Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: What the new report reveals about deaths in Houston’s bayous

Happening soon: Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Weights + Measures on the Houston Patch calendar

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Wednesday December 17th Patch AM
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What's up Houston! Let's start this morning right by getting caught up on what's going on around town. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • What the new report reveals about deaths in Houston’s bayous
  • How did a Houston trailer park go two weeks without gas?
  • Why Southeast Houston seniors are climbing 80 steps to get home

Also on today's calendar: Dining in the Dark: A Unique Blindfolded Dining Experience at Weights + Measures and 5 more events.

Find out what's happening in Houstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Houston? Post it to Houston photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: The doctor told me to drink carrot juice after a hot bath. - Did it help? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Find out what's happening in Houstonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Weather forecast:

  • Wednesday: Couple of thunderstorms, with a high of 68 and low of 61 degrees.
  • Thursday: A thunderstorm in spots, temps: high: 76, low: 48.
  • Friday: Sunny and less humid, with a high of 66 and low of 52 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. List reveals how many people were found dead in a Houston bayou this year (kristv.com) — Houston residents are learning that 31 people were found dead in local bayous so far in 2025, according to newly released data from the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office. Officials explain how decomposition and water conditions often make causes of death hard to determine, and they compare this year’s toll with even higher numbers from 2024 and 2023.
   

2. Residents in northwest Harris County trailer community without gas for nearly 2 weeks (click2houston.com) — Families in a northwest Harris County trailer community went nearly two weeks without gas service, leaving many Houston-area residents unable to heat their homes, cook, or take hot showers during freezing weather. After media inquiries, gas was finally restored, but tenants remain worried about whether the landlord’s repairs will last and are reminded they can file complaints under Texas law if utilities aren’t restored promptly.
   

3. Multiple elevators broken at senior apartment complex in Southeast Houston (fox26houston.com) — Seniors at Magnolia Place Senior Apartments in Southeast Houston are struggling after one elevator has been broken since April and another recently failed, leaving many residents with canes, walkers, and wheelchairs climbing dozens of stairs. A Houston City Council member has visited the complex, warning management they could face citations or fines if the unsafe situation isn’t resolved soon.
   

4. Longtime Texas news anchor dies at 86 (everythinglubbock.com) — Houston is mourning legendary TV news anchor Dave Ward, the trusted face many locals watched for nearly 51 years. The Dallas-born broadcaster, who became a Guinness World Record holder and the “dean of Houston news,” has died at 86 after a career that helped define the city’s television era.
   

5. Remembering legendary Texas singer and songwriter Joe Ely over the years (khou.com) — Houston music fans are mourning Joe Ely, the Texas singer-songwriter who frequently packed Fitzgerald’s, McGonigel’s Mucky Duck and other local venues, and has died at 78. The Amarillo-born, Lubbock-raised artist became a major influence on American roots music, touring worldwide and inspiring legends like Bruce Springsteen and the Clash while maintaining deep ties to Texas stages.
   

📸 Around Houston

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • FREE Mini Blizzard Treat Available At DQ Restaurants In Texas —Mary Coker Read on Patch
  • A Season of Giving: Christmas for Bees Initiative Brings Joy to Harmony School of Enrichment —sally magnuson Read on Patch
  • An Irishman was at a bar in Canada when the bartender asked him why an Irishman was in Canada......
    Irishman replied " I was at a pub in Ireland and my coaster said drink Canada dry, so I thought I'd give it a try".....lol (Nextdoor Stone Creek)
  • Hello neighbors!
    UPDATE: Daisy is safe at home! Thank you to everyone who reached out! (Nextdoor Edgewood Village)
  • Wal-Mart posted a job opening for Stocking Team Associate in Houston. Apply here.
  • ABM Industries, Inc. posted a job opening for Part Time Cleaner in Houston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Houston here.

Ok Houston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don’t know. I can never finish drinking the hot bath!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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