Issuu

JANUARY 2026

COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR ALL How Webster EMS is helping every patient find their voice, PG. 4

WINTERPROOFING YOUR PIPES PG. 2

FESTIVE HOMES OF WEBSTER PG. 3

FINDING YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND PG. 6

When temperatures drop below freezing, exposed water lines and outdoor fixtures can freeze and burst, causing costly damage and water loss. The City of Webster Public Works division is reminding everyone to take these steps before the next cold snap: Insulate exposed pipes: Wrap outdoor and unheated-area pipes.

Know your shut-off valve: Locate and test your home’s main water shut-off valve before emergencies happen.

Disconnect garden hoses: Drain and store hoses, and shut off and drain outdoor spigots.

Open cabinet doors: Let warm air circulate around sinks on exterior walls.

Seal openings: Seal gaps to keep cold air away from plumbing. If your pipes freeze: Turn off the water at your home’s main shut-off valve immediately. Use a hair dryer or space heater (never an open flame) to gently warm the frozen area on the pipe. Once thawed, check for leaks before turning water back on.

Weekly Schedule:

Starting February 2nd, AARP representatives will provide FREE tax assistance. Visit the Webster Recreation Center at 311 Pennsylvania Ave. to make an appointment. Please do not call for an appointment, as we are unable to book over the phone.

2 Webster Way | January

Monday

9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Tuesday

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Wednesday

11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Saturday

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

For more information, call 281-316-4137

Webster Way | January 3

COMPASSIONATE CARE FOR ALL Webster EMS Creates New Communication and Sensory Kits for Neurodivergent Patients The son of a Webster firefighter is inspiring a new era of compassionate care. When Lt. Lenard Bettis approached EMS Chief Brad Starkey about creating communication boards for neurodivergent children and adults, the idea evolved into something that’s a first of its kind, not just here in Webster, but in the surrounding areas as well. “It’s been kind of a slow burn project that went from just making a board, to now we have a kit,” Starkey says. Named after Bettis’ 7-year-old son, the new “L.U.K.E. Kits” contain tools designed to give a voice to patients who might not be able to communicate their needs. The goal is to provide a more calming experience for patients who are neurodivergent, nonverbal, or easily overwhelmed in an emergency. “As a parent of a child with autism, if God forbid, I ever had to call 911 for my son and they showed up with some tools to help communicate with him and make things an easier experience for him, it would mean the absolute world to me,” Bettis says. Several months ago, Starkey began researching communication boards - visual guides that can help a patient describe what they’re feeling and what they need. The boards feature subdued colors, blank spaces, and pictures that can be easily understood and pointed to, not only by nonverbal patients, but also by those who may not speak English. “We’re trying to bridge all those gaps together,” Starkey says. From there, the kits grew to include sunglasses, noisecanceling headphones, and fidget toys, all of which are designed to provide distractions from otherwise overstimulating scenarios. Kits will be stocked on every ambulance, and patients who need them will be able to keep the items to comfort them in the hospital as well. When Starkey reached out to local hospital liaisons about the project, he discovered that no other nearby agencies were using these tools. However, after consulting with

4 Webster Way | January

Bettis and other parents of autistic and neurodivergent children for their input, he feels confident that the L.U.K.E. Kits will have a positive impact in Webster and beyond. “Already there’s a lot of interest, because it’s a tool that we just don’t have. If you do, it’s extremely rare, or [first responders] don’t know how to use it,” Starkey says. Starkey is planning training sessions with a behavioral specialist to ensure EMTs and paramedics are prepared to use the L.U.K.E. Kits. Bettis says that understanding the cues of neurodivergent patients not only helps in the moment, but it can also help avoid setbacks after an emergency. “A bad experience can potentially undo six months of therapy. Hopefully we can make that emergency situation the least impactful as possible,” Bettis says. Bettis adds that he pushed for the creation of these kits with his previous fire department, calling the project “long overdue.” Now here in Webster, he says he’s touched by Starkey’s commitment to inclusion, and he hopes this idea gains traction across the greater Houston area. “It’s been very, very emotional for me. I know with other parents in the same situation as we are, it will probably mean the world to them.”

Pictured: Lt. Bettis poses with his family, including 7-year-old Luke, the inspiration behind the initiative.

1. Communication boards: Patients can use pictures to point to their feelings and needs. 2. Dry-erase board and marker: Allows patients to communicate needs by writing. 3. Sunglasses: Reduce bright light and eliminate the stress of direct eye contact. 4. Fidget toys: Handheld toys offer distractions, provide sensory input, and reduce anxiety. 5. Noise-canceling headphones: Reduce overwhelming noise. Pictured: Luke Bettis

Webster Way | January 5

New Year, New

Why not kick off 2026 with a new furry friend? The City of Webster Humane Services division reminds you that there are plenty of lovable cats and dogs looking for a home in the new year. Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to adopting.

Location: Public Works Service Center 855 Magnolia Ave.

Visit our shelter facilities at the following times: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Adoption Fee: $35

Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Weekends & Other Times: By Appointment

All Adoptions Include: Spay/Neuter

Rabies Vaccination

The City of Webster also partners with local veterinarians throughout the year for pet health events, offering low-cost vaccinations, health screenings, and microchipping for cats and dogs. Follow us on Facebook to be notified of upcoming pet health clinics. 6 Webster Way | January

Microchip

Contact Webster Humane Services at 281-316-3709 to inquire about pet availability, or for any other questions regarding adoption.

CITY COUNCIL RECAP

CITY CONTACTS City Hall Main Number 281.332.1826

November Recap City Council approved a Webster Economic Development Corporation expenditure in the amount of $187,400 to WB NASA Bypass LLC.

•

City Council authorized a purchase order for $299,810.80 to DataVox to purchase and install Verkada access controls, burglar alarms, video cameras and intercom systems. City Council authorized a purchase order for $96,882.30 to CDW-G for the purchase of network switches, wireless access points, and building bridge technology. City Council rejected the bid from McDonald Municipal Industrial for Bid 25-11 for Sanitary Sewer Life Station Emergency Generators Round 2 for $869,000. City Council authorized a purchase order for $113,675 to A-Lert Roof Systems to manufacture and install standing seam roof systems at the Magnolia Water Plant Control Room, Wastewater Plant Control Room, and the Wastewater Plant SO2 Building. City Council authorized the Mayor to sign a contract with Maguire Iron, Inc. for a full-service water tank maintenance and repair plan, for $283,276.67. City Council authorized the Mayor to execute a pole maintenance agreement with SQF, LLC. City Council authorized the purchase of one (1) Ford Transit van for the Police Department from Chastang Ford in the amount of $92,359.54. City Council authorized the purchase of 12 N70 handheld radios from Motorola Solutions in the amount of $89,560.08. City Council authorized the Police Department to issue a purchase order for six (6) Chevrolet Tahoe SUVs and two (2) Chevrolet Silverado pursuit-rated pickup trucks from Freedom Chevrolet, in the amount of $444,270. City Council accepted the Investment Report for the quarter ending September 30, 2025.

• • •

• • • • •

•

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING, VISIT OUR WEBSITE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE!

City Manager 281.332.1826 City Secretary 281.316.4144 Community Development 281.316.4129 Economic Development 281.316.4116 Finance 281.316.4102 Municipal Court 281.316.6702 Recreation 281.316.4137 Public Works 281.316.3700 Fire (Non-emergency) 281.332.2711 Police (Non-emergency) 281.332.2426

SOCIAL MEDIA

•

City of Webster, Texas

@WebsterTexas

@WebsterTexas_

Webster Way | January 7

THE CITY OF WEBSTER

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 119

101 Pennsylvania Ave. Webster, TX 77598

www.cityofwebster.com 281.332.1826

Webster, TX

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MEETINGS AND EVENTS

NEW YEAR’S DAY OFFICE CLOSURE City Offices will reopen January 2nd

SENIOR BINGO DAYS 10 A.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

SENIOR BINGO DAYS 10 A.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

MLK JR. DAY OFFICE CLOSURE City Offices will be reopen January 20th

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

SENIOR BINGO DAYS 10 A.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 P.M. at City Hall

SENIOR GAME NIGHT 6 P.M. at 311 Pennsylvania Ave.

*Special meetings may be added, and meetings may be canceled if there are no agenda items. Check the City website at cityofwebster.com for meeting information.

WEBSTER CITY COUNCIL

Jennifer Heidt

Council Position 1 jheidt@cityofwebster.com

Sam Davis

Council Position 2 sdavis@cityofwebster.com

Chris Vaughan

Council Position 3 cvaughan@cityofwebster.com

Donna Jasso

Mayor mayorjasso@cityofwebster.com

Beverly Gaines

Council Position 4 bgaines@cityofwebster.com

Edward Lapeyre

Council Position 5 elapeyre@cityofwebster.com

Martin Graves

Council Position 6 mgraves@cityofwebster.com