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Col. Kurt Leslie, commander of the maintenance group for the Texas Air National Guard's 147th Reconnaissance Wing, was the speaker at the Tomball Rotary Club Feb. 6. Leslie talked about the unmanned aircraft that his group maintains and flies in missions around the world. The Tomball Rotary Club meets every Wednesday at noon, at the Tomball Community Center.

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A police chase through the back streets of Tomball ended peacefully in the suspect's driveway, as officers took the man into custody without incident Jan. 29.

Tomball police said that Ronald F. Toney, 37, of Tomball, fled from Officer C. Burns, after he tried to stop Toney in the 600 block of James Street late that afternoon.

The chase started near the city's public works building, winding its way to McPhail Street, where police say that Toney went westbound until he got to Cherry Street. Toney then allegedly headed south on Cherry, turned right on Belmont until the chase ended in the suspect's driveway on Willowick Street.

"Once he stopped, we did a high risk takedown and he obeyed all our commands," said Tomball Police Cpt. Rick Grassi. "At that point he was cooperative."

Other officers that were on location of an automobile accident near the Tomball Community Center laid spike strips across Cherry Street during the pursuit, in anticipation of Toney heading north on Cherry.

Grassi said the man gave them an odd reason for fleeing.

"When I asked him why he did it he said he didn't have insurance or a driver's license," he said. "So something that would have been a ticket, or at worse a few hours in the Tomball jail turned into a felony evading charge."

According to the Harris County District Clerk website, Toney bonded out of jail Jan. 31, posting a $5,000 bond.

Toney's previous criminal history only shows an infraction for possessing marijuana in 2011. His next court appearance is set for Feb. 18.

Members of the Tomball High School Student Council rewarded area police officers, firefighters and EMS workers for their dedication, by providing a free lunch for them Jan. 30. Students called it the Food for Courage campaign.

"We started this five years ago with a Cookies for Courage campaign and it evolved into serving an entire meal," said student council advisor Billie Ann Dio. "It's a way of giving back and a good way for the students to see the true heroes of the community."

The students served beef stew, rice, salad, bread and desserts. The desserts were made by the students, while the staff of the Tomball High School cafeteria helped make the rest of the meal.

"It's a great blessing for me to be able to do something like this," said student council President Anna Liu. "A lot of people my age don't get to contribute to their community. I get a lot out of giving back. I love getting to show them gratitude for all that they do for us."

Student Matthew Pallini agreed with Liu.

"It's very comforting to help the people who help us," he said.

Cpt. Daniel Hancock of Northwest EMS said recognition and appreciation like this makes the job worthwhile.

"We don't work for thank you's, we do this because we love to help, but something like this is very nice and motivational," he said.

Tomball Police Cpt. Rick Grassi said that seeing the area youth come together like this gives him hope for the future.

"It's wonderful to see the youth leaders of the community showing their appreciation for the men and women of public safety," he said. "Seeing these kids reach out to recognize us inspires me and I hope that we inspire them to help others as well."