July 3, 2006 Edition

Magnolia Historical Society gathers to recognize community members for Depot efforts

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Depot has long been “the talk of the town” as the Magnolia Historical Society has worked together with the County Commissioner’s office, the City of Magnolia, and many members of the community toward relocating the historical sight of the Magnolia Depot complex since October of 2005.

(Back Row) Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner Craig Doyle, Administrative Assistant to Commissioner Precinct 2 Charlie Riley, Bob Hawthorne of Hawthorne Steel Buildings, Don Dean of Deanco, Henry Hoke of Big 4 Erectors, City of Magnolia Architect John Edmundson, and Butch Teale of Tealco (Middle Row) Magnolia Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Williams, George Botkin, Ronnie Chumley, Historical Society members Calvin Williams and Jonny Williams, and Ben Blackmon (Front Row) Marcos Ortiz of Ortiz Concrete, Bob Koehler of Dimension 4 Signs, Historical Society member and emcee John Bramlett, and Historical Society Chairman Johnny Rollins Receiving Recognition Awards but not present were: Wayne Kilgore of Kase Construction Co., Bruce Stien of Triple S Steel, Jamie Kandif of American Grass, Bob Phares of Ace Fence Co., Paul Hammock of Tex-Star Rentals, Jo Ann Yancy of Yancy Concrete, Mark Thompson, Charlotte Drew of Drew Law Firm, Nancy Purvis, and Bobby Luthe of Luthe Movers
Photo by Cari Herr

Now, that dream is a reality.

The Magnolia Depot and Museum complex is now complete with original restored train depot building, a pavilion, and a caboose on tracks and ties. Plans for a pumper-car are in the future along with a refurbished sawmill. Because the site is within 100 yards of the original location, it qualifies for a State of Texas Historical Plaque and is listed in the Texas Historical Registry.

The Historical Society gathered at the old Magnolia Community Center last Tuesday night to recognize members of the community who have played a unique and inherent role in the site relocation and refurbishment of the historical Magnolia Depot.

Secretary and Treasurer Celeste Graves was on hand to greet and welcome honored guests to a catered meal of homemade Mexican enchiladas, charro beans, rice, guacamole and chips provided by Maria Rodrigues to a crowd of more than 55 people. Cake followed for desert.

Guests included Montgomery County Precinct 2 Commissioner Craig Doyle and his Administrative Assistant Charlie Riley and City of Magnolia Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Williams. In attendance was the newly appointed Magnolia Chief of Police Ron Cunningham and wife, Patty.

The Depot was originally built in 1901 and opened for operation in 1902. The father of Celeste Graves, W.J. Gayle, operated it from 1912 to 1940. Passenger Service ceased in 1960 and the building was sold in 1961 to Randolph Anderson, who moved it to his dairy farm and used it as a hay barn.

Following Anderson’s death his widow, Barbara Anderson, put the building up for sale in 1993, whereupon Patsy Williams purchased the building for $1500 and was later reimbursed by the city. The building was moved to a site very near its original position on the east side of the tracks. To accommodate the widening of FM 1774, the county provided land for the historical site across the tracks next to the old Community Building.

The year 2006 marked the 13th Annual Depot Days for the City of Magnolia, established as the third Saturday in April. All proceeds from Depot Days fundraising has been used to provide for the refurbishment and relocation of the building as well as the establishment of the museum in the freight room of The Depot.

Information on museum tours and group scheduling can be obtained by appointment only through Celeste Graves at 281-356-8514 or by emailing c-graves@houston.rr.com.

Magnolia Councilman Kana offers views on city’s priorities

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Despite a hectic daily schedule, over and above his responsibilities to the citizens of Magnolia, Councilman Todd Kana spoke openly of his commitment and service in a phone interview. Now in the second year of his first term, he listed his priorities as repairing the city’s water well, implementing a stable water system, and completing the purchase of a City Hall building in addition to updating the city’s ordinances.

Magnolia City Councilman Todd Kana

Kana responded positively about moving forward now that taxpayers had approved the issuance of Certificates of Obligation. He indicated that plans for the new well and water system were in set in motion. “It may be a year away before a citizen drinks a drop from the new well, but the funding is there and it’s a necessary evil to proceed with the water system upgrade,” he said. The test well must be complete and approved before the city will move forward with additional costs.

With regard to locating a new City Hall building, Kana was firm. “We need a building that represents the city and the citizens of Magnolia respectably to incoming businesses and tourists. At least one that is inside the city limits.” He spoke positively about the existing building currently under renovation by the 4B Corporation. “It will most likely be the building on Buddy Riley Rd.”

The city ordinances are a real priority for Kana. Resolving conflicting ordinances and creating a firm set of enforceable ordinances are now in process. Kana is resolved ordinances need to be fair without restricting growth of subdivisions and developments. The city’s sign ordinances will be reviewed as well. Kana stated that Assistant to the City Manager Erick Edwards “is doing a good job of focusing on making sure we have good utility ordinances.”

He expressed enthusiasm for the sale of the natural gas system. “We’re surrounded by other gas providers so there’s no room to grow. The city offers services that are a source of revenue, but the gas system never has been one.”

City Councilman Todd Kana is a life-long resident of Montgomery County and Magnolia. He takes pride in voting and participating in jury duty. A long-time interest in politics and community sent Kana seeking areas in which he could contribute. “My term runs to May of ’07 and I will run again. I want to participate for at least two terms. I enjoy it. I wouldn’t go back if I could.”

Friendship Center celebration heralds upcoming 4th of July

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Independence Day celebration came early to citizens of Montgomery County at the countywide gathering of the ‘Friendship Centers’ on Wednesday, June 28 at the West Montgomery County Community Development Center (WMC CDC) on Industrial Park Lane.

The Friendship Center Board of Directors Vice President Charlie Riley (left) cooked brisket all day at the Friendship Center gathering with the help of Montgomery County Sheriff Tommy Gage (center) and Scott Rose (right).

Magnolia Friendship Center Coordinator Diana Trim was on hand to welcome guests at the raffle table. “We’ve been doing this for about five years,” she said. Trim coordinates the activities for the senior group of Magnolia Friendship Center. They meet at the WMC CDC four times a week for bingo, table games, trips and quilting. Three meals a week are served to the group and once a week the group eats out.

“She’s a great director, and a good person,” said Norma Gandybrett of Trim. “I’d like to see her get recognized for all the hard work she has done for this community.”

The Magnolia Friendship Center host’s a 4th of July celebration each year. A patriotic theme of red, white and blue prevailed throughout the table decorations, balloons and dress of all in attendance.

(Front row) Phyllis Foster, Magnolia Friendship Center Coordinator Diana Trim, Cynthia Damron, Shirley Ballard, Henry Hathaway. (Back row) Don Cox, Precinct 2 Commissioner Craig Doyle, Richard Anderson, Deanne Riley, Administrative Assistant to the Commissioner Precinct 2 and Vice President of the Friendship Center Board of Directors Charlie Riley, Deputy Billy Masden and Sergeant Chris Jones.

The gathering in Magnolia included centers from New Caney, Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Splendora and Magnolia. Over 300 were in attendance. They were entertained by the group “Unclogged”, various patriotic and musical performers, and games, and were served a meal by 30 smiling volunteers.

Commissioner Craig Doyle sponsored the meal of barbeque brisket, potatoes, charro beans and sides. Administrative Assistant to the Commissioner and Friendship Board of Directors Vice President Charlie Riley smoked the brisket, along with “slicers and dicers”, Sheriff Tommy Gage and Scott Rose.

“Charlie really gets involved with the community around here,” said Gage. “He’s the big cook.” Riley actively gives of his time to the community through his position at the Commissioner’s office, and his service on the Magnolia School Board, as well as the Friendship Center Board of Directors.

Those in attendance were in high spirits as they showed off a surplus of hats sprouting sprockets and sprays, a plethora of patriotic prints, and a gaggle of glasses, googlers, and gizmos. Craft ideas were shared along with many hugs, handshakes and smiles. In the old tradition of country gatherings, “A good time was had by all.”

TISD Board of Trustees adopts new testing system

By Jessica Thomas
Tribune Staff

Tomball Independent School District students currently enrolled in the district’s accelerated math program will soon be able to take a newly-adopted placement test which the school board believes more accurately reflects its curriculum.

At the June 12 meeting of the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees, Director of Fine Arts Brad Bouley, back row center, recognized several of his fine arts students for their talent and accomplishments on their artwork.

At the June 12 meeting of the Tomball ISD board of trustees, Director of Science and Math Curriculum Randy Reedy gave an update on Accelerated Math Field Testing.

Reedy recommended the district adopt the Region IV-developed Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills test for students in sixth grade who are currently in the accelerated math program.

Following Reedy’s presentation, the board approved the adoption of the test with a unanimous vote.

The district formerly utilized a test developed by Texas Tech University.

The new test would require students to master 70 percent of the test rather than the 90 percent currently required on the Texas Tech test. Students who took the Texas Tech test in June will have the opportunity to take the Region IV test if they wish, Reedy said.

Reedy also presented the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills data report for grades third through eleventh, with mostly positive results.

The scores of the reading portion of the TAKS test revealed a slight decrease in grades fourth, seventh, and eighth.

The majority of the grade levels, however, showed general increases in scores.

In the mathematics portion of the test, there was a slight down trend in grades seventh and tenth and an increase in all other grade levels.

“When compared to the state, TISD surpassed state rates in every subject and every grade level except eleventh grade reading,” Reedy said.

He also reported Tomball ISD scored at least 5 percent better than the state on 20 out of 26 indicators and scored 10 percent or better than the state in math grades fifth through eleventh, tenth grade social studies, and science grades eighth, tenth, and eleventh.

The board also heard a presentation by Chief Financial Officer Jim Ross on the document management system. During Ross’ presentation, trustees were made aware of the heavy use of paper and ink cartridges throughout the district, one that was becoming expensive, Ross said.

Tomball ISD currently has a mailroom at each facility within the district with a designated employee to process and sort mail. Ross also suggested using technology to file and keep records.

“The purpose of this request for proposal is to select a business partner who will work collaboratively with the Tomball ISD to achieve our long-term business objectives and to improve our business processes as they relate to document creation, management, storage, retrieval and distribution.” Ross said.

Ross will begin mailing requests for proposals to potential candidates and a decision is to be made at the July 11 board meeting.

Other actions taken by the Tomball ISD board of trustees:

• The approval of the purchase of 85 new uniforms for the Tomball High School Charms and the amendment to the General Fund budget with a 7-0 vote. The uniforms were designed by the Charms and will be owned by Tomball ISD, therefore never being duplicated.

• The approval of the 2006-07 school year contract renewal recommendations for 2005-06 semester hire employees.

• The approval of a budget amendment to increase the Food Service Fund by $132,505.

• The board also heard a presentation by the Director of English and Language Arts Joan Slater about the Rising Star Winners for 2006. The students ranged from grades second to fifth and competed in narrative writing, poetry, and artwork.

The next regularly scheduled workshop of the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees will be July 10 at 5:30 p.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting of Tomball ISD trustees will be June 11 at 5:30 p.m. Both meetings will be in the boardroom of the Tomball ISD administration offices at 221 W Main Street.

Magnolia ISD responds to city’s offer to purchase district property

20 acres would be used for flood control, new city park

By Denny O'Brien
Editor

As previously reported in the Tribune, Magnolia City Council recently authorized City Manager Roger Carlisle to send a letter to Magnolia ISD requesting purchase of 20 acres of land owned by the district.

The land would be used as the first phase of a master water drainage and detention/retention plan designed to accomplish three goals: 1) avoid flooding in downtown Magnolia during heavy storms or hurricanes, 2) provide a regional water detention/retention facility that would eliminate the need for small ponds throughout the city, thereby freeing up valuable land for commercial use, and 3) offer a location for construction of a new community park that would expand recreational space for residents.

Of the 20 acres requested, about 13 would be set aside for the water project and the remainder used for park improvements.

In a letter dated June 21, MISD Superintendent Mike Holland responded back to Carlisle and indicated that any sale would be under a series of conditions and stipulations. First, the price would be $10,000 per acre for non-floodplain land and $2,000 per acre for floodplain land. Second, the entrance to the detention facility and park would be off Nichols Sawmill Road, with an easement granted by MISD and construction costs borne by the city. Third, that MISD would reserve the land immediately to the south and west of the ALPHA Academy campus. Finally, that the new detention facility would fulfill current and future detention needs for the academy. The city’s offer of $1,000 in earnest money was accepted by the district.

In summing up, Holland stated in the letter: “We trust you will find the terms acceptable and look forward to consummating this transaction for the benefit of all parties.”

City administration, working with the Magnolia Planning Commission, which initially requested the land purchase, and Magnolia’s 4A Economic Development Corporation, which would assist the city with funds to buy the land, will now consider the MISD offer in upcoming July meetings before making any recommendation to City Council.

Magnolia Lions Club celebrates 50th anniversary of charter

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Magnolia Chapter of the Lions Club gathered at the Tony Gullo Car Museum on Saturday, June 17, to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of their Charter, established in 1956. The event was hosted and catered by the Tony and Dolly Gullo Family at no expense to the Lions Club, a not-for-profit organization, which provided an estimated $15,000 dollars in eyeglasses for needy children in the Magnolia ISD last year.

The Key Note Speaker, outgoing District Governor C.W. “Buzz” Goins, installed the new officers for the 2006-2007 year. New officers are President Jim Ullrich, Secretary Martha Wegner, Treasurer Lonnie Wegner, First Vice President Larry Barrow, Second Vice President Jeanette Barrow, and Third Vice President Ethel C. Mitchell.

The Magnolia Lion’s Club outgoing President Don Free (left) pictured with outgoing District Governor C.W. “Buzz” Goins (right) at the Lion’s Club 50th Anniversary gathering in Magnolia where “Buzz” received honors for his service. Photo by Cari Herr

Outgoing President Don Free of District 2S2 introduced incoming District Governor Margaret Badeaux. He also recognized the past Presidents and honored the original Charter Members including Magnolia resident, Cedric Smith, one of only three living Charter Members.

“The Lions Club has been affiliated with Magnolia schools since 1956. At that time, Superintendent Tom Ellisor, Principal C.B. Barbie, Head Coach Howard Swan, deceased, and Assistant Coach Bill Henry as well as Band Director Don Jeter, deceased, were all Charter Members of the Club,” said Free.

The Lions Club provides funds to the Texas Lions Crippled Children’s Camp in Kerrville, contributes to the Society of Samaritans, and operates the Lions Lighthouse for the Blind. “Sight conservation is the main goal of the club,” Free said.

The 2006-2008 fundraising efforts of the Lions Club will center on ‘Campaign: Site First #2’, in which The Lions Club will attempt to raise $150,000 million dollars. If successful, the Lions have acquired an anonymous matching donation of $50,000 million dollars.

Since the establishment of The Lions Club in 1917, the “Knights of the Blind”, so dubbed by Helen Keller, have prevented over three million cases of blindness, built several hospitals in Africa where ‘River Blindness’ is prevalent, and established “White Cane Days”, in which members collect funds for the prevention of blindness.

For more information on The Lions Club or to become an active member, you may contact Donald Free at 281-356-1184.

Fellowship at Field Store Church hosts Volunteer Christian Builders

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

If you drive west from Magnolia on FM 1488, you will happen upon a place in Waller County called Fields Store Community. Just past two tall, blue water towers on the right is a little country church making progress in a big way.

The Fellowship at Fields Store Church hosted the Volunteer Christian Builders for two weeks in May. The volunteers contributed their labor free of charge to the interior finishing of the church’s new sanctuary.  Photo by Cari Herr

The Fellowship at Fields Store was host to the Volunteer Christian Builders (VCB) last month. They are a group of retirees who volunteer their time, skill and labor to Southern Baptist Churches across North America in the construction of a building, or the presentation of Vacation Bible School, and in many other ways.

The Volunteer Christian Builders are a nonprofit group, organized under a board of directors and offices, located throughout the United States. Established in 1963 by a half dozen families in Colorado, this small group of friends has grown to a membership of over 2,000.

Each member pays their own expenses and stays in their personal RV or in housing provided by a host church. The host churches, through independent financing, provide all the materials, permits, funding and two meals a day along with a tremendous amount of fellowship.

Magnolia residents Earl and Beverly Rust have been participating in VCB for over 13 years. They live in a travel trailer while on the road and have grown close to their fellow builders. “We’re scattered all over, but if one person gets sick everybody knows about it,” said Earl.

The Rusts spent the summer of 1995 traveling from Canada to the West Coast down to New Mexico and up to the East Coast working on VCB projects. They have traveled as far as Palmer, Alaska near Anchorage to build a church in 2004 and to Cochran near Calgary, Canada to build a seminary in 1995. “It’s 4,462 miles from Alaska to Magnolia,” Earl Rust said with a chuckle.

Gary Noel, church member and Project Manager is pleased with the results of two weeks of hard work. “They have saved many churches thousands of dollars. They have cut the cost of finishing the inside (here) by 50 percent. We turned a $500,000 dollar building for $300,000 dollars.”

Crew Leader Don Jacobs and wife, Louise, have been traveling across the country building churches since 1978. His fellow builders refer to Jacobs as the “Chief”. “When we started, the building was a bare shell,” he said. “Most churches we work on start at bare slab and go from there.”

The volunteers are professionals and laymen alike, working side by side doing whatever is asked of them. The ladies help where they can, arranging breaks, meals, and managing their small households. They help with church mission work, Vacation Bible School and the never-ending laundry of their hard working men.

More information on the Volunteer Christian Builders can be found at vcbuilders.org or you may contact the Project Coordinator by writing George L. Kidwell at 101 Daisy, Lake Jackson, TX 77566 or call 1-800-962-5318 pin #22 or email him at glkidwell@sbcglobal.net.

Waller VFW Commander offers patriotic message

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Waller County Chamber of Commerce (WACC) held a “Fun Friday” gathering for members and guests on June 23 at the First United Methodist Church of Waller Fellowship Hall. John Isom of the Waller Economic Development Corporation made the Innvocation. Emcee Mark Dandy of Metal Depot presented the Pledge of Allegiance.

Don Price of the Waller VFW Post 5121 was the guest speaker at the Waller Chamber of Commerce Meeting on Friday, June 23.

The Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) decorated with a patriotic theme and served a meal of roast beef, potatoes and carrots, holiday gelatin and tea. Chocolate brownie followed for desert.

The guest speaker was Don Price, newly appointed Senior Commander of the Waller VFW Post 5121. Price gave a spirited and moving oration of the patriotic essay, ‘I Am Your Flag’ by Frank J. Montoya, as well as a stirring animation of the poem, ‘That Ragged Old Flag’ by Johnny Cash, originally done in song.

Vopak Industrial Services of Hockley provided two sets of Astros Club passes and game tickets for a contention game with the Cincinnati Reds on July 27, presented by Gary Pearson to winners Tina Kubiak of State Bank and Judy Doyle of Active Real Estate.

Linda Payne of the Waller County News Citizen won a ‘Fun in the Sun’ set and guest, Gloria Matthews, won a jar of cash from which she gave a donation to WACC for table decorations for the Meet the Teachers Orientation Night on August 7th.

Don Price announced a free barbeque to be held by the VFW Post at the Waller City Park on July 4th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The midday events will include free barbeque, refreshments, and a raffle for a 3-wheeler worth $6500. Raffle tickets are available at Curves and State Bank. Need not be present to win.

On June 28 at approximately 2:30 p.m., a head-on collision occurred on FM 2920 near the intersection of Huffsmith-Kohrville. According to officer Rick Garza of the Tomball Police Department a male driving an early model Honda Accord was traveling west on FM 2920, and a female driving a late model Plymouth pulled out of the driveway of the Jack In The Box restaurant collided. According to Garza, both sustained minor injuries and were transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Tomball’s Brooke Daniels captures third runner-up at Miss Texas USA Pageant

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

After dedicating a lifestyle toward an ultimate goal, relentlessly training day in and day out, only to fall just short of realizing that goal could be emotionally devastating for most people.

Brooke Daniels

But when Tomball’s Brooke Daniels heard the host of the 2006 Miss Texas USA pageant name her third runner-up, her show of pride, and smile, were not just for the NBC television cameras.

Daniels took home the fourth place prize June 25 at the annual pageant, this year held in Laredo. The Miss Texas USA pageant sends its winner each year to the Miss USA pageant.

“I just couldn’t believe it,” Daniels said. “It was like an out-of-body experience.”

This year’s winner was Miss Houston Magen Ellis. Ellis’ win marked the second consecutive year Miss Houston has won the Miss Texas pageant.

In a 134-contestant field, one of the largest Daniels has ever competed in, contestants competed in an interview competition, swimsuit competition and an evening gown competition.

In preparation for the pageant, Daniels would awake early each morning and engage in a rigorous training program which included a twice-a-day work out, running on a treadmill and working closely with her personal trainer three times each week.

Daniels even took part in interview training.

Staying dedicated to the program was the biggest challenge Daniels said she faced in preparing for the pageant.

Despite the intense preparation, Daniels said not finishing first wasn’t necessarily a setback.

Going into the pageant, she assumed her relative inexperience and young age would keep her out of the running for one of the top spots.

“I was not upset at all about not winning,” she said. “People just don’t come in to these pageants like that and do well.”

Daniels said she would have been satisfied with a top 15 finish.

The annual Miss Texas event is considered one of the most competitive pageants in the country. Texas has long been considered the most successful state to enter contestants into the Miss USA pageant and has claimed eight winners, including four straight from 1985 to 1989. One Miss Texas, Chelsi Smith, went on to win the coveted Miss Universe award in1995.

Daniels took part in her first pageant 10 years ago, the Miss Tomball event, when she was a junior at Tomball High School. Now Daniels, who turned 20 last week, is already thinking ahead to next year’s competition.

The Miss Texas pageant was aired live on NBC across the state and Daniels plans to watch the video and evaluate her performance.

One area Daniels wants to work harder on is the interview portion.

Of the three questions asked of her, Daniels was taken off guard by only one.

“They wanted to know what I thought about plastic surgery,” she said.

Daniels told the judges that she thought such procedures should be done only in dire circumstances, such as for a car accident victim.

“I just told them that I think all women should be comfortable with how they look,” she said.

Daniels, who attends Blinn College in College Station, is working towards a degree in communications, which she hopes will eventually lead her to a career in educational psychology. Now that the pageant season has come to an end, Daniels will soon return to work in The Woodlands. The downtime also gives Daniels, who calls herself a homebody, time to spend with her family. That’s time that she says is the most important to her.

Commissioner Doyal discusses mobility, infrastructure projects

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Precinct 2 Commissioners office has a clear vision of the utility and mobility infrastructure needs of the county during a time when unprecedented growth is anticipated over the next five years.

Current projects include finalizing the right of way (ROW) acquisition from I-45 to FM 2978, clearing the ROW for utilities west of FM 242 to FM 2978, and east of FM 242 to Interstate 45, mapping and utility planning for the Fish Creek Thoroughfare, and acquiring ROW for Nichols-Sawmill Rd.

High on Commissioner Craig Doyal’s list is completing the ROW acquisition for the section of FM 1488 between I-45 and FM 242, and finalizing the preparations for clearing and laying utilities between FM 2978 and FM 242.

Citizens of Montgomery County should see “dozers on the ground” clearing the ROW by late summer,” Doyal said. “Construction on the first phase, that section from FM 2978 to FM 242 should begin by early 2007.”

“In some cases, right of way on sections of thoroughfare will be donated by landowners who understand that increased traffic flow means increased business,” said Doyal. Commissioner Doyal gave two examples. Sections of the Fish Creek thoroughfare were donated 10 years ago. The entire ROW for Montgomery Trace and Sendera Ranch was donated 15 years ago.

In anticipation of future utility infrastructure the county will add culverts on Nickaburr Creek prior to construction, which will open up channels on the south side of FM 1488. “Drainage will be improved following the project,” Doyal said.

The Fish Creek Thoroughfare is a north-south corridor extending FM 2978 north from FM 1488 to FM 2854. The ROW planning is especially important as it includes independent water lines along this thoroughfare.

In anticipation of widening FM 1774 by TxDOT, preparations and planning are already underway by the Commissioners office to “acquire the necessary ROW lands on Nichols-Sawmill to prevent disruption and make transition easier,” said Doyal.

The ad valorem tax of .4963 (p/$100 valuation) provides county residents with quite a list of services. “If you consider that the average Montgomery County home appraises at an average of $135,000, that’s $675 per year and $56 dollars per month. You can’t even get cell phone service for $56 dollars a month,” said Doyal with a smile.

Local Independence Day Events

On July 3 the Samaritan Alliance public fireworks display will be held at the Oil Ranch, located near the intersection of Magnolia and Macedonia roads. This free event kicks off at approximately 6:00 p.m. with fireworks starting at dusk. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the fun. On July 4 The City of Tomball will host a fireworks display and celebration. Spectator parking is available in the Lowe’s and Target parking lots. Festivities will include a water polo game, a wading pool and “dump tank” along with the fireworks display at dusk. On July 4 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. the VFW Post at the Waller City Park will host a free barbeque with refreshments, and a raffle for a 3-wheeler worth $6,500. Raffle tickets are available for $20 at Curves and State Bank. Winners need not be present to win.