MUSTANG NATION: No. 2 Friendswood primed to rep Class 5A
Friendswood went 34-12 a year ago and reached the Regional Quarterfinals. Seven of the nine starters for Paulk return in 2023, led by sophomore NadiโYa Shelby, who was named the District 18-5A MVP and the Greater Houston Volleyball Coaches Association Newcomer of the Year. Shelby led the team in kills with 300 a year ago and vertically can reach 10-feet-6-inches.
Where is Clara Harris now? โThe Evidence Roomโ catches up with woman who killed cheating husband with her Mercedes
โThe Evidence Roomโ is an award-winning true crime docuseries that brings a fresh perspective to the Houston areaโs most notorious crimes and convictions through unprecedented access to the Harris County criminal archives.
Man accused of fatally shooting woman, injuring her sister near Friendswood dies after shooting himself: Sheriff
A man accused of killing a woman and injuring her sister in a shooting near Friendswood Monday is in critical condition after turning the gun on himself, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said Tuesday.
From Oklahoma to Texas, the work to bring serial killer William Reece to justice
Parentsโ determination, an interstate agreement, and 25 years of constant police work helped bring William Reece back to Texas after he received a death sentence in Oklahoma. The result: Reece pleading guilty to the 1997 murders of Laura Smither, Jessica Cain and Kelli Ann Cox.
โI just canโt believe itโ: Friendswood woman says she was followed by thieves then robbed twice
A Friendswood woman said the suspects in this case acted with a lot of determination, not only trailing her for nearly an hour from Prime Social Poker on Westheimer, but then proceeding to rob her twice.
Friendswood man who sexually exploited minors through social media gets 35-year sentence
A Friendswood man convicted of sexually exploiting minors and other child pornography changes was sentenced this week to 35 years in prison, the U.S. attorneyโs office for the Southern District of Texas announced.
2021 VYPE Houston Volleyball Preview - The Contenders: Friendswood Mustangs
Friendswood loses some punch from its attack due to the graduation of star hitters Alessandra Meoni and Ashlyn Svoboda, but the Mustangs will have plenty of support, particularly defensively, to make up for it as they attempt to find some constants offensively.
Barbie pop-up truck stopping by Houston-area this weekend
Merchandise available at Barbie Pop-Up Truck coming to the Baybrook Mall on April 3. Barbie is stopping by for a visit Saturday as a part of her Totally Throwback Tour. Barbieโs hot pink truck is stopping by Baybrook Mall for an outdoor mobile pop-up experience from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday, April 3. The mobile pop-up shop will sell exclusive Barbie-themed, retro-inspired merchandise. Fans who visit will also have the opportunity to get their hands on a collectible Barbie Polaroid camera.
Magnolia ISD will lift mask mandate on April 1
HOUSTON โ Three Houston area school boards โ in Friendswood, Magnolia and Tarkington โ planned to vote Monday night on whether or not to remove their mask mandates. New state guidelines require all students, teachers, staff and visitors to wear masks on school property, unless school boards vote otherwise. In Magnolia, the board of trustees voted to remove the mask mandate, effective April 1. AdIn Tarkington ISD, a decision has not been made as of Monday evening. We will update this story as the school boards cast their votes.
Sweeny police chief arrested in Friendswood, accused of driving while intoxicated, officials say
Sweeny Police Chief John Barnard charged after being arrested for DWI in Friendswood on Feb. 21, 2021, according to Friendswood Police Department. FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ Sweeny police chief John Barnard was arrested Sunday after being accused of driving while intoxicated in Friendswood, according to Friendswood Police Department. Barnard has been charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and driving while intoxicated. He was arrested at 1:31 a.m. in the 1500 block of West Parkwood Avenue, according to police records. Officials said Barnard has been placed on administrative leave as the investigation is pending.
VYPE Houston Girl's Soccer Top 20 (Photo Gallery)
The Woodlands is loaded with select, stud athletes led by Marley Krach (Miami) and Samone Knight (West Virginia). The Highlanders have to go through a brutal Region II playoff gauntlet, but coach Dina Graves has done it before. In Class 6A Region III, it's Ridge Point, Memorial, and Tompkins who are the favorites to reach state. AdHere is a look at the city's top schools in our Top 20 public school rankings. 20 Klein Oak
This retired couple talks about the highs, lows of retirement amid COVID-19 pandemic
Michael Jeffcott is playing the hands the pandemic has dealt. The 75-year-old retired from a long career in landscaping two years ago with hopes of traveling nationally and internationally. The retired couple are due to receive their second COVID-19 vaccine shot next week. Jeffcott said while their health precautions wonโt change, he hopes their travel plans will by the end of the year. โTraveling around the United States looking for some small towns and quite frankly looking for some dance halls.โ
2020 All-VYPE Houston Public School Volleyball Team
What a crazy year 2020 was for Texas High School Volleyball. Needville was unbelievable in Class 4A, while Fulshear reached the state title match in Class 5A. In Class 6A, it was wild as two Houston-area schools reached the state title match with Seven Lakes winning their first-ever title. With the season in the books, it's time to name the All-VYPE team and hand out the postseason accolades. The Team, Coach and Player of the Year Awards will be announced during the 2021 VYPE Awards in June!
Trump commutes remaining prison term of former Texas GOP congressman Steve Stockman, who was convicted of misusing charitable funds
Former U.S. Rep. Steve Stockman, R-Friendswood, right, leaves the United States District Courthouse in Houston in 2018. Outgoing President Donald Trump commuted the remainder of Stockman's 10-year prison sentence for misuse of charitable funds. President Donald J. Trump on Tuesday commuted the remaining prison sentence of former Republican Texas congressman Steve Stockman, who was sentenced to 10 years in 2018 after he was convicted of nearly two-dozen felonies, including fraud. He has already been infected with the coronavirus while in prison, the release said. Each was sentenced to more than a decade in prison, but President George W. Bush commuted their sentences in 2009.
Meet the 12-year-old girl using art to fight hunger in Houston
Ria Goel, a 12-year-old girl from Friendswood, Texas decided to take her passion for art and turn it into a way to give back to the community. Ria Goel, a 12-year-old girl from Friendswood, Texas decided to take her passion for art and turn it into a way to give back to the community. Ria Goel, a 12-year-old girl from Friendswood, Texas decided to take her passion for art and turn it into a way to give back to the community. Ria Goel, a 12-year-old girl from Friendswood, Texas decided to take her passion for art and turn it into a way to give back to the community. 12-year-old art teacher Ria Goel shares step-by-step guide on how to paint a Christmas tree with acrylic paint.
THE WRAP: Katy, Fulshear, Klein advance to Volleyball Regional Championships
Regional Semifinals for both Class 6A Region III and Class 5A Region III were going down, while Class 6A Region II was being played elsewhere. Katy advances to Regional Final for first time since 1993, defeat Clear Springs 3-1KATY - It has been 27 years. Fulshear defeats Magnolia in five-set thrillerThe Fulshear Chargers won state in Class 4A last season. Entering the Class 5A Region III Regional Semis, their only losses were to Concordia Lutheran, The Woodlands, Katy and Seven Lakes. THE POST ๐Magnolia's Faith Lynch and her @MagnoliaVBALL laid it all on the floor in 5-set heartbreaker @flinch_2021 @MagnoliaISD pic.twitter.com/NImfvBeAGY โ vypehouston (@vypehouston) December 2, 2020Friendswood falls short to College Station, 3-2Friendswood fought to the very end.
Friendswood board of trustees intervenes to bring struggling online students back to classroom
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ Another Houston-area school district is attempting to rescue students who are having trouble with online learning. Monday night the Friendswood Independent School District board of trustees voted unanimously not to end virtual learning -- but to modify it to bring struggling students back to the classroom. Administrators and board members say the impact COVID-19 has had on education could last for quite some time. โThereโs studies out there after Katrina that it took six years for those students to regain what they had lost,โ said Hopkins. And itโs one of the untalked about issues with this pandemic.โWhile some of these modifications wonโt take effect until next semester, the district already has started asking students who are struggling online to return to class.
GCCISD Magazine Feature: Baytown Sterling Volleyball
BAYTOWN STERLING MOVED FROM DISTRICT 21-6A TO DISTRICT 22-5A UPON REALIGNMENT, BUT COULD THE MOVE DOWN BE TOUGHER SLEDDING? Sterling joined state power Friendswood and the explosive Manvel Mavs in conference, while fending off the likes of Texas City and La Porte for a coveted postseason spot. "Our expectations are to just show up and show out, like we do every year," coach Candace Southall said. Sterling finished third in district last season and reached the postseason before falling to Summer Creek. Honorable mention setter Brooke Benoit will quarterback the offense, while Claire Harper will also provide a spark up front.
THE RANKINGS: Volleyball power players coming into focus
As Klein and Friendswood remain constants, the rest of the volleyball landscape in Houston is a little bumpy. The Woodlands lost back-to-back matches last week to St. Agnes and Klein, allowing for Seven Lakes, Dawson and George Ranch to gain ground in the Top 5. Grand Oak moves back into the Class 6A Top 10. 1 but just lost to Episcopal. However, St. Agnes beat Episcopal during the same round-robin.
THE RANKINGS: Klein, Friendswood, Concordia Lutheran lead their classifications
Klein is loaded and so well-rounded, while The Woodlands is following Georgia-commit Clara Brower's lead. In Class 5A, Friendswood is carrying the flag so far. Fulshear is getting used to Class 5A, but took an early "L" to Concordia Lutheran. Speaking of "Sader Nation", Concordia Lutheran has beaten Class 4A State Champ Fulshear and SPC Champ Episcopal. St. John XXIII4.
Customers leaving angry messages after online scam posts womanโs phone number as contact
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ Imagine getting angry phone calls from frustrated customers all over the country, accusing you of stealing from them. Itโs happening to one Friendswood woman who discovered the hard way scammers had roped her into their crimes, posting her real address and cell phone number on their fake website. Whatโs unique about it, is it leaves one set of victims pointing fingers at another victim while the bad guys hide. That is when they found a phone number to call and an address, supposedly for the business. She also sent an email to an address on the website demanding the operators remove her phone number and address from the site.
VYPE Houston 2020 Volleyball Preseason Outside Hitter of the Year Poll
VYPE wants the fans to vote for their favorite Houston Volleyball player! The VYPE Houston 2020 Volleyball Preseason Outside Hitter of the Year Poll is now live! All athlete polls and their content are only associated and created by VYPE Media and its staff. Please contact VYPE Media directly if you have any questions, comments, or concerns around our Fan Polls. VYPE Houston 2020 Volleyball Preseason Outside Hitter of the Year Poll (Poll Closes Tue 7/14 at 7pm)
FBI warns unemployment benefits fraud spiking; Friendswood man among victims
HOUSTON โ The Federal Bureau of Investigation has seen a spike in pandemic-related unemployment claims filed using stolen personal information. A Friendswood man is among the victims. Jason Holter received letters from the Texas Workforce Commission about an unemployment benefits claims he never filed. โIt said, โhereโs what youโre eligible for per week.โโThe TWC fraud department told Holter to file a police reporter, and he did with the Friendswood Police Department. โMeantime, I sent an email to HR and just said hey, I just got this stuff in the mail and I assume someone is trying to file unemployment,โ Holter said.
Hereโs how to explore the Friendswood Fairy Trail at Stevenson Park
Just look at this new Fairy Trail! The Friendswood Fairy Trail is a free outdoor nature based educational activity. The Fairy Trail starts with a beautiful wood carved entry with a child size door to enter. The Fairy and Troll Houses are hidden throughout the shady walking trail in Friendswoodโs Stevenson Park. Address: Stevenson Park, 1100 S Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546
Friendswood ISD graduate, guest test positive for COVID-19 after graduation ceremony, officials say
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ Friendswood Independent School District officials said they were notified Wednesday evening that a graduate and a guest who attended the June 5 graduation ceremony for Friendswood High School tested positive for COVID-19. The student and the guest were sitting in the yellow section of the stadium, district officials said in a message sent to parents and staff. District officials said both the student and the guest were not showing symptoms at the time of the graduation ceremony, and all individuals who came in contact with them have been notified. Friendswood ISD officials said the incubation period for those who may have been exposed ends on June 19. Students, staff and guests who were in attendance are strongly advised to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and monitor their health, district officials said.
Young student opens free neighborhood pantry in Friendswood
But, one Friendswood Elementary School student is teaching all of us about giving. "This is my food pantry, we have lots of food, candy, and snacks for my community," she said. "I explained to Alexandra that I was having a hard time finding food," said Alexandra's mom, Julie. She started a free community pantry, which is stocked with food and toiletries for whoever may need them. "When they asked if they could pay her, we tell them, well donations are appreciated, but we would rather have donations for the pantry."
High-performing Houston-area schools: How Windsong Intermediate is closing the achievement gap in its classrooms
Windsong Intermediate SchoolGrades: 3-5 | Address: 2100 W Parkwood Ave, Friendswood, TX 77546 | Phone: (281) 482-0111Located in Friendswood, Texas, Windsong Intermediate School is roughly a 30-mile drive south of downtown Houston. The TEA assesses the schoolโs performance in three different domains to determine its overall score: student achievement, school progress, and closing the gaps. Hereโs how Windsong Intermediate School fared in these three categories:Student Achievement: 95School Progress: 91Closing the Gaps: 100For more information about Windsong Intermediate School, click here to view the performance report. Windsong Intermediate received designations for the categories ELA/reading, comparative academic growth, postsecondary readiness, science and comparative closing the gaps. 4 questions with the schoolโs administratorsWe asked school administrators to tell us more about Windsong Intermediate.
โIโm going to die in my front yardโ: Video shows woman being robbed at gunpoint outside Friendswood home
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ Friendswood police are looking for a gunman and getaway driver they say stole $9,000 and other belongings from a woman standing in her driveway. I wasnโt going to fight.โEarlier in the day, on Jan. 16, she withdrew $9,000 from a Bank of America in Friendswood and went to work. The surveillance video at her workplace did not show the silver sedan that showed up at her home later that day. โIโm going to die in my front yard,โ she remembered thinking when the handgun was in her face. This time, the victim was robbed at the Timber Creek Gold Club after withdrawing a โlarge sum of moneyโ from the bank.
You can get free trees from the City of Friendswood in January
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ The City of Friendswood will hold its annual Tree Giveaway on Jan. 18 beginning at 8 a.m.Friendswood residents are invited to come by Friendswood City Hall to pick up the trees. There will be more than 100 (large) 15-gallon trees available. Residents can pick from these tree types: Pride of Houston Yaupon, Live Oak, Red Oak, Cedar Elm, Vitex, Green Giant Magnolia. There is a two-tree limit and the giveaway is for Friendswood residents only (photo ID is required). Itโs while supplies last and there will be no deliveries.
Cosplay event makes return to Friendswood Public Library
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ Do you enjoy cosplay and dressing up in your favorite superhero costume? If so then the Friendswood Public Libraryโs fourth annual Zaki Con Anime Convention is where you will want to be, Jan. 10-12. To add even more excitement to the event, Friendswoodโs only anime convention has now expanded to include all areas of pop culture during the three-day event. The free family event includes crafts, movies, artist alley, cosplay contests and more. The convention at the Friendswood Library starts at 6 p.m. on Jan. 10 and then at 10 a.m. on Jan. 11 and Jan. 12.
Body pulled from water of Lake Friendswood Park Thursday night
A body was pulled from the water of Lake Friendswood Park Thursday night, according to the Friendswood Police Department. FPD said the victim possibly drowned in the lake after going into the water at about 6 p.m. Thursday. The League City Dive Team assisted in the search and rescue operation that went on for about two to three hours until the personโs body was recovered. As officials searched, friends and family members of the victim were nearby, praying. It is unclear what the person was doing in the water and if they were with other people or by themselves.
Here are the 10 best Houston-area suburbs to live in and why, according to one website
HOUSTON โ Houston Properties, an online source for local home sales, has released its list of the best Houston-area suburbs based on factors including commute times, employment, public schools and other amenities. Nearby amenities include popular shopping and entertainment establishments, Typhoon Texas Water Park and many of Houstonโs best golf courses and communities. Richmond (A)Richmond is one of the most affordable suburbs among the list, according to Houston Properties. Missouri City (A-)Master-planned communities like Sienna Plantation and Lake Olympia have brought more residents to Missouri City, according to Houston Properties. For more details about the best Houston-area suburbs including seven more, visit Houston Properties online.
VIDEO: Thief steals handmade Christmas wreath from small Friendswood boutique
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ The Silver Bee Boutique said it attracts customers who are looking for one-of-a-kind clothes and decorations designed by local artists. The co-owner of the boutique said it was worth $170 and she realized it was missing on Sunday. The boutique co-owner said the crime hurts both local artisans and the business. Rosemarie Welch, the artist who created the wreath, said she was heartbroken when she learned that someone stole her hard work. โI couldnโt believe it, really, cause there was a lot of money put into that wreath," Welch said.
Dickinson football player flown to hospital with injury
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas โ A high school football player was flown to a hospital after an injury during Friday's game between Friendswood and Dickinson. The injured player was from the visiting Dickinson Gators. Witnesses told KPRC 2 the player was hurt after being tackled by a group of players. It is unclear what injuries the player suffered or what is his condition.