Community briefs for Dec. 15

Contributed Reports
Posted 12/15/22

Community briefs for Dec. 15, 2022.

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Community briefs for Dec. 15

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Firehouse Magazine honors Katy Fire Station #2

Firehouse Magazine has honored Katy Fire Station #2, 25420 Bell Patna Dr., with a station design award.

The station is the city’s newest. It opened in 2019 and sits near Katy Mills Mall. The station is a three-bay, 13,000-square-foot building that cost $3.65 million to build.

“The exterior design of the station reflects the “small town” feel of Katy via features of Texas limestone, timber trusses and metal roofing,” the article, which appeared in the November issue, said. “The wood-frame station is designed to remain operational during hurricane-force conditions, so concealed coiling storm doors can be lowered during extreme weather events, which allow the station to remain fully operational.”

Two Katy-area Wreaths Across America ceremonies set for Saturday

For the first time in recent memory, the Katy area will host two Wreaths Across America ceremonies, which are set for Saturday.

The first ceremony is set for 10 a.m. at Katy Magnolia Cemetery, 6801 Franz Road. The second ceremony is set for 12 p.m. at the Katy Community Cemetery, at the intersection of FM 1463 and Stockdick Road.

The ceremonies remember and honor American veterans through the laying of wreaths on the graves of fallen service members, along with the act of saying aloud the name of each veteran.

American Legion Post 164 is organizing the first ceremony. The Star of Destiny-Daughters of the American Revolution is organizing the second ceremony.

Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office accepting applications for Citizens Police Academy

The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office is now accepting applications for the Citizens Police Academy for the spring of 2023. Online registration opened Dec. 9. The program will accept 35 qualified participants for the spring semester.

The 11-week program is free of charge and will be held at the Gus George Law Enforcement Academy, 1521 Eugene Heimann Circle, in Richmond.

The program consists of two-hour sessions held on consecutive Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The first session will begin on Jan. 26, and end April 13. There will be no class March 13-17 due to spring break.

The Citizens Police Academy is designed for members of the community seeking to learn about law enforcement as well as individuals who are considering a career in the field.

The focus of the program is to provide an overview of the criminal justice system and various functions of the sheriff’s office through classroom presentations and practical hands-on experience.

Participants will have an opportunity to tour the Sheriff’s Office, as well as learn about the inner workings of each division.

Qualified applicants must be 18 years of age and must not have a criminal arrest record. Persons interested in enrolling in the Citizens Police Academy may register online at the website fbctx.gov/citizens-police-academy.

Deadline to register is Jan. 9.

Fort Bend County Fair accepting scholarship applications

The Fort Bend County Fair is accepting applications for its scholarship program. Opportunities for earning a scholarship are open to a wide range of qualifying students, but one must apply. The fair will award recipients a $5,000 scholarship. All recipients must be a high school senior graduating in Spring 2023 from a recognized Fort Bend County private, public, or home-schooled program. Scholarship recipient selections are based on fair involvement, school activities, community involvement and academic achievement.

Since 1979, the Fort Bend County Fair has been giving back to the county’s youth through its scholarship program. Past recipients have represented kids who have participated in Fort Bend County Fair Livestock Shows, art programs, rodeo events, FCCLA, ag mechanics, or have been volunteers of the Fort Bend County Fair.

The deadline to submit a scholarship application is Jan. 26, 2023. In addition, three fair queen scholarships will be awarded.

“These scholarships are a great opportunity to help finance and continue your education,” Cindy Schmidt, fair manager, said. “We encourage students to submit their applications, and as an organization, we could not be prouder to offer this opportunity to them.”

For 2022, the fair generated over a million dollars that was awarded to the youth of Fort Bend County through scholarships and auctions.

For 2023, scholarship applicants must submit an essay, “How the Fort Bend County Fair Has Impacted my Life.” The 500-to-800-word essay is just one of several application requirements.

For more information, visit the website fortbendcountyfair.com or call the fair office at 281-342-6171.

Fort Bend County Fair elects 2023 fair president

The Fort Bend County Fair has elected Jennifer Williams as the 2023 fair president.

As a teenager, Williams decided to dedicate her time to the Fort Bend County Fair.

“I wholeheartedly support our mission and believe in providing for the education of the youth of Fort Bend County,” Williams said. “When I first volunteered at the age of 16, I knew I wanted to dedicate my time and support to this organization. Over the years, the people I have volunteered with have become family to me.”

In 2010, Williams was elected to the fair’s board and has overseen many committees. As fair president, Williams is committed to being more visible in the community and open to new ideas while continuing to provide great entertainment.

Jennifer is a lifelong resident of Fort Bend County and is a 22-year resident of Missouri City. She is the proud mother to two sons, Ryan, a recent Texas A&M graduate, and Sean, a senior at Clements High School.

“I’m ready to get everyone involved from all ends of the county,” Williams said. “I think I bring a unique perspective to the board, as I grew up on the west side of the Brazos, and I have made my home on the east side. Fort Bend County truly is my home. I have lived here my whole life and have watched it grow to what it is today.”

The 87th Annual Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo will run from Sept. 29-Oct. 8, 2023. For more information, visit the website fortbendcountyfair.com.

Student from Katy helps University of Arkansas poultry judging team at National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest

A Katy-area graduate now attending the University of Arkansas was part of a poultry judging team that recently competed in the 56th National Collegiate Poultry Judging Contest. The team placed second overall.

Kylie Roesler is one of four members of the Arkansas team, which is coached by Dennis Mason.

Competitors and coaches from nine colleges across the country gathered in Fayetteville for the competition hosted by the University of Arkansas Department of Poultry Science. The event is organized and overseen by Gary Davis, undergraduate recruiter for the poultry science department. Team members competed over a course of two days.

The competition consisted of two divisions in which judgers were required to evaluate poultry and poultry products for quality. Division I was live bird assessment, and Division II was egg and meat product evaluation.

Roesler, a senior poultry science major, joined the team this semester and has enjoyed competing with her fellow students.

“I joined the team because poultry judging was my first experience in agriculture,” Roesler said. “That eventually led to me choosing poultry science in college. It is something that I have always enjoyed and a skill that proves to me that I can be successful in the poultry industry.”

Roesler placed first overall individually, third in Division I and fourth in Division II. Her advice for students who want to compete on the poultry judging team is to stay calm during competition.

“No matter the student’s experience, the key factor to winning is staying calm during the contest and sticking to your gut,” Roesler said.

Katy Fire Department, Wreaths Across America, Fort Bend County Sheriff's office, Citizens Police Academy, Fort Bend County Fair, University of Arkansas