Fagan set to be sworn in as first new mayor in 15 years

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

As Gretchen Fagan gathered with close friends and family after the polls had closed on election day, she had no idea what her potential fate as Tomball’s next mayor would be.

Gretchen Fagan

She knew she was up against a popular opponent in Diane Holland, one who has served the city in many capacities for more than two decades. In many circles, Fagan was still considered “the new kid on the block,” having served just one three-year term on the city council.

Fagan spent election day in front of City Hall, greeting voters and visiting with supporters. When the polls closed at 7 p.m., she and several dozen of her friends and family gathered at Fagan’s home to await the results of the vote.

At around 8 p.m., Assistant City Secretary Doris Speer called.

“She said ‘Congratulations, Mayor,’” Fagan said. “And I couldn’t believe it. I was very excited.”

When the final votes were tabulated, Fagan was named the winner and the city’s first new mayor in 15 years. She won by just 50 votes, 601 for Fagan and 551 for Holland.

“I’m glad it’s over and I’m glad I was triumphant,” Fagan said.

She essentially won the election during early voting.

Fagan earned 407 votes to Holland’s 343, giving Fagan a solid lead going into election day. Fagan would need every vote. Holland picked up 208 more votes to Fagan’s 194 on election day.

“That just goes to show you it’s one vote at a time,” Fagan said. “The people really came out. It speaks very well for our city.”

After the results were announced, Fagan began to receive congratulatory phone calls.

“The phone just started ringing off the wall,” she said.

One of those calls was from her opponent, Holland, who congratulated Fagan on the victory. Fagan spoke highly of Holland.

“That exemplifies Diane Holland,” Fagan said. “She is a very nice, very classy woman. You would have expected that from her. She has been an example to me.”

Fagan has said among her priorities as mayor would be to work towards the city purchasing Hooks Airport, if the city finds that it is feasible to do so.

She also has targeted finding a new city manager as a top priority.

The votes are set to be canvassed at the May 21 meeting of the Tomball City Council when Fagan will be sworn in.

She will replace H.G. “Hap” Harrington as the city’s new mayor. Harrington has served as mayor for the past 15 years. He chose this year to instead seek a spot on the city council, where he is in a run-off with opponent Bill Webb.

Harrington, Webb stay on campaign trail for run-off for council spot

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

Tomball City Council Position 3 candidates H.G. “Hap” Harrington and Bill Webb cannot rest on their laurels quite yet.

The two will be forced to hit the campaign trail one more time in a run-off after it was announced neither Harrington nor Webb won a majority of votes in the May 12 election. Harrington garnered 443 votes, while Webb earned just five less.

H.G. “Hap” Harrington

Bill Webb

Derek Townsend made a strong showing for a write-in candidate, but finished well back of Webb and Harrington with 275 votes. According to the city’s charter, a candidate must win a majority of the vote, or at least 50 percent, in order to win an election.

Harrington finished with 38.32 percent, Webb with 37.89 percent and Townsend with 23.79 percent.

Assistant City Manager Doris Speer said she will recommend to the current council during the May 21 meeting to approve June 16 as the date for the run-off election.

Harris County has selected that day for their run-off and Speer said the county would support Tomball’s election, as well.

Early voting for the run-off would begin June 4 and conclude June 12.

Just the fact that the race is going into a run-off is surprise enough for Webb. The former mayor thought that Harrington had jumped out to an insurmountable lead. However, Harrington only won six more votes in early voting than did Webb, 305 to 299, respectively. Webb edged Harrington on election day, however, picking up 139 votes to the mayor’s 138.

“I thought Hap just started out with such a big lead,” Webb said. “A 15-year incumbent is hard to unseat. But now I’m looking forward to a hardy campaign.”

Harrington said it is encouraging going into the run-off that he received more votes than Webb even though he didn’t win.

“It was more votes than the last time I ran for mayor,” Harrington said. “My base supporters are very loyal. And I still expect to have that.”

Webb added that he thought he was lucky to come so close to winning. “I was just happy I came as close as I did,” he said. “I feel very lucky.”

Despite the close vote, Webb knows he has his work cut out for him if he plans to oust Harrington.

“Once again, I’m behind going into (the run-off),” he said. “I’ll probably have to work twice as hard to get half the votes I got (during the general election). It’s hard work, but I’m up for it.”

Harrington said he was pleased with the voter turnout. Of the more than 5,000 registered voters in the city, 23 percent turned out.

Webb said that after months of campaigning, he doesn’t plan to change his strategy. “I think I’ll probably stick to the same thing that’s got us here.”

Harrington said he plans to focus his efforts on discussing city issues, such as development projects, the acquisition of Hooks Airport and working toward hiring a new city manager, which he calls a top priority.

Harrington believes the city needs to contract with a consulting firm to hire someone for the position.

“We have to get the message out that Tomball is a great place to work,” he said.

Waller ISD voters approve $49.29 million bond

On May 12, Waller ISD (WISD) voters approved the sale of $49.29 million worth of school bonds. The bonds will fund the construction of a new elementary school, conversion of Waller Junior High (WJH) and Schultz Middle School (SMS) to 6-8 grade campuses, the addition of office space for technology, renovations on all seven existing campuses, technology improvements, the purchase of school buses, and the construction of a new district stadium. A total of 1,215 votes were cast in the election, 769 for and 446 against.

“I want to personally take time to thank all the community for your role and support in the passage of this bond election, which will benefit our community and all the children Waller ISD serves,” WISD Superintendent Richard McReavy said.

Construction on the new district stadium will begin following the last home football game in late October 2007. The stadium is slated to be complete and ready to open in fall 2008. All other projects are scheduled to be complete and open in fall 2009.

For bond updates, visit www.waller.isd.esc4.net, or call WISD Public Information Coordinator Sarah Stephenson at 936-931-4078.

Students receive D.A.R.E. graduation awards

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Magnolia Junior High Sixth Grade gymnasium was filled on May 11 with students, teachers, parents, and city, district and county officials for a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program graduation and awards ceremony.

Pictured, graduates of the DARE program celebrated a graduation and awards ceremony on May 11 at the Magnolia Junior High Sixth Grade campus.

Dep. Constable Ron Wilcox is the D.A.R.E. officer for the Magnolia Independent School District (MISD). The program is one semester long and is incorporated into the Social Studies curriculum for Magnolia ISD sixth grade students at both Bear Branch Junior High Sixth Grade and Magnolia Junior High Sixth Grade (MJH6G) campuses.

More than 850 sixth graders participated in the program across the district throughout the year.

Of the more than 440 sixth grade students at MJH6G, the 18 All-Star finalists whose essays represent their individual classes were Paige Harris, Micayla Bacon, Sarah Rohmer, Lauren Muir, Blake Anderson, Lucy Hernandez, Jasmine Gatlin, Colin VanWicklen, Mitchell Stowe, Anthony Rogers, Imani Hubbard, Hope Griggs, Kendall Haarmeyer, Izamar Gonzales, Cole Burk, Dakota Stormer, Peter Horton, and Perla Gutierrez.

The essay finalist chosen to represent the MJH6G campus was Jasmine Gatlin. She won an 18-speed mountain bike donated by The Magnolia Group and Pct. 5 Constable David Hill.

Gatlin’s D.A.R.E. essay has been sent to Los Angeles to be entered into the international D.A.R.E. essay competition for an all expense paid trip to Nashville and the Gaylord Opryland Resort Hotel in July of 2007.

During the presentation Wilcox spoke to the group with pride and emotion.

“There’s another group of kids coming to take your place and you’ve set a very high standard for them,” he said.

D.A.R.E is an acronym that has a duel meaning, Wilcox said. It stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education and is a process through which to learn how to make good decisions.

“The definition of a drug has been tested all the way to the (Federal) Supreme Court,” said Wilcox. “It is anything that affects your mind or your body and is not food.”

The “D” in D.A.R.E. represents defining the decision to be made, said Wilcox. The “A” represents assessing the results of possible choices. The “R” represents ones response to the choice. The “E” stands for evaluate the good and bad results.

The program is in its third year and is funded by the district, which provides the D.A.R.E. Officer Training (DOT) and salaries, program textbooks and T-shirts. A DOT officer must be a certified peace officer and complete a training program provided by D.A.R.E. America.

Wilcox provided two role model pins to Ashley Wells and Nicole Larson because, “They never frown and always have a good word to say,” said Wilcox. “They are an inspiration to the entire class.”

In addition, Wilcox had a jacket fitted for Wells, who is blind, with the D.A.R.E logo spelled out in Braille.

“He does what he does, because he loves young people,” said Hill of Wilcox.

Students at Waller ISD’s Fields Store Elementary recently performed in a “Wax Museum.” The project was part of the gifted and talented program directed by Dawn Mayfield and Julie Wilganowski. Each student in the program researched and dressed up as a historical figure, then gave a two-minute speech. Pictured, (left to right) Jordan Herr and Haley West both played Queen Elizabeth, Jessica McGrew played Laura Ingalls Wilder, and John Hendrix played Davy Crockett.
Photo by Cari Herr

County echoes water, sewer distribution woes of city

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

At a time when the Lone Star Conservation District (LSGCD) is examining the cost for a countywide water distribution system, the City of Magnolia is racing to relieve the financial burden of water improvements and begin sewer plant upgrades.

But the financial burden on Magnolia residents may be further impacted by countywide water distribution upgrades.

A recent resolution in favor of the conjunctive use of ground and surface water to meet the current and future needs of the county, and supporting the development of a cost-efficient regional water supply system to meet those needs came before the Magnolia City Council and passed unanimously May 8.

Kathy Turner Jones, LSGCD general manager stated, “The San Jacinto Water Authority and the Texas Water Development Board has concluded that we cannot rely on the aquifer systems as a sole source of supply as we have in the past.”

Montgomery County is pumping more from the aquifer than it can reliably recharge, Jones said. As a result, the district adopted a plan to limit total groundwater permitting within the county to 64,000 acre-feet to be shared among all users.

Magnolia City Councilman Todd Kana said the city must still move forward with reconstruction plans already in place.

“I believe a sewer upgrade is the next step,” he said. “The priority is still (an) upgrade that matches the capacity of the water system in connections, not gallons per day.”

Following the recent approval of $88,945 in sewer plant improvements, an engineering survey may need to be done to determine if an expansion is necessary and what that cost impact would be, if any, to residents.

“We need to make the infrastructure ready for growth, which means looking at an upgrade to the sewer,” Kana said.

Kana also pointed out that contract amounts recently reported by the Tribune for O’Malley Engineering and RWS Architects for a Magnolia Ridge sewer extension and the build out of City Hall respectively, were not entirely accurate.

Neither O’Malley nor RWS will receive all of those funds, he said, but only a portion of them for the engineering work. The general contractors, yet to be named, will be paid for the construction work on the sewer line and the build out.

While the residents of Magnolia have felt the financial impact of costly water and sewer upgrades, they are not alone in the county.

Jones said by managing all of the county’s water as one resource, significant amounts of groundwater across the county could be freed up by converting high-density areas to surface water, but the proposal would not come cost-free.

The District Regulatory Plan will implement water rates equally priced for both ground and surface water to fund the necessary distribution system.

That could significantly impact city water rates that are already a point of contention for many residents.

Timothy Abernethy and Shellie Keen, Site Coordinator for the YMCA After School Program, facilitated a community service project for Tomball Elementary School on May 4. The students in the program planted flowers around the flagpole for friends, teachers and staff to enjoy. “They worked really hard, got dirty and had a good time,” said Keen. Pictured (front row, left to right), Cynthia McCarty, Johnathan Talley, Samantha Renae Weaks, Dustin Dick, Danielle Benson, and Cody Vineyard; (back row, left to right) Participating in the project, but not pictured are Julisa Urbano and Alica Urbano.
Photo by Cari Herr

Lady Cougars no stranger to playoff success

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

The Tomball Lady Cougar softball team was in a familiar spot last weekend in the UIL playoffs.

For the fifth consecutive season, the Lady Cougars made it through their respective region on the way to the regional semi-finals. They took on defending state champion Garland last weekend. Results of the series were unavailable at press time last week.

The Lady Cougars have been one of the most consistently good teams in the Houston area, if not the state, for much of the past decade. Of the past five years that the Lady Cougars have advanced to the regional semi-finals, they have advanced to the state tournament three times.

However, that first state title still eludes the Lady Cougars.

A win over the weekend in the best-of-three series against Garland would pit Tomball against the winner of the Plano West -vs- Bryan series for the right to represent Region 2 in the state tournament.

So far, the Lady Cougars haven’t done much the easy way in this year’s playoffs. After running roughshod over The Woodlands College Park in the opening round with a 9-0 win over the Cavaliers, Tomball has gone to the final game in each of the following two series.

In the second round of the playoffs, the Lady Cougars took the opening game over Round Rock McNeil, 2-0. But they lost the second game, 1-0, before rallying to win the decisive third game, 4-3.

In the third round, things became even dicier for the Lady Cougars against another Round Rock area team, Westwood. For the first time this playoffs season, the Lady Cougars trailed in a series after losing the opening game, 5-2.

But the Lady Cougars showed their resiliency by winning the next two games and staving off elimination and advancing.

The team has relied heavily on the talented arm of pitcher Shelby Lancaster. She has pitched in each of the team’s seven playoff games, being the winning pitcher in each of the five victories and the losing hurler in the team’s two defeats.

Lancaster has amassed an impressive 14-3 record this year. Offensively, the Lady Cougars are led by Sadie Pitzenberger. Pitzenberger leads the team with a .383 batting average. Melissa Brumley, Kayla Gutowski, and Allyce Rother also have been key contributors.

TISD announces design plans for new elementary school

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

The Tomball Independent School District did not waste any time in setting in motion the construction of one of two new elementary schools.

Just two days after voters approved a $198 million bond referendum, the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees heard a presentation May 15 from Assistant Superintendent for Ancillary Services David Schuelke and representatives from RWS Architects on the design and development for what is being called Elementary School No. 6.

The yet-to-be-named elementary campus will be located on Northpointe Blvd., west of Northpointe Elementary School and will cover more than 13 acres. The design of the school will replicate Rosehill Elementary School, with a few adjustments.

The need for the design changes come after several meetings by planners with Tomball ISD staff and Rosehill Elementary faculty and staff. A review of current building codes also call for slight adjustments in the Rosehill plan.

Some of those modifications include adding technology rooms and a network printer in each classroom wing, relocating the restrooms in the main administration away from the principal’s office, and redesigning canopies and exterior brick pattern to give the school a unique identity.

One of the architectural goals of the project was giving the school a unique exterior design while still utilizing a successful design plan. Cheryl Lawrence of RWS said the canopy structures, brickwork and window arches will provide that unique identity.

One of the more attractive features of the new school is a winding driveway approaching the main entrance of the school, which will allow up to 60 cars to park while parents wait to pick up their children from school. According to Gen Eng of RWS, Harris County traffic regulations will not allow for cars to be parked along Northpointe Blvd., a two lane road at the site of the proposed school.

The district estimates the new elementary school to cost in the neighborhood of $13.5 million. Following approval by the board of the bidding process and the selling of bonds, construction could begin this summer. RWS expects a 13-month construction time with the school set to be open in August 2008.

The Tomball College Biology Club recently hosted a butterfly release project where butterflies were raised from cocoons and then released into a butterfly garden. Pictured, Grace Kaylor gets an up close look at a butterfly. Submitted Photo

Magnolia council members split on defining election results for city manager

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

In the wake of a political upheaval in the City of Magnolia elections, two new council members will be sworn in May 21, while the mayor and council member responses were varied regarding the approval of Proposition 1 to abolish City Manager Roger Carlisle’s position.

The vote passed with a narrow 126 to 106 margin.

The night of the election, Magnolia Mayor Jimmy Thornton was quoted in the Conroe Courier as saying he was “appalled” at the results.

“The comment was a knee jerk reaction. Appalled was too strong of a word. If I offended anyone, I apologize. I’m worried about the next step for the City of Magnolia,” Thornton said.

The canvassing of the election is on schedule for May 21. No application for a recount of votes was filed as of press time last week, for either the proposition or the council elect.

Sammie Scott, who won against incumbent Chris Neal, 155 to 88, and John Bramlett, who won by a single vote against incumbent Rick Carby, 118 to 117, were unwilling to comment on the election results.

While a recount is a possibility for a mechanized ballot cast, the results may not change.

“The City of Magnolia does not have any outstanding ballots or provisional ballots in that race,” according to Montgomery County Elections Administrator Carol Gaultney. “Qualifying voter registration is done at the polls and is not included in either the recount or the canvass.”

In other words, challenging residency is not an option for this election.

Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Williams endorsed the new council members elect, saying Bramlett brings a lot of experience to the table and Scott is an independent thinker who offers a new perspective.

Where to go from here

Williams said she never thought the resolution to abolish the city manager’s position would pass.

“The City of Magnolia needs a city manager,” she said.

Councilman Todd Kana agreed.

“The city can function without a city manager,” Kana said. “But it cannot function in the same capacity. It needs a full-time employee running the business of the city.”

Council could still delegate powers and responsibilities to a city officer for overseeing the city’s operations on a continuing basis and report to the council on behalf of the various departments, according to Williams.

“That is different from the complete control that a city manager has,” Williams said.

City Attorney Leonard Schneider agreed.

“The city council has the authority to create the position of a city administrator by ordinance,” he said.

However, Sutherland disagreed that a need for a city administrator existed.

Coupled with the sale of the gas system Sutherland said, “We have outsourced most of the responsibilities we hired them to cover,” in reference to Carlisle and his assistant Erick Edwards.

Thornton hedged on his position.

“We have had a city manager for more than two years and we have moved forward. The next step is uncertain. That will be up to the council,” said Thornton.

Defining the Texas statute

According to Texas Statute 25.072.A the council must discharge the city manager within 60 days of the election. That would be July 11.

However, other council members argue that the council is only bound to abolish the position, leaving them open to redefining and delegating responsibilities to a city officer.

“It has more to do with who has authority in the city than it does with who does the job,” said Kana.

Texas Statute 25.051.B allows the governing body of a general-law municipality to appoint and prescribe the powers and duties of a municipal officer or employee.

“We are bound by statute to abolish the position, not to discharge the person in the position,” said Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Williams. “Roger Carlisle is highly qualified for the job.”

Tomball Centennial Commission Essay contest winners recognized

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

At a May 4 presentation to the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tomball Centennial Commission Essay Contest first place winners read their award winning works to chamber members and guests during a monthly luncheon.

Pictured, (top row, left to right) junior Travis Bubenik, eighth grader Kellen Cantrell, seventh grader Angele Boyrie; (bottom row, left to right) kindergartener Lindsey Longa, second grader Ivria Bunner, fifth grader Sydney Breaux, TISD’s Dr. Joann Slater, Miss Tomball 2007 Lilly Robison, and Diane Holland.
Photo by Cari Herr

The six first place winners, as well as their parents and teachers, were honored at the chamber meeting. Consideration was given to contest submissions from all Tomball Independent School District, private, parochial and area home school communities, said Centennial Chairwoman Diane Holland.

Of the 546 entries in six categories, grades kindergarten through twelfth, only 18 winners were selected for first, second and third places. Each first place winner received a trophy at the luncheon.

All the entries reflected particular aspects of the community of Tomball that each writer admired.

In response to why she is happy to live in Tomball, kindergartener Lindsay Longa wrote, “I like Tomball, Texas, because there is lots of flowers.”

The writings of second grader Ivria Bunner reflect a larger world.

“I think it is unique that such a little town can have so many things,” she wrote.

To the question, “Why do you enjoy growing up in Tomball?” fifth grader Sydney Breaux was imaginative.

She wrote, “Living in Tomball is like growing up in an ice cream sundae. The friendly people are the ice cream, the awesome places are the chocolate syrup and the fun opportunities are the cherries on top.”

Along those lines, seventh grader Angele Boyrie expounded on the close ties of family that exist in the town.

“The biggest things going on are school, church, getting with friends and the varsity football team,” she wrote. “We’re like one big extended family.”

Travis Bubenik’s essay provides a picture of a Tomball with a future, said Dr. Joann Slater of Tomball ISD. “I don’t know when it happened or how it happened. But I suppose one day Tomball just decided to take off its dusty boots, put on some sneakers and run for a finish line it still hasn’t seem to have found,” wrote Bubenik.

At an open house, held May 5 at Main Street Crossing in Tomball, all 18 winning writers were invited to present their winning essays.

Goodbye State Bank, hello Prosperity

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

For those State Bank - Magnolia account holders who only conduct bank business monthly, be sure to check the mail for notice that a recent Texas United Bancshares (State Bank) buyout was completed as of May 18.

State Bank customers in Magnolia now do business at Prosperity Bank, located at 18935 FM 1488.
Photo by Cari Herr

The State Bank location in Magnolia was to have housed Prosperity Bank. Now it will be sold. State Bank customers can continue to do business at Prosperity Bank, located at 18935 FM 1488, in Magnolia.

Staffing issues that developed following the resignation of Magnolia State Bank President Debbie Lambert, just two weeks prior to a system conversion, resulted in the early closure of the Magnolia banking center.

State Bank customers were doing business in the Magnolia Prosperity Bank lobby from May 4 to May 17.

As of May 18, those State Bank accounts were converted to Prosperity Bank accounts.

Lambert was to have taken the position of president at the Magnolia Prosperity Bank center, according to current President Brenda Williams, who would then be free to move to the Tomball location to relieve retiring President Joyce Stevens.

That move will likely be delayed, said Williams.

The sale between Texas United Bancshares (TXUI Bancshares) and Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. took place in February. The holding company consisted of four banking franchises including State Bank, Northwest Bank, Gateway National Bank, and GNB Financial, which have all been converted to Prosperity Bank centers.

The acquisition includes more than 20 State Bank properties in southwest Texas that were either converted to Prosperity Bank locations, or will be sold.

Parent company Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. reported an 8.7 percent increase to $0.50 per share in the first quarter of 2007, up from $0.46 in the first quarter of 2006. Net income for the quarter was $20.229 million, an increase in net income of $7.365 million over the same period in 2006.

“Prosperity offers a full-line of banking services,” said Williams. “We underscore that with good, prompt customer service. Customers can call directly to any Prosperity Bank location and speak with a live person.”

The Customer Service number for State Bank is no longer valid.

“At prosperity, there is no 800 number for Customer Service, we are Customer Service,” said Williams. “Customers should call an individual Prosperity banking center for account information and services.”

For more information on account conversions, call 281-356-8211. Drive through services are available Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lobby services are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Friday until 6 p.m.

MISD says goodbye to long-time school board members, newcomers sworn in

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

At the May 14 Magnolia Independent School District (MISD) Board of Trustees meeting outgoing board members were honored and incoming board members were sworn in.

Both Bobby Montgomery and Frank Winford were honored with a plaque for their nine years of service on the board. Both were elected to the MISD School Board in May of 1998.

Each has served two years as board president. Montgomery served from May 2004 to 2006 and Winford served from May 2000 to 2002.

Pictured, (left to right) Magnolia Independent School Board Trustees Cecil Bell, Jr., Steve Crews and Deborah Rose Miller were sworn in at the May 14 meeting by Chris Hinkelman, secretary to the MISD Superintendent.

“It’s been a learning experience,” said Montgomery. “You have to learn teamwork in working with a lot of people. We have been fortunate to serve without a lot of turmoil.”

Winford commended the incoming board members for their dedication of service to the district.

“It says a lot about them for the community to accept them into this role without an election,” he said.

All candidates for board positions were unopposed in the 2007 election. Therefore, the MISD election was cancelled. Neither Montgomery nor Winford applied for another term. Steve Crews and Deborah Rose Miller, along with returning board member Cecil Bell, Jr. were sworn in as acting board members.

Nominations for officers were made and accepted as follows: President Glenn Addison, Vice President Brent O’Neal, and Secretary Billy Thompson with Bell being approved as assistant secretary.

“Traditionally board presidents have served a term limit of two years in a row,” said Addison, who is the current MISD Board President and is in his 11th year of service. “I have been board president two years previous and am now serving a separate term as president.”

Local designer Nancie Zwerlein will be the featured guest at Raveneaux County Club’s May 26 Afternoon Tea, Dance and Fashion Show. Zwerlein has been a top fashion designer for more than 50 years throughout the U.S. and Europe. She has designed clothes for royalty and celebrities. As part of the show, Zwerlein will reveal a specially-designed coat commissioned by jewelry designers Louis XV. The country club is located at 9415 Cypresswood Drive in Spring. Reservations are requested and the price is $20 per person. For more information, call 281-370-6370.
Photo by Brian Walzel

Local man killed in FM 2920 collision

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

A wreck involving a Dodge pickup truck and Infiniti sedan claimed the life of a local 31-year-old Hispanic man May 9.

According to the Harris County Pct. 4 Constable’s office, at approximately 8:45 p.m. the driver of a gray Dodge pickup truck allegedly ran a red light at the intersection of Falvel Road and FM 2920. The truck collided with a white Infiniti, killing the passenger in the front seat.

The identification of the deceased passenger was not released by the constable’s office pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the truck was traveling north on Falvel Road when he attempted to turn west on FM 2920 at the time of the accident. The Infiniti was traveling east in the 3800 block of FM 2920.

The driver of the truck was not seriously injured.

According to Cpt. Tim Cannon of the constable’s office, the driver was taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries. Cannon said that an arrest had not been made and that charges were pending the results of a toxicology test to determine if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs.