Subject:

Harris County

  • Blogs

    June 14, 2013

    Head for the Hills -- West Nile Virus Found in Harris County!

    You can commence panicking: The West Nile Virus has been detected in a mosquito trapping site in northeast Harris County (ZIP Code 77346), according to Harris County Public Health & Environmental Services Mosquito Control.

  • Blogs

    May 17, 2013

    Three Men Accused of Beating Pregnant Woman; Newborn in Critical Condition

    Harris County Sheriff's Department announced Thursday they had arrested two men and one juvenile accused of beating a pregnant woman after breaking into her home in northwest Harris County. The woman was tied up with tape and beaten. She was taken to the hospital and an emergency C-section was perfo ... More >>

  • News

    April 18, 2013

    Shakedown: The HCAD Appraisal Game

    HCAD fights owners of moderate housing for every single assessment penny. So why is it routinely handing out tax breaks worth several millions to big corporations?

  • Blogs

    February 5, 2013

    Denise Pratt: Family Court Judge Issues Blanket Gag Order, Because it Sucks When the Public Knows What's Going On

    We've heard of judges issuing gag orders in especially sensitive cases, but until now, we've never heard of a judge issuing a blanket gag order: Harris County Family Court Judge Denise Pratt on January 23 sent a motion to attorneys in her court involved with SAPCR cases -- suits affecting parent-chi ... More >>

  • Blogs

    January 8, 2013

    Harris County Seeking Relatives for Unclaimed Bodies

    In the Fox show Bones, unreasonably attractive forensic experts spend countless hours identifying murder victims in a high-tech facility for the FBI. Harris County may not boast the kind of facilities or model-like attractiveness (though they may have a hot lab tech lurking somewhere over there) the ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 1, 2012

    County Attorney Sues David J. Hester & His "Illegal Game Room"

    Saying that owner David J. Hester is operating an illegal game room at 7304 East Freeway in Baytown, Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan has filed a lawsuit asking for a temporary injunction to shut down this "common nuisance." According to the lawsuit, "Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia's office h ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 27, 2012

    Unidentified Robbery Suspect Shot By Homeowner, Bayou Body Count No. 168

    A southside homeowner broke up a robbery attempt by fatally shooting one of the suspects, and a Harris County grand jury will examine the case, Houston police say. The homeowner, 58, had arrived at his home in the 5800 block of Glenhurst about 10 p.m. Tuesday night when two armed suspects came up t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 11, 2012

    Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia Intensifies The SOBER Program

    There's a better chance these days a deputy of Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia will come knocking on the front door of your home demanding proof that your once-drunk self is remaining clean and sober. The Harris County Sheriff's Office is in the middle of an increased push in its SOBER program ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 31, 2012

    It's Labor Day Weekend! Time For More DWI No-Refusal Programs!

    A long weekend that semi-officially marks the end of summer is a god cause to celebrate, but unfortunately too often that celebrating can get dangerous. In an effort to crack down on the danger, local law-enforcement agencies are making sure the public is aware that there will be increased emphasis ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 29, 2012

    Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan: Don't Let That San Jac River Dioxin Be Part Of Your Holiday Meal

    The Labor Day weekend is fast approaching, and what better way to celebrate than taking the family out fishing for some good ol' Texas seafood fresh from the water? Especially if it's fresh from dioxin-laden water, like the stuff down by the San Jacinto Rover Waste Pits. Frankly, any family outing ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 20, 2012

    UPDATED: Harris County Needs Help Identifying This Woman

    Update: According to the Harris County officials, the woman in the photo has been identified. Score one for the good guys! Original Entry:Local officials are seeking assistance finding the home of the woman pictured above. According to a press release, she was found constables of Harris County Prec ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 5, 2012

    Le Promenade Gang Condos to Clean Up Act, According to Temporary Injunction Signed This Week

    Harris County's and the State of Texas's beef with the Le Promenade condominium complex and its individual owners was temporarily settled in Harris County civil court on Monday morning. A few weeks back, Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan filed suit against the complex at 7400 Bissonnet, its homeown ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 23, 2012

    The New Astrodome, Ladies and Gentlemen

    Something had to be done. After today's Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation board meeting -- and pending acceptance from Harris County Commissioners Court -- the Reliant Astrodome will become a multipurpose spot with the potential for hosting concerts and, yes, football. Now, don't ge ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 3, 2012

    The Healthiest County in Texas Definitely Isn't Around Here

    The University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation have put together a list of health by county across the nation, looking at births, deaths and various measures of the quality of life. You can get a statewide ranking of the counties in your state, and if ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 15, 2012

    Ed Emmett Says Harris Is "a County of Substance" with Some, Umm, Ethical Problems

    Harris County Judge Ed Emmett gave his State of the County speech today and, as expected, he announced things were going pretty good. He said the state of Harris County is "far better than most governmental entities" and that it remains a "County of Substance," in case you were wondering. Not all ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 28, 2011

    Comment of the Day: We Spread the Anal Joy (Say What?)

    We have some great commenters here on Hair Balls, and it's time we paid some damn attention to them. So we'll be highlighting a Comment of the Day each morning, from the previous day's work. Maybe two comments, even. This will all be determined by a highly rigorous scientific formula involving wit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 22, 2011

    Harris County Keeps Burn Ban In Effect

    No park barbecues yet​Yeah, we've had some rain lately, but that doesn't mean the burn ban is going to be lifted. At least not for two weeks. Harris County was thinking of lifting it, but the proposal was pulled. "Even though the passage of cold fronts has brought needed rainfall and the num ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 8, 2011

    It's Election Day!! Go Out & Vote!!

    Today's the day​You probably don't realize it, but today is election day. Mayor Annise Parker is running for another term, there's a crowded and interesting race to represent the new Montrose-Heights council district, and an HISD board member is trying to keep his job via anti-gay mailings. ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 11, 2011

    Comment of the Day: Rush Limbaugh Violates the Constitution

    We have some great commenters here on Hair Balls, and it's time we paid some damn attention to them. So we'll be highlighting a Comment of the Day each morning, from the previous day's work. Maybe two comments, even. This will all be determined by a highly rigorous scientific formula involving wit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 5, 2011

    No More Juveniles Isolated In Harris County Jail?

    Problem may be solved​Two years ago we wrote about how Harris County incarcerates juveniles who have been certified as adults for trial while they are waiting their day in court. It wasn't pretty -- they were kept in the county jail, but left in isolation for 23 hours a day. Legislators, par ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 22, 2011

    Wolfgang Fisher: Tries to Reverse Chimp-Abuse Conviction Because Wrong County Was on the Search Warrant

    Nice try, chimp abuser.​Acting on a tip, Harris County Deputy Constable Christine Kendrick went to a garage in Crosby in 2008 to check on a chimpanzee housed there. She heard the chimp screaming and found: a chimpanzee in a metal enclosure inside a garage. No water was available. The enclosu ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 27, 2011

    I-45 in Harris County: Most Teen Car Crashes in Texas

    Road trip...to higher insurance rates.​There's nothing like being a teen behind the wheel in summer. You've got your music blasting, you at least imagine the top's down, and the world is yours. Plus, if you're in Harris County, you have the added excitement of crashing at almost any moment. ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 15, 2011

    Sheriff's Office: No Bomb, Just World's Oldest Practical Joke

    ​Here's an official police statement you don't get every day. To get the full flavor, just read it verbatim: This morning at 6:30 a.m., HCSO deputies responded to an alarm call at 13600 Treebank in northwest Harris County. Upon arrival, deputies observed the front door ajar. As deputies made ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 22, 2011

    Spring Cleaning: Let the Sheriff's Office Help You Shred Your Documents

    You should really shred these at home.​It's almost April. The air is warm with the hint of summer weather to come. Birds are chirping. Trees are blooming and that annual rite of passage is upon us: spring cleaning. For most of us, that means cleaning up around the house, maybe gardening a bit ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 9, 2011

    Serial Rapist on the Loose in West/Northwest Harris County

    HCSOSuspected of at least three sexual assaults​Harris County sheriff's deputies say DNA tests show there's a serial rapist targeting women in the northwest and west sides of the county. At a press conference today, they released a composite drawing of the suspect, who uses a box cutter to th ... More >>

  • Blogs

    March 7, 2011

    Comment of the Day: The Astrodome Ain't No Wrigley Field

    ​We have some great commenters here on Hair Balls, and it's time we paid some damn attention to them. So we'll be highlighting a Comment of the Day each morning, from the previous day's work. Maybe two comments, even. This will all be determined by a highly rigorous scientific formula involv ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 8, 2011

    Bloods & Crips: Harris County Gets Its Permanent Injunction Against Them

    PLUS they're hit with attorney's fees!!​A judge has made permanent the temporary injunction she earlier granted against the Bloods and Crips gang, a first in Harris County. The civil injunction bars 47 gang members from an area around the Haverstock Hills apartment complex in northeast Harris ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 10, 2010

    Crips & Bloods: DA Gets Her Civil Injunction Against Them

    First injunction granted in gang fight​The Harris County District Attorney's office announced last month they would be seeking civil injunctions against gang members operating near a northeast side apartment complex, and late this afternoon a judge granted the first such one in Harris County. ... More >>

  • Blogs

    December 6, 2010

    "Jeroni White Feather": Who Is She?

    Update: We're told she has been identified. Harris County investigators are looking for information to clear up the mystery of a woman's body found wearing men's clothes with a plaintive note in a pocket. The woman, 5-2, 100 pounds, believed to be between 25 and 40 years old, was found in Spring F ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 18, 2010

    Harris County's Jail-Population Growth Third In Nation, Study Finds

    Harris County Jail's having a population boom​In an era when locking fewer people up and spending less on jails seems to make sense and is rapidly becoming en vogue, Harris County was increasing its spending and putting more folks behind bars than nearly any other populous county in the country, a ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 10, 2010

    Crips and Bloods: The Details On Harris County's Plan To Get An Injunction

    Where's your injunction?​It's time for the Bloods and Crips to lawyer up. Harris County is taking a bunch of gangsters to civil court. "This is a grand day in Harris County," DA Pat Lykos said this morning during a news conference. Lykos filed a public nuisance lawsuit today against 33 "known m ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 9, 2010

    Bloods And Crips: Harris County Is Coming After You (With A Civil Injunction)

    Civil injunctions are coming​Lawyer up, all you Bloods and Crips on the northwest side. Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos will announce tomorrow the county's first civil injunction filed against a gang, targeting "members of the Blood and Crips gangs who have continually preyed upon t ... More >>

  • Blogs

    November 1, 2010

    County Officials: Vote-Counting May Be Slow; Majority Of Votes Already Cast

    Perhaps 60 percent of the Harris County vote has already been cast​Harris County clerk Beverly Kaufman's office is warning that it might take a little longer than usual to count the vote tomorrow, because of the fire that wiped out the county's electronic-voting machines.The speed of the vote coun ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 28, 2010

    DWI: Getting Away With It Is Getting Tougher In Harris County

    Blood tests for drunk drivers will be the norm now that Harris County got a fat chunk of federal cash. ​Drinking and driving is serious business in Harris County, and to prove it, the District Attorney's office held a press conference this morning to promote some changes they've made. "A lot of dr ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 26, 2010

    Geroge Wesley Ellington: Sheriff's Deputy Indicted For Moonlighting As Security For Ecstasy Dealer

    Rave on, with the help of the Harris County Sheriff's Office​Harris County Sheriff's deputies moonlight all the time, providing security for local businesses.Including ecstasy dealers, apparently.A federal grand jury indicted a sheriff's deputy for selling criminal information to a ecstasy dealer ... More >>

  • Blogs

    October 18, 2010

    Early Voting Begins: Five Reasons To Get It Out Of The Way

    The Harris County ballot is about as long as this, and not was gripping​Early voting began today in Harris County and elsewhere, as voters and candidates finally hit the home stretch for the very bizarre Campaign 2010.Voting early is usually a good idea; here in Houston it makes more sense than ev ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 24, 2010

    Acid Bombs: Sure, Set Them Off Next Door To A Cop's House. And Throw One In His Yard For Good Measure

    I can haz felony on my record?​There's a certain lack of common sense inherent in building homemade acid bombs, but it's the type of lack that can be common in males in their teens and early 20s.There's a very special lack of common sense, however, in building such a bomb and setting it off in you ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 24, 2010

    Harris County Tax Rate: Shockingly, No Increase In An Election Year

    Renovated courthouse to open in August​Harris County's mid-year budget review is out, and it recommends no change in the tax rate from what it has been since 2007.There will be a little juggling involved: the tax rates for the port and the flood control and hospital district will go up, while the ... More >>

  • Blogs

    September 13, 2010

    Prosecutions For Choking Family Members Go Way Up

    Don't do this in Harris County, Homer​Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos has issued a year-end report totaling up work done by her office in 2009.It shows things are getting busier over there, but one chart in particular stands out.Listing the top 10 felony dispositions for 2008 and 20 ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 25, 2010

    Harris County Still Buying Cemetery Space For All You People Who Refuse To Be Cremated

    He'd rather be in Philadelphia​Oooooh, cremation: It's so terrible. How can you possibly shake hands with St. Peter at the heavenly gates if you're a pile of ashes?Harris County is running out of cemetery space to bury indigent people. So they should switch to cremation, right? You can pack a lot ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 19, 2010

    Randall Kallinen, Others Want The New Public Defender's Office Done Right

    Hulk mad if budget small​More than a dozen local civil rights and justice advocacy groups banded together Wednesday in an attempt to ensure that the proposed Harris County public defender office gets done right.At a news conference, the organizations, which come together to form the Greater Housto ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 12, 2010

    Summertime Blues: MADD And Cops Gather To Threaten Drunk Drivers

    Photo by John Nova LomaxHave props, will travel​In what is now a time-honored pre-Labor Day Weekend/dog days of summer ritual, police and members of several anti-drunk driving advocacy groups gathered yesterday to stress what they claim is a multitude of alternative modes of transport for nocturn ... More >>

  • Blogs

    July 22, 2010

    Getting Divorced In Harris County? Good Luck

    Don't worry -- it'll take a long time before that case gets heard​Texas Lawyer magazine has a good look at the docket problems in Harris County's Family Law Center, where nine courts have about 34,500 cases pending on their dockets.One lawyer notes that in his 25 years of practice, the county's po ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 21, 2010

    Mugshots: Sheriff Adrian Garcia Doesn't Want You To See Them

    This mugshot would be highly secret information in Harris County, says the sheriff​Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia's office has announced a new policy where they will no longer provide the media -- or you, the public -- with mugshots of arrested people until they have been convicted of a crime ... More >>

  • Blogs

    May 21, 2010

    Harris County Gets In The Gentlemen's Club Business

    Harris County owns one of these places​In the market for a strip joint? Has Harris County got a deal for you!!The county is now the proud owner of a club with the classy name of Velvet Touch, out on Highway 6.Apparently the velvet touches cost you, because the club "was taken by the district attor ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 20, 2010

    Unidentified Man, Bayou Body Count No. 86

    ​Judging by where the body was found, this one looks like that homicide detective's nightmare: a body dump. Around eleven A.M. yesterday, workers picking up trash in the 12800 block of TC Jester -- an isolated, discontiguous and distant northwest Harris County stretch -- found the body of an ... More >>

  • Blogs

    April 8, 2010

    Former Judge Pleads Guilty To Keying A Neighbor's Car

    Former district judge Woody Densen,a little-missed Harris County courthouse fixture, has pleaded guilty to criminal mischief and fined $1,500 for the idiotic, petty keying of a neighbor's car caught on security video, the Houston Chronicle is reporting.Densen was apparently annoyed that the neighbo ... More >>

  • Blogs

    February 15, 2010

    Unidentified Man, Bayou Body Count No. 41

    ​Another body was found. There is not much info, just a few bare facts and loads of questions.On Saturday afternoon, a couple of guys were driving along the 100 block of Gulf Bank, just north of Highland Heights, when they spotted a man lying in a yard.Harris County deputies say the men pulled ove ... More >>

  • Blogs

    August 14, 2009

    BloggingFAIL, Right Here In Houston

    ​Paul Kennedy is a DWI lawyer in Houston with a blog called The Defense Rests.Let's check some recent highlights!!Friday, August 7: Remember to Think Before You Post Online. "In a talk at the ABA's Annual Meeting [Judge Susan Criss] reminded the attorneys in the room that what you put up on Faceb ... More >>

  • Blogs

    June 9, 2009

    It's A Nice Taxpayer-Supported Gig For Former Chronicle Reporter Alan Bernstein

    As we told you last month, 29-year-veteran Houston Chronicle reporter Alan Bernstein started off his new gig as communications director for Harris  County Sheriff Adrian Garcia by promising openness and transparency, a policy that did not quite include divulging his new salary."That will be a m ... More >>

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