Inside Today: Photo gallery of reader-submitted Beryl photos Page 2
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Saturday, July 13, 2024 • Vol. 69 • No.28
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U-Haul offers free storage after Beryl causes flooding, damage Facilities are extending 30 days of free storage to storm victims COMMUNITY REPORTS
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U-Haul® announced stores across Texas are now available to provide 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box® container usage to residents impacted by Hurricane Beryl, now a tropical depression. Beryl made landfall early Monday along the Texas Gulf Coast, leaving a trail of destruction and dumping heavy rains. Many cities experienced flood-
ing, power outages, and water and wind damage to homes, businesses and automobiles. Houston reported over 2 million residences and businesses without power. Parts of Louisiana sustained flooding. The clean-up process is expected to take time. Access to dry and secure self-storage rooms and portable storage containers is critical for communities as they recover from Beryl. The 30-day free offer applies to new self-storage and U-Box rentals and is based on availability. The U-Box offer is for on-site storage at U-Haul facili-
ties where there is inventory. People in the Heights/Garden Oaks/Oak Forest area seeking more details about the U-Haul disaster relief program or needing to arrange storage should call the participating office with available spaces nearest them, or stop by a U-Haul-owned and -operated center in one of the areas listed below:
(346) 888-4128 5 store locations in Houston
U-Haul Co. of Northwest Houston (281) 377-3379 9 store locations in Houston U-Haul Co. of Northeast Houston
U-Haul Co. of West Houston (281) 495-2303 8 store locations in Houston, 2 in Katy To find a location near you, please visit uhaul.com/Storage.
U-Haul Co. of Southwest Houston (346) 888-4131 10 store locations in Houston, 1 in Stafford
BERYL BARRELS THROUGH TOWN
White Linen Night in the Heights: An evening of tradition and celebration
Storm causes delay to regular trash services
By LISA MORALES The Leader News Contributor
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Gone to Texas: Lynn Ashby reflects on Texas trending
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Photo by John Gusty Gustafson
“Road humps” at Alba and 34th
In the mood for a treat? Check out the Great American Pie Contest on June 15
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What’s happening this weekend? Check out the local event calendar
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Pet Puzzle: Learn how to recognize the signs of heat stroke in your pet and how to render first aid
Hurricane Beryl hits Houston head-on, leaving devastation in its wake By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com In an unexpected turn of events for many, Hurricane Beryl set its eye straight on Houston in the early morning hours of Monday, July 8, 2024. After making landfall near Matagorda as a category 1 hurricane and clobbering the city with more powerful winds than most had anticipated, Beryl left a wide swath of destruction in its path. Few had expected the storm to hit the city head-on or to bring such severe weather, but the aftermath has been nothing short of catastrophic. Many Heights residents had barely returned to business as usual after the devastating derecho that caused millions in property damage in May, with cleanup efforts still underway. “It’s pervasive and heart-breaking, twice in less than 2 months,” said Heights resident and Leader news contributor Stephanie Shirley. “And, the scariest part is that hurricane season – reputed this year to be one of the worst in years because of the heat in
Save the date! The 19th Street Merchants Association proudly invites Houstonians to the annual White Linen Night celebration on Saturday, Aug. 3, from 6-10 p.m. This much-anticipated event transforms the historic Heights neighborhood into a sea of white linen, with residents and visitors donning their finest summer attire. Established in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, White Linen Night aims to bring the vibrant traditions of New Orleans to Houston, fostering community spirit and supporting local businesses. Over the years, it has grown into one of the Heights’ most cherished annual events. When asked how the event has changed over the years and the impact White Linen Night has had on local businesses in the community, Coryne Rich, Secretary of the 19th Street Merchants Association, tells the Leader, “White Linen Night has become a part of the fabric of the Heights’ community. We have seen it grow into a night that is celebrated all over the Heights, and 19th Street is proud to be the original host.” The 19th Street Merchants Association has worked in the last few See WHITE LINEN NIGHT P. 5
Photo by Steve Nolin
Torn-down fences and tree debris everywhere was the order of the day.
the Gulf – is only in its infancy.” Houston Mayor John Whitmire took a helicopter tour of the area the day after the storm to assess the widespread damage. The aerial view provided a sobering picture of the city’s condition, with countless homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. “On Tuesday I ventured out to see
what condition things were in,” Shirley said. “I had whined because I had roof damage, siding damage and hundreds of tree branches down in addition to a downed tree halfway covering my front yard. But what I saw made me cry. Over 70% of Heights businesses See HURRICANE P. 2
Photo by Coyne Rich
Legacy Man is a regular performer at White Linen Night in the Heights.
Heights Association sweetens Monday with the annual Heights Great American Pie Contest THE INDEX. Page 8
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By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com
NEVER MISS A STORY
The Houston Heights Association invites the community to its biggest monthly meeting program of the year – the annual Heights Great American Pie Contest! This fun and free event will take place on Monday, July 15 (previously July 8), at the Heights Historic Fire Station located at 107 West 12th Street, between Yale and Heights Boulevard.
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Event Schedule 5:00 P.M.: Bakers sign in with their
pie entries, competing in three categories: sweet, savory, and fancy. 6:00 P.M.: Judges take their first look at the pies. This year’s esteemed panel of culinary star judges includes: • Levi Rollins of Salt & Sugar Nosheria & Bakery • Allie Jarrett, Heights culinary legend • Bobby Jucker of 3 Brothers Bakery • Mario-Sebastian Berry of Team Houston Food Finder • Mark Pirozzolo, hospitality event pro at A Finer Event • Megan Triola of Triola's Kitchen restaurant There will be two additional, as-of-
yet unnamed judges. 6:30 P.M.: The public is invited to join for entertainment and refreshments, followed by pie tasting by the eight culinary star judges. 7:00 P.M.: Houston Heights Association’s Kayte Tipton will give a welcome address, followed by the announcement of door prizes, winning pies, and bakers. Guests will then get to taste the pies themselves, and an award ceremony will conclude the event. WHERE: Heights Historic Fire Station, 107 W 12th St WHEN: NOW July 15, 6:40 p.m. INFO: houstonheights.org
For more details and updates, join the Facebook group "Friends Going to The Heights Great American Pie Contest." Special thanks to sponsors and contributors: • Carol Welter & Danae Stephenson: Winning Bakers & Judges Signature Aprons • Kristal Kirksey of JUBILEE: Winning Bakers Culinary Gifts • C&D Hardware: Door Prizes • Anna Marmuscak: Door Prizes • Bill Baldwin of Boulevard
H E L P SUPPORT LO C A L J O U R NA L I S M Scan this QR code to make a donation through Paypal today!
See CONTEST P. 4