Teens sustain bite wounds during K-9 round up
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
On the morning of Nov. 3 a late night bonfire got out of
hand at an under-aged drinking party when a Harris County
K-9 unit was called in by Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office
(MCSO) deputies, resulting in several dog bites and a
warrant for escaping custody.
When MCSO Dist. 4 deputies responded to a disturbance at
a vacant lot on the corner of Beaconsfield Dr. at Fairhope
Lane in The Village of Heritage Point subdivision, a group
of teenagers scattered.
According to MCSO Lt. Wayne Rawley, the teenagers left
behind various alcoholic beverages and their cell phones
when they headed for nearby underbrush out of the light of
the fire.
Rawley said the incident began as a routine
investigation.
Three male juveniles and a female were detained for
questioning. One of the males, a 16-year-old, attempted to
leave the scene. Officers detained the youth with handcuffs,
discovering an illegal smoke-pipe in his pocket.
While in the process of determining their identities,
several more teens appeared on the scene. While deputies
questioned the new arrivals, the handcuffed 16-year-old
juvenile ran from the scene, quickly followed by the female
juvenile.
“The kids have these parties all the time,” he said. “The
difference between this and other late-night teenaged
gatherings is that this youngster decided to run. The young
man went from a Class C minor in possession (MIP) citation,
to a Class A escape from custody,” said Rawley.
At that time, deputies called in a Harris County K-9
tracking dog in an attempt to locate the 16-year-old who had
escaped from custody. While the canine and his handler were
seeking the escaped teenager, the dog discovered another
youth hiding in the brush surrounding the area.
That youth attempted to run, but was detained by the dog,
who latched on to the seat of the boy’s pants. The youth was
taken into custody without further incident. A set of brass
knuckles was found in the youth’s possession. After
receiving medical treatment, he was transported to the MCJDC
and was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.
As the search continued, the dog found yet another teen
also hiding in the nearby brush. That youth attempted to
strike the dog.
Despite the Harris County dog handler’s attempt to
command the teen to lie still, the teen and the dog
continued to struggle, said Rawley. The teen was taken into
custody, but not before he sustained dog bites to both arms
and one to his face.
“If you run, the dog is trained to give chase. If you
attack, the dog is going to respond,” said Rawley.
Montgomery County Hospital District emergency medical
services arrived to administer medical treatment to both of
the dog-bitten youths, said Rawley.
As a result of the dog-bitten teen’s level of
intoxication, his parent was called to the scene. Rather
than arrest and transport an intoxicated youth to juvenile
detention, Rawley said, it is customary to attempt to locate
the parents for release to a responsible adult.
The female juvenile who ran from the scene was later
found at a friend’s residence, and admitted she ran from the
party. She was taken to the Montgomery County Juvenile
Detention Center (MCJDC) for evading arrest.
Though the 16-year-old teen escaped, he left behind his
identification. Despite the teen’s efforts to alter his
appearance by cutting off the handcuffs and shaving his
head, Sheriff’s deputies were able to locate the teen
through cooperative efforts with the Magnolia Independent
School District.
An affidavit was filed with the District Attorney’s
office for a Class A misdemeanor charge of escaping custody.
MCSO Detective Paul Haus took the youth into custody on Dec.
6 during classes at Magnolia High School.
Unfortunately, children do not always use common sense
when making decisions, said Rawley. “These youngsters should
know that it could have been easier.”
The youth now faces a detention hearing no later than the
second working day following his detention to determine
additional penalties with a maximum penalty of probation up
to 18 years of age, said Assistant County Attorney Juvenile
Prosecutor Chris Allen.
“The juvenile justice system is set up this way to
rehabilitate rather than punish and to provide early
intervention so kids don’t make these mistakes as adults,”
said Allen.
Teenagers participating in dangerous or unlawful
activities who are approached by law enforcement officers
should stay calm, be polite and above all remain on the
scene until released, said Rawley.
“When children don’t use common sense, parents should or
next time they could be going to the morgue,” he said.
Eissler to return $21,500 in campaign funds following
complaint
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
As promised prior to the Nov. 7 election, State
Representative Rob Eissler, R-The Woodlands, has made good
on his commitment to have his campaign fund practices
reviewed for “anything that is not above board.” Eissler and
his attorney met last week to do just that.
State Representative Robert Eissler, R-The Woodlands
Photo by Cari Herr
Though it did not affect the outcome of the election, a
formal filing with the Texas Ethics Commission and public
notice came on Nov. 6. The Democratic Party’s precinct
chairman of The Woodlands, Michael Smith, filed the
complaint. It alleges Eissler misused “political
contributions to purchase real property or to pay the
interest on or principal of a note for the purchase of real
property.”
Eissler is being cautious about future campaign fund
expenditures.
“Anyone who runs afoul of the procedures, starts to take
a closer look at what they do,” he said.
The claim stemmed from the use of a condominium property
Eissler purchased in Austin for his two sons to live in
while they attended the University of Texas. During
legislative sessions in 2004-06 Eissler used the condominium
as living quarters instead of renting a hotel or apartment,
he said.
Although the Texas Election code allows a candidate or
public office representative to use funds from political
contributions for “rent, utilities, and other reasonable
housing or household expenses,” the funds cannot be used on
self-deeded properties for the same purpose.
Eissler said he has discontinued using his campaign funds
to defray the cost of living in Austin. He now defers to
legal council for any further expenses from his campaign
funds. Eissler plans to pay back the $21,500 in rental fees
“a little at a time”, he said.
“I put it on my report, so obviously I didn’t think there
was anything wrong with it,” said Eissler. “It’s a gray
area. That’s how you find these things out. My theory is, if
it’s wrong fix it.”
Horse-therapy brings freedom to disabled Magnolia girl
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
Megan Fry of Magnolia laughs, learns and loves just like
any other 8-year-old. But for Megan, who was born with
cerebral palsy, horse-therapy at SIRE was the key to
unlocking the door of freedom from her wheelchair.
Megan Fry (horse rider) is pictured with her therapy team at
SIRE.
Photo by Cari Herr
“Horse therapy is important to Megan in many aspects,”
said Megan’s mother, Andrea Fry. “She receives a social
outlet equivalent to activities that children without
disabilities enjoy. She experiences a freedom she doesn’t
have when she is in a wheelchair.”
A simple recipe for success, SIRE offers an altruistic
opportunity for people to come together in a moment of
compassionate benevolence.
“The healing power of a horse; the people who experience
it; the instructors who channel that power; the volunteers
who give so generously of their time and talents; the staff
and board of directors who keep it all moving forward; and
the donors who lighten the financial load, make it all
happen.” said Administrative Coordinator Mary Kate Flannagan
who is passionate about the work at SIRE.
SIRE offers older horses with even temperaments in its
therapy program. Each client is assigned a specially
selected therapist, as well as a horse leader and two
side-walkers. A customized rehabilitation program is
developed specific to the needs of each client.
“There is a lot of bonding that occurs between
constituents, and the client looks forward to that
developing relationship,” said Flannagan.
Megan has been in the SIRE program since she was three.
The Fry’s learned of the program from Megan’s physical
therapist. They immediately contacted SIRE and were placed
on a yearlong waiting list.
“It is rewarding to see the benefits Megan reaps from the
investment the volunteers make with their personal time.
It’s fabulous,” said Fry. “I have a sense of overwhelming
gratitude toward them.”
The therapy Megan receives at SIRE works her trunk
muscles as the movement of the horse simulates the movement
of her legs walking, Fry said.
“Megan was born with cerebral palsy, which affects the
muscles in her arms and legs, causing them to stiffen. As a
result, her trunk muscles were weak,” she said.
When she first began therapy at SIRE, Megan could not sit
up on the horse at all, but only lay on its back, steadied
by her side-walkers. By the end of the first semester, Megan
could sit up on the horse with assistance.
Over the next two semesters, Megan learned to support
herself and can now sit up independently. If Megan learns to
walk, her body will know how to respond.
“I see Megan really benefiting from SIRE for many years.
I see a definite form of freedom she doesn’t get at any
other time,” said Andrea.
Therapy through SIRE is not only for children, but for
adults as well. Those with autism, congenital disabilities,
or Downs Syndrome and automobile accident victims of all
ages benefit from the physical therapy they receive at SIRE,
Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Center.
SIRE is a premier accredited center with the North
American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA).
“When SIRE began 23 years ago, there was no such thing as
NARHA certified instructors. Our instructors were
able-bodied riding teachers who primarily worked with
children and therapists. A lot has changed since then and in
the early 1990s the national certification of therapeutic
riding instructors began,” said Flannagan.
Volunteers are the lifeblood of SIRE. Last year,
dedicated volunteers donated more than 28,000 hours of time
to SIRE.
“As SIRE continues to grow and change, it becomes even
more important for us to recruit, train and retain
volunteers,” said Flannagan.
In January a two-part volunteer orientation and training
will take place. Volunteers must attend the orientation as
well as a hands-on training session at any of three SIRE
locations.
On Jan. 10 the orientation will be offered at all three
locations from 6 to 8 p.m. Volunteers who have attended the
orientation must then attend training either on Jan. 11 from
10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at SIRE Sienna Stables, or on Jan. 13
from 8 a.m .to 1 p.m. offered at either of the Hockley or
Spring locations.
For more information call 281-356-7588 ext. 209 or log on
to www.sire-htec.org.
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The Tomball High School Master Chorale, under the direction
of John Krystyniak (pictured at right) were featured at the
Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce’s annual First Friday
Christmas celebration, held Dec. 1. The chorale performed
three songs to chamber members and guests. The event was
held at Salem Lutheran Church.
Photo by Brian Walzel
Tomball PD garners prestigious CALEA Recognition
By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff
The Tomball Police Department is one of the best run
agencies in the state, and they have the recognition to
prove it.
Police Chief Michael Blake and Assistant City Secretary Mary
Coker
Submitted Photo
The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement
Agencies, or CALEA, announced Nov. 18 that the Tomball
Police Department was awarded a “Recognized” rating
following a three-day assessment in August.
According to Police Chief Michael Blake, the Tomball PD
is one of only 27 agencies in Texas to have received the
Recognized rating.
As part of the CALEA Recognition program, an outside
assessor reviewed department files, policies, procedures and
practices during the agency-wide evaluation.
Blake said the award was more than just a feather in the
cap for the police department.
“It means this city, its police department and its
personnel wish to strive toward excellence,” he said.
The department will retain its Recognized status for the
next three years, but must submit yearly reports verifying
“the agency’s continuing compliance with standards under
which” they became recognized, according to CALEA.
The review took place between Aug. 12 and Aug. 14 and was
performed by Stephen M. Seefchak, a captain with the
Aventura, Fla., Police Department and member of CALEA.
As part of the assessment, Seefchak took a tour of the
department, viewed several department vehicles, participated
in a ride-along and analyzed more than 60 department
standards.
CALEA was looking for the department to not only have on
file the requisite policies and procedures for recognition,
but also show proof that the department was following
through on those practices, Capt. Rick Grassi said.
Seefchak and CALEA, including directions for such
procedures as disaster planning and civil disturbances,
reviewed more than 60 standards.
Grassi noted examples of Hurricane Rita and last year’s
visit to Tomball by the Ku Klux Klan of how the Tomball PD
utilized the respective practices.
While Blake praised his department for its preparation of
the assessment, he also noted the exhaustive review by CALEA.
“I was impressed by the amount of diligence CALEA put
into it,” he said. “This legitimately was a journey.”
CALEA has two award programs, the Recognition program and
the Accreditation program. Due to the relatively small size
of the Tomball PD, Blake chose to go with the less intensive
Recognition program. Now that the agency has garnered the
prestigious award, it’s now on to gaining the Accreditation
rating, Blake said.
Christmas trees spruce up Tomball holiday cheer
By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff
“Never worry about the size of your Christmas tree. In
the eyes of children, they are all 30 feet tall.” -
Larry Wilde, “The Merry Book of Christmas”
When James and Michael Hill told Damian Prause, owner of
Old Time Christmas Tree Farm, they were in the market for an
8-foot Christmas tree, Prause smiled, appreciative of their
youthful exuberance.
James Hill (left) and his brother, Michael (right) lug their
new, freshly-cut Christmas tree onto a trailer.
Photo by Brian Walzel
“That’s a big tree. That’s almost three of you,” he joked
to 7-year-old James.
“We need a 6-foot tree,” their mother, Stephanie, quickly
clarified.
“Well, I think we can do that,” Prause replied.
And off they went, clinging to the rails of a
tractor-drawn trailer into acres and acres of firs and
spruce.
Soon the Hill’s, from nearby Cypress, had found their
perfect tree: a quaint little fir, perhaps just twice the
size of James. It would take just a bit of trimming, perhaps
snip the top a bit to perch an angel or star, four or five
strands of lights, maybe a string of popcorn and some
homemade ornaments from James and Michael.
By nightfall, the children would be begging their mother
for just one early Christmas present.
For all the music, cups of hot cocoa and decades-old
primetime holiday special re-runs, nothing can quite bring a
family together, or symbolize Christmas, like a Christmas
tree.
Prause’s Old Time Christmas Tree Farm, located near Hooks
Airport, provides families with an opportunity to take part
in a long-lost tradition: picking out and cutting down their
own Christmas trees.
“It’s the experience the families have, the time you
spend together,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
But, where did you come from, Christmas Tree, O’
Christmas Tree?
According to history.com, the Web site for the History
Channel, Germany is usually credited with starting the
Christmas tree tradition “as we now know it” in the 16th
century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into
their homes.
However, Americans were slow to catch on.
“Most 19th century Americans found Christmas trees an
oddity,” the Web site states.
Americans saw the Christmas tree as a sign of pagan
symbols and stuck to their belief that Christmas was a
sacred event.
Eventually, along with an influx of German immigrants,
America slowly changed their beliefs.
According to the Web site, “In 1846, the popular royals,
Queen Victoria and her German Prince, Albert, were sketched
in the London Times newspaper standing with their children
around a Christmas tree.”
The queen “was very popular with her subjects and what
was done at court immediately became fashionable, not only
in Britain, but with fashion-conscious East Coast American
society,” the Web site states.
From there, the tradition took hold.
Now Christmas trees fill discount store aisles, precious
front row parking spaces and nursery lots across the
country.
Keeping with its small town values, Tomball features its
own brand of Christmas trees. The dozen or so live oaks that
line Main Street in downtown are adorned each year with
bright white lights, providing a scene Norman Rockwell would
be proud of.
The Griffin House of the Tomball Museum features a tree
decorated with ornaments from the early 20th century, just
as the tradition was becoming popular.
Meanwhile today, the Hills ride back happy, bouncing
along in the trailer.
While Stephanie keeps a close eye on James and Michael,
the boys eye the fields of trees around them, perhaps
wondering if that 10-foot fir will fit in their living room
next year.
Waller ISD heralds Naval Academy appointment
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
Waller Independent School District recently announced
that David Shultz, the valedictorian of Waller High School’s
(WHS) class of 2003, received an appointment on Nov. 15 to
the Naval Air Station, one more step in the culmination of
his dream to be a Navy pilot.
David Shultz, the 2003 valedictorian of Waller High School,
was recently selected for appointment to the Naval Air
Station in Pensecola, Fla.
Submitted Photo
After graduating from WHS, Shultz was appointed to attend
the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., said the
district. A prestigious award, a Naval Academy appointment
is accomplished only by the nomination of a government
official and offers a scholarship valued at between $250,000
and $325,000.
“A lot of people think you get appointed to the Naval
Academy through people you know, but you must have a
nomination to get in. David worked very hard to get where he
is,” said his mom, Shelley Shultz.
Applicants to the Naval Academy must be a single U.S.
citizen, between the ages of 17 and 23 and have no children.
The United States President or Vice President can appoint a
member of the military or a Senator or Congressman can
appoint non-military citizens.
“He got all three. Congressman Kevin Brady, Senator Kay
Bailey Hutchinson, and Senator John Cornyn all nominated him
for the academy,” Shelley said.
Shultz will be commissioned from the academy on May 25,
2007 with a bachelor’s degree in Astronautical Engineering.
From there he will attend flight school at the Naval Air
Station in Pensacola, Fla. as an ensign. He currently holds
a 4.0 GPA and hopes to become an astronaut.
From first year “plebe,” to second year “youngster” and
third year “second class,” Shultz has maintained a 4.0 GPA.
Now as a graduating “firstie” Shultz will leave the academy
to fulfill his dream. A dream he has had since the first
grade, his mother said.
“He has always wanted to be an astronaut,” Shelley said.
He was the only junior high seventh grader to attend the
Waller High School college night that year. He met a Blue
and Gold officer at that time and has wanted to attend the
Naval Academy ever since, she said.
“Our district is one of the most competitive in the
nation,” said Shelley. At that college night Shultz met Blue
and Gold officer Ellery Stevenson who helped to guide and
direct Shultz’s studies academically toward applying to the
academy.
He has been training since September to acquire his
private pilot’s license and since his appointment to flight
school, has participated as a panel member at the annual
Navy Op Info held Nov. 18 through 20, said Shelley.
“David was in town as a midshipmen panel member to help
educate applicants as to what the Naval Academy is about,”
said Shelley. He will return Dec. 16 to spend the holidays
with Shelley, his father, Greg, and sister, Ashley.
“Extra time is always good,” said his mom Shelley. “I
love to see him in his uniform. He’s my baby.”
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