Katy Christian Ministries raising money for school backpacks and supplies

Katy Christian Ministries is raising money for its Red Apple school supplies and happy feet program.

Each summer, KCM collects funds and a pair of new shoes to Katy ISD students, grades K-12, who need a little help to begin their school year.

Last year, KCM served 795 children and anticipates a higher need this year. Towards that end, KCM has set a $60,000 fundraising goal.

For more information and to make a donation, visit the website ktcm.org/red.apple.

City to replace water meters

The City of Katy has contracted with Utiliuse/Aquametric to repair meters around the city. The contractors will have bright yellow vests and appropriately marked vehicles. The work will be done Monday through Friday.

There is no need for them to enter residential homes. In most cases, there will not be an interruption of water service. If the conversion requires a meter change out, Utiliuse will knock on the customer’s door, but it is not necessary for anyone to be home.

For questions or concerns, call Utility Billing at 281-391-4801.

Katy Lions Club to meet Thursday

The Katy Lions Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at First Christian Church Katy, 22101 Morton Ranch Road. The meeting is free to the public and features a presentation on state programs designed to help the community.

At each community event, the Lions host a 50/50 raffle benefitting the club and foundation, with 50% of all ticket sales go to the winner with the other half going towards helping the club cover costs, conduct business, and serve the community through its service opportunities. Tickets are sold for $1 each in person only, and the winner must be present to win.

Fort Bend Pct. 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales announces staff changes

Fort Bend County Pct. 1 Commissioner Vincent Morales has promoted three of his staff members and hired another staff member.

Mandi Bronsell, now the community relations manager, will become staff director. “Mandi has been a key part of our success and I am thrilled to promote her to this important position,” Morales said. Bronsell brings 25 years of governmental experience serving under two previous county judges and a county commissioner. She also serves as a Lamar Consolidated ISD trustee and on many other boards in Fort Bend County.

Dwayne Grigar, now a project manager, will become director of planning and infrastructure. “Dwayne’s vast knowledge of this county has been extremely helpful in working with constituents on issues involving drainage and mobility. We are very lucky to have him in this new role,” Morales said. Grigar brings 37 years of municipal and county experience, previously working as the assistant to the chief engineer for the Fort Bend County Drainage District and as an engineering technician for the Fort Bend County Engineering Department. Dwayne is also a previous city council member for the City of Rosenberg and currently serves as a volunteer for the Fort Bend County Fair.

Katie Vackar, now an executive assistant, will become project manager. “Katie has been an instrumental part of my office for over five years,” Morales said. “I cannot think of a better person to fill the project manager position.” Vackar brings 13 years of federal and county experience. Vackar is also a volunteer for Fort Bend PAWS (Pets are Worth Saving).

Kaitlin Ballint will join Morales’s office as executive assistant. Ballint previously worked in the Fort Bend County Clerk’s Office as an information process specialist and in the private sector for an accounting firm before that.

Applications for 2022 Congressional Academy open

The Congressional Academy gives high school and undergraduate students the chance to participate in a mock Congress. Participants will learn the inner workings of multiple levels of government from elected official guest speakers, including U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls, R-Texas.

This event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23 at Nehls’s district office at 1117 FM 359 in Richmond.

Applicants must be residents in the 22^nd Congressional District that Nehls represents.

Applications should include a resume, 500-word personal essay on why they would like to participate in the Congressional Academy, applicants’ full name, address, cell number, and email.

Applications are due July 11. To apply, visit the website, the abbreviated URL for which is bit.ly/3acdGWT.

Harris County Pct. 4 presents Summer Movie Night at Mary Jo Peckham Park

Frozen, a Walt Disney movie, will be shown July 13 at Mary Jo Peckham Park, 5597 Gardenia Lane.

The movie includes a children’s craft beginning at 7 p.m. Popcorn is free, and snow cones are available for purchase.