Magnolia soldier recalls dangers of war in Iraq

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

Five years ago, Ben Rivera was a senior at Magnolia High School, coasting through the final weeks and months, like many high school seniors are prone to do. As graduation neared, Rivera pondered his future. “I really didn’t know what I wanted to do,” he said. “I knew college wasn’t for me.”

Ben Rivera

His father helped Rivera with the decision: the military or school. Rivera’s older brother had served in the U.S. Navy; his sister, the U.S. Army. “So, I decided I would top them all and join the Marine Corps,” Rivera said.

But the 19-year-old was joining the military at a precarious time. The country was still walking through the fog of the Sept. 11 terrorists attacks and a meticulous manhunt for Osama bin Laden lead by U.S. military forces was underway in the treacherous terrain of Afghanistan. However, much of this was lost on Rivera. “I was just a stupid high school kid without a care in the world,” he said.

When he told his friends and family, and even Marine recruiters, of his decision to join the armed forces, they all warned him of a likely war. Rivera waved it all off and was soon enduring the rigors of Marine Corps boot camp. He returned home for Christmas. It was the last he would see the country for a long time. “Before I knew it, I was on a ship to Kuwait,” Rivera said.

Rivera joined the 1st Marine Division, one of the most highly decorated units in U.S. military history. He landed in the Middle East in the spring of 2003, on the eve of the invasion of Iraq. Rivera’s unit fought throughout Iraq, including a two-week stint in Baghdad. During that time, Rivera said it was easy to identify the enemy. The battle lines were relatively clear. The Iraqi people adored the U.S. military, cheering them as they passed through the streets.

After the U.S. government declared, “mission accomplished” in May of 2003, the outpouring of support from the Iraqis reached its peak. “Thousands of people cheered us,” Rivera said. “I couldn’t have been more proud of what we had accomplished.” Finally, Rivera returned home. “I thought I would never go back,” he said.

For a while, it appeared the war in Iraq was ending, that the U.S. had done its job, despite the government’s prior proclamation. But as more and more suicide bombers, roadside mines and spats of violence erupted, it became clear that there was no foreseeable end in sight. Rivera was re-deployed to Iraq. Only this time, he was undergoing a much different training. “We were training for a different type of battle,” he said. “It was a much more hostile environment.”

The enemy had changed. Rather than fighting leftovers from the Saddam Hussein regime, troops were going house to house, in search of a myriad of insurgents from all across the Middle East: Syrians, Egyptians, and Iranians, just to name a few. “The insurgency is so hard to control because you don’t know who the enemy is,” he said.

Rivera explained that once the initial campaign had been completed, the Iraqi Army did not have the numbers to secure their borders. Middle Eastern militants and Islamic extremists saw an opportunity to attack an already shaken U.S. military. The insurgents flooded in.

Not only were they attacking the U.S. military, they were destroying facilities, such as schools and hospitals, as fast as they could be built. “They have no care about rebuilding the country,” Rivera said. “As soon as we build it, they destroy it.”

However, Rivera does admit there is a lot being accomplished in Iraq. In one section of Iraq, the U.S. military has helped build three hospitals, six schools, re-built a road system and provided clean water to neighborhoods. Last week, Rivera told his story to the Tomball Rotary Club, as part of the club’s recognition of Memorial Day. He was thanked countless times for his service, even by those who had served in previous wars.

Rivera is one of the lucky ones. He has told his story to friends, family, and students throughout the area. He represents the strength and determination of the youth of the nation. He also represents those who were not able to tell their story. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, 3,424 U.S. servicemen have been killed in Iraq, with more dying every week.

Top Students

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

The 2006-07 school year has concluded. Local high schools have sent on thousands of young adults into the “real world” of college and their professional careers. With both Tomball and Magnolia High Schools holding their graduation ceremonies last weekend, the Tribune takes a brief look at the two school’s top ranked students.

Tomball High School

Daniel Tabor

College: The University of Texas What will you miss most about high school? “My friends, who I’ve known for six to eight years. And band.” What are you looking forward to most about college? “Doing research and independent work with professors.” What advice would you give next year’s seniors? “Try to make a decision (about a college) early. That way you don’t have to write a lot of essays.”

Magnolia High School

Kelly Bodensteiner

College: Texas A&M University What will you miss most about high school? “I will miss my friends the most.” What are you looking forward to most about college? “Being away from home.” What advice would you give next year’s seniors? “Don’t stress. Everything will fall into place.”

Fundraiser nets $15,000 for Masden BBQ

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Family BBQ and Fundraiser, hosted by Montgomery County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Matt Masden, raised an estimated $15,000 for county youth and senior programs.

Pictured above (bottom row, left to right), Johnny Reeves, Pct. 5 Judge Matt Masden, Tony Montoya, Billy Reeves; (top row, left to right) Richard Anderson, Chris Decuir, George George, and Greg Holcombe. The cook team prepared food for 700 at the Matt Masden Family BBQ and Fundraiser event held May 22.
Photo by Cari Herr

The May 22 event drew more than 700 residents to the Community Development Center on Friendship Drive in Magnolia. Guests enjoyed barbecue, shish kebob, chicken and sausage with all the traditional sides.

The cook team grilled 500 chicken quarters, 50 briskets, and 100 pounds of sausage, along with several hundred beef kebobs.

The live auction began at 6 p.m. High auction items included a Reaper Chopper scooter that went for $1,800 and an Astros “trash-can” basket, which included four tickets and parking pass to an Astros game, along with T-shirts and ball caps, went for $900.

“The funds raised will go back into the community,” said Masden.

The money benefits the senior citizen 4th of July barbecue, the Future Farmers of America and 4H clubs, college scholarships, golf tournament fundraisers and area youth sports associations.

Donations may be sent to P.O. Box 132 Pinehurst, TX 77362.

Fagan sworn in as Harrington faces run-off

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

A scene 15 years in the making took place at Tomball City Hall last week when Gretchen Fagan was sworn in as the city’s new mayor.

Fagan replaces H.G. “Hap” Harrington as the city’s first new mayor in 15 years.

The swearing in ceremony was held at the onset of the May 21 meeting of the city council, which Fagan had served on for the previous three years.

About 50 people, including members of Fagan’s family were in attendance for the meeting.

Harrington called the meeting “historical” and a “wonderful time” for Tomball.

The election, which Fagan won by 50 votes over Diane Holland, was certified by the election judge prior to Fagan being sworn in.

When Harrington called for a vote, the council unanimously voted “aye,” with even a few coming from the audience, to name Fagan as mayor.

Prior to taking over the mayor’s seat, Fagan presented Harrington with a glass gavel and sounding board as a parting gift.

“I hope I can give as many years of good service to this city as my predecessor,” Fagan said.

Harrington, adorned with his trademark Tomball-red coat, took a seat next to his wife, Shirley, in the crowd. It was the first time Harrington had not officially participated in a council meeting in more than a decade.

He said watching the meeting from the audience was a unusual sensation.

“It felt a little strange,” Harrington said. “Every time something came up, I wanted to speak.”

The former mayor said he was excited about the possibilities that Fagan brings to the position.

“We needed someone familiar with business, who knows how to work a budget,” he said.

Harrington may not be out of the city’s governmental loop for long. He is currently in a run-off with Bill Webb for Fagan’s former spot, Position 3.

Neither candidate won a majority of votes during the May election.

In her first act of business, Fagan took a vote to name the city’s new Mayor Pro-Tem. David Quinn was unanimously selected by the council.

In other city new, the council:

• named Fagan, James Greer and Steven Vaughn to the Tomball Economic Development Corporation Board of Directors.
• unanimously approved June 16 as the date for the run-off election between Harrington and Webb.
• authorized the city attorney to draft an ordinance adopting the revised 2007 flood insurance rate maps

Tomball Regional Medical Center celebrated recognition by a joint commission naming the facility as a Primary Stroke Center. According to Tomball Regional Hospital Community Relations Coordinator Beverly Werner, Tomball Regional is the only hospital in Northwest Harris County to receive such recognition. Dr. Joan David explained that the hospital earned the recognition by complying with core practices and acts to treat stroke patients for the best outcome. “It means we have separated ourselves from other hospitals in the treatment of strokes and other disease,” said hospital CEO Lynn LeBeouf. Pictured, David (left) and LeBeouf (right) announced the achievement at a ceremony on May 17.
Photo by Brian Walzel

Lady Cougars can’t hold series lead, fall to Garland in playoffs

By Brian Walzel
Tribune Staff

The Tomball Lady Cougars had Garland right where they wanted them. Up 1-0 in the best-of-three series in the Region II semi-finals, all the Lady Cougars had to do was win just one of the next two games to take the series and move on to the regional finals.

Tomball had won the series’ opening game May 18 at the Waco ISD Complex 1-0, behind a complete game shutout by ace freshman pitcher Shelby Lancaster.

Now Lady Cougar head coach Benita Dunlavy had the luxury of turning to her staff ace twice more, if need be, to finally knock out Garland, the defending state champions.

But the solid ground on which the Lady Cougars stood after their Game 1 victory began to give way when they faltered in the second game of the series, losing 6-2.

With the series tied at one game a piece, Dunlavy turned once again to Lancaster in the third and decisive game.

The freshman answered the call, throwing six shutout innings. However, Garland’s Tomi Garrison was just as dominant, keeping the Lady Cougars off the base paths and runs off the scoreboard.

The game remained scoreless going into the last of the seventh inning. With Lancaster on the mound, Garland loaded the bases with three straight singles. With the bases full of Garland runners, opposing pitcher Garrison hit a comebacker to Lancaster, who forced the first out at home.

Catcher Kayla Gutowski then fired a throw to third, hoping to turn a double play with a force out. However, Gutowski’s throw sailed wide of the bag and into the outfield, allowing the winning run to score.

Garland advanced on the regional finals with the win to take on Bryan for the right to represent Region II in the state playoffs.

The Lady Cougars ended their season with a 25-12 record.

Reaching Pines shelter breaks ground

The Montgomery County Women’s Center (MCWC) celebrated a groundbreaking recently for Reaching Pines.

Pictured (back row, left to right), Mary Jo O'Neal of MCWC, Mark Todd of M.W. Todd Architects, MCWC board member Barbara Holland, Charles Pollard of M.W. Todd Architects, Joan Simek of MCWC; and (front row, left to right), MCWC board member Jacque Everson, MCWC Board Chair Jeanette Armstrong.
Submitted Photo

The facility is planned as a 25-unit apartment, community center and daycare facility on seven acres for women and children who are survivors of domestic violence.

Construction is slated to begin in late 2007.

Local fundraising, along with HUD and Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant funding, will underwrite construction of the facility.

The Women’s Center is a nonprofit organization serving victims of family violence and/or sexual assault or abuse in Montgomery and surrounding counties.

All services are free and include safe shelter, counseling, legal assistance, educational programming, educational scholarships and other supportive services.

For more information on MCWC services, call the 24-hour hotline at 936-441-7273.

Centennial play pays tribute to Tomball’s past

Tomball’s rich history came alive last week as 40 local home-scholars performed the original play, “Tomball: 100 Years of Family and Faith” at Tomball College on May 22.

Seven-year-old Taylor McQuary handed out programs prior to a performance of “Tomball: 100 years of Family and Faith.”

Director Mary Stockton said that the play served as a great history lesson, in addition to providing an opportunity for the home-scholars to experience acting.

“Tomball has such an amazing history,” she said. “We just couldn’t let this opportunity pass by without tapping into it as a fun, educational experience for our children, and as a gift for the community.”

The performer’s ages ranged from 5 to 17. Stockton said that children prepared for more than a month for the performance, making their own costumes and creating the props.

The play is about a group of children whose assignment is to prepare a report on Tomball’s history. During a visit to a local retirement home, the students meet a 100-year-old resident, “Miss Ruby,” who reminisces about the community’s beginnings.

Jolynn McQuary was one of the play’s producers. She said that one of the things that made the play so much fun was the opportunity to re-create various historic scenes.

“We didn’t want to just focus on one person or one episode in our history,” she said. “But we wanted to touch on as many of the town’s milestones and real people that we could.”

Historic figures such as Johann Ebinger, Adam Klein, William Malone, Charles Hoffman and Bud Baker were just a few of the characters that were brought to life.

The play’s setting begins in 1852 when German immigrants searching for religious freedom settled the area. It also visits 1907 when Tomball was founded, the 1933 oil boom, World War II, and modern times.

Eight-year-old Hunter McQuary played developer William Malone. He said the play was an experience he won’t forget.

“It was fun, and I learned a lot,” he said. “I am ready to do it again next year.”

City manager contract deliberations upstage election canvass

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

It was standing-room-only at the Magnolia City Council meeting on May 21 where the election canvass and oath of office administration was upstaged by council’s lengthy deliberation over City Manager Roger Carlisle’s contract and responsibilities.

Pictured, (left to right) Judge Matt Masden, Judge John Purvis, John Bramlett, Sammie Scott and Todd Kana.

Some residents attended in support of the candidates, others came in support of Carlisle, but all seemed to anticipate the outcome of council’s action on his contract.

Residents applauded the recognition of outgoing council members, while several cheers could be heard following the swearing in of new officers.

Mayor Jimmy Thornton acknowledged the service of outgoing council members Richard Carby and Chris Neal. Both were presented with a plaque for their service to the city. Carby began his service June 14, 2005, while Neal was appointed to office Nov. 8, 2005.

Municipal Judge John Purvis administered the oaths of office to new Position 2 Councilman John Bramlett and returning Position 3 incumbent Todd Kana. Montgomery County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Matt Masden administered the oath of office to new Position 1 Councilman Sammie Scott.

Following the qualification of the candidates, council proceeded to deliberate at length on how to confirm the vote for Proposition 1, dispatch the city manager’s current services agreement, and reassign his delegated responsibilities.

During an executive session that lasted just less than two hours, council called on City Attorney Leonard Schneider to get advice on legal issues regarding Proposition 1 and to obtain clarity on Carlisle’s current services agreement.

Upon reconvening to regular session, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Patsy Williams and seconded by Kana to abandon the City Manager form of government, but allow Carlisle to “continue to work with the city council and assist us in this transition until the next city council meeting.”

The motion failed with Williams and Kana voting for the motion, while Scott, Sutherland, and Bramlett voted against it.

A second motion was made by Sutherland to confirm the public vote by abandoning the City Management form of government and severing Carlisle’s contract that was seconded by Scott.

During the ensuing discussion, clarification of the motion sent council members back into Executive Session for another 30 minutes.

Upon returning to regular session, Sutherland made a motion only to confirm the public vote of Proposition 1. The motion carried unanimously.

Council then addressed the consideration and possible action of delegating the duties and responsibilities previously held by Carlisle.

That sent the council back into Executive Session for another 20 minutes. Upon returning to regular session, Williams made a motion to take nominations and appoint a two-member committee to negotiate Carlisle’s contract, returning with a proposal at the June 12 council meeting.

Bramlett and Williams were unanimously accepted to the committee. Council members tabled any action on the position of the city manager’s assistant held by Erick Edwards.

A frustrated group of Magnolia residents walked away after four hours from a new city council with little more than the hope that the lengthy negotiations weren’t a fruitless effort.

Erica Monge and Austin Vajdak were recognized as the Students of the Month at the May 14 meeting of the Magnolia Independent School District Board of Trustees meeting. Monge is a graduating senior of Alpha Academy who plans to enter the medical field. Vajdak is an All ‘A’ Honor Roll fourth grader at Ellisor Elementary School. Pictured, (left to right) Ellisor Elementary Principal Foy Campbell, Vajdak, Monge, Alpha Academy Principal Keith Dormann, MISD School Board President Glenn Addison.
Photo by Cari Herr

Magnolia ISD offers TAKS help with summer Jump Start program

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Magnolia Independent School District (MISD) will offer a new program, Jump Start, in late summer of 2007, tailored to meet the academic needs of MISD students transitioning from grade to grade.

The program was presented at the May 14 MISD Board of Trustees meeting.

The purpose of the program is to provide an instructionally focused environment for students who are not meeting minimum expectations on one or more TAKS test, said Brenda Marfin, coordinator of Social Studies Curriculum and Instruction for the district.

“In addition to TAKS results, campus administrators and teachers will recommend students that would benefit from a transitional program,” Marfin said.

Jump Start is a result of the collaborative planning between principals and curriculum directors.

“The goal of the program is to provide TAKS remediation, fill in instructional gaps and provide support for the upcoming school year,” said Marfin.

It is scheduled to take place August 1 – 8 and is by invitation only. Eligible students should expect receipt of an invitation by June 15. Bus transportation will be provided.

A registration fee of $20 is required. Scholarships are available.

The curriculum will be tailored to the needs of the student with a focus on building essential skills while addressing identified gaps in various content areas.

Daily instruction in organizational and study skills will be provided and students will be given basic supplies needed for the start of the new school year. Jump Start will be held at both sixth grade campuses, both junior high campuses, Magnolia High School and Magnolia West High School.

For more information, call the student’s campus office.

Pct. 5 Constable’s office, Magnolia Group award seven college scholarships

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Montgomery County Pct. 5 Constable David Hill and members of The Magnolia Group awarded seven $500 scholarships to Magnolia High School seniors at a ceremony held May 14.

Pictured, (back row, left to right) Magnolia ISD trustees Cecil Bell, Jr. and Charlie Riley, Montgomery County Pct. 5 Constable David Hill, Sheriff Tommy Gage, Pct. 2 Commissioner Craig Doyal, Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Matt Masden, and Magnolia High School (MHS) senior Erich Patrick; (middle row, left to right) MHS seniors Mitchell Pullum, Troy Foster, Ashley Meeks, Cassandra Strong and Ashly Golden; (front row, seated) Charlene Golden, Shannon Garcia, Pct. 5 Dep. Constable Charlote Hamm. Not pictured, Wendy Wishkoski.

Hill established a college scholarship fund in 1982 shortly after taking office. The scholarship fund has since been named for two officers, Lt. Charles E. Hamm, who passed away Nov. 19, 1999, and Dep. John David Garcia, killed while on duty on July 17, 2003.

Scholarship recipients of the Charles E. Hamm and John David Garcia Memorial fund are Troy Foster, Mitchell Pullum, Ashly Golden and Erich Patrick.

The Magnolia Group was established in 1990 and consists of several members of the community including Hill, Montgomery County Sheriff Tommy Gage, Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Matt Masden, Pct. 2 Commissioner Craig Doyal, Richard Anderson, and Magnolia ISD School Board trustees Charley Riley and Cecil Bell, Jr.

Students receiving scholarships from the Magnolia Group were Wendy Wishkoski, Ashley Meeks and Cassandra Strong.

The widow of John David Garcia, Shannon Garcia, and the daughters of Charles E. Hamm, Charlene Golden and Dep. Constable Charlote Hamm were on hand to witness the presentation.

Pictured (left to right), Tomball High School seniors Emily Minter, Rolondo Razo and Amber Glowski attended a breakfast May 17 to honor 15 students who accepted scholarships from the Tomball Scholarship Foundation. The scholarship money will fund one year’s tuition at any campus within the North Harris Montgomery Community College District. The Tomball Scholarship Foundation awarded $18,750 in scholarship money this year.
Submitted Photo

WHS girls soccer squad nets successful season despite missing postseason

The 2006-07 Waller High School (WHS) girl’s soccer team started off their season against some of the toughest competition in the state at the Texas Cup, hosted by Brenham. The Lady Bulldogs brought home the Green Cup from the tournament. Following that, they hosted the first-ever Waller Classic tournament. The ladies were crowned tournament champions with an astounding 5-0 record in the tournament. Throughout district play, the Lady Bulldogs were competitive. Although they narrowly missed the playoffs, the ladies improved in every aspect of the game, notching victories over Willis, New Caney, Huntsville, Caney Creek, Navasota, and nearly beating district runner-up Montgomery. The Lady ’Dogs are graduating five valuable seniors, but will be returning the majority of the varsity lettermen. A good crop of young players moving up to varsity level will also contribute to the 2007-08 team that will be looking to make the playoffs for the first time in Lady Bulldog soccer history.

Magnolia’s Barren named Scholar Athlete, awarded scholarship

State Farm Insurance has named Magnolia High School student Anna Barren a 2006-07 Scholar Athlete. Barren received this recognition due to her success in the classroom as well as on the playing field.

Pictured (left to right), Girls Athletic Director Terri Johnson, Anna Barren, head softball coach Renee Bialas, State Farm Agent Chris Burns, and head basketball coach Erika Ritter.

Barren, a senior at Magnolia High School, is in the top one percent of her graduating class, carrying a 104 grade point average. She is a member of the varsity basketball and soccer teams, as well as a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.

State Farm Insurance has supported the scholar-athlete program for five academic school years, and will be awarding more than $25,000 in scholarships this year to deserving student athletes in Texas.

“State Farm is committed to education and is pleased to award scholarships to such a talented group of students. Anna has chosen a path of great success and leadership. We want to recognize these outstanding efforts and support her goals,” said State Farm Agent Chris Burns.

Magnolia City Marshal collections warrant new vehicle approval

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Magnolia City Marshal Jeri Carpenter will soon be driving a new vehicle.

That announcement came with the approval by city council at the May 8 meeting for the purchase.

The new vehicle will cost $21,128.75.

In a letter from Municipal Judge John Purvis, who was absent from the meeting, he said the City Marshal’s position has grossed $208,396.47 over the past nine months

Of that the city nets 70 percent, or $145,878.23, while the State of Texas nets $62,518.90, with the Magnolia Police Department generating more than half of the gross receipts.

In addition, respective businesses in Magnolia have been returned more than $18,731 through collections from the Marshal’s Department.

Purvis requested a 2007 Dodge Charger with front and rear lighting cage, switch box, push bumper, and 18-inch wheel covers. Undisclosed additional expenses will apply for radio equipment.

Former councilman Chris Neal said that when the Marshal’s position was being discussed last year, it was questionable as to whether the promises made for the position would be sustained.

“But the Marshal is doing an outstanding job. So if she needs a new car, let’s get it going,” he said.

Magnolia PD commended by Texas DPS for 50 percent reduction in crime

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Magnolia Police Department recently got a pat on the back from the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS).

Rhonda Curtis of the TXDPS announced the results of the East Texas Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Report for 2006 at the May 8 Magnolia City Council meeting.

A comparison of index crimes from 2004 through 2007 indicates a 50 percent reduction in reported crimes in the City of Magnolia.

Index crimes include criminal homicide and manslaughter, rape, robbery by force, assault and aggravated injuries, burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft.

Reported index crimes in 2004 were 107, with 102 being reported in 2005.

However, that number decreased dramatically in 2006 to only 56 reported index crimes.

An analysis of the UCR data places the major differences in the categories of larceny theft, excluding motor vehicles, and forcible entry burglary.

Curtis attributed the reduced numbers to the department’s diligence and increased presence in the community.

“The current police department is the best there has been,” said Curtis.

The department’s activity for April 2007 reflects that increased diligence. With 60 percent of activity going towards business checks, 867 of those were lock checks and 235 were direct business contacts.

Additionally, officers issued 358 traffic citations out of 413 stops during April.