Construction starts on Cross Creek Ranch fire station

The Fort Bend County Emergency Services District #4 has started construction of a permanent fire station within Cross Creek Ranch.

Located along West Cross Creek Bend north of Morgan Spur Road adjacent to Chrysalis Preschool, the 9,715-square-foot facility will have two bays and will house an engine company that is staffed with four firefighters/EMTs around the clock. Estimated to cost $6,746,432, the station is expected to be complete in June 2024. Johnson Development donated the land for the fire station.

“This, of course, is a great benefit to the thousands of people who make their home here in Cross Creek Ranch, but also to the region,” Rob Bamford, senior vice president and Cross Creek Ranch general manager, said.

The station will have six dorm rooms and three bathrooms. It will also be four pantries located near the kitchen, giving each shift their own pantry. The kitchen will be open to the living room and dining room. There will also be a strength and conditioning room. Rainwater will be collected onsite for irrigation.

“This station is esthetically pleasing to the community and will blend in very nicely,” Gilbert “Herc” Meier, Jr., fire chief, said. “The fire station will be built to the standard that the department has set in place which includes a state-of-the-art alerting system for our fire fighters, a patio where they can congregate and get fresh air along with a strength and conditioning room where they can focus on physical fitness. Most importantly, this great location allows us to take care of the Cross Creek Residents quickly. We are excited to be a part of the neighborhood. We hope you never need us, but we are here if you do.”

Martinez Architects designed the station. Bass Construction, which is based in Rosenberg, is building the facility.

The district opened a temporary fire station in Cross Creek Ranch in January 2022.

“We are excited that we will be in our permanent home in the neighborhood soon,” Meier said.

Fort Bend County Emergency Services District No. 4 DBA Fulshear Simonton Fire Department covers 106 square miles with an estimated population of 77,000 residents. The district serves the cities of Fulshear, Simonton, Weston Lakes and outlying areas of Katy and Richmond.

Dig World expands Father’s Day weekend, summer hours

Dig World, a construction-themed adventure park at Katy Mills Mall, said it was expanding its hours for the summer months. Starting June 1, Dig World hours are:

• Thursdays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Fridays from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Saturdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

For more information, call the park at digworldtx.com.

Fort Bend County Fair Summer Night Gala set for June 24

The first-ever Fort Bend County Fair Summer Night Gala is set for June 24 in building C at the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, 4310 Highway 36 South in Rosenberg.

The Fort Bend County Fair’s BBQ committee is organizing and hosting the event, which will benefit the scholarship foundation and financially assist all four auctions during the fair.

“We are thrilled to have an event like this that allows us to raise money but to also introduce ourselves,” Jennifer Williams, 2023 Fort Bend County Fair president, said. “Our mission is always helping the youth of Fort Bend County.”

The Summer Night Gala will feature music by The Emotions. The band has been a stronghold providing entertainment in Texas. The night includes a steak dinner, live auction, bucket drawings, and a wine pull. Texas formal attire will be the vibe for the evening.

VIP tables are $800, reserved tables are $500, and individual tickets are $75, and are on sale now. VIP tables include seating for eight, a steak dinner, beer, wine and mixers, a food and beverage server and several swag appreciation items. Tickets must be purchased before June 18. No tickets will be sold at the door.

The 2023 Fort Bend County Fair and Rodeo is from Sept. 29-Oct. 8, with the BBQ cookoff on Sept. 22-23.

During the fair’s 10-day run, a replacement heifer sale, school art project auction, junior livestock auction, and freezer sale are held. These activities enable students to earn money for their education and future livestock projects.

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