights Civic Association recently announced

The project itself will involve the construction of new stonewater lines to divert water from Turkey Gully to White Oak Bayou and an underground stormwater detention basin. Water is now going to be diverted from several streets to Bevis Street, according to Kamin, and Bevis Street will receive a “major facelift” as it moves water directly to White Oak Bayou. There is also going to be an opportunity for safer traffic mitigation along 20th Street and new sidewalks and a roundabout that also addresses safety concerns, according to Kamin.

Turkey Gully runs right through the Shady Acres neighborhood, and the community is also situated between Little Thicket Bayou and White Oak Bayou. And officials say that when any flood event hits – especially major one such as Hurricane Ike in 2008, the Memorial Day Flood in 2015, Tax Day Flood in 2016, and Hurricane Harvey in 2017 – the area is more vulnerable than many due to where it is located.

“Flooding is not only an inconvenience, but also a disruption,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said Sept. 14. “It

Brian Edmondson as the association’s director of infrastructure, and is also looking for a new board president as well as a new director of communications.

can displace families, damage homes, and (more)…. Long after the water recedes (from) residential (areas) and businesses, the impact on them remains. So today is a good day.”

So efforts are now being made to help the residents of the community be able to withstand the effects of 10-year flood events. The $15.4 million project will remove and protect about 240 homes and businesses in the community from a 10-year storm event risk, according to officials.

Because Turkey Gully itself has limited capacity and how close homes have built up onto the gulley, it cannot be expanded or deepened, according to Kamin. So, multiple departments within the city set out a few years ago to find a way to mitigate the flood impact as much as possible while still keeping the neighborhood amenity in its natural state.

With such a project, Houston Public Works director and Timbergrove resident Carol Haddock said the project will provide the best of both

p.m. on June 27, court documents said he then could not get a hold of Faulk the next day before learning of her shooting and that his car was missing. As the friend was talking to detectives, court documents say he was receiving texts from Tolliver allegedly using Faulk’s phones. In the texts, court documents say the man told police Tolliver allegedly claimed that Faulk had been shot by a man known only as “Twin.”

Multiple family members told police they believed Tolliver was allegedly involved in Faulk’s death, according to court documents, and court documents say a witness told police Tolliver allegedly found texts between Faulk and “Twin” and allegedly killed Faulk because she allegedly believed the two were talking behind her back.

County judge Hidalgo returning to work Oct. 2

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is set to return to official work duties early next month after taking several months to receive inpatient mental health treatment and rehabilitation for depression, according to a statement from her office late last week.

According to the statement, Hidalgo is set to return to work as county judge on Oct. 2. She has taken a leave of absence from to receive inpatient treatment and rehabilitation at an out-of-state facility since August. She was released to outpatient treatment last Saturday, according to the statement.

“Thank you to my colleagues, family, and the Harris County community for the outpouring of support that I received after I announced I was seeking inpatient mental health treatment for depression,” Hidalgo said in a statement posted to her Twitter account Sept. 14. “I have been deeply touched by the messages that I have received, not only from Harris County residents but from across the country.

Hidalgo said in the statement that she initially intended to resume her regular schedule and duties as county judge this month, but had her discharge rate moved back to last week – thus pushing back her re-acclimatization process, according to the statement.

“The way my doctors explained re-

See HIDALGO P. 5

calling for volunteers

According to an email from the WHCA, Edmonson is a professional engineer who has expertise in flood mitigation planning and design in the greater Houston region that he hopes to bring even closer to home as well as experience in infrastructure design and community outreach.

Edmonson has experience in regional planning which includes

nearly a decade working on planning initiatives for the Har-

County Flood Control Dis -

according to the WHCA, as well as managing neighborhood drainage projects for the city of Houston. He and his family have called Woodland Heights for nearly nine years, with his two

See Volunteer P. 5

Photo from Twitter Lina Hidalgo

Lakiri Tolliver

Photo/screenshot courtesy HTV Facebook Houston District C council member Abbie Kamin speaks during last Thursday’s press conference introducing a flood mitigation plan for the Shady Acres neighborhood. Plans call for construction slated to begin in 2025.

Local council member holding annual rain barrel sale

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A local Houston city council member is hosting an annual rain barrel pickup early next month, and registration is open for community members to get theirs.

On Oct. 7, the office of District C council member Abbie Kamin – whose district includes much of the Greater Heights – will host its annual rain barrel sale and pickup at 9000 S. Rice. Ave. in District C, according to a news release from Kamin’s office. In order to register to re-

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO District C council member Abbie Kamin’s annual rain barrel sale is happening on Oct. 7.

ceive a rain barrel, community members must live in District C and be able to pick up their rain barrel during a pre-registered time slot that can be selected during online registration for

the event at docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_5Fh Ed3FutsGvLOEKDoHdB4ez cjlSsYnUvWxsfq9pBh90Yg/ viewform. The barrels, which will come at a discounted rate

of $10 for the 200 registrants, holds up to 50 gallons of rainwater according to the release. Made from recycled material, they come with instructions for easy set-up and use, according to the office, and barrels are limited to one per household.

“When it comes to water conservation and flood mitigation, we all have a part to play,” Kamin’s office said in the release. “Harvesting rainwater will not only help you in this effort, but also reduce your water bill if you use your collected rainwater for your lawn and garden.”

Police seek person of interest in Acres Homes shooting

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

pital, according to the department. No charges have been filed, according to the police department.

Police said Banks was driving with a passenger, the 41-yearold man, eastbound at 2800

fering from multiple gunshot wounds inside the crashed vehicle following the shooting, according to the department.

Dominique Menefee, 30, is wanted for questioning in connection with a shooting that killed 34-year-old Sherniqua Banks and put a 41-year-old man – who is expected to survive his injuries – in the hos-

W. Gulf Bank Rd. in the Acres Homes area around 2:45 a.m. on Sept.7 when another car traveling the same direction began to shoot at their car. The suspects’ car then had a blowout after hitting a curb, according to the department, before allegedly fleeing the scene. Two people were detained, questioned and released a short time without charges filed at

Dominique Menefee

this time, according to the department. It was believed a third individual, the shooter, allegedly fled on foot prior to officers’ arrival, according to HPD. Responding officers came upon Banks and the man suf-

Banks was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police, while the man was taken to a hospital. Banks’ son was in the backseat of the car, according to police, but was uninjured.

Anyone with information about Dominique Menefee’s potential whereabouts or in the shooting is urged to reach out to HPD’s Homicide division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously with Houston Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477 (TIPS).

Man found dead in Northside trailer after fire

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

Authorities say they are looking into the death of a man found after a trailer fire in the Northside area early Tuesday, and are awaiting autopsy results according to the Houston Police Department.

The identity of the victim, believed to be a 67-year-old man according to HPD, is

according to the department. Patrol officers responded to a trailer at 5711 Yale St. in the Northside area just before 3 a.m. Tuesday, according to police, after Houston Fire Department emergency personnel discovered an unresponsive man inside the trailer while extinguishing a fire. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, according to the police department,

fire department. According to the fire department, more than 30 HFD personnel from stations 31, 34, 15, 58, 67 and 30 responded to the mobile home at the aforementioned address on Yale Street to find a porch on the side of a small mobile travel trailer completely involved and on fire. Crews made an offensive attack on the fire which blocked the only egress

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ducting a primary search and discovering the man and dog inside the trailer.

HFD’s Arson Bureau is looking into the cause of the fire, according to the fire department, and the police investigation is pending the results of the autopsy and cause of death, according to the police department.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to

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THIS NEWSPAPER – The Fightin’ Wombats almost won, and I know why. There’s a new Serbian restaurant open ing soon. Looks inviting. It seems the annual Gar Fry & Hog Chitlins Festival has been postponed because a warn ing by the health department after last year’s food fatalities. The fact that at this very mo ment you are reading these words puts you in a unique and dwindling group of Amer icans: newspaper readers. We all know that the number of newspapers is shrinking, but you may not know that help could be on the way.

First, let’s set the stage. Some 2,500 newspapers have shut down since 2005 -- and more continue to close. Many survivors have cut their staffs to mere shadows of their former strengths. In 2020 alone, a third of large newspapers in the U.S. had layoffs. In 2008, there were about 114,000 total newsroom employees – reporters, editors, photographers and videographers – in five industries that produce news: newspaper, radio, broadcast television, cable and “other information services” (digital news). By 2020, that number

Research Center analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. An exception to this hemorrhaging of readers is that newspaper conservatives love to hate (although they never read it), The New York Times, with a growing number of readers (740,000 paid print subscribers, and 8.6 million paid digital subscribers).

The reasons for the death of many newspapers is that ad revenue has been siphoned off by social media. As with many other businesses (think restaurants), Covid-19 hurt newspaper ads. No one was going out so stores and theaters and such stopped advertising. And

young people turned to other avenues of getting their information, not that many of them cared about the news anyway.

Newspapers were in a decline before all of this. Here in Texas we had lost the Dallas Times-Herald and The Housalong with papers in Austin and San Antonio to mention a few. I can’t think of any Texas city that still has two papers. But particularly hit hard are the country weeklies, or bi-weeklies. In small towns, these were for years mom-and-pop operations, often literally. They cranked out the Bypass Bugle and were fixtures in the community. But Mom and Pop were getting on in years and wanted to retire, turn over the operation to their kids. But Muffin and Skip had finished college and didn’t want to return to Bypass. They had jobs in Dallas or Houston. The readership in small towns is also shrinking. While the population of Texas is booming – we are adding 1,000 new Texans a day, about a third are new-borns the other two thirds moved here. But small town Texas is losing population. Nobody moves to Pampa (down 6.5 percent). According

to the 2020 U.S. Census, more than half of Texas’ counties lost population since the previous census, some down 10 percent. With fewer readers and nobody to take over the news biz, the Bypass Bugle is folding. This led to what experts who keep tabs of such matters call a “news desert.” It’s pretty bad and getting worse. More than 20 percent of Americans now live in news deserts, which are defined as areas that have little or no independent news sources on local issues, or communities that are on the verge of becoming one. No nosey reporters show up at county commissioners meetings to ask embarrassing questions. City councils and school boards can hire and fire the police chief or the school superintendent and no one else knows why. Digital news outlets and nonprofit newsrooms have sprung up across the U.S., but not in numbers large enough to fill the gap. The Texas Tribune is one of the biggest nonprofit newsrooms in the country but it recently had its first layoffs in its 14-year history. Almost all of these online or digitals are in large cit-

ies. None cover the Lions Club meetings. Fortunately, some parts of large cities or suburbs have local papers, like The Leader, which covers stories The Houston Chronicle doesn’t.

Coming to the rescue could be the feds. After all, the U.S. Treasury has bailed out banks, cruise lines, untold companies and, of course there are the college students who have racked up $1.77 trillion in student loans which, if President Joe Biden has his way, they can stiff the rest of us. No, we don’t want our federal government underwriting the press. Who would decide which publications get how much? The administration doesn’t like a paper’s editorials or endorsements? Turn off the spigot. Government funds being doled out to the Fourth Estate would be a scandal waiting to happen.

Perhaps coming to the rescue are philanthropists, those rich folks who like to give millions to colleges, museums and symphony halls to see their names on them. In the past, many major philanthropic groups have helped struggling local newsrooms. Now they are joining forces. More than

20 such organizations have announced plans to invest $500 million over the next five years in local media organizations. The plan, called Press Forward, is headed by the MacArthur Foundation and other organizations including the Knight Foundation, the Ford Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation of New York. The goal is to eventually raise and invest $1 billion.

But would there be pursestrings attached? Would, say, Ford not like to read about its new driverless cars smashing into a school bus? A good question, but we can look at the Public Broadcasting Service, or PBS as we folks what got couth call it. That nonprofit regularly receives funds from various foundations and is neutral in its news reports despite what the likes of Ted Cruz say. Incidentally, KUHT at the University of Houston was the first PBS station in the nation.

So hang in there, Mon and Pop. The Bypass Bugle may still report on the Fightin’ Wombats. Ashby subscribes at ashby2@ comcast.net

Homes sales rising again in area neighborhoods

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

For much of the last couple of years, it’s been much the same story of seeing yearover-year monthly home sales dip for many of the neighborhoods in The Leader’s coverage area. But that trend began to change with several upticks in July, and that continued into August with many local neighborhoods seeing rises according to the most recent report from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR).

Out of six zip codes covered by The Leader, four of them experienced year-overyear August home sales increases ranging from 25 percent up to nearly a 55 percent spike. Meanwhile, two local zip codes (77007, 77008) continued to see lagging sales numbers.

Pricing was bit of mixed bag when it came to yearover-year August pricing, with average prices mostly rising across the board, while several zip codes saw median prices stay largely static according to data from HAR. People are also paying more money for a home so far this year in all

areas year-to-date compared to the same point in 2022, according to HAR.

77018

In the area including much of Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Central Northwest, and more, there were 70 homes that came off the market in the area last month – good for a 32.1 percent increase over the 53 sales during the same month last year. On a yearto-date basis, however, the area is still lagging behind its 2022 sales pace, with its 453 sales down 16.4 percent from 542 sales at the same point in 2022.

Pricing-wise, the August average sales price jumped 10.9 percent to $650,018, while the median price was largely stagnant at $495,950 (compared to $496,000 last August). Yearto-date, the average home has been 10.4 percent more expensive ($664,309), while median home price is up 7.5 percent (to $515,000) compared to the same point in 2022.

77092

Just to the west, this zip code was one of the four areas to see year-over-year August increases. HAR data says there

were 33 sales here last month, up 37.5 percent from the 24 homes sold in the area in August 2022. However, the 143 home sales in the area so far this year is down 36.7 percent from the 226 sales through the same period last year.

The average buyer spent $377,502 on a home here last month, an 11.8 percent jump from the $337,565 mark in August 2022, while August’s median price went up 19 percent to $357,000 according to HAR. Year-to-date average home price for this zip code is up 6 percent (to $359,609) through the end of August, and median home price has risen 13.2 percent to $365,000.

77091

On the northernmost edge of The Leader’s coverage area, these neighborhoods experienced the largest year-overyear August percentage increase among local zip codes. The 34 houses sold represents a 54.5 percent increase compared to 22 sales in the area during August 2022. For the year, the area’s 278 sales are 20.9 percent ahead of last year’s pace (230 at the same point) – the only local zip code to be ahead of its 2022 pace.

On the pricing front, this was one of only two zip codes to see its August average prices drop year-over-year, with the price dipping 1 percent down to $332,592. Meanwhile, year-over-year August median price was down 1.2 percent to $345,810 – the only zip code to see such a drop. Year-to-date, however, the average buyer is still paying 6.3 percent more ($340,829) through the end of the month while median price is up 9.3 percent to $349,950.

77008

Down in the Greater Heights, home sales continued to fall, with it being one of just two areas to see a yearover-year August drop. There were 76 home sales here last month, down 15.6 percent from the 90 sold in August 2022. On a year-to-date basis, the 583 sales so far this year represents a 25 percent downturn from 777 sold last August. Average August home prices jumped 18.6 percent yearover-year up to $692,924, while August median home price was up 16.4 percent to $599,500 by month’s end. The average buyer is spending 2.7 percent more so far on aver-

age ($691,625), while yearto-date median home price is up 9.4 percent to $619,000 through the end of August.

77009

On the eastern edge of the Heights and Northside/ Northline, there were 50 homes sold here last month – a 25 percent increase over the 40 homes sold during the same month last year. Year-todate, however, the 326 sales so far this year is down 21.6 percent from 416 houses sold in August 2022.

Pricing-wise, the year-overyear August home price was up 10 percent to $632,198 while median August home prices rose moderately (1.6 percent) up to $548,750 by the end of the month. On a yearto-date basis, average buyers are paying 5.2 percent more ($603,504) and the median price through the end of the month has seen an identical 5.2 percent jump to $505,000.

77007

In the southernmost portion of The Leader’s area, the Washington Avenue and Rice Military area saw the largest August year-over-year sales dip, with its 49 sales representing a 22.2 percent downturn compared to August 2022. The area is also the furthest behind its 2022 pace according to HAR, with 389 homes sold so far this year (down 39.5 percent) compared to 643 sales in the same period last year. This area also saw the biggest percentage year-overyear drop in August average home price, which was down 9.3 percent to $681,069 compared to last August, while median home price here rose 4.5 percent to $585,000 yearover-year. The year-to-date average home price has risen 9.8 percent ($713,181) through the end of August, and the median price (585,000) is up 10.2 percent compared to the same point last year.

to think about the Through tornadoes, more, Farmers has been people start rebuilding to think about all the at Farmers, that’s what last 80 years. Michelle

Photo from HAR website

Sales of homes like this one currently available in the 77009 zip code were on the rise last month for many local zip codes.

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FLOODING, from P. 1

worlds for the community –a response to concerns and needs of the area, while simultaneously keeping its neighborhood amenity intact.

“It’s going to allow us to upgrade neighborhood drainage, it’s going to allow us to improve some of the roadways over here,” she said. “It’s really going to create more than just flooding reduction – it’s actually going to create significant investment in the community.”

Such projects are necessary, she said, because a city like Houston – with so many waterways – will always be prone to the impacts of flooding. Especially, officials say,

acclimatization to me is that you would not go from heart surgery straight to running a marathon, in the same way they do not want me to go straight back to my usual schedule,” she said. “I am feeling great and looking forward to returning to work… Thanks to the incredible medical team that has cared for me over the last several weeks, I feel so much stronger than I have ever been.”

In Hidalgo’s absence, Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis – whose precinct includes parts of the Greater Heights, Garden Oaks, and Oak Forest – has been temporarily taking over her duties as head of the Harris County Commissioners’ Court.

Ellis said that he has been “completely struck” by the support offered to Hidalgo over the last several months as she sought treatment, and said he is dedicated to continuing to serve the residents of Harris County until Hidalgo is ready to return. Meanwhile,

with the continued development in the city.

“Sometimes (the waterways) become our neighborhood annoyances, and worse our disruptors and impactors,” Haddock said. “So this is one of those opportunities where we can keep that neighborhood amenity, and we can build this wonderful project that will keep the amenity and address the impacts.”

Turner echoed the sentiment.

“Coordinated efforts such as this are critical to combatting flood risk for areas throughout our community, especially for the residents around Turkey

Hidalgo’s chief of staff will continue to handle day-to-day operations.

“I want to assure Harris County residents that everything will continue to run smoothly,” Ellis said in a statement. “Judge Hidalgo has maintained open lines of communication with her staff, and our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) remains fully prepared to respond to any potential incidents. I will continue to preside over official proceedings, including Commissioners Court. I look forward to having Judge Hidalgo back stronger than ever.”

That support has come from leaders all around the county and city, including Mayor Sylvester Turner. When she took her leave of absence in August, she said she was one of over 21 million American adults suffering from clinical depression. And local leaders have rallied around her.

“Sometimes, the act of simply asking for help can be the hardest part along the road of

Gully,” he said. “The development is not stopping…. It is critically important, if the city is going to allow this occur, that the infrastructure catches up with the development and get ahead of it. This is a step in a positive direction.”

All along, Kamin said her goal while in office has been to protect the residents of her district and the city of Houston. And last week’s announcement, she said, is undoubtedly a step forward in helping to do just that.

“Our residents have been at the heart of all of this,” she said. “…. The flooding has a face, and that’s the face of our residents.”

healing. I applauded Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo when she spoke openly about her need for treatment for depression, and I look forward to welcoming her back in October when she returns to her duties,” Turner said. “…. Leaders understand that public statements on issues echo widely in the public – especially in stigmatizing matters like getting access to mental health treatment.”

Hidalgo said she is raring and ready to go and get back to leading the county, where she has been serving as the elected leader of the state’s largest county since defeating incumbent Ed Emmett in 2018. But she said she also wants to be sure that she is in the best state in which to govern.

Soon, though, she will be back.

“I am grateful for your continued support,” she said. “I look forward to sharing more about my experience, and most of all I am eager to return to the community and the job that I love.”

Your community connection.

VOLUNTEER, from P. 1

“The Woodland Heights community is bordered on multiple sides by bayous, serving essential functions in drainage, recreation, and the environment,” the email said. “Brian is committed to safeguarding and enhancing these other vital aspects of our neighborhood.”

Additionally, the WHCA is also looking for a new board president and director of communications, according to the email. If community members are interested in volunteering for one of the open positions, they can contact the Woodland Heights Civic Association at president@ woodland-heights.org.

“This is your chance

to actively influence the quality of life in Woodland Heights. The open positions are not just roles, they’re platforms for change and opportunities to bring your unique ideas to life,” the email reads. “Your skills and enthusiasm can make a tangible difference. Please consider volunteering for one of the open board positions and be a part of shaping our community’s future.”

Answers found in this week’s

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SPORTS.

HS Football roundup: Unbeaten St. Thomas surging to top of TAPPS

St. Thomas High School head football coach Rich McGuire said before the season that his team was hungry to get back to the top of the Texas private school football world, and had their eyes set on a title. And so far this season, the Eagles are looking every bit of the Texas team to beat in TAPPS Division I. The Eagles came away with another win last week, taking down Austin Regents 51-41 to improve to 3-0 on the season. What’s more, the game was their first this season as Dave Campbell Texas Football’s top-ranked private school in Texas – and the Eagles did not disappoint last week.

It was an offensive barrage for the Eagles against Austin Regents, with St. Thomas racking up 640 yards of total

LAndAn KuhLmAnn Editor

offense in the contest. Quarterback Donte Lewis accounted for 444 total yards (294 passing, 150 rushing) and four touchdowns, while Vanderbilt University commit running back Johann Cardenas rushed for 178 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries. Cardenas also added eight catches for 124 yards out of the backfield, while Luke Edgecomb (87 yards) and Blaize Coving-

Say a Prayer Today!

ton each snared a touchdown.

Tyler Day had nine tackles and two pass deflections to pace the Eagles’ defensive effort, while Blake Coogan had an interception and two additional pass deflections of his own and Gunter Blencke picked up a sack among his two tackles for loss.

Elsewhere in the private school ranks, St. Pius X won its second straight game with a 27-13 win over La Marque last week to improve to 2-2 overall on the season. Quarterback Braxton Bies threw for a season-high 212 yards and two touchdowns without an interception, while Joshua Mitchell rushed for 116 yards on 21 carries. Kameron Brown and Alex Yearwood flexed their muscles on both sides of the ball with a touchdown

catch and interception apiece, while Samuel Williams led the defense with 10 tackles.

Public schools

Three of the area’s public schools were idle last week, with the lone public school to play being the Heights Bulldogs in their 33-20 loss to Clear Falls in their last non-district contest. Quarterback Reggie McNeal Jr. threw for 202 yards and two touchdowns in the game for the Bulldogs, with a touchdown toss apiece to both Nick Brown (93 receiving yards) and Zaylen Cormier.

Caleb Warmsley and Dylan Ray racked up 12 tackles apiece to lead the Bulldogs, while Jaylon Bihms had two TFL among his nine tackles and Jordan Clavelle had six

This week’s schedule

Thursday Scarborough vs. Worthing, 7 p.m., Cowart Stadium

Friday St. Thomas vs. Plano John Paul II, 7 p.m., St. Thomas High School

St. Pius X vs. Bishop Dunne, 7:30 p.m., St. Pius X High School Heights at Lamar, 7 p.m., Delmar Stadium

Saturday Waltrip vs. Northside, 6 p.m., Cowart Stadium

Booker T. Washington at Kashmere, 6 p.m., Delmar Stadium

Last week’s scores

St. Thomas 51, Austin Regents 41 St. Pius X 27, La Marque 13 Clear Falls 33, Heights 20

tackles including a sack.

Booker T. Washington and Scarborough kick off district play this week following a bye

week, while Waltrip will look to stay unbeaten in their early district schedule in their return to action.

Saturday is a special day in the world of Miss Carolyn Bertrand Hodges. An artist reception will be held in Hodges’ honor, as the current featured artist at Urban Eats bistro, bar and market.

The public reception, hosted by Urban Eats, 3414 Washington Ave., will be held from 3-5 p.m. Light bites will be served and the artist will be available to answer questions about her work, all of which is for sale.

Hodges’ artwork has adorned the walls of the two story restaurant since the beginning of August and will remain on view through Oct. 31.

What makes Hodges a little different than her contemporaries, is that when she was beginning to explore art and its many mediums, most of their grandparents weren’t born yet. Hodges was born in the late 1920s. Her art is not what one might expect of a nonagenarian today.

I’ve included bits and pieces of Hodges art activities, quotes and other exhibits in my column over the years. I wrote the following about Hodges’ background in a 2019 Art Valet column.

Hodges was born in Houston, Texas (in the late 20’s) and knew from an early age that art was going to be the focus of her world. As a teenager, she studied art at The Museum of Fine

cohen Art

Arts Houston, under Robert C. Joy. Hodges told me Joy introduced her to modern art including the works of Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse and many others whose works were equally as instrumental in shaping modern art today but not as well known to the public.

Joy, she told me, ruined her for other teachers when she was younger. She had a hard time finding teachers that knew more than herself. She said Joy’s instruction was that thorough.

Following the MFAH, Bertrand studied at the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts with a grant from the Barnes Foundation.

A majority of Hodges’ work today is done in pen. In her artist statement for her latest works at Urban Eats, she said the following.

“In my art, I show a single image, free and independent, surrounded by space,” Hodges wrote. “In a dense city like Houston, it may seem strange to imagine the space around us, yet there is space everywhere!”

“We cannot define space for it is empty,” Hodges continued. “Nor, can we capture space within a single frame. A white mat and white frame around the image seem to ex-

Nibbles & Sips: Odd

By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com

A local Odd Fellows Lodge will be hosting an annual German-themed food and drink at the lodge this coming weekend, according to the organization.

This Saturday, Sept. 23, Odd Fellows Lodge 225 will host its Sausagefest events at the Heights Lodge, located at 115 E. 14th St. in the Heights, from noon-4 p.m. as the Lodge’s annual fundraiser to support its scholarship program

According to a notice from

the Odd Fellows, Saturday’s event will include lunch plates with options such as sausages, sauerkraut, German potato

salad and red cabbage for $15 as well as sausage on a stick that will cost $6. There will also be German-themed music, drinks, and camaraderie, according to the event page. The event is free to attend, and will take place rain or shine on Saturday, according to the organization.

For more information about the event, visit the event page at facebook.com/OddFellowsLodge225/. To find out more about Odd Fellow Lodge #225 in the Houston Heights, community members can visit the

tend a sense of space. A black frame may appear to condense and interrupt space! We are living in a space age. Might we, as artists, become like astronauts ... space explorers!”

Hodges has been a frequent visitor to the many museums, galleries and art studios in Houston. She has shown her work in recent years at Serrano Gallery for a solo exhibition and Samara Gallery. A prolific artist, Hodges recently self published a book reflecting on her various styles throughout her life with commentary.

When I mentioned this exhibit here in August, I also pointed out how absolutely amazing the food, desserts and market area are at Urban Eats.

Urban Eats owners Levi Rollins and Eric Munoz, have supported and showcased local artists

since the day they opened nine years ago next month.

Rollins told me in a phone call that he and Eric love supporting area artists so they can meet the public by hosting them in their restaurant. As an arts advocate and artist myself, I can tell you they do it right. Artists are featured on the website, can sell their work and a reception is held for the artist and their guests. Nine years in a row, three months per artist, that is incredible generosity.

Rollins also said they have collected one piece of art from every artist. I know their home must be overflowing with art, but I’m sure there’s room for one by Carolyn Bertrand Hodges, their biggest fan.

On a personal note I’d like

to thank Michael Vollmer and Lisa Morales (both artists) for helping with the installation. A big huge shoutout to David Behrman (also an artist) for keeping up with the art and Ms. Hodges busy schedule. Finally thank you to the gentlemen of HFD Station 6, you guys are amazing.

More details about the art, menu and Urban Eats can be found on their website; https://feasturbaneats.com/. Ms. Hodges, http://www. carolynbertrandhodges.art/.

Cohen is an artist and founder of the First Saturday Arts Market and The Market at Sawyer Yards. Find him at ArtValet.com for additional highlights and artist’s stories.

organization’s website at houstonheightslodge225.com.

Local cocktail spots

celebrating Negroni Week

As part of national Negroni Week Sept. 18-24, a local cocktail spot is among those that is celebrating the occasion while supporting a nationwide nonprofit’s mission to foster a more equitable and sustainable world of food and beverage.

Through Sunday, several spots are paying homage to the classic Negroni - made up of gin, sweet vermouth and

Campari – with special cocktails and more to help raise funds for Slow Food, USA. Slow Food is a nonprofit aiming “to create a world where all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it, and good for the planet,” according to the organization’s website.

Multiple bars and restaurants in Houston are participating with specialty drinks and a donation to the cause, including Bayou Heights Bier Garten (3905 Washington Ave.) and Heights Bier Garten

at 1433 N. Shepherd Dr. according to a news release. Heights Bier Garten will offer the classic Negroni, as well as Gone Fishin’ - Citadelle Gin, Campari, Lime, Orange Zest, Italian Black Cherry – and the “Ten Cent Pistol,” made up of Knob Creek Rye, Campari, Dolin Dry Vermouth, Peach, and Decanter Bitters through the end of the week, according to the news release. Meanwhile, Bayou Heights Biergarten hosted the official Negroni Week Kick-Off Party on Monday.

Contributed photo

Pen and Ink piece by Carolyn Bertrand Hodges, at Urban Eats

Photo by Cynthia Isakson Valentina Atkinson (L) Carolyn B. Hodges and Richard Hall at Serrano Gallery.

Photo by Josh Sapier

Shown is a Negroni cocktail at Bayou Heights Bier Garten, which recently hosted kickoff party for National Negroni Week.

Contributed photo

Carolyn Bertrand Hodges is the featured artist at Urban Eats.