BAYTOWN - On November 02, 2020, around 9:12 p.m., multiple fire companies responded to the 5107 blocks of East Fwy, on Garth in reference to a kitchen fire at Jack in the Box.
Photo Credit: Matt Hollis, The Baytown Sun
The fire was showing through the roof on the charlie side. A primary search was performed and the building was cleared.
The Jack in the Box employees were not allowed to speak to the press.
A large transformer exploded near Jack in the Box. Centerpoint quickly dealt with the explosion.
The health department was requested by command. At 9:53 pm.
Baytown Dispatched tried several numbers to contact the Health Department but was not successful in reaching the Health Department. The fire is under control confirmed by the command and started the overall process, including setting up Positive Pressure Fans to remove the smoke from the inside.
There were minor injuries that were non-life-threatening that were treated on the scene and the victims were released.
BAYTOWN - On Wednesday night around 8:15 P.M., Baytown Fire Department responded to the 1000 Block of Carver Street in reference to a tenant poured Clorox and another chemical down a bathroom toilet which resulted in a chemical cloud.
9 tenants were evacuated as others were asked to shelter-in-place. Baytown Fire Department made a level-1 entry into the suspected apartment to resolve the incident.
The property manager and maintenance were called to make the incident scene.
It is currently unknown if anyone was injured in this incident.
The Fire Department has declined to comment about the incident (for now).
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY, PLEASE CHECK BACK LATER FOR ANY UPDATES.
About Lincoln Courts: Lincoln Courts are operated under the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs. This complex is located at 1000 Carver Street and consists of 30 low-rent units. Baytown Housing Authority is currently managing the property.
BAYTOWN - On October 18, 2020, roughly around 1:55 p.m., a major accident was located in the intersection of State Highway 146 and Redwood Drive.
According to dispatch, the airbags were deployed. When EMS arrived, they disregard the engine that was currently in district 7 at the time of the incident.
A victim was transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries.
BAYTOWN - On Saturday, October 17, 2020, around 8:40 p.m., Baytown Fire Department responded to the McDonalds' in the 4300 Block of Garth Road in reference to a male falling after having a seizure.
When the Baytown Fire Department arrived on the scene, they found the victim that had severe injuries on the face on the ground. The victim was airlifted to a Houston Area Hosptial.
While life-flight was on the ground waiting for the transfer, the Baytown Fire Department announced, "CPR in progress."
It is unknown of the condition of the victim
*DUE TO PRIVACY, NNB NEWS WILL NOT PUBLISH THE AGE OF THE VICTIM AND OTHER MEDICAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS INCIDENT.*
BAYTOWN - On October 12, 2020, multiple agencies were called into a reference to a male walking on the 2.6-mile Fred Hartman Bridge.
When law enforcement agencies were arriving, an officer saw the male grabbing ahold of the rails of the bridge.
A few moments later, the male jumped the bridge and was seen by the Baytown Police and the Harris County Constable Precinct 8 officers.
The Baytown Fire Department assisted with the additional agencies for the water search and rescue efforts to retrieve the body in the Houston Ship Channel. The officials were able to retrieve the body.
NNB News contacted the Harris County Constable Precinct 8 office but they have declined to comment regarding the incident at the time of this publication. La Porte Police Department and the Baytown Police Department assisted with traffic control.
BAYTOWN - On October 09, 2020, around 8:30 P.M., a single-vehicle rollover accident happened around the intersection of Garth and Decker Drive.
On arrival, the Fire Department found a vehicle with heavy-rollover damage on the passenger side. The Fire Department had to request another Fire Truck with the Jaws of Life because the unit did not have the tool available.
Fire Truck 2 arrived first on the scene: No Jaws of Life Fire Truck 4 dispatched because the unit had the Jaws of Life
The victim was still in the car on arrival and had to be extricated, and was transported to a local hospital.
Pirates Bay Waterpark was recognized by the World Waterpark Association (WWA) with a Leading Edge Award for its new NinjaCross™ obstacle course.
The WWA recognized just seven waterparks in the world this year, from approximately 1200 members of the WWA. The Leading Edge Award recognizes “individuals or parks for creativity in the development of new themes, facilities, programs, services or operational concepts in the water attractions industry,” according to the WWA website. This year’s Leading Edge award winners include Soaky Mountain Waterpark in the United States, Adventure Bay in China, Rulantica in Germany, Jungala Aqua Experience in Mexico, Suntago Water World in Poland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in the Bahamas and Pirates Bay Waterpark in the United States.
The City of Baytown is immensely proud of the Aquatics Division for the momentous accomplishment. The Pirates Bay NinjaCross™ System is one of a kind, and will be a major draw as a tourist attraction when the park opens in May 2021.
The challenge course was the first NinjaCross™ System introduced in North America. “This system is a game changer for aquatic recreation,” City of Baytown Aquatics Operation Coordinator, Jessica Burch said. NinjaCross™ Systems designs customizable obstacle courses for guests of all ages and fitness levels. Burch said the system “has already surpassed its purpose as one of the parks most frequented attractions,” and shared plans of implementing a NinjaCross™ fitness program in 2021.
Despite the disappointment of being unable to share the award-winning attraction with the public during the 2020 season, the aquatics leadership is forward-focused on developing fitness classes and hosting competitions next season.
The best part of having the attraction in Baytown is the affordability the municipal water park is able to offer. Jenna Stevenson, the Aquatics Superintendent of Pirates Bay, said one of the highlights of the NinjaCross™ attraction is that it’s included in the regular price of admission. The park not only serves the local community but delivers a world-class experience that rivals industry leaders at an affordable rate. The novelty and accessibility of the state-of-the-art challenge course at Pirates Bay Waterpark is just one example of how the park is making waves in Baytown.
Pirates Bay Waterpark was recognized by the World Waterpark Association (WWA) with a Leading Edge Award for its new NinjaCross™ obstacle course.
The WWA recognized just seven waterparks in the world this year, from approximately 1200 members of the WWA. The Leading Edge Award recognizes “individuals or parks for creativity in the development of new themes, facilities, programs, services or operational concepts in the water attractions industry,” according to the WWA website. This year’s Leading Edge award winners include Soaky Mountain Waterpark in the United States, Adventure Bay in China, Rulantica in Germany, Jungala Aqua Experience in Mexico, Suntago Water World in Poland, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in the Bahamas and Pirates Bay Waterpark in the United States.
The City of Baytown is immensely proud of the Aquatics Division for the momentous accomplishment. The Pirates Bay NinjaCross™ System is one of a kind, and will be a major draw as a tourist attraction when the park opens in May 2021.
The challenge course was the first NinjaCross™ System introduced in North America. “This system is a game changer for aquatic recreation,” City of Baytown Aquatics Operation Coordinator, Jessica Burch said. NinjaCross™ Systems designs customizable obstacle courses for guests of all ages and fitness levels. Burch said the system “has already surpassed its purpose as one of the parks most frequented attractions,” and shared plans of implementing a NinjaCross™ fitness program in 2021.
Despite the disappointment of being unable to share the award-winning attraction with the public during the 2020 season, the aquatics leadership is forward-focused on developing fitness classes and hosting competitions next season.
The best part of having the attraction in Baytown is the affordability the municipal water park is able to offer. Jenna Stevenson, the Aquatics Superintendent of Pirates Bay, said one of the highlights of the NinjaCross™ attraction is that it’s included in the regular price of admission. The park not only serves the local community but delivers a world-class experience that rivals industry leaders at an affordable rate. The novelty and accessibility of the state-of-the-art challenge course at Pirates Bay Waterpark is just one example of how the park is making waves in Baytown.
Tropical Storm Delta, the 25th named storm of 2020, has formed off the southern coast of Jamaica. According to the National Hurricane Center Delta is currently moving west-northwest and will turn toward the United States Gulf Coast later this week. "At this time, it is unlikely that Delta will impact Texas," according to the National Weather Service.
Information for October 05, 2020 at 11:55 A.M.
Tropical Storm Gamma remains in the Gulf of Mexico near the Yucatan Peninsula.
On Tuesday, September 29th at approximately 8:00 a.m., Baytown Police received a Crime Stoppers tip indicating that there was a deceased infant inside a room at the Scottish Inn located in the 6800 block of Garth Road.
Patrol Officers responded to the scene and upon approaching the room they noticed the door was open and inside the room was a female who appeared to be armed with some type of long gun. Officers immediately began negotiating with the female in an attempt to have her exit the room, however, those efforts were unsuccessful. This prompted the activation of the Baytown Police Department Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) and Baytown SWAT Team, who arrived on the scene a short time later.
During the ensuing negotiations, the female attempted to further barricade and isolate herself inside the room and remained uncooperative and unwilling to exit the room. Despite their patience and best efforts, Negotiators were unable to convince the female to exit the room, therefore, at approximately 1:25 p.m., members of the Baytown Police Department SWAT team made entry into the room and took the female, a 31-year-old Baytown woman, into custody. The female was subsequently transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation, where she remains.
Baytown Homicide Detectives and Crime Scene Detectives responded to the scene and during a search of the hotel room they did in fact locate the lifeless body of an infant child. The body of the infant has been transported to the Harris County Institute of Forensic Science in Houston where an autopsy will be performed to determine the gender of the infant, which was not readily apparent at the scene, as well as hopefully shed some light on the cause of this tragic death.
Homicide Detectives continue to investigate and remain resolute in their work to uncover all the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic death of an innocent child. Once those facts are uncovered they will present them to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to determine the appropriate charges in this tragic case.
On September 26, 2020, at 8:42 pm., Baytown police officers were dispatched to several calls of shots fired in the 5400 Block of Hazel Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of (18) year old Davin Chatman who had been shot several times. Baytown EMS (emergency medical services) pronounced Chatman deceased due to the injuries he sustained from the gunfire.
During the investigation, Baytown Homicide Detectives learned the defendant identified as (18) year old Keshawn Elam of Baytown and his friend, Davin Chatman were involved in a verbal argument which resulted in the shooting death of Chatman that occurred just outside of a residence in the 5400 block of Hazel Street. After the shooting, Mr. Elam drove off in Chatman’s black 2014 Nissan four-door which since then has been recovered unoccupied by the Robertson County Sheriff’s Office near College Station.
Charges of Murder have been filed through the Harris County District Attorney’s Office on Elam. The whereabouts of Elam are unknown at this time and the Baytown Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance with any information on Elam which could lead to his arrest.
The Baytown Police Department is committed to the safety of its citizens and will not tolerate this type of crime against members of our community. Anyone who has information on this or any other crime is asked to call the Baytown Police Department at 281-422-8371. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 281-427-TIPS, submit anonymous tips online at the Baytown Police Department website http://www.baytown.org, or text keyword BAYTOWN plus your tip to 274637(CRIMES). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 cash and you will remain anonymous.
On Thursday, the city council authorized an Interlocal Agreement with Lee College District for the use of its Wellness Center and Swimming Pool by the City Council Members and City employees. The term of the agreement is for one (1) year at a cost of:
$158 per person, per year, for a (1) one-year gym membership or
$79 per person, per year, for a six (6) month gym membership.
This agreement is similar to the one into which the City entered in September 2017, April 2018, September 2018, and September 2019.
On Thursday, the City Council approved the contract with the Bay Area Rehabilitation Center ("BARC") for park cleaning, janitorial services, and litter removal in the amount of $135,606.00.
The contract covers a 12-month period of park cleanup and janitorial services, including park cleanup at Bicentennial Park following the July 4th Celebration; weekday janitorial services of the public restrooms at Roseland Park for twelve (12) months; along with litter removal and park cleanup at the Baytown Skate Park 2 and Unidad Park. The contract requires 8 months of litter removal at the Wayne Gray Sports Complex (N. Main side) and 12 months of litter removal and janitorial service at McElroy Park Spray Park, as well as janitorial services at the Baytown Soccer Park. The contract includes janitorial services for the restrooms at Jenkins Park and litter removal at the Jenkins Park skate park and spray park. Lastly, the contract includes two (2) months of litter removal and park cleanup along with janitorial service at the Town Square Ice Rink.
New this year is Monday-Friday janitorial service of the restrooms at Evergreen Park.
Contract is effective October 1, 2020 - September 30, 2021.
On Thursday, the City Council authorized a Professional Services Agreement for the Houston High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program with MSM Resources Corporation.
Since September 1995, the City has administered federal funds designated for the operation of the Houston High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area ("HIDTA") Major Offender Project. This agreement is similar to that which was entered into in past years with Stanley E. Furce, and is the ninth year of the agreement with MSM Resources Corporation. The agreement is contingent upon funding by grant/award made available through the Office of the National Drug Control Policy ("ONDCP") and obligates the contractor to provide professional services as directed by HIDTA Executive Committee and ONDCP. No City funds will be used.
On Thursday, the city council renewed the Annual Police Uniforms Contract with Galls, LLC, formally known as Red the Uniform Tailor, through a cooperative agreement with the City of Frisco, for the purchase of police uniforms and body armor in the amount of $90,000. The source of funds will come out of the operations budget for the Fiscal Year of 2021.
On Thursday, city council authorized an agreement with Labor First LLC, dba Retire First for Retiree Medicare Supplemental Insurance under the carrier Humana in an amount not to exceed $745,000 for the calendar year of January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021. This reflects a premium decrease of 13.99% or $107,182 compared to current. This plan provides medical and prescription coverage for City retirees over the age of 65. The City has been partnered with Labor First since January 1, 2019. The source of funds is will come out of the Fiscal Year 2021 of the operations budget
On Thursday, the City Council authorized the payment with United Healthcare of Texas, Inc. (UHC) as the Administrator for the City of Baytown's (the "City") medical and pharmaceutical claims in an amount not to exceed $396,000. There is no rate increase for FY2021.
The City is self-insured; and, as a political subdivision, it may not self-administer claims, and therefore utilizes an administrator in managing the plan and in processing medical and pharmaceutical claims, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), PPO network fees, RX fees, stop loss fees, and legislative fees mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
The City has implemented a long-term strategy designed to encourage employees to make healthy lifestyle choices as well as effectively utilize their healthcare coverage and the City of Baytown Employee Wellness Center. The long-standing relationship with UHC has proven to be effective and efficient with respect to re-pricing, network access, provider discounts, customer service, and partnering to improve the health and wellness of our employees.
The funds will come out of the Operating budget for Fiscal Year 2021.
The City Council approved the proposed ordinance provides for the closeout, acceptance and final payment for the release of retainage in the amount of $372,360.44 to Angel Brothers Enterprises, LTD, for the San Jacinto Blvd, Phase 2 Project.
This project completes the San Jacinto Blvd, Phase 2 Project. The limits of the project are approximately 500 feet south of Santavy St. to W. Cedar Bayou Lynchburg intersection. The scope of construction included a four-lane concrete boulevard with underground drainage, utilities, landscaped median, and roadway illumination. The original contract price was $7,941,109.20. There was one deductive change order in the amount of $61,200 resulting in a revised contract amount of $7,879,909.20.
The project was completed for a total amount of $7,447,208.74 and returns $432,700.46 in unused funds to fund balance.
City Council authorized the payment in an amount not to exceed $100,000 to Olson & Olson, LLP, for legal services in connection with APTLA v. City of Baytown; Cause No. 1156692, in the County Civil Court at Law No. 1, Harris County, Texas. Because of the various filings and discovery matters concerning this lawsuit, additional funds are needed in order to bring this case to conclusion.
