Tomball to celebrate 100 years with birthday bash

Former president Bush to deliver keynote address

Join the 41st President of the United States in wishing the city of Tomball a happy 100th birthday Dec. 2 during the Centennial Birthday Party.

41st President George Bush

Dec. 2 marks the day Peck, Texas changed its name to Tomball, in honor of Thomas Henry Ball, the railroad man and historical Texas figure who routed a railway through the northwest Harris County area.

Former President George H.W. Bush is set to deliver a speech wishing the 100-year-old city a happy birthday. The event is expected to draw 7,000 people to the party to be held at Tomball High School’s football stadium. The high school is located at 30330 Quinn Rd.

ABC News Channel 13 anchorman Tom Koch will emcee the event, which will include the former president’s speech, as well as a parade of children dressed in period costumes, an address by Tomball High School graduate and three-star U.S. Air Force general Chris Adams, introductions of area dignitaries, a video presentation of the city’s history, and a fireworks exhibit.

Tomball resident Jody Adams will sing “Hometown with a Heart,” a bluegrass song she wrote about the city.

Wal-Mart will provide enough cake to feed the 7,000 people expected to fill the football stadium.

Those planning to attend the event are advised to arrive early in order to see an Air Force fly-over during the main program. The Texas Master Chorale is also set to perform during the main event, which is scheduled to kick off around dusk.

Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with a musical melody of a variety of songs by the Tomball High School choir and the Cougar Pride Marching Band.

Admission to the party is free, but a ticket is required. VIP seating will also be available for $10 per ticket. Seating is limited.

Tickets are available at Capital One, 14310 FM 2920; Tomball City Hall, 401 W. Market St.; Amegy Bank, 28201 Tomball Pkwy.; Regions Bank, 810 W. Main St.; Concordia Lutheran High School, 700 E. Main St.; Woodforest National Bank, 14235 FM 2920; Klein’s Super Market, 1200 W. Main St.; Gloyer’s Pharmacy, 1010 W. Main St.; and Texas Community Bank, 14011 Park Dr. Suite 115. For more information on the birthday celebration, visit www.tomballcentennial.com or call the Tomball Centennial Commission at 281-290-1040.

The Commission was established by the city to plan Tomball’s centennial celebration in 2007. The birthday party marks the final event of the yearlong celebration.
 

The Tomball High School Band marches in the parade. The band was one of four to take part in the festivities, joining Cy-Fair, Waltrip and Langham Creek.
Photo by Brian Walzel

THS all-class reunion to kick off weekend centennial celebration

To kick off Tomball’s Centennial Birthday celebration, the Tomball High School Alumni Association will host an “All Class Reunion – Coming Home for the Holidays” event.

All graduating classes from Tomball High School are invited to attend the event on Dec. 1 from 2 to 7 p.m. in downtown Tomball. The festivities include live entertainment, carriage rides, face painting, wall climbing, and food and craft booths, along with a visit from Santa.

Proceeds from the “All Class Reunion – Coming Home for the Holidays” event will benefit the Tomball Alumni Association and future student scholarships.

Admission to the festival and shopping is free to the public. Tickets for the “Alumni Tent” are $10 and include carriage rides, bus tour, photo gallery and other activities, such as storefront scenes along Main St. with the history of each business from the 1960s.

Tickets and more information are available at www.thsaa.org, at the Greater Tomball Chamber of Commerce, located at 14011 Park Dr. and The Depot, located at 201 S. Elm St.

Community provides ‘rippling effect of kindness’ in holiday season

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Society of Samaritans delivered more than 250 Thanksgiving food baskets to the homes of needy families in the Magnolia area on Nov. 17.

Matthew Killy fills boxes at Magnolia Bible Church for the Society of Samaritans food drive.

Clients who applied for assistance early in October were rewarded for their patience when SOS volunteers and members of the Magnolia Bible Church, Primera Iglesia Bautista and Magnolia Baptist Church arrived carrying baskets, boxes and bags of holiday food items.

“We want to thank everyone for the tremendous support provided to the Society of Samaritans during the Thanksgiving project,” Director Judy Everett said. “Your participation has added to the rippling effect of kindness that flows when you help someone in need.”

Throughout the holiday season, area churches, schools, businesses and civic organizations hold food and toy drives on behalf of SOS, which then qualifies applicants and oversees the distribution of donations and services to the community.

Services provided through Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant funds include mortgage or rent, utilities, gasoline, prescriptions, and home or auto repairs, and community donations provide for a sustaining food pantry.

Everett encouraged the community to continue in its efforts toward humanitarianism by supporting children and families through the SOS Adopt-A-Family program.

“Donations of food and toys from the community are a vital part of the services offered by SOS at this time of year,” Everett said.

The delivery date for Christmas baskets is Dec. 17. SOS receives tax-deductible donations at its business office throughout the year and at a number of locations throughout the holiday season.

Items needed for the upcoming Christmas holiday include turkeys, hams, and other holiday food items, books, puzzles, games, dolls, watches, skateboards, cologne, jewelry, bicycles, and monetary contributions.

To apply for assistance or offer a donation, call 281-259-8452 or 281-252-9647. The SOS business office is located at 31355 Friendship Dr.

Veteran’s Resource Guide
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett unveiled a comprehensive 50-page resource guide last week for returning veterans needing private or public assistance with housing, transportation, employment, health care and many other issues. “Our returning veterans represent the very best our nation and our county have to offer,” Emmett said. “We owe it to them to ensure that their transition back to civilian life is as easy as possible.” The directory, entitled “Navigating the Road to Services for Returning Veterans,” lists hundreds of governmental, non-profit and faith-based organizations that provide financial, legal and educational services. Veterans and their families can obtain copies of the resource directory, including foldout wallet sized versions at the county Veterans Service Office Web site at www.cedd.hctx.net or by calling the office at 281-876-6600.

Holiday solicitor warning
Please be alert for solicitors over the holidays. A group of out of town solicitors working through the community may ask for personal information while selling books and magazines. Solicitors can collect information that would ordinarily be very sensitive and can also be used as a prelude to identity theft. Having access to homes during sales calls can permit them to know what jewelry or furnishings are in the home. Caution is advised when permitting entrance or access to the home. Solicitors may use deceitful tactics or claim to be a neighbor’s nephew or relative in an effort to gain trust. On Nov. 19 at 7 p.m. a 26-year-old white male was arrested in the Cypresswood / Champion Forest area for being overly aggressive in using such tactics during his solicitations.

Sewer plant upgrade
The Magnolia City Council recently approved a paint job for one of the sewer plant tanks that is beginning to show signs of rust and age on the top plate and at the clarifier. Councilman John Bramlett brought a bid of $13,800 from USAWA in Montgomery for the sandblasting work. The city would need to purchase an additional $224 in primer and $550 for the polyurethane coating. Bramlett made a motion, which was approved, to use impact fee funds, of which there is $215,000 in the bank, contingent upon the city engineer’s approval of the blasting and coating process.

Concordia Players present ‘Crazy Ladies’
The Concordia Players of Concordia Lutheran High School, located at 700 E. Main St., present Pat Cook’s comedy, “Those Crazy Ladies in the House on the Corner,” Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. Dr. Lomax, played by Thomas Kerr, sends his secretive nurse, Jean, to the aid of three geriatric sisters played by Ashley Johnson (Dora), Emily Goedecke (Lydia) and Katherine Dross (Maggie), but things get complicated when their nephew shows up to sell the house. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for students and $2 for children under 12.

Waller High School’s freshman volleyball team won consolation at the Brenham Tournament, third at the Sealy Tournament and first at the Alief Tournament. Pictured, (top row, left to right) Taylor Warren, Katie Horton, Opal Jackson, Paige Petry, and Ashton Brodrick; (middle row, left to right) Kelcie Venden, Chelsea Powers, Kaitlyn Marcisz, Chelsea Carter, and Shannon Bronokowski; (bottom row, left to right) SaSa Lockhart, Paige Thomas, and Keely Brewer. Submitted Photo

Bulldogs knock off Knights in bi-district p layoff

The Waller Bulldogs continued their winning ways Nov. 16, knocking off the McCallum Knights 41-20 in College Station in the first round of the playoffs. The Bulldogs improved their record to 8-3 and played the Jack Yates Lions Friday in Katy.

Player of the Week - Jacob Dodd

Results were unavailable at press time.

Offensively, the Bulldogs amassed 555 total yards. This improved their season average to 436 yards per game.

The Bulldog ground game proved unstoppable as Jeremy Luckett carried the ball 18 times for 287 yards while Jeremy Phillips ran 14 times for 234 yards. Luckett’s total pushed him over 1,000 yards for the season. Phillips needs less than 100 yards to become a 1,000 yard rusher and 1,300 yard passer.

The offensive line, Jacob Dodd, David Hunter, Carlos Portillo, Kennedy Vongphakdy, and Alex McFaddin were named the offensive players of the week by head coach Jim Phillips as they completely dominated the line of scrimmage.

Mitchell Kapalske, Andrew Simon, Stephen Williams, and Joplo Bartu had particularly good games with their downfield blocking. Every time the Bulldog backs broke into the secondary, the physical receivers were there blocking McCallum defensive backs to help create big plays.

Defensively, the Bulldogs faced a tough offensive opponent in the Knights. The Knights used a spread attack to get the ball to their speedy receivers and running backs. The Bulldogs used a bend-but-don’t-break philosophy, as the Knights were able to move the ball, but were only able to put 20 points on the board.

Seven of those points came on the last play of the first half, as a Knight receiver broke three tackles and raced to the end zone with five seconds left.

Annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots program now underway

By Brian Walzel
Editor

With the holiday season in full swing, the United States Marine Corps is kicking off its annual toy drive.

Pictured above, Jerry Reed, Brenda Kaiser, Debbie Reed and Jeffrey Klein donate toys to the Toys for Tots program at Klein’s Super Market.

The Toys for Tots program is underway, with at least three Tomball locations accepting donations.

Klein’s Super Market, located at 1200 W. Main, Backyard Oasis, located at 16340 FM 2920, and Safeco Storage Solutions, located at 23410 Snook Lane, are accepting new, unwrapped toys for local underprivileged kids for Christmas.

The program is co-sponsored by the First Marine Division, along with Houston’s 1st Battalion, 23rd Marines, 4th Marine Division. The Tomball coordinator is Jerry Reed of the Houston Chapter, 1st Marine Division.

Local campaign coordinators like Reed conduct several activities throughout the year, such as golf tournaments, foot races, and other voluntary events to raise awareness, while collecting toys and monetary donations for the Toys for Tots program.

The program began in 1947 when Maj. Bill Hendricks, a group of Marines and Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children.

The project was so successful that the Marine Corps formally adopted the program in 1948. By 1996, the Toys for Tots program had been expanded to all 50 states. 2008 will mark the 60th anniversary of the program.

Throughout the past 59 years, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program has distributed more than 370 million toys to more than 173 million needy children.

Toys are being accepted now through Dec. 13 at Klein’s and Safeco and through Dec. 20 at Backyard Oasis.

The Magnolia Special Olympics had their annual fundraiser to help offset expenses throughout 2007 and 2008. Coach of the Magnolia Magic, Patty Havlin works to raise extra money to take the Special Olympic kids for extra activities throughout the year. They travel across Texas participating in different Special Olympic sporting events, such as bowling, track, tennis, swimming and basketball. For more information about the Magnolia Magic and to help support the program, call Havlin at 281-252-2111. Pictured above, the Magnolia Magic at the Special Olympics Nov. 17 at Woodlands Bowl.
Submitted Photo

TTC/I-69 study indicates greater usage of existing roads, friendlier TxDOT

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Draft Environmental Impact Study recently released by TxDOT reflects a change in the proposed route for the Trans-Texas Corridor along I-69 (TTC/I-69), as well as a friendlier TxDOT in gaining public approval for the project.

Despite opposition from counties most dramatically impacted by the development of the corridor, which resulted in recent legislation being passed that interrupts planned comprehensive development agreements with private and public partnerships, TxDOT has moved forward with the next step in the project.

According to the Draft Environmental Impact Study (DEIS), existing highways will be considered first as state transportation officials continue to identify an alignment for TTC/I-69.

“We are doing what the public asked us to do and that is look at existing highways first,” said Amadeo Saenz, TxDOT executive director. “If improvements to existing highways and infrastructure cannot be made to handle long range transportation needs, or if citizens and local officials tell us they prefer a new corridor, other options will be considered.”

As an example, Saenz pointed to public comments urging a better, more direct connection between the Port of Corpus Christi and the inland Port of Laredo.

“That is a possibility that deserves additional study and public input, so it is included in the refined study area,” Saenz said. “The Trans-Texas Corridor will connect the state’s metro and urban areas without cutting through the hearts of our cities.”

With an expected population growth of 12.1 million by 2040 in Texas, the study looked at future transportation needs at state ports along the corridor.

“Failure to prepare for future transportation demand will greatly increase the cost and difficulty of meeting these needs in the future,” said Saenz. “We must plan now to solve today’s problems and meet tomorrow’s challenges.”

The release of the report heralds what TxDOT officials call “an unprecedented public involvement and public comment period.”

As part of that effort, TxDOT has launched a $9 million public relations campaign.

Citizens will have more opportunities to ask questions and get answers about the TTC/I-69 at 10 town hall meetings TxDOT is scheduling in January 2008 along the proposed route for the corridor.

In February, TxDOT will begin the formal public hearings on the DEIS. Forty-six public hearings are being scheduled to take place in the study area.

“The format for these hearings is designed to gather public comments solely on the (DEIS),” according to a TxDOT press release. Additionally, regional advisory committees are being set up by the Texas Transportation Commission “to best serve local communities.”

The DEIS is available for review at many public libraries and TxDOT offices along the study area. For more information, call toll-free at 866-554-6989 or visit www.keeptexasmoving.com or www.txdot.gov.

Scoutmaster arrested for possession of child pornography

By Brian Walzel
Editor

A man police say is a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts was arrested Nov. 16 on two counts of possession of child pornography.

Bruce Eugene Spies

Harris County constables found pornographic images of children in Bruce Eugene Spies’ bedroom dresser during a Nov. 16 raid. Spies admitted that the images were his. Deputies also seized two computers and numerous pieces of digital storage media, which will be sent to the Greater Houston Regional Computer Forensic Lab for analysis. Spies posted a $5,000 bond and was released. His next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 12.

According to the Constable’s Office, during the investigation it was learned that Spies is a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

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

The 42nd Annual Tomball Holiday Parade was held Nov. 17 down Main Street in downtown Tomball. This year’s theme was “Happy Birthday, Tomball,” in celebration of the city’s centennial birthday. Pictured above, Ken Walden (center) plays the role of a train engineer while Jesse DeShazier (left) and Terri DeShazier (right) also take part dressed in 1907 costumes while riding on the Tomball Centennial Commission’s float, which won best civic float. See more parade pictures on page 6.
Submitted Photo

Tomball Museum Center offering annual Candlelight Tours

A Tomball holiday tradition for nearly 40 years, the Tomball Museum Center’s Candlelight Tours offers a unique Christmas event to the community.

Set for Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 at the Tomball Museum Center, the event features nine historical buildings decorated for the Christmas season, as well as live holiday music, wassail and cookies.

Each of the center’s nine facilities will offer a host to discuss the history of the building. The buildings include a country doctor’s office, a 19th century farm museum, a Lutheran church built in 1905, a fellowship hall built in 1855, a log cabin built around 1857, the Henry Theis House built in the mid 1800s, a school house from the early 20th century, an oil camp house used in the 1930s through the 1950s, and the crown jewel of the center, the Griffin Memorial House, built in 1860.

Live holiday music will be performed in the farm museum and the Lutheran church. The fellowship hall will offer wassail and cookies. Pictures with Santa will be held in the farm museum, as well.

The event is free, but the museum welcomes donations. The Spring Creek County Historical Association oversees and administers the Tomball Museum Center.

With about 200 members, the association relies on donations and volunteer efforts to maintain the museum’s facilities. Donations may be mailed to 510 N. Pine, Tomball.

THS senior Dernick named new Miss Tomball

By Brian Walzel
Editor

For someone who nearly backed out of the 2007 Miss Tomball Pageant altogether, Caroline Dernick didn’t fare too badly.

Caroline Dernick

The 18-year-old Tomball High School senior beat out 39 other contestants to claim the title of Miss Tomball 2007 at the 42nd Annual Miss Tomball Pageant.

The event was held Nov. 17 at Tomball Intermediate School.

Dernick said she was shocked to hear her name called as the winner.

“I was thinking, ‘Oh, my gosh, am I really Miss Tomball?’” she said. “When I got home, I didn’t want to take the dress off because I was worried it would all go away.”

Finishing runner-up was Natalie Martino, whose sister, Mallory, won Miss Magnolia in 2005.

Dernick said she nearly decided not to take part in the pageant because “it’s just not something I would do.”

“But I’d heard so many great things about it, and it was such a great opportunity to meet other girls, I really got that out of it,” she said. “It was an experience I had to go through.”

Dernick will now represent the city and the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, who put on the pageant, at events throughout the city for the next year. She will appear at city ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, chamber events and luncheons.

“I’m going to be extremely busy, but I can’t wait to get started,” Dernick said.

She will graduate in May and plans to attend Baylor University where she will major in communications with an emphasis on radio/television.

Dernick is currently involved in choir, varsity theater production, and is a boys basketball manager for Tomball High School.

New York author Tedd Arnold recently read an excerpt from one of his picture books to Tomball Elementary first grade students (from left) Kiana Knight, Neesen Tanguma and Champion Orona. Arnold began writing children’s picture books when he was working in advertising. His wife, Carol, a kindergarten teacher, inspired him to write and illustrate his own books. Arnold travels across the country sharing his books with children while encouraging them to keep reading.
Submitted Photo

City proceeds with caution on Magnolia Ridge bond for assessment fees

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Magnolia city council members declined a letter of engagement with its bond counsel to initiate a bond on behalf of Magnolia Ridge, but approved the city attorney to draft an amended development agreement establishing a fund to accommodate professional fees for the bond counsel services.

At a workshop held prior to the council meeting, Clark Lord and Shawn Cloonan of Vinson and Elkins (V&E), the city’s bond counsel, as well as Magnolia Ridge developer Mike Gibbs from Mag-Tex Acquisition Co. LLC, met to work out the issues of obligation and payment for services.

V&E would serve the city’s interests in working out the developer’s financing with Banc of America Securities LLC, Southwest Public Finance (BOA Securities), because the $25 million development will eventually be deeded to the city, said Gibbs.

Council members questioned V&E in regards to the proposed letter of engagement to contract the firm to help the city issue bonds on behalf of the development for which Mag-Tex would be financially responsible.

The bonds would be paid for through the levy of assessment fees to potential lot owners in the development. Payment for services of V&E would be the sole responsibility of the developer.

“The engagement letter will contract the bond counsel (V&E) to invoice Mag-Tex to pay the bond counsel for its services,” said Lord. “V&E will render invoices to the developer for issuance of the bonds.”

Despite those assurances, council members were leery of any contract language that could represent an obligation for the city.

When the letter of engagement with V&E came before the council for a vote, council members John Bramlett and Dave Sutherland voiced concerns over the wording.

Chiefly, the two objected to verbiage that may hold the city responsible for the bond counsel service fees incurred by Magnolia Ridge.

Bramlett said he was not comfortable with the city being the contract holder on the engagement letter, or the issuer of the bonds without a deposit from the developer for services rendered by V&E, while Sutherland’s concern stemmed from the developer’s solvency and potential to withdraw from the project.

Gibbs said the investors and developer had $16 million in the project to date and that restructuring the assessment plan was not a matter of solvency.

When the Public Improvement District (PID) for the development was established, the PID management company, Parke Patterson Consultants, advised the city that a Local Government Corp could issue the bonds, according to Mayor Jimmy Thornton.

However, at the Oct. 22 city council meeting, Tripp Davenport from BOA Securities said the attorney general’s opinion was that the bonds had to be issued by the city.

As a result, developers are seeking to reorganize the assessment structure from a fluctuating assessment to a fixed assessment.

The fluctuating assessment was based upon property values, much like an ad valorem tax. The fixed assessment would be based upon the benefit of defined improvements to each lot owner, Lord said, which correlates to the assessment and will be paid in installments over the life of the bond.

“The owners of the bonds (BOA Securities) will never have the right to demand payment of the principle or interest of the bonds from any source other than the bond security, which is the assessment revenues,” said Lord.

The bond documents state the city will not be “obligated to pay the bonds from any funds raised from taxation, nor from any other revenues available to the city. The city has no obligation to support payment of the bonds except as described herein.”

Still, the measure failed 3-1 with Patsy Williams being the only vote in favor of the item. Todd Kana was absent.

Further discussion resulted in the approval of a motion made by Bramlett for the city attorney to amend the city’s development agreement with Magnolia Ridge to provide for a deposit of funds with which to make payment to V&E for services rendered to the developer.

Accreditation assessment team invites public comment

Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas announced last week that a team of assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA) will arrive on Dec. 1 to examine all aspects of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s policy and procedures, management, operations and support services.

Verification by the assessors that the Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to meet the Commission’s state-of-the-art standards is part of a voluntary process to maintain accreditation – a highly prized recognition of law enforcement professional excellence.

As part of the on-site assessment, members of the community and agency employees are invited to offer comments on the Sheriff’s Office services and performance at a public information session Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. The session will be conducted at the Harris County Administration Building, ninth floor courtroom, located at 1001 Preston in downtown Houston.

If an individual cannot speak at the public information session, but would like to provide comments to the assessment team, they may do so by calling 713-755-3482 on Dec. 4 between the hours of 1 and 4:30 p.m.

Telephone comments, as well as appearances at the public information session, are limited to 10 minutes and must address the Sheriff’s Office ability to comply with CALEA’s standards.

A copy of the standards is available at the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. For more information, call Capt. Robin Konetzke, Accreditation Manager, at 713-967-5829.

Those wishing to submit written comments about the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s ability to meet the standards for accreditation are requested to write: Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. (CALEA), 10302 Eaton Place, Suite 100, Fairfax, Virginia 22030-2215.

Tomball council balks at fire department fee increases

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Concerned with the potential rising costs for new businesses, the Tomball City Council opted not to approve the 2006 International Fire Code and amendments that would have increased permit and inspection fees.

Instead, the council tabled the motion at its Nov. 19 meeting, waiting to get a more accurate cost analysis from the Tomball Fire Department on the effect of the proposed increases.

Fire Chief Randy Parr said the increases were needed because of the time the inspections were taking and the increased complexity of new buildings needing inspections.

In a letter to the city, Parr states that “the growth of the city and the complexity of the buildings being developed have created a significant increase in the time required by the Fire Marshal and Fire Inspector to review and approve the plan submittals and inspect the installation of the various fire protection systems required in these buildings.”

At the heart of the debate was the department’s proposal to lower the square footage requirement for sprinkler protection on new buildings from 12,000 square feet to 6,000 square feet, essentially doubling the cost for plan review fees for new businesses.

Currently the department charges approximately $60 per sprinkler head. Parr proposed an increase to nearly $500, a more than $430 increase. The plan also included cost increases for most inspections the department performs.

Parr estimated that for a 6,000 square foot building, the cost of fire inspection and fees could eclipse $24,000.

“I’m just worried that would highly discourage development,” councilmember Mary Harvey said.

However, Parr explained that businesses that want to be here likely wouldn’t mind paying the extra costs. He also said the proposed amendments would cut down on fires and alleviate strain on the fire department, which mans a volunteer staff at night when most fires occur.

“If everybody puts in a little bit of costs, we can make these buildings safer,” he said. Fire Marshal Steve Chapman said that the amendments would allow the city to increase its minimum standards on fire safety.

“This is going to protect the firefighters and the public,” he said.

The council instructed Parr to provide a more accurate cost analysis of the potential impact the increase in fees would have on new businesses before a Dec. 3 meeting when they will reconsider the plan.

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

I’m taking a walk down memory lane to try to give you a mental picture of the way things used to be in the City of Tomball. The danger in this mental stroll, however, is I’m sure several people are going to call me and try to correct me on my memory.

But regardless if my mental recollection is absolute correct or not correct, I will at least be able to somewhat describe the way things used to be. Right or wrong, they are my memories.

Main Street of Tomball used to be a two-lane road. All parking along Main Street was straight in parking. In other words, you pulled straight in to the stores along the street. It was only when FM 2920 was formed did parallel parking exist in town.

The east side of Main Street stopped in the area of Concordia Lutheran High School. FM 2920 to Spring was simply cow pasture. In order to get to Spring, you had to go south to Spring Cypress Road.

Mr. Oldham and Butch Theiss once tried to explain exactly were it ended, but I haven’t quite got it settled in my mind. There was no FM 2978. It was Hufsmith Khorville to Hufsmith and it stopped there.

The “back of town” drive into Tomball from Hufsmith was made on Hufsmith Road past the baseball park. This was the only main artery east of town. FM 149 ran the north and south route, while Tomball Waller Road took you west. The intersection of Tomball Parkway and FM 2920 used to be called Four Corners.

If you can believe it, this area used to be cow pasture and swamp for the most part. A small real estate office owned by Mr. Wheeler Coe occupied the area where the Texaco Station now sits. Just north of his business, where O’Reilly sits, was a beer joint called Ms. Alice’s.

The southwest corner now occupied by the strip center was the home of Johnson Pontiac and the area where the Kroger used to be before they built the new one was a swamp.

A lot of rumors can float around a community like Tomball and a town rumor I heard many years ago said the basement of the Bank of America building was flooded by the ground hydraulics when the swamp over at the store’s parking lot was capped off.

The rumor I heard was the pressure created by the covering of the swamp caused the water to seep to a lower level and the Bank of America building was the lowest point. I don’t have a clue whether this was true or not, that’s why I said it’s a rumor. The Bank of America building was actually built by the fine family who started the original Guaranty Bond State Bank.

This was the Keefer and Cox Family, who kept this place running for many years. Other fine people worked there and one of these days I will list them.

The H E B parking lot and all buildings around the store were non-existent. I remember this as being a cow pasture with one lone oak tree standing in the middle of the field. I think there was a house in the middle of the field, but I don’t remember it real well.

Stan Rutledge tells me he once lived in the house when he was little.

The area around McDonalds and the Shell Station was also an open field. Mr. Hohl eventually moved a small office building in that area. There was a large oak tree on the corner. I can still remember a few years ago when Shell caused a big up-roar from the area when they cut this tree down. A lot of people threatened to boycott the station, but they seem to be doing okay.

Shell eventually donated a large clock made from the oak tree to the city. The clock used to hang in City Hall. I haven’t paid attention to see if it’s still there or not. A lot of people were upset at Shell for cutting this tree down. I don’t blame them because progress is sometimes hard to swallow.

More next week as we continue down Main Street.

-- Clifford

The Tomball Rotary Club honored its students of the month at its Nov. 14 meeting. This month’s honorees were Tomball High School seniors Helen Li (left) and Ryan Anderson (right).
Photo by Brian Walzel

Change of ownership in low-income housing means upgraded amenities

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Magnolia Plaza Apartments has been an institution in the city for many years, but former owner Nancy Purvis recently sold the property, which has not only experienced a name change to Gardenwood Apartments LP, but owners hope to improve the quality of life for residents as well.

The new owner is changing more than the property’s name and hopes to enlist the aid of the City of Magnolia in maintaining a completely remodeled multi-unit housing facility for low-income families.

Mary Graves of MSG Consulting in Cross Plains represented the new owners of Gardenwood at the Nov. 13 Magnolia City Council meeting and made two requests.

First, Graves requested the city approve a resolution to support a grant application.

Graves had a Nov. 15 deadline and could acquire as much as $350,000 in grant funding to refurbish and remodel the apartments. However, she said as part of the qualification process the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) requires the city’s support.

“The grant is a community investment for low-income housing,” said Graves. She added that the remodeling would be extensive and the property must remain low-income housing for 30 years.

Refurbishment plans include a community center with a sports court, an upgraded playground, covered parking and handicap accessible facilities. Each apartment is slated for new heating and air conditioning units, washers and dryers, hot water heaters, refrigerators with icemakers, new carpet and flooring, cabinets, and paint inside and out.

Graves’ second request was for the city to monitor the project’s progress and file annual reports, if TDHCA approves the grant application.

The grant board of the Federal Home Loan Bank would issue an Affordable Housing Assistance Program grant to the city to fund the project. The city in turn would give the grant monies to the developer and ensure the property remains low-income housing for the mandatory 30 years.

As a director on the board for the Montgomery County Community Development Block Grant, council member Patsy Williams voiced some concern that the annual grant reporting would require “a whole lot of reporting.”

However, according to Graves, the developer fees are $400,000, of which the city receives 15 percent, roughly $60,000, to cover the cost of FHLB reporting requirements over the 15-year life of the grant.

Councilman John Bramlett said that Magnolia Plaza was originally funded by a similar grant and that the city filed the forms annually for that development as well.

Council approved the resolution to support the application for Housing Tax Credits from TDHCA. However, Mayor Jimmy Thornton advised Graves that the grant application would have to come before the council at the next meeting for approval.

The resolution of support for the grant passed 3-1 with Williams voting no. Todd Kana was absent.