County services aimed at preventing homelessness

Part 3: Short-term solutions

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Short-term supplemental service providers and shelters in Montgomery County focus on preventing homelessness, and most focus on a niche population.

Montgomery County Emergency Assistance (MCEA) received a $25,000 grant from Houston Endowment, which will enable the agency to add 12 additional family housing units to its program. Pictured, (left to right) Dr. Larry Faulkner, president of Houston Endowment, and Dr. Joann Callahan, executive director for MCEA. Pictured in the background is Jesse Jones, co-founder of Houston Endowment.
Submitted Photo

Youth, and women with or without children, battered and abused or not, families on the brink of financial despair, and the unsheltered are just few of those niche groups. These populations will find assistance if they meet requirements and are willing to comply with an often rigid set of rules within each program.

Measuring the need
Though most agencies fund a core staff of one to nine people, volunteers do the bulk of client services. With their assistance and $1.8 million in funding, the Montgomery County United Way (MCUW) served more than 100,000 clients in 2006, according to President Julie Martineau.

Despite the number of service agencies in the county, the Society of Samaritans (SOS) is the only one in the City of Magnolia. It utilizes Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant funds and private donations to assist clients with basic needs and direction for more extensive services.

In 2006 SOS assisted more than 3,000 families and more than 11,700 individuals. That number is over and above Martineau’s number.

Countywide assistance
The Tri-County Mental Health and Mental Retardation (MHMR) agency offers a 24-hour crisis hotline; however, the waiting list to receive services is often long.

Clients can access mental health services, assistance with insurance benefits, prescriptions, utility bills, veteran benefits, and WIC applications. Training services include career counseling, CPR, first aid, independent living skills, and orientation and mobility.

Employment services include resume preparation, job placement, on the job training, specialized and supported employment and training, vocational rehabilitation, and youth job development.

Along with Montgomery County Emergency Assistance (MCEA) the Montgomery County Food Bank offers food pantries in all four quadrants of the county. However, unlike MCEA, the food bank has a relationship with Second Harvest that prevents it from accessing MCUW funding, according to Martineau.

MCEA also offers short-term childcare for the employed, life skills training, a six-month utility assistance plan, and assistance with permanent housing for those who are willing to commit themselves to job training, education, and skills enhancement.

Short term shelters
The Salvation Army in Conroe, located at 304 Avenue E, provides a maximum of 30 days overnight shelter only. Check in begins at 4:30 p.m. and includes a hygiene kit, two meals, towels, sheets, and a bed. The shelter mandates a lights-out schedule by 10 p.m. All clients must vacate the premises by 7 a.m.

It offers a bulletin board for employment advertisement, and resources for assistance and is the only shelter in Conroe that houses men, women and families in separate dormitories.

The Montgomery County Women’s Center (MCWC), located at 1600 Lake Front Circle, provides six basic services including a confidential off-site 60-bed shelter for battered and abused women only, with or without children in addition to other services.

Victims of abuse or sexual assault can call a toll-free crisis hotline 24-hours a day at 936-441-7273 to get out of danger.

“We tell them where to go to be picked up so they can be taken to a confidential shelter location,” said Donna Wick, MCWC outreach program manager.

Additional services include legal assistance, advocacy for rape victims, community awareness outreach, education outreach in schools for dating and healthy relationships, and shelter services for those in crisis situations.

Montgomery County Youth Services (MCYS) provides Youth and Family Counseling, Community Education and Outreach and short and long-term youth shelter programs.

The Bridgeway Youth Shelter is a short-term program that opened in 2005 and has a 13-bed facility on the Maggert campus of The Fairway Home in Willis. Boys and girls ages 10 to 17 are provided several program options for emergency shelter. The shelter is licensed by the state of Texas for childcare.

“These kids are coming out of a crisis situation due to abuse, neglect or a need to unify with their families,” said MCYS Director of Shelter Services Laurie Oliver. “For some, a longer 90-day program is an option at Bridgeway.”

Magnolia High School advances to UIL state academics competition

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Magnolia High School (MHS) walked away ninth out of 39 schools who participated in the University Interscholastic League’s 5A Region 2 Academics Spring Meet at Baylor University on April 13 and 14.

Pictured, (back row, left to right) Victor Escutia, Joubert Glover, Alex Brewster, Sarah Decker, Cayla Coffee, Sarah Billeaud and (front row, left to right) Brittany Slabe, Joshua Loucks, Courtney Rusk, Anna Barren, Allison Barnett, and Chris Doyle.

The MHS UIL academics team scored 53 points. Allison Barnett placed first in Accounting with 15 points. Lindsey Anderson placed second in Editorial Writing with 12 points. The Accounting Team 1, consisting of Allyson, Courtney Rusk, and Freed, placed first with 10 points.

Other competitors who added to the MHS score were Jeremy Freed placing fourth in Accounting with eight points, and Alec Brewster who placed sixth in Computer Applications with four points.

The UIL state academic meet will take place on May 3-5 at the University of Texas at Austin.

Magnolia residents speak out on dumpster issue

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Last week the Tribune reported that five commercial garbage accounts had been resolved by the City of Magnolia, but those account holders tell a different story.

A special City Council meeting communication (rollup report) from City Manager Roger Carlisle, incorrectly referred to by the Tribune as the March 20 Planning Commission meeting minutes, indicates a reduction in the city’s water rates, as well as a resolution to the five commercial garbage accounts.

Councilman Dave Sutherland says the issue is still not resolved.

The issue centers on several city ordinances that have been passed to regulate city garbage services. The account holders claim pre-existing ordinances passed in 1997 and 2001 allowed residents to maintain a dumpster contract with an outside provider, for which no city charge was made. Instead providers paid a franchise fee.

The new ordinance, No. 2006-088 passed in April 2006, repeals ordinance 2005-375 and “all ordinances or parts of ordinances and resolutions or parts of resolutions inconsistent or in conflict with this ordinance.”

Residents who had dumpster contracts prior to the new ordinance say they have never been behind on their garbage dumpster contracts with McDaniel Garbage Service, but refuse to pay the city for a service they are not receiving and are therefore not “behind” on.

“As far as my bill with McDaniel for my commercial contract goes, I’m up to date. I’ve never been behind on my dumpster service,” said George Botkin.

Some have even taken the issue directly to the council at meetings to explain their position with no results until the recent arrangement established by the city with McDaniel Garbage Service.

“I’m not doing it. Why should I pay two bills?” said Ruth Lott, whose 84-year-old mother’s account is one in question.

Still others say they never had residential trash service with the city.

“We did not have residential trash service in the first quarter of 2007,” said Judy Darrington of herself and others. “Any dumpster accounts or residential accounts have been paid for by me and not by the city.”

Darrington referred to a $171 payment Carlisle said he made on the account for services the city’s contracted management company, ECO Resources, has billed for in accordance with city ordinance 2006-088.

“I don’t need help paying my bills,” said Sutherland. “If Carlisle is paying bills, why doesn’t he pay their (Lott and Botkin) bills?” he asked. He added that both Lott and Botkin have received cut off notices despite them both being senior citizens.

Though Lott and Botkin should be receiving the senior rate of $17, they have not applied for the senior rate and say they have received cutoff notices from the city for the past two to three months for non-payment of the $19 fee.

“I refuse to pay it,” said Botkin. “I’m charged $19 a month plus back charges and I’m over 70 years old.”

Lott and Botkin admitted to receiving cutoff notices, but say their services have never been interrupted. The city has suspended the ECO cutoff up to this point.

Though residents say otherwise, garbage service owner Jeff McDaniel also believes the issue is resolved. He said his contract states that he should receive a fee for every residential home, whether they put out trash for collection or not. Since residents have to pay his bill and the city’s water/sewer bill, he doesn’t see it as an issue.

McDaniel initiated the resolution by adjusting his billing with those dumpster customers in question. But as of last week, account holders were not agreeable to the arrangement.

“I charge them (all) for the dumpster and I deduct the residential fee they pay the city. They’re not paying for the dumpster twice,” said McDaniel. “As far as I’m concerned the issue is resolved.”

Carlisle said the account holders were notified in a letter about the billing arrangement, which Lott confirmed she got but says she will not abide by.

“We’ve got a job to do and I’m not going to run it through the (news) paper,” said Carlisle. “They need to talk to the city. Anyone can call and talk to us.”

Home Depot spruces up Magnolia’s Depot Museum for celebration

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Home Depot’s “Team Depot” has been to Magnolia’s Depot, and it shows. The team chose The Depot Museum complex on Melton St. as the focal point for their quarterly project.

The project was the result of the combined efforts of Team Depot and the Magnolia Historical Society. Two of the youngest members of the society are primarily responsible for getting the project off the ground, said Historical Society member Anna Hesse.

Twenty-year-old Natalie Dodez, a life-long resident of Magnolia, recently joined the Magnolia Historical Society. She and 24-year-old Donna Fritsche, a five-year Historical Society member, work together in a medical office in Spring.

Pictured, (front left) Donna Fritsche and (back left) Natalie Dodez, work with members of The Home Depot’s “Team Depot” community project group to landscape The Depot Museum complex prior to the April 21 annual fundraiser.

In anticipation of the April 21 Annual Depot Day celebration and fundraiser, held this past weekend, the two were canvassing the Magnolia area seeking auction donations weeks in advance.

Little did they know that Evelyn Diaz, human resources director for The Home Depot, located at 6119 FM 1488, was seeking a donation site for the store’s Team Depot quarterly project.

“When they told me what they were about I said, ‘That’s perfect! That’s the project we’re looking for,’” said Diaz.

Dodez and Fritsche became excited. Along with Diaz, they began to coordinate a landscaping project for the depot just in time for the celebration.

Dodez is a Magnolia High School graduate and has fond memories of her hometown, especially the depot.

“It’s a great center point for the whole community,” she said. “It brings me back to my bearings and provides a foundation for Magnolia.”

Fritsche has learned to love Magnolia and became interested in the society through her friend, Celeste Graves. Fritsche was overwhelmed at the affects of the team’s efforts.

“We asked for a donation and it blossomed into a landscaping project,” Fritsche said.

Diaz looks forward to each new quarter with anticipation. When the funding authorization comes in from corporate headquarters, she goes looking for a community project.

“Team Depot is made up of Home Depot employees. But they request the day off to do this work. They don’t get paid for it,” said Diaz. Home Depot provides a $200 quarterly allowance and the employees provide the labor, free of charge.

The Magnolia Historical Society provided other funding for the project. For more information, call 281-356-1488 or 281-356-8514.

Clutch win over Spring gives Lady Cougars district softball title

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

Benita Dunlavy’s Lady Cougar softball teams have proven to be a lot of things in her 20-plus years as head coach. They’ve been tremendously talented, feisty, and resilient.

On April 13, the Lady Cougars proved they are clutch with a win over the Spring Lady Lions.

The victory over the district rival gave Tomball the 16-5A championship and the district’s top seed in the softball playoffs, which begin this week.

The Lady Cougars went into the season finale against Klein Collins on April 20 with a 9-1district record, one and a half games better than Klein Oak (at 8-3) and two games better than Spring (at 7-3).

In their first year of 16-5A play since the bi-annual UIL realignment, the Lady Cougars have gone 18-7 overall.

After a shaky start in which Tomball lost two of its first three games, including a 6-2 defeat to Magnolia, the Lady Cougars quickly righted themselves by the time district play began in early March.

They dropped their first district game of the season, 2-0, to Klein Oak and went on a tear the rest of the way, winning their next nine.

Tomball will take on either Conroe or College Park in the first round of the Region II playoffs this week, whichever team finishes as the fourth place team in 15-5A.

The Lady Cougars have been lead this year by pitcher Shelby Lancaster, who has made the transition from former ace Amanda Pitzenberger to the current staff quite smooth.

Lancaster has gone 14-2 this season with a 1.24 ERA and 105 strikeouts, which is among the best in the Houston area.

Offensively, the Lady Cougars have relied on the contribution of Kayla Gutowski. She leads the team in home runs with two and RBI with 23. Her .324 average is third best on the team, which says quite a bit for Tomball’s offensive prowess.

Senior Sadie Pitzenberger leads the squad with a .410 average, while Melissa Brumley is close behind with a .385 mark.

Pitzenberger leads the team in hits with 35.

Last year, Keller, who went on to the state title game, knocked the Lady Cougars out of the playoffs in the regional finals. 2006 marked the first time in three years the Lady Cougars did not advance to the state tournament.

Tomball’s Callon named Miss MYLS 2007

Tomball High School senior Lauren Callon was named Miss Magnolia Youth Livestock Show (MYLS) at an annual pageant April 13 at Magnolia High School.

Pictured (from left to right), Krystal Maddux (third runner- up), Brook Warren (second runner-up), Lauren Callon (Miss MYLS 2007), Jessica Twining (first runner-up), and Brianna Hall (fourth runner-up).

Callon was the recipient of a $2,500 scholarship. Callon, 18, plans to attend Baylor University and major in biology and Spanish, with aspirations of becoming a pediatric oncologist.

She is ranked second out of 597 students at her school and is a member of the National Honor Society, the National Spanish Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and Who’s Who Among American High School Students.

Callon is a member of Graceview Baptist Church and is a Young Life Leader. She is involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Mentor Volunteer Program, Tomball High School Chorale, Senior Girls Club, Fish Camp Leader and is a Houston Boat Show Representative.

Pageant Director Cheryl Fogarty said, “every year I pray over the pageant, as it is being created all year long and every year we have been blessed with a sweet Christian girl.”

Callon is the daughter of Ken and Mary Callon. Darryl Moore Marine is her sponsor.

Bill that would allow city to purchase airport heads to Senate

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

The City of Tomball’s potential purchase of Hooks Airport overcame a significant hurdle last week when the Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs approved key legislation that would allow the city to buy the facility.

Senate Bill 1349, authored by Sen. Dan Patrick, would allow cities such as Tomball to annex “noncontiguous airports” after they are purchased.

The City of Houston has jurisdiction over a small tract of land south and west of the airport, making the airport property non-contiguous with the City of Tomball.

However, the City of Houston is in favor of the potential purchase.

A representative for Mayor Bill White joined Tomball representatives Bruce Hillegeist, Mary Coker, and Gretchen Fagan in Austin last week to testify before the committee on the importance of the airport to the Tomball area.

The bill now moves on to the Senate Committee on Administration, which will schedule the billon the Local and Uncontested Calendar for Senate consideration.

According to Colleen Gilbert of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, the Senate could see the bill as early as this week.

However, time may be running short.

The legislative session ends May 28 and the city would need the bill to pass before it could purchase the airport.

If the bill does not make it through the House and Senate, it would not likely come up again until the next legislative session in 2009, barring an unexpected special session called by Governor Rick Perry, which is unlikely.

“By that time, Hooks may have been sold, and we may have missed our only opportunity to purchase the airport,” Gilbert said.

The city is currently evaluating the possibility of the purchase.

The city is also awaiting a decision by the FAA regarding how much grant money the city could be awarded for its purchase of the airport.

The FAA could award the city up to 95 percent of the purchase price of the airport, which carries an approximate price tag of $28 million.

For about the past five years, the city has examined the possibility of the purchase.

Early last year, the city sent a letter to Hooks Airport notifying them of its intent to purchase the facility.

Hooks Airport was founded in 1963 and currently serves as one of the largest private airports in the United States. The airport’s services include fueling, ground handling, passenger service, maintenance, aircraft sales and charter service. The airport employs more than 225 people and services more than 275,000 aircraft.

Waller High School sophomore Tiffany Dancy (left) and teammate, freshman George Nassan recently took third place at the district UIL Cross Examination Debate Competition. This landmark accomplishment for the school qualified the duo to represent WHS in state UIL competition as alternates.
Submitted Photo

TISD drug testing program stopping students before they start

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

With nearly a full school year in the books, Tomball Independent School District says its new drug testing program has proven to be a success.

The 2006-07 school year is the first in which the district has implemented a random drug testing program, aimed at deterring students from imbibing in illegal substances.

The program was approved by the school board last summer and took effect at the start of the current school year.

According to district spokesperson Staci Stanfied, 600 students have been tested so far; with between 1.5 and 2 percent, or nine to 12 positive tests being reported.

Approximately 2,000 students are eligible to be tested.

Students are randomly selected by a computer program.

Stanfield said the program is not aimed at catching students as much as it is a deterrent.

“The drug testing program is not a ‘gotcha’ program,” she said. “It’s a prevention program. It’s meant to give them a means to say no.”

The number of students testing positive so far is in line with what the district projected, she added.

“According to the research the district did prior to implementing (the program), that’s about what we expected,” Stanfield said.

Students who test positive for drugs are banned from parking privileges or extra-curricular activities.

A first offense will cost a student 10 days, while a second offense comes with a 30-day ban from parking privileges and extra-curricular activity participation.

In both circumstances, students are ordered to attend a drug treatment plan recommended by a counselor in order to regain privileges.

According to Stanfield, that program takes place outside of the district capacity.

However, the high school still pays for the treatment program, she said.

So far, the Tomball ISD community is satisfied with the program.

“It’s going well,” Stanfield said. “The students are accepting of it and the parents are giving positive feedback. We know what we’re doing is working well.”

At the April 13 First Friday Luncheon of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, Rebecca Carlisle was honored as the Officer of the Month based on her work in bringing the Shattered Lives program to local high schools. Most recently, Carlisle was instrumental in helping put together the program at Concordia Lutheran High School, which hosted the two-day campaign, aimed at deterring students from drinking and driving. Pictured (from left to right), Woodforest National Bank’s Melissa Sutton, Carlisle, Capt. Rick Grassi, and Miss Tomball 2007 Lilly Robison.
Photo by Brian Walzel

FCA and Shining Star 4H benefit SOS with Easter baskets

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Shining Star 4H and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) teamed up to lend a helping hand to the Society of Samaritans (SOS) during its 2007 Easter basket supply drive.

Throughout March, FCA and Shining Star 4H provided collection bins in the front office of Magnolia Junior High School. Along with Tomball Wal-mart Store No. 703, the two groups provided supplies for 105 Easter baskets to SOS for distribution to children and families in the Magnolia area.

SOS is a non-profit community assistance program funded primarily through Montgomery County Community Block Grant funds and private donations. Area churches contributed also, increasing the number of clients who received deliveries to 253 baskets and 300 plates of food.

The SOS business office is located at 31355 Friendship Dr. in Magnolia and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Tuesday and Thursday until 4 p.m. For information on SOS programs and services, call 281-259-8452.

Society of Samaritans Director Judy Everett (at left) is pictured with members of the Shining Star 4H Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes of Magnolia Junior High.

Marijuana found in box of pancake batter during search

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

When a suspect attempted to offload more than 4 ounces of marijuana hidden in a box of pancake batter during a child exchange, Magnolia Police Department (MPD) Officer Eric Silliman and Chief Ron Cunningham were on their toes.

According to Lt. Bo Crabtree of the MPD, the officers responded April 10 to a complaint from a resident in the 500 block of Commerce St. When they arrived, they detected a strong odor of marijuana and observed marijuana residue in an ashtray.

The resident, identified as Katilyn Mack, 19, consented to a search of her apartment. During the search, Silliman found a shoebox lid under the couch and requested Mack to retrieve it, said Crabtree. It contained traces of what appeared to be marijuana. At the same time Mack revealed a clear bag containing a leafy substance that later tested positive for marijuana, according to the police report.

During the investigation, both Cunningham and Silliman heard a loud noise in the back of the apartment, said Crabtree. While Cunningham detained Mack, Silliman searched the bedroom and found Brandon L. Schultz, 21, hiding under the bed. He was detained for questioning.

Prior to her arrest, Mack was allowed to call a family member to pick up her 1-year-old daughter. Mack handed a box of pancake batter to the family member during the exchange, according to the police report. Officers investigated all the belongings that were exiting the apartment with the child. The box of pancake batter contained 4.7 ounces of marijuana.

Both Schultz and Mack were arrested for possession of marijuana, less than 5 pounds and more than 4 ounces.

While Schultz was being detained, he requested his cigarettes. Silliman complied with Schultzs’ request and returned to the bedroom of the apartment, where he found a pack of cigarettes on the floor. The pack also contained five Soma pills.

Schultz and Mack were then charged with possession of a dangerous drug. On suspicion of being purchased with illegal drug money, the television and the stereo were confiscated, as well as the illegal drugs.

After being read her Miranda rights, Mack made a statement to police that she buys the marijuana a quarter pound at a time with her child support money and sells it to make ends meet, Crabtree reported.

Tomball United Methodist to host prayer day celebration

Tomball United Methodist Church will host the 2007 National Day of Prayer on May 3.

Pictured (from left to right), Sharon Uhle, Tomball Mayor H.G. “Hap” Harrington, Pastor Richard L. White and Pastor Kristin Watts, during an April 17 ceremony in which Harrington proclaimed May 3 as National Day of Prayer in Tomball.
Photo by Brian Walzel

The event is open to the entire community and will be part of a national celebration where millions of Americans will gather to honor the freedom to worship and pray.

National days of prayer have been a tradition in the U.S. since the initial celebration, declared by the Continental Congress, in 1775. In 1952, both houses of Congress called on President Harry Truman to set aside an annual National Day of Prayer. In 1988, Congress and President Ronald Reagan signed an act declaring that the National Day of Prayer would be held on the first Thursday of May each year.

Tomball United Methodist Church will host their event from 7 to 9 a.m., at 1603 Baker Dr. Donuts and coffee will be provided. Ministers from several local churches will lead a half hour prayer segment.

Magnolia resident sentenced in yearlong identity theft case

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The wheels of justice turned slowly but surely in the Montgomery County 9th District Court for Magnolia resident David William Tatum, 38, whose guilty plea for identity theft was accepted by Judge Fred Edwards.

After resetting the case several times to facilitate a pre-sentence investigation eport, the court made a final judgment on March 1. Tatum was indicted by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office on May 16, 2006 on two counts.

The Tribune reported in May and June of last year that Tatum and several unnamed associates used a “sophisticated scheme of burglaries of mailboxes, residences and businesses to gain access to people’s identities.”

He was arrested on April 22 by the Magnolia Police Department after a search warrant produced “stacks of boxes and files containing confidential information” on several area residents and others who don’t live in the area.

Evidence submitted included the use of one victim’s identifying information and a credit card on April 19, 2006 to purchase seven cell phones, as well as to pass a fraudulent check.

Because he plead guilty for the first count of fraud use/possession of identifying information, which is a state jail felony, the court dismissed an additional count of forgery against Tatum.

A state jail felony conviction can levy a term of confinement not less than 180 days or more than two years, and a possible fine not to exceed $10,000.

Upon finding him guilty, the court ordered one year of state jail confinement for Tatum, but then suspended that action in lieu of community supervision for one year. That includes wearing an identification bracelet issued by the Montgomery County Community Supervision and Corrections Department.

Mandated community supervision for Tatum includes, but is not limited to, monthly reporting to a supervision officer, 160 hours of community service restitution at 16 hours per month, and a monthly supervision fee of $60 per month beginning this month; a $50 Crime Stoppers fee and an $85 fee for the pre-sentence investigation report; $1,250 in court fees and a $500 fine.