Note: Events with + in front indicates newly added event!

While we strive to ensure that all of our events are current and accurate, please always check to ensure that the event is still scheduled and that the information below is correct.

• Fall Market @ Town Square – Nov. 15th 10am-2pm  213 W. Texas Ave., Baytown

• Nerd Con Truly Outrageous  Nov. 15th from 10am-6pm @ Eagle Pointe Recreation Complex, Mont Belvieu

• +Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day Sat. Dec. 13th - 9 AM to 2 PM -City of Baytown Storage Facility (1200 Lee Drive & Riggs Street).

• Deaf Social Where Bakery - Jan. 3rd - 11 am @ Heart & Whisk Bakery 4618 N. Main St., Baytown

• West Chambers Deaf Social – Jan. 10th @ 11 am. @ The Toasted Yolk in Mt. Belvieu 13001 I-10 East

Governor Abbott Announces New NRG
Power Plant in Chambers County

Gov. Abbott announced that NRG Energy will build a new power plant in Chambers County, according to the press release from his office below:

Governor Greg Abbott today announced that an NRG Energy, Inc. (NRG) natural gas facility to be constructed at the existing NRG Cedar Bayou power production complex in Chambers County has been designated as a qualified project under the Texas Jobs, Energy, Technology, and Innovation (JETI) program. The new 721 megawatt (MW) natural gas power plant represents an estimated $936 million in capital investment in Texas.

“Texas energy and innovation fuels record-setting job growth across diverse industries in our great state,” said Governor Abbott. “This Texas-sized $936 million investment in Chambers County and 721-megawatt investment in our state grid will increase dispatchable electricity generation and further reinforce grid reliability. The JETI program, offered in partnership with our local communities and school districts, is a critical tool to attract the significant business investments needed to ensure every Texas home and business has the power to thrive for decades to come.”

In September, a Texas Energy Fund loan agreement between NRG and the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) was announced for the new natural gas power plant, which is estimated to begin generating power by mid-2028 and will serve the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) power region.

“A big thank you to Governor Abbott, the Texas Legislature, the PUC, and the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District (Goose Creek CISD) for being excellent partners in helping power Texas forward,” said NRG Executive Vice President and NRG Business and Wholesale Operations President Robert J. Gaudette. “This development of a new, highly efficient unit at our Cedar Bayou power plant will generate significant construction jobs and once online in 2028 will provide additional permanent jobs, new electricity for Texas, and regional economic growth. With power demand surging across Texas, it takes public-private partnerships to meet that demand, and NRG is grateful that the Cedar Bayou project is part of Governor Abbott’s innovative JETI program.”

“Chambers County continues to show why our region is one of the best places in Texas for industry to grow and thrive,” said Representative Terri Leo Wilson. “This investment by NRG strengthens our local economy, creates new jobs for our families, and supports the reliable energy infrastructure that our state depends on. I am proud to welcome this project to our district, and I look forward to working with NRG and our community partners as we build a stronger future for Southeast Texas.”

“The addition of NRG’s 721 MW power plant not only strengthens grid stability and reliability, it also enhances the county’s ability to retain and attract a broad cross section of industries,” said Chambers County Judge Jimmy Sylvia. “The Commissioners Court was pleased to join with local governmental partners in incentivizing the project.”

“Goose Creek CISD’s collaboration with NRG on the innovative Cedar Bayou project supports a more sustainable energy future,” said Goose Creek CISD Superintendent Dr. Randal O'Brien. “This initiative will strengthen grid resilience, drive hundreds of millions of dollars in economic growth across the greater Baytown area and help meet the evolving energy needs of our community and state.”

“Undergirding any vibrant economy and effective economic development efforts requires the continuous improvement and development of infrastructure,” said Baytown West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation CEO B. J. Simon. “The NRG Cedar Bayou 5 power plant is an exemplar in that regard.”

Read our previous article about this expansion

On the Right Track:
Baytown Pushes for Rail Solutions

From Jason Calder, City of Baytown

Baytown is a city that moves. From thriving industrial partners to families commuting to school and work, our community depends on clear roads and open crossings. However, many of us have experienced the frustration of waiting at a blocked railroad crossing. Trains can stop for long stretches, cutting off access to neighborhoods, businesses, and sometimes even emergency vehicles.

We are listening. This issue remains one of our top priorities, and City leaders are advocating at every level to find relief for residents.

A Challenge Decades in the Making

Baytown’s rail lines were here long before many of our neighborhoods and industries. These tracks remain critical for moving goods that fuel global industry and strengthen our local and national economy. But as train traffic grows, so do the challenges. Cities like Baytown have very limited authority to demand action on rail operations, but that’s not stopping us from pushing back.

Bringing Union Pacific to the Table

Baytown officials meet regularly with Union Pacific leadership to discuss blocked crossings, safety issues, and other community concerns. What began as a difficult conversation has evolved into an ongoing partnership. Union Pacific now keeps a list of Baytown’s Top 10 “hot spots” posted in their dispatch center to help crews stay aware of problem areas.

Teamwork at Every Level

The City continues to raise awareness of these issues with state and federal partners. Councilman Jacob Powell is meeting with Union Pacific leadership to provide a firsthand look at trouble spots across Baytown. Councilwoman Laura Alvarado recently hosted a meeting with TxDOT, Senator Carol Alvarado’s office, and City representatives to explore new state funding opportunities for grade separations. These projects separate roads and rail lines to prevent crossing blockages. It is a long and competitive process, but we will keep fighting and working for solutions.

What You Can Do

👉 Residents can help by reporting blocked crossings in these ways:

👉 Better Baytown App or baytown.org:

👉 Report blocked crossings and include as much detail as possible, such as photos and location information. Each report helps us track the growing number of incidents and ensures Union Pacific leadership understands the real impact on our community.

Union Pacific’s Response Management Communications Center (UPRMCC):

👉 Contact the UPRMCC, staffed by a live representative, at 888-877-7267 or 800-848-8715. When reporting, include the crossing identification number that is found on the blue sign near the crossing gates. Also, include the nearby cross streets.

Blocked Crossing Incident Reporter:

👉 Use the Federal Railroad Administration’s online tool to submit an issue.

Baytown can’t fix this alone. But together, we can make sure our voice stays strong, our message stays clear, and our community stays moving on the right track.

NOTICE!
Railroad Crossing Closure
Friday

The railroad crossing on East Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road will be closed this Friday (11/14) from 7 AM to 5 PM for repairs.

Feral Hogs Poll Results:

Thanks to everyone who participated in our recent poll about feral hog sightings. We appreciate the responses and wanted to share what we learned.

Nearly 60% of respondents said they had seen feral hogs somewhere in the general area. About 30% reported hearing about sightings, while the remaining respondents said they had not seen any.

Here are a few of the comments shared by readers who have seen feral hogs or heard about sightings from others:

“My cousin has a corn field and grass farm just East of Dayton and has a big problem with hogs.”

“Beach city has been hit hard by the pigs. ”

“Up and down highway 73”

“ New subdivisions between Mont Belvieu and Dayton are experimenting high numbers of feral hogs in the area. They are foraging around homes, driveways and home construction sites. The HOA has hired professional trappers but we in River Ranch highway 146 Dayton do not see a reduction in hog numbers. ”

“We are off 99 and Tri City Beach in Baytown.”

🛍Local Garage, Yard & Estate Sales!🏷

Please help us spread the word: share this newsletter with your friends, neighbors, and anyone who loves a good deal. Encourage them to subscribe so they never miss a sale. And if you're planning a sale of your own, be sure to submit your info by Tuesday at 5 PM to be included in this week’s issue!

Friendly Note: Garage and Estate sales are as unpredictable as the Texas weather—sometimes they pop up, sometimes they blow away! 🌦️ Hosts may change times, addresses, or even cancel altogether. We just share the info; the rest is part of the treasure-hunting adventure. 🛍️

📌 Estate Sales

12510 Mystery Lane, Baytown 
Thur. – Sun., Nov. 13th-16th from 8am-4pm
Furniture, kitchen items, sewing machine, washer & dryer, +++

1702 Shoshoni, Deer Park
Fri-Sun, Nov. 14th-16th from 9am-6 pm
Lots of kitchenware, beautiful furnishings, curio cabinets full of collectibles, decorations, beds, KitchenAid stand mixer, Pyrex, +++

Job Listings Now on a Separate Page! 🎉

To make scrolling easier for everyone, we’ve moved job listings to a separate page! If you're job hunting, check it out—if not, enjoy a quicker read! 😊👀

Click job listings page

Wednesday’s Quiz: Which 1970s TV show featured the catchphrase “Dy-no-mite!”?
Answer:  B) Good Times
Jimmie Walker made “Dy-no-mite!” famous in Good Times (1974–1979), a sitcom about a Chicago family that blended humor with real-life struggles