1. Crashes on Northpark Drive greatly exceed state average
The crash rate for the section of Northpark Drive between Hwy. 59 and Woodland Hills Drive was 211.2 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled between 2011-2015, according to a report from The Goodman Corporation that was released Thursday. Meanwhile, the state average is 125.01 crashes per 100 million VMT.
The 330 crashes analyzed on this portion of the road included no fatalities, five incapacitating injuries and 71 non incapacitating injuries. One hundred and twenty-nine of the crashes occurred during peak drive times in the morning and afternoon. The data supports the expansion of Northpark Drive, local legislators said.
Each night of the festival concludes with the Royal Fireworks at dark in The Arena.[/caption]2. Texas Renaissance Festival opens this weekend
Hundreds of thousands of people visit the 55-acre Texas Renaissance Festival, which opens Oct. 8 with a variety of entertainment and more than 400 vendors.For eight weekends in October and November, festival attendees dress up and explore the Renaissance-themed park while eating a turkey leg. $26 (adult), $14 (child). 21778 FM 1774, Todd Mission. 800-458-3435. href="http://www.texrenfest.com">www.texrenfest.com
3. Academy Sports + Outdoors opened at Valley Ranch Town Center
Sporting goods retailer Academy Sports + Outdoors opened a 62,000-square-foot location at 21770 Market Place Drive, New Caney, in late September. It was the first store to open within mixed-use development Valley Ranch Town Center. The retail district will be anchored by Sam's Club, Kroger Marketplace and Hobby Lobby, along with restaurants, a multi-attraction cinema and a 10,000-seat amphitheater.
4. Lone Star College-Kingwood hosts immigration forum
The college system helps legal permanent residents learn to navigate the process of citizenship with its eighth annual Immigration and Citizenship Workshop at Lone Star College-Kingwood on Saturday, Oct. 8. The workshop will feature local attorneys and immigration specialists who will discuss pertinent issues while participants receive free one-on-one legal and citizenship assistance. 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Lone Star College-Kingwood, 20000 Kingwood Drive, Kingwood. 281-312-1600. www.lonestar.edu/kingwood
5. The voter registration deadline approaches
Residents of Harris County have one week left to register to vote in the Nov. 8 election. The deadline to register, which can be done at www.harrisvotes.com is Oct. 11. See the Oct. 6 edition of Community Impact Newspaper for a detailed election guide on state and local races.
