Harris County voters turn down funding for detention center

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Harris County voters approved five of the six bond propositions during the Nov. 6 election, turning down a $195 million bond that would have funded a central processing and adult detention center for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Sheriff Tommy Thomas said portions of the project have previously been funded by the city of Houston, but with voters turning down the financing, it may be difficult to secure future funding.

“Obviously we’re disappointed that the bond proposal failed to pass,” Thomas said. “We’ve been working on this project with the City of Houston for several years now, and while partial funding from the city is currently available, the failure of the bond proposal may severely limit the availability of such funding in the future.”

Thomas also said the bond’s failure hinders planning for an overcrowded jail system.

“(It) curtails our ability to plan for and effectively manage the ever increasing jail population and inhibits our ability to expand our medical and mental health care capabilities,” he said.

Tomball College Political Science professor Nancy Kral believes the primary reason the detention center bond didn’t pass was due to a lack of information for voters.

“I think a lot of it was that people didn’t know what they were voting for,” she said. “There wasn’t much advertising for it.”

Meanwhile, voters approved the issuance of $190 million for road improvements, $95 million for park improvements, $80 million for a medical examiner’s forensic science center, $70 million for a family law center, and $250 million for Port of Houston improvements.

Kral believes that among the most important of those that were passed were those that included bond money to fund public infrastructure.

“Those are just quality of life issues,” she said. “That’s something that definitely needs our attention.”

Kral said that with an increase in population, many of the approved services and improvements were much-needed and go along with increases in population the northwest Houston area is currently seeing.

“It’s good to look ahead and project for future considerations,” she said. Many of the propositions were narrowly approved.

Both Prop 1 (road bonds) and Prop 5 (family law center) passed by a mere 1.2 percent. Prop 4 (forensic center) and Prop 6 (Port of Houston) both enjoyed more decisive victories, by margins of 5.2 percent and 9.6 percent, respectively.

Ethan Smith, a fourth grader at Decker Prairie Elementary, recently painted a rock to develop ideas for writing a creative story. Smith used adjectives to describe the rock before and after it was painted. He then wrote a story about the rock “creature” he made, and compared and contrasted changes in the rock’s appearance.
Submitted Photo

Brazos Valley initiative part of TxDOT’s marketing program for TTC-69

By Cari Herr Tribune Staff

TxDOT rolled out its new $9 million Tolling and Trans-Texas Corridor Outreach plan to regional community leaders at a meeting in Huntsville on Oct. 19. The meeting is one of many to be scheduled as part of a three-phase plan designed to present a new TxDOT to Texans who have opposed the Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) system.

Much of the discussion centered on the interpretation of SB 792, which was passed by the Texas legislature in the last session. The bill placed a moratorium on comprehensive development agreements between private investors and TxDOT in continuing plans for the I-69 TTC. However, some interpret SB 792 to place a hold on any construction and design plans, as well.

While the meeting was hosted by the Alliance for I-69 Texas and the Texas Transportation Commission, the initiative plays on TxDOT Transportation Commissioner Ted Houghton’s “TxDOT: Open for Business” campaign.

Houghton openly admitted that TxDOT had made “a public relations blunder” from the onset of the TTC-69 project. The passage of SB 792 would allow TxDOT to take a more open and receptive approach to the transportation needs of Texas and the TTC, utilizing local input to develop the projects and their eventual routes.

The $9 million marketing plan comes in three phases. Phase I is a $2 million advertising campaign implemented by the Marketing Section of the Government and Public Affairs Division (GPA-MKT) using television, radio, print, billboard and internet advertising.

Phase II has a projected cost of $4 million and will narrow the advertising focus on public hearings to market the corridors in an effort to enhance “strategic partnerships” with entities that are “proponents of mobility.”

The final phase of the marketing project has budgeted up to $3 million for an advertising focus that increases attendance at public hearings and enhances the “hearing experience.”

With the impending release of the Draft Environmental Impact Study for the TTC-69 slated for later this year, Houghton said some Waller County residents would “probably not be happy with the proposed route.”

Substantial right-of-way along portions of SH 6 makes it a “realistic option” for moving I-69 towards Bryan/College Station to become TTC-69, Houghton said.

Director Trey Duhon of the Waller County Toll Road Authority asked what the non-toll alternative to SH 6 would be, since it is the primary route north out of Waller County.

Houghton said that SH 6 would continue to be a non-tolled highway for passenger cars, but that elements of the TTC-69 or I-69 could be added adjacent to it.

Officials in Bryan/College Station and the Brazos Valley Council of Government (COG) have expressed approval for the I-69 route to come to that area and have proposed an alternative route for the I-69 project that would bring it to Brazos Valley, then southward along SH 6.

Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski is concerned that Grimes, Austin, and Waller counties could bear the brunt of I-69 due to the “political clout” of Bryan/College Station, Texas A&M University and the Brazos Valley COG in bringing I-69 to that area.

Houghton agreed with some at the meeting that the original concept of the TTC was “not realistic” and that in some areas the corridor could be scaled down or have fewer elements, such as rail or truck lanes. Another change Houghton noted in the plan for the TTC-69 route includes access roads at every major county artery, so as not to disrupt major traffic patterns.

Because of a lack of consideration in the past and the current actions of some government officials, Bilski said, it would be difficult for her constituents to believe anything that TxDOT or other government officials had to say in regards to the TTC.

Houghton and other TxDOT officials expressed a willingness to meet with local officials and their constituents at future meetings in order to reduce the level of tension and distrust.

As part of the plan, TxDOT proposes to establish a TTC-69 Corridor Advisory Committee with local Corridor Segment Committees (CSC). These committees will seek support and consensus from affected communities, governmental entities, and other interested parties. Findings in regards to the project and the public, business, and private sectors that are impacted will be presented to TxDOT.

Comments on the rules governing the proposed committees are being accepted until 5 p.m., Nov. 12. For review the proposed rules, visit www.keeptexasmoving.com/news/
rules_for_Corridor_Advisory_Committees. The Commission may consider final adoption of these rules during its January 2008 meeting.

Waller Junior High art students Kelli Soots, Leo Mata, Demi Sons, Marisabel Zarate, Michaela Woodhouse, and WJH art teacher Mark Hutchins pose with the WHS Bulldog they restored and the 2007 Waller High School varsity cheerleaders. The WJH art students returned the Bulldog to WHS during the Homecoming Pep Rally Oct. 26. The bulldog had previously been in a storage room placed under old gym mats. The mascot was in poor condition after years of neglect. That night, the bulldog was on the sidelines as Waller defeated Montgomery, 41-0.
Submitted Photo

Council approves pay hike for elected officials

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The Tomball City Council and Mayor Gretchen Fagan will be receiving hefty raises after the council approved an increase in the mayor’s monthly stipend and the council and mayor’s per meeting allowance.

At a Nov. 5 meeting, the council approved, by a 3-2 vote, to increase the per-meeting allowance for all members and Fagan from $50 to $100. Fagan will now also receive a monthly stipend of $750 per month, up from $200.

The previous amounts had been in place since 1995, according to City Secretary Doris Speer.

David Quinn, Mary Harvey and Roy Lazenby each voted in support of the measure while Bill Webb and Warren Driver voted against it.

The council had previously voted in October to institute a $200 monthly stipend for its members, as well as a $100 per meeting compensation. However, the city charter does not permit the council to receive monthly stipends.

The council could have voted for a flat monthly amount as compensation for meeting attendance or increased the per-meeting compensation.

Driver suggested that the per meeting compensation be increased to reflect the original $500 per month allowance the council had previously targeted, but that measure wasn’t supported by most of the other council members.

Webb supported a $200 per meeting payment for council members, but only an increase to $500 for the mayor’s position. The measure was turned down as well.

The council schedules two regular meetings per month, but often schedules special meetings and workshops.

“So, they could have several meetings per month,” Speer said.

However, with the zoning issue once again coming to the forefront and annexation public hearings seemingly being held weekly, the cost to the city to pay its elected officials could quickly skyrocket.

“There may soon come a time when you will be attending more meetings and the cost could get up to $800 a month (per member),” City Attorney David Olson said.

Quinn agreed that the cost could become exorbitant. “Jumping to $200 (per meeting) is a little strong,” he said. The new rates went into affect immediately.

Benefit for wounded deputy raises more than $60,000

On Oct. 28, a barbecue benefit was held at the Red River Dance Hall and Saloon on behalf of injured Harris County Sheriff’s Dep. Pete Cupial. Cupial was injured on Sept. 16 while answering a 911 hang-up call.

Dept. Pete Cupial (right) along with Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas (left) at the Oct. 28 benefit.

Within seconds of Cupial’s arrival and attempt to make contact with the residents by knocking on the front door, he was overcome by a hail of gunfire from inside the home through the front door.

When Cupial attempted to retreat, he was struck in the leg once, grazed above his waist, while a third bullet struck his handcuffs. Cupial was able to crawl to safety underneath a parked car and use his radio to call dispatch for help.

Within moments deputies came to his aid. It was later discovered the shooter had killed his mother and then taken his own life. Cupial has undergone four successful surgeries with a lengthy recovery ahead of him.

The benefit was deemed a success primarily due to the hard work, time and dedication of the brothers and sisters of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tommy Thomas spoke on Cupial’s behalf to acknowledge the efforts of everyone involved.

Sen. Dan Patrick and Harris County Judge Ed Emmott were also present and gave words of encouragement. More than 30 briskets were donated by Bob Sarvis of Glazier Foods and Exit Realty Group. Two cook teams, Dodge City Cookers and Up in Smoke Cookers, donated their time to cook all of the briskets.

Additional food items were donated by Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant and Mrs. Baird’s. Patrick and radio talk show host Chris Baker encouraged the support of the citizens of Harris County through their talk shows. Larry DuBose, owner of the Red River Dance Hall and Saloon, donated the use of his club.

Many items, from furniture to fishing trips, were donated for the silent and live auctions, raising more than $60,000 to assist Cupial in supplementing his income during his long road to recovery.

Officer Keith Bitz of the Tomball Police Department (TPD) was honored by Woodforest National Bank as the Officer of the Month at the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Nov. 2. Pictured (left to right), State Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale, Mrs. and Officer Bitz, TPD Chief Michael Blake, Woodforest Branch Manager Maria Espidia, Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagen, and Harris County Judge Ed Emmott.
Photo by Cari Herr

MHS Baseball Fundraiser
The Magnolia High School Boys Baseball Team is holding a Co-Ed “Softball Bash” Fundraiser on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. The cost is $20 per player. Everyone in the community is encouraged to participate. There will be three divisions: High School, Adult, and Junior High. Prizes will be awarded for first place teams in each division. There will also be a Home Run Derby, raffle, silent auction, craft fair, and concessions. All sign-up forms and additional information can be accessed at www.magnoliabulldogsbaseball.com or by calling 281-253-1040.

DECA Fashion Show
The Magnolia High School fashion marketing class, sponsored by DECA, the national marketing organization, will be hosting a school-wide fashion show on Nov. 30 during third period. Tickets to the show are $2 and can be purchased during lunch at the school store beginning Nov. 19. Local retailers are providing fashions for the show, and other MHS classes will be assisting in the show.

Mayor’s Coffee
Tomball Mayor Gretchen Fagan will host a Mayor’s Coffee Nov. 15 beginning at 7:30 a.m. at Main Street Crossing in Tomball. Fagan, along with department heads from the city, will be on hand to answer questions Tomball residents may have about the government of the city. New City Manager Jan Belcher will also be available to answer questions.

Big Top circus means big time fun for Waller

The Carson & Barnes Circus came to the Waller area Oct. 30 and organizers say the event went better than planned.

A clown at the Carson & Barnes circus hands out balloons to children.

“We couldn’t have been more excited with the turnout,” said Trey Duhon, Waller Area Chamber board member and director of marketing for the event. “Attendance estimates were close to 4,000 folks that came out for the two shows.” According to Duhon, the circus tent seated 2,100. The Waller High National Honor Society students parked more than 500 vehicles for the first show alone, he added. The feedback from those who attended the circus has been positive so far.

“We knew the event was going to be successful by mid-morning when hundreds of folks showed up just to watch the elephants raise the circus tent,” Duhon said.

Those who attended the circus were treated to three rings of entertainment with specialty acts like the two Giant Wheels of Death, a motorcycle tightrope performance, aerialists, trapeze artists, trampoline acrobatics, prancing ponies, performing poodles, a championship clown boxing match, and a grand finale featuring four of the Carson & Barnes elephants.

Duhon added that Schultz Middle School, where the circus was held, turned out to be an ideal location. “It worked very well and Waller ISD worked with us very closely to make this event successful for the entire community,” he said.

As a result of the success of the circus, the Waller Area Chamber of Commerce will present a check to Waller ISD After School Program for half of the proceeds of the event, which Duhon estimates to “easily exceed” $5,000.

The Chamber also provided 100 tickets for underprivileged families and disabled children to attend the circus through organizations such as Morning Glory Ranch, SIRE, and Waller Area Restoration Ministries, Duhon added.

Miss Tomball 2007 Pageant Contestants

Top row (left to right), Jenny Smith, Mallory Snell, and Kylie Farrell; bottom row (left to right) Monique Ruch, Katarina Wagner, Kirsty Stephens, Brittany Weiss, Amanda Dunlap, Krista Hallmark, Selina Barragan, Hayli Moore, Lauren Belvin, and Cassidy Jasinski.
Submitted Photo

Top row (left to right), Leigh Williams, Maricela Cardenas, and Hillary King; bottom row (left to right) Jennifer Ward, Courtney Sanguedolce, Grace Mills, Emily Weathersby, Monica Malfer, Jennifer Carroll, Erin Hohman, Kellie Cress, Lorin Stumph, and Lindsey McLeod.
Submitted Photo

Top row (left to right), Brittany Kocian, Michelle Allison, Julie Gauthier; middle row (left to right) Lauren Franks, Caroline Dernick, Taylor Cieslewicz; bottom row (left to right) Clarian Carrington, Tiffany Smith, Natalie Martino, Meghan Morris, Meagan McClinton, Cassidy Snider, and Jenna Davis.
Submitted Photo

Texas Crossword

Crossword puzzles are in Adobe PDF format. Click on the links to open them in Adobe Acrobat Reader, or right-click and choose "Save File As...":

- This week's crossword

- Solution to last week's crossword

Centennial Parade scheduled
On Nov. 17 beginning at 10 a.m., the 42nd Annual Tomball Holiday Parade will make its way down Main Street. This year’s theme is “Happy Birthday Tomball,” celebrating the city’s 100th birthday. Houston Astro Troy Patton, a Tomball High School graduate, will serve as the Grand Marshal. Among this year’s entries will be the 40 contestants for that evening’s Miss Tomball Pageant, along with local high school marching bands and dignitaries. Pictured, a clown entertains a group of children during last year’s parade.
Photo by Brian Walzel

Tickets now available for Centennial Birthday Party

By Brian Walzel
Editor

With the year rapidly drawing to a close, the sun is beginning to set on Tomball’s Centennial birthday. But by George, the party isn’t over yet.

No. 41, or known elsewhere as former President George H. W. Bush, has been named as the guest speaker at Tomball’s Dec. 2 birthday celebration.

The festivities will be held at 5 p.m. at the Tomball High School football stadium and the party promises to be the crescendo of a yearlong celebration.

While details of the event have yet to be announced, tickets are already available.

Last week, Centennial Commission Chairperson Diane Holland announced that 10 local businesses, community buildings and schools are now offering tickets to the event. General admission tickets are free and reserved section tickets are $10. Members of the Tomball Centennial Circle already have seats reserved.

For more information, call 281-255-2902 or 281-290-1040.

Local election results better than average of state turnout

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

With more than 12.86 million registered voters in the state of Texas, just more than 8.5 percent turned out for the Nov. 6 election, approving all 16 amendments to the constitution and setting the pace for an all-time low in voter turnout.

City of Magnolia
Once again voters trickled to the poll at only a 7 percent turnout for Magnolia city Proposition 1 to determine the form of government the city will utilize. In a 68 to 97 vote, approval of a city manager form of government failed for the second time this year.

With that decision behind them, the city council can now move forward with steps to hire a city administrator, according to Mayor Jimmy Thornton.

“We need someone in the front office that knows how to administratively run the city. A mayor and five council members cannot do that,” he said.

Conversely, Proposition 2 passed with 108 to 55 votes, which gives the city’s economic development corporation (EDC) the go-ahead to participate in a downtown revitalization and park project for the community.

“The people sent a message that they want the project to go forward,” said Jonny Williams, President of the Magnolia 4A EDC. The next step is to have Sebesta and Associates, the city’s contracted grant writer, determine the city’s application status for the Texas Main Streets Program or the Downtown Revitalization Programs for Dept. of Agriculture grant funding.

“Every dollar we get is another dollar we can do something else with,” Williams said.

Montgomery County
With a 100 percent increase in registered voters between 1992 and 2007, Montgomery County reflected a somewhat better than the state margin in voter turnout. Still, less than 10 percent of the 217,354 registered voters as of 2006 went to the polls.

Across the board, Montgomery County Emergency Services District 2, 8, and 10 failed to receive voter approval for the adoption of a local Sales and Use Tax increase.

Waller County
Waller County reflected more of the state average in voter turnout than that of its northeastern neighbor.

Despite statewide approval, Waller County voters failed two of the 16 state propositions, Proposition 4 and 12, while Proposition16 passed with a close six-vote margin.

Waller County voters have traditionally impacted the direction of state revenue bonds that may be perceived as funding that could leak to TxDOT for maintenance, construction, repair, and equipment purchases, and planned road and bridge projects, as well as those in process.

“Grassroots groups across Texas largely oppose Proposition 12 because of the immense distrust of the Texas Transportation Commission and TxDOT in trying to force the TTC and Toll Roads on the citizens of Texas,” said Martha Estes of Working for Accountable Government.

That distrust emanates from Waller, Austin, and Grimes County officials who are jaded by TxDOT’s planning of land usage for the I-69 Trans-Texas Corridor.

Voters did approve the inclusion of Waller County in the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation district in an overwhelming 1,159 to 651 vote, a vote that failed in the last election.

In addition, Brian Nichols with 480 votes and Tommy Davis with 635 votes were elected as Commissioners to the Waller County Board of Emergency Services.

TxDOT employee recognized by Tomball Chamber for 34 years of dedication

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Janelle Gbur recently retired after 34 years of service at the Texas Department of Transportation.

Janell Gbur (left) was recognized by state Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale (right) for her commitment and dedication to Tomball mobility at a Chamber luncheon.
Photo by Cari Herr.

She was recognized for her contributions by state Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale at the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon held Nov. 2.

“It hasn’t been hard to stay here (at TxDOT) all these years,” she said.“ I have appreciated my relationship with the Tomball area.”

Gbur started with TxDOT at 17 as a drafting clerk and will complete her tenure as a Public Information Officer.

“One thing we could always count on in Tomball was that they were ready to work with us and they knew their roll as good stewards to the taxpayers. They had a real spirit of cooperation,” she said.

Officially, Gbur retired on Aug. 31, but returned to complete several outstanding projects for US 290 and I-10, and to assist with the job vacancy posting for her replacement.

“I want to make sure those two corridors are left with a successful plan in place. I don’t want to leave things half-finished,” she said.

ALPHA Academy initiates partnership program for students

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The ALPHA Academy is seeking local businesses that will offer a daylong internship to students through Dec. 7. The partnership is a program designed to give ALPHA students the opportunity to view business practices in process.

“This is the first step for them to begin envisioning their future, whether it be college or joining the work force,” said Regina Michael who teaches at the Magnolia Independent School District’s ALPHA Academy. “Most of our students have had little exposure to the professional working world.”

Michael teaches a career class designed to help students discover their interests and aptitudes. Students may have interests that include the medical sciences, animal husbandry, engine repair and legal professions.

The purpose of the partnership program is to give students insight into the day-to-day work and responsibilities of someone who is already working in a field of interest to them.

“Ideally, we would be able to find individuals who work within these fields willing to have our students observe their work day and then ask questions,” said Michael

Interested business owners and professionals should e-mail their name, title, professional field, business location, available dates and phone number(s) to rmichael@magnoliaisd.org or call 281-252-2265 ext. 5915.

Texas Parks and Wildlife: A change of seasons

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

A change of seasons often means a change in hunting and fishing laws for Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPW), which may find it increasingly difficult to communicate those laws with an impending lack of trained staff.

Game Warden Alan Biggerstaff of Texas Parks and Wildlife spoke on seasonal gaming laws at the Oct. 30 Magnolia Rotary Club meeting.

Over the next two years TPW will retire more than 25 percent of its 500 staff members, according to Game Warden Alan Biggerstaff who was the guest speaker at the Oct. 30 Magnolia Rotary Club meeting.

That’s important, said Biggerstaff, because “we need to get the (changing) laws across to kids.”

While some young people may want to begin a career with TPW, others between the ages of 16 and 19 are facing anything from class A misdemeanors to felony convictions for hunting violations, mostly for hunting from the roadway.

Hunting from the roadway is a violation of the law, said Biggerstaff. For example, while the capture and harvest of feral hogs is unlimited because they are not a protected species and are not indigenous to the state, regulations on the discharging of firearms still apply.

In the last two years, regulations have been passed that allow county commissioners to establish ordinances on the discharging of archery and firearms, and to regulate hunting on large tracts of annexed properties.

“Laws change because wildlife resources change and seasons change,” said Biggerstaff. TPW offers multiple publications for commercial fishermen, trapping, water safety, and hunting. Map booklets are available for public hunting lands.

Meanwhile, education and enforcement of hunting, fishing and other gaming laws requires training and adequate staffing across the state.

Those interested in a career with TPW must earn a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or wildlife science, or be able to articulate how their degree relates to wildlife management.

A clean driving record and financial statement is essential for acceptance to one of 40 positions offered in a seven month training course at the academy in Austin.

For more information, log on to www.tpwd.state.tx.us.

Police find woman’s body on Michel St.

By Brian Walzel
Editor

A Tomball resident made a grisly discovery on his way to work the morning of Nov. 7 when he found the body of woman on Michel Street.

According to the Tomball Police Department, the woman is white and in her 20s. She was fully clothed when her body was discovered.

The preliminary investigation by Tomball police revealed that the woman most likely committed suicide, according to Capt. Ricky Doerre.

However, the final determination of her cause of death was pending an autopsy by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office.

According to Doerre, there was no weapon used in her death and there were no signs of a struggle.

The body was found in a wooden area near homes by a driver on his way to work at approximately 7:45 a.m. The name of the victim was being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Tomball PD promotes Torres, Hatchett to sergeant

After months of studying more than 1,000 pages of written materials, and the completion of an all-day Assessment Center process, two Tomball Police Officers were recently promoted to fill two vacancies for the position of Sergeant of Police.

Sgt. Cliff Hatchett (left) and Sgt. Jennifer Torres (right) are sworn in as sergeants during a recent ceremony.

At a swearing-in ceremony before their families and colleagues, Police Chief Michael Blake issued the Oath of Appointment to Sgt. Jennifer Torres and Sgt. Cliff Hatchett.

Both sergeants were assigned to the Uniformed Patrol Division and are currently in a Supervisory Field Training Program being led by Sgts. Jeff Williams and Danny Arriaga.

Hatchett and Torres will then attend mandated supervisory training at the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration in Plano, one of the premier learning centers for law enforcement executives, managers and supervisors.

Prior to their promotion, Torres served in the Investigations Division as both a Case Detective and Crime Scene Investigator. Hatchett served as a Firearms Instructor and is a member of the police department’s elite Strategic Response Team.

Magnolia High School Boys Baseball

Magnolia High School Boys Baseball Team is holding a Co-Ed "Softball Bash" Fundraiser on Friday November 30th - Saturday December 1st. The cost is $20 per player. The entire community is encouraged to participate. There will be three divisions: High School, Adult, and Jr. High. Prizes will be awarded for first place teams in each division. There will also be a Home Run Derby, Raffle, Silent Auction, Craft Fair (vendors wanted), and Concessions. All sign up forms and additional information can be downloaded at www.magnoliabulldogsbaseball.com or you can call 281-253-1040.

Lady Bulldogs spike A&M in volleyball playoffs

By Brian Walzel
Editor

With a Nov. 6 win over A&M Consolidated in the Region 2 Quarterfinals of the UIL playoffs, the Magnolia Lady Bulldogs volleyball squad took a giant step toward making their first state tournament appearance.

The Lady Bulldogs dominated the Lady Tigers, winning 3-1 and moving on to play Lake Highlands in the regional semi-finals. That game was scheduled for Nov. 9 at Sam Houston State Coliseum in Huntsville. Results were unavailable at press time last week.

With a win over Lake Highlands, the Lady Bulldogs would face either Round Rock Westwood or Plano West for the right to move on to the state tournament in Austin.

Meanwhile, the win against A&M was Magnolia’s third straight in the playoffs and the first game in which they lost a set.

After taking the first set 25-18, the Lady Tigers rallied to tie the game at one set each with a 25-19 second set win. But the Lady Bulldogs moved ahead 2-1 with a 25-16 third set victory and closed out the game with a 25-21 fourth set win.

Magnolia, winners of District 15-5A, had previously knocked off Spring in the first round and Austin McNeil in the second round.

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

Last week I was telling you about a short trip my wife and I took some time ago. The trip was a trip of firsts for both of us.

Our first trip on this particular airline, our first time to encounter a drunk on a plane, our first time to ever be re-seated next to the same people on our return flight and our first time to ever be stranded on an airplane while sitting on the ground only 20 feet away from the walkway.

After we landed, and as our plane approached the proper gate space, our pilot announced to us a problem had occurred with the movement of the ramp. It seems it got stuck only 20 feet from our plane.

He told us there were several considerations being given our plight. First, they hoped the mechanics could get it fixed. Second, they could push our plane backwards and tow us to another gate, or a portable ramp could be brought in and we could disembark to the ground right there in our parking space.

As corporate America goes, I knew good and well that he probably was trying to tell us in so many words that what we were really waiting on was some employee to submit a requisition to his boss, it would then have to go through compliance, then his boss would have to sign it, and then it would have to be faxed or hand-carried to his superior. After that, a special meeting would need to be held and then, finally, somebody may be able to make a decision on how to get us off this plane.

The truth is me and some of the other passengers were already making some decisions on our own. After 45 minutes of watching the employees bring us two different sets of stairs that were too short, I decided to start calling the airline’s corporate office from inside the plane on our cell phone. When I got a busy signal I started to try calling our local TV stations. Then all of a sudden my cell phone went dead. I really think it was being jammed by an electronic devise to keep all of us from using our phones.

It was very unusual that all the cell phones on the plane quit working about the same time!

After an hour and 15 minutes of watching too many chiefs and not enough Indians working on the ground, someone finally arrived with a staircase to fit our plane and we were released from our temporary quarters.

During the entire ordeal our formally drunken passenger, now turned funnyman, really kept coming with line after line of funny comments about our trip. At least he helped pass the time.

-- Clifford