Official site of Tribune News serving Tomball, Magnolia and Waller

Starting Aug. 27, Lone Star College-Tomball (LSC-Tomball) will be offering four college courses, every Monday evening at Magnolia High School.

Courses offered will be English Composition and Rhetoric I, Federal Government, General Psychology and Intro to Computers.

The high school is located at 14350 FM 1488 in Magnolia.

“Lone Star College-Tomball offers students opportunities to learn day or night, on campus, or online. In this case, we are bringing the campus to Magnolia High School to provide a close to home option for our students in the Magnolia area,” LSC-Tomball Vice President of Instruction, Lee Ann Nutt said. “These four courses are part of most degree and transfer plans. So, no matter the student’s goal, we’re hoping these courses close to their home will make it easier to reach their goal.”

To register for the courses being held at the high school, visit www.lonestar.edu/registration or register in-person at Lone Star College-Tomball, located at 30555 Tomball Parkway.

The Magnolia/Tomball YMCA will be holding a youth flag football camp next week, for ages 6 through 11. Details and contacts include:

Mon. August 20-Thurs. August 23, 2012
6:30PM – 8PM
Fee: $50 per Player

This camp will provide a comprehensive overview of the sport of flag football. Participants will learn skills in all areas of football; offense, defense and specialties. No previous experience necessary.

Benefits of Camp:
• No Contact: Participants learn skills safely while still in a
competitive environment
• No Specialization: Experience ALL positions and all skill areas
• No Conditioning: Optimum learning without fear of fatigue
• Small Groups: 1 Instructor per 6 participants
To register, stop by the Y or call 281.356.4077.

For more information contact Dan at 281.356.4077 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
MAGNOLIA TOMBALL FAMILY YMCA
36725 FM 1774

The Magnolia Farmers and Artisans Market, also known as Sweet Magnolia Pickins, is now offering vendors a rebate. Market manager Boo Henderson explains it is due to a new fee charged by the county.

“For vendors who sign on with the market for six months or more, we will cover the cost of the new food vendor permit, should the county require one,” she said. “Let me emphasize this is for food vendors subject to the new permit, only.”

A new state law allows counties to require a new permit for any food vendors that pass out samples or are required to keep temperatures at a constant level. While only some Texas counties have chosen to enact the new permit, Montgomery County is requiring it.

Regardless of the status, the local market wants to keep vendors. As a result, the City of Magnolia 4B Economic Development Corporation that operates the market is making the “rebate” offer.

“We have had many loyal vendors since we began in 2008,” Henderson said. “And, many people come to find these particular vendors at our markets. We don’t want this new permit to scare them away so we have found a way to recoup their possible extra expense of approximately $125 per year and are offering to cover it.”

In other news, the market will hold a costume contest for children at 2 p.m., Oct. 21. All area children are invited to turn out for this special fall market and “trick or treat” at each vendor for no fee.

The Magnolia Farmers and Artisans Market is held on the first and third Sundays of each month from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.,

There is no admission for Sweet Magnolia Pickins and parking is free. Visit, sweetmagnoliapickins.net for more information or a vendor application, or call Henderson at 832-934-2648.

The Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) is taking back-to-school to heart this fall, by launching new marketing and promotional programs. MACC Chairman Barry Tate of Edward Jones said the group is striving to better serve its membership.

"We are working to focus greater attention on our members and how we can better serve them," Tate said. "We recently sent surveys to all our members and are looking for their suggestions and ideas as to how the chamber can better serve them."

Last August, MACC hosted its annual Membership Appreciation Luncheon, which offered every member present an opportunity to present a brief "commercial" about their business at the gathering. The chamber is also adding a Business Spotlight to its monthly luncheons, which will highlight one to three businesses.                                                                                                                                   

With the success of the chamber's annual gala last month, MACC is now working to further promote its members and add benefits to enhance its members experiences. Tate said the chamber staff is developing a "buy local" program featuring rewards, values and savings, and possible member-to-member discounts. The chamber's website will also be receiving a new look. 

Tate went on to say MACC will continue being involved in government and transportation issues in the region, even stepping up the chamber's participation in organizations like the 249 Partnership.

"We feel it is very important to represent our members' business interests to government, at all levels," he said.

With this in mind, MACC delegates will travel to Austin next year to meet with Magnolia area state representatives when the 89th Legislative Session begins.

Christmas Parade

MACC recently announced its annual Christmas Parade theme, An American Christmas, for the Dec. 8 tradition.

"We feel this theme is wide-open to a variety of ideas, such as traditional ways of celebrating Christmas in America, and/or a show of patriotism on the part of our participants," Tate said. "I hope everyone will plan to come out for the day of festivities, beginning with the parade at 10 a.m. Come for the parade, stay for lunch and take in the activities at the depot."

Festivities include the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade and the Magnolia Historical Society's Hometown Christmas offering visits with Santa, the Christmas market, a chili cook-off, the Cookie Express and other family-friendly activities.

To register for the Christmas Parade or to learn more about the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce visit MACC online at, MagnoliaTexas.org or call, 281-356-1488. Also, look for the Chamber on Facebook where comments are welcomed.

A Magnolia man is behind bars, after Montgomery County deputies say he hit a Pct. 4 Constable car while driving drunk.

Court records state that Jacob Tyler Sweeten, 20, was traveling at a high rate of speed on Crocket-Martin Road, in East Montgomery County, Sept. 30. Deputy Skero, with the Constable’s Office, was conducting a traffic stop on the side of the road, near a railroad crossing.

After flying over the railroad tracks, Sweeten then slammed into the back of the deputy’s patrol car, according to deputies.

Sweeten was suspected by police of being under the influence and was arrested. He refused a breath test, however deputies obtained a search warrant for a mandatory blood draw. He was booked into jail on charges of Driving While Intoxicated.

According to a report from the Montgomery County Police Reporter, Sweeten is a senior at The Woodlands High School and was arrested last May for the same offense, but charges were dismissed.

Walgreens recently opened a new store at the intersection of FM 1488 and FM 1774 in downtown Magnolia. At the Oct. 26 grand opening, Walgreens officers were welcomed by the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce with a ribbon cutting for the new member.  City officials and chamber members were in attendance as well. At left, Walgreens-Magnolia Manager Chad Reno does the honors.

The Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce Christmas parade will be held Dec. 8. This year's theme, "An American Christmas," offers an array of nostalgia and patriotism. Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce (MACC) Chairman Barry Tate says the theme was selected in honor of history and America.

"While Santa Claus is an American icon we also wanted to give people the opportunity to show their patriotism in this election year and extend it beyond the November polls," Tate said. "Besides, what is more colorful than red, white and blue with Christmas green?"

Hometown Christmas is offered by the Magnolia Historical Society following the MACC Christmas Parade. Santa visits, the Cookie Express, games and the Christmas Market are all a part of the day's activities of Hometown Christmas at the historic Magnolia Depot Plaza on Melton Street.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. at the corner of Nichols Sawmill Road and Unity Park Drive. MACC suggests spectators arrive early. Parking and parade route details are forthcoming. Watch this publication for more information as the date approaches.

Early registrations will receive a discount on entry fee. Parade registration on or before Nov. 16, is $40 for Chamber members and $75 for non Chamber members; after Nov. 16 registration fees increase to $60 for Chamber members and $100 for non members. Deadline for parade registration is Nov. 26.Visit the Chamber's website, magnoliatexas.org to register for the parade or go by the Chamber office at 18935 FM 1488 to pick up an entry form.

Call 281-356-1488 for additional information.

Big news is on the horizon for those attending the Greater Magnolia Chamber of Commerce monthly business luncheon, Thursday, Jan. 24. The leadership and staff of the chamber will premiere a new business-to-business marketing and promotional program with, "Sidewalk to Success 2013." There will also be a sneak peek at the chamber's new website along with a look at its new logo. Chairman Barry Tate said members and the public are invited to this exciting reveal.
"We are growing and in response to that growth, we have updated our programs and look" Tate said. "We have a few other surprises in store for our members and potential members at this meeting, as well." 
A jackpot drawing will be played at the luncheon and three new-member ribbon cuttings for Big Papa Joe's Wastewater Systems, My Handyman Can and XClaim Media will follow the event, at the same location.
Doors for the MACC Business Luncheon open at 11:30 a.m. in the Celeste Graves Education Support Center, 31141 Nichols Sawmill Road. This Monthly Business Luncheon is open to the public and RSVPs are available by emailing, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling the Chamber at 281-356-1488. Tickets are $15 for members and $20 for non members.

Mardi Gras is coming to Magnolia in a big way and everyone is invited to participate. Feb. 9 the Magnolia Community Foundation will host Mardi Gras on the Stroll in downtown Magnolia beginning at 4 p.m. – but the really big event of this celebration starts at 3 p.m. with free registration for the Dancing Umbrella Parade – Magnolia's first approved Guinness Book of World Records competition.
The Dancing Umbrella Parade, also known as the "stroll" on the Stroll, will be led by the Greg Tivis New Orleans Dixieland Jazz Band. Well-known to the Downtown Uncorked patrons in Bryan, this group has been together for more than a year. An extension of the talented Greg Tivis who has been compared to Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr., and Michael Buble.
Individuals, groups and businesses can participate in the Dancing Umbrella Parade. Five categories are open to the public, including:
• Business
• School
• Civic Club or Organization
• Neighborhood
• Most Wacky
The winner of the Most Wacky category will lead the parade and winners in each of the other four categories will be announced at the Magnolia Mardi Gras on the Stroll.
Along with the Dancing Umbrella Parade, Mardi Gras on the Stroll will feature vendors and a Cajun Cook-Off with red beans & rice, jambalaya, gumbo and etouffee divisions. To register or to apply for a booth please visit, mag
noliacommunityfoundation.
org or call 713-806-3453.