Magnolia man jailed in assault of police officer

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

A Magnolia man was arrested after assaulting a female Magnolia police officer Dec. 7 during a late night confrontation.

Justin R. Buehring, 18, of Magnolia was arrested when he attacked Officer Dorothy Evans of the Magnolia Police Department during an investigation.

Evans is the only female officer on the MPD patrol force. She sustained multiple bruises and minor injuries during the altercation, but refused medical treatment, according to the police report.

When she and Officer Kyle Montgomery responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle, they located a blue Ford pickup in the 100 block of Lee St. When Evans approached the vehicle, Buehring was lying across the front seat of the vehicle, reportedly unconscious.

Evans reported that she awakened Buehring and identified herself. During the investigation, she smelled a strong odor of alcohol on Buehring’s breath.

“Things began to move very quickly after that,” said Det. Milton Horton. “When you are in an altercation, things begin to happen in split seconds.”

Montgomery observed Buehring punch Evan’s in the face several times with a closed fist. Buehring, who stands 6-feet, two-inches tall and weighs 185 pounds, jumped out of the vehicle and grabbed Evans’ arm, twisting it behind her back and pinning her to the ground.

Using his pepper spray, Montgomery sprayed a blast in Buehring’s face, but when Buehring did not release Evans, Montgomery called for back up from the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. A second blast of pepper spray had no effect on Buehring, but Montgomery was able to pull Buehring off of Evans and wrestle him to the ground.

Police reported that an unidentified witness approached the scene and assisted Evans and Montgomery in holding the struggling Buehring on the ground while Sheriff’s deputies were in route.

Upon arrival, deputies assisted in handcuffing Buehring and he was placed in the back of Montgomery’s patrol vehicle. Buehring continued to struggle, kicking at the back door glass. The glass held, but the door sustained damages, resulting in a criminal mischief charge for Buehring.

Assistant District Attorney Darla Faulkner approved charges of assault on a pubic servant, a third degree felony, as well as criminal mischief, a misdemeanor.

During processing at the Montgomery County Jail, Buehring admitted to having consumed alcohol and an unknown narcotic prior to passing out in his vehicle. He was released Dec. 8 after posting a $3,500 bond.

A Jan. 17 hearing has been set in Criminal Court No. 3 for the misdemeanor charge. An indictment for the felony charge is in review, according to ADA Mike Valdez. If convicted, Buehring could face two to 20 years in jail and as much as a $10,000 fine.

Tomball ISD’s new K-6 school follows Woodlands style

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The Tomball Independent School District is rapidly moving forward with most of the projects earmarked in the 2007 bond election.

An artist’s rendering of the new K-6 campus to be located in Creekside Park in The Woodlands.

The most recent project to get an initial approval from the Board of Trustees is the schematics and design of the kindergarten through sixth grade campus, which will serve Creekside Park, the newest village of The Woodlands.

While much of the final details for the school have yet to be ironed out, the schematics call for a design unlike any Tomball ISD has seen.

“We’re responding to a style requested by The Woodlands for the look of the building,” said Irene Nigaglioni of PBK Architects, the firm handling the project’s design and development.

The entrance way of the school will have two large overhangs in an “arts and crafts” design popular in the area, along with tapered stone pillars around the perimeter of the school. Inside, the school will essentially be divided into two halves, one for the fifth and six grades and another for the kindergarten through fourth grades.

The plan, Nigaglioni said, was to keep the two separated so that they would have their own portion of the school and to cut down on noise and disturbances younger children may create in the fifth and six grade areas.

The school, which would have a capacity of 730 students, would feature one main “spine” and two other large corridors. Initial plans for the school call for vaulted ceilings with exposed wood framed beams continuing the theme from the outside.

Nigaglioni said the two main goals for the project were providing a safe and secure environment and providing an “instructionally responsible” learning environment for its students.

Part of the design process included three days of “charettes,” an architectural term for planning meetings, which included representatives from PBK and Tomball ISD. Six possible designs for the school were discussed and their strengths and weaknesses were evaluated, Nigaglioni said.

The scheme approved by the board was the one the “vast majority” of planners preferred, she added.

The school will feature two large play areas, one for fifth and six grade students, and another for kindergarten through fourth grade students. Plans call for 35 visitor parking spaces at the front of the school, 80 staff parking sites, a separate entrance for special needs students, and a library at the heart of the building.

The school is projected to cost $14.4 million and be ready for the August 2009 school year. Construction could begin in June of 2008.

TxDOT: SH 249 bypass nearing completion, FM 2978 up next

By Brian Walzel
Editor

In her final meeting with the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce Mobility and Transportation Committee, TxDOT’s Janelle Gbur addressed a number of road projects both ongoing and in the works that could significantly impact the Tomball community.

TxDOT’s Janelle Gbur (far end) speaks with members of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce Transportation and Mobility Committee at a Dec. 11 meeting.

Gbur, who has announced her retirement from TxDOT, initially addressed the progress of the SH 249 bypass.

“The bypass project is moving along,” she said. “Right now, it’s kind of open. We put traffic on it as soon as we could.”

Currently the southbound frontage road on the southern portion of the bypass is open to traffic, with the northbound side nearing completion.

Gbur said all frontage roads, including those north of FM 2920, along with the overpass, should be complete by mid-January.

The entire project, including tie-ins south at Holderreith and north at Brown Road, could be complete by summer 2008.

Gbur said that as more of the roadways become usable to drivers, traffic patterns would change.

She also added that traffic on FM 2920 might decrease as drivers look for other east/west routes to the new bypass.

Another project on the horizon for the Tomball area is the widening of FM 2978 and a railroad overpass at the thoroughfare. However, Gbur said TxDOT has yet to reach an agreement with Union Pacific, which has the rights to the railroad.

“The agreement is necessary to advance the project to construction,” she said.

Despite the lack of an agreement, Gbur said bid letting on the project could come as early as May 2008.

TRH CEO LeBouf sets Magnolia ‘hospital’ record straight at Rotary meeting

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Tomball Regional Hospital CEO Lynn LeBouef set the record straight on conflicting reports of plans by TRH to provide medical services versus constructing a hospital in Magnolia at a Dec. 12 Magnolia Rotary Club meeting.

Tomball Hospital CEO Lynn LeBouef updates the Magnolia Rotary Club on the construction timeline for developing a professional medical community at the Dec. 11 meeting.

Though LeBouef confirmed that plans for a hospital include an option to purchase 25 additional acres of the Magnolia Ridge development, that is a long way off, he said.

“We need to establish a medical community to support a hospital,” LeBouef said.

He stressed the importance of the Magnolia area to the hospital’s future service plans, saying the Magnolia area represented 40 percent of the hospital’s clients.

Immediate plans do include the purchase of 13.2 acres to open a full service 24-hour emergency room and a diagnostics imaging center. A possible franchise of the Texas Sports Medicine Center is also an option, said LeBouef.

Tomball Regional Hospital has a 357-bed capacity, which offers state-of-the-art services for heart and cancer patients, a women’s center and diagnostics center. TRH was the first in the nation to become accredited in acute coronary syndrome, and disease specific treatment of stroke and heart attack.

Despite the hospital’s current capacity and expansion plans into Magnolia, LeBouef voiced concerns over what he called a “severe, nationwide shortage of nurses.”

According to LeBouef, a service analysis for the Magnolia area is in process. Upon completion, a recommendation for a Health Science Center that could provide nursing education and certification may be included in future plans.

Tomball PD hopes ‘kindness’ program encourages safe holiday driving

With the hustle and bustle of hurried shoppers striving to get to the retail centers for that last parking spot to complete their gift list, the Tomball Police Department is starting a new program to recognize safe and courteous drivers.

In addition to their holiday crime watch efforts, Tomball officers on patrol will also be on the lookout for shoppers and commuters who demonstrate “random acts of kindness” in their driving habits.

Armed with teddy bears in their patrol cars, police officers will be looking for people who set a good example and go out of their way to show cheer, courtesy and generosity to fellow drivers by granting the right-of-way, maintaining safe driving distances, and allowing other shoppers to enter/exit on roadways. Drivers demonstrating courteous driving habits will be stopped and rewarded with a stuffed animal.

The Tomball Police Department is promoting the spirit of the season throughout the “Hometown With A Heart” by encouraging shoppers to have a safe and enjoyable shopping and driving experience, in lieu of falling victim to random acts of road rage.

The roll out of this and other future programs serve as a small component of the total customer service mission that all city departments strive to deliver through the vision of Tomball’s City Manager Jan Belcher and the Tomball City Council.

This initiative will run in conjunction with the “Operation Safe Holiday” program wherein Tomball police personnel, police volunteers, police bicycle officers and the Tomball Police Mobile Command Center will frequent various retail centers to promote store and parking lot safety.

Shupak fundraiser
President Chris Edmonds of the Magnolia Basketball Association is sponsoring an ongoing collection effort for donations in the name of Joshua Shupak, a former Magnolia Elementary student. Shupak and his father, Donald, are both victims of a Nov. 18 gas fire. Donations can be made during basketball practices from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. every Saturday beginning Jan. 12 at the Magnolia Junior High Sixth Grade Campus gymnasium. For more information, call 281-252-8216.

Abandoned Animal Rescue
Abandoned Animal Rescue (AAR) currently has a need for donations and volunteers. AAR is a non-profit no-kill pet adoption center and low-cost spay/neuter clinic serving the northwest Harris County and southern Montgomery County. Because it receives no government support, AAR is always in need of volunteers to take care of the animals, help with the office work, and participate in promotional and fundraising activities. Donations may be made payable to AAR, 419 E. Hufsmith, Tomball, TX 77375 and are accepted by credit card at www.aarescue.com.

Sanders fundraiser
Mayor Jimmy Thornton and Councilman Sammie Scott held a barbecue benefit on Dec. 8 for Ethyl Scott Sanders. Along with her two grandchildren, Sanders found herself homeless after an Aug. 25 house fire devastated her home on Roy St. Pct. 5 Constable David Hill donated $500 to purchase food while Chicken Express provided tea. Thornton, who did the cooking, said the money was enough for 15 briskets, 50 pounds of potato salad, and 65 pounds of beans. The event raised more than $1,491. An auction is planned for January. To donate a service or item, call 281-808-4544.

Operation Safe Holidays
In an effort to provide a safe and secure holiday shopping season, the Tomball Police Department has kicked off an “Operation Safe Holidays” initiative. Now through Christmas, at various retail shopping centers throughout the City of Tomball, the police department will be incorporating the use of their Mobile Command Unit to alert shoppers of the extra police presence, and uniformed officers will be patrolling the shopping centers in both marked and unmarked vehicles. Uniformed officer bike patrols and courtesy patrols by members of the Volunteers in Policing Program will also supplement this effort.

Bulldogs fall to Dayton Broncos 28-21 in state quarterfinals

The Waller Bulldogs ended their spectacular season falling just short of the state championship game with a 28-21 loss to the Dayton Broncos. The Bulldogs made their second appearance in the state quarterfinals in 25 years.

The game was a tale of two halves. The first half was one the Bulldogs would like to forget. Waller headed into halftime trailing 21-0 with their backs against the wall. However, with a spirit and character exhibited all season, the Bulldogs emerged from halftime wanting to find a way to win.

After a quick offensive series, a Dayton receiver muffed a Bulldogs’ punt. The Bulldogs recovered and the comeback was on.

Eddie Brown scored two touchdowns and Jeremy Phillips contributed another. With 10 minutes left in the game, it was 21-21.

The Bulldogs’ offensive line started opening holes for Bulldog ball carriers. Jeremy Luckett, Brown, Phillips, and Andrew Simon started finishing their runs with ferocity, and the Bronco defenders grew tired of having to step up and make plays. Stephen Williams and Joplo Bartu also kept drives alive with timely receptions against a tough Dayton secondary.

The Bulldogs’ defense held a potent Dayton offense that had been averaging 49 points per game to just 28. They also held them well below their 450-yard average by giving up only 250 total yards. The Bulldogs continued to play their aggressive style of punishing defense and it showed as Dayton players kept becoming slower to return to the line of scrimmage.

Waller finished the season with a 10-4 record.

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

Last week I discussed a location near and dear to my heart. There are actually three buildings next door to each other that have brought memories to me ever since my high school days.

The first one is Mrs. Hale’s home. A friend of mine named Rick Holloway currently occupies this location with his office on Main Street. During the 60s and 70s there was a home located at this property occupied by Mrs. Hale. I don't know if Mrs. Hale’s family ever lived here in the area and if so, I hope they realize I am writing this story from the eyes of a teenager and not as an adult.

I never want to hurt anybody with my stories, but the story of Mrs. Hale was extremely funny to a group of kids as we were growing up.

On the front corner of her property was a phone booth. There is nothing unusual about a common phone booth. But each and every morning we would pass by Mrs. Hale’s home on our way to high school and there she was, in her multi-colored housecoat with floppy, cloth house shoes, her hair in curlers with a scarf and her pointy, upturned eyeglasses, sweeping, mopping and washing out this phone booth. We would stop and occasionally try to talk to her or even act like we were going to use the phone and she would run us off with her broom.

She insisted the phone booth was located on her property and it was her duty to clean and protect it. She was very faithful to her duties with her water hose spraying, scrubbing and mopping the inside and outside.

It was her normal routine to do her work in the mornings and so we soon learned that the only way to actually use this phone was to wait until the afternoon or after dark. I have no idea how she thought the phone booth was hers because it was clearly on the right-of-way, but I guess she thought it was her duty to try to reclaim this property and take care of it.

She never really hit anybody and the truth is, we would try to use the phone often just to have her chase after us. We probably didn’t have the money to make a call anyhow, but it was our way of having fun by having Mrs. Hale chase us with her broom and water hose.

I guess the more I look back at this whole matter, maybe she was simply turning the tables on us. Maybe she was, in fact, making us think she was having mental issues when, really and truly, she was simply creating her own cheap entertainment.

I mean, come on. I do the same thing right now. I enjoy driving down a county road and blowing the horn at somebody standing outside and then waiving at them. I enjoy seeing the puzzled look on their face wondering who in the world that was in that truck.

I can even see some people talking about it as I pass by as if they were saying, “I wonder if ol’ Henry got himself a new truck.”

Mrs. Hale also had a fig tree in her back yard. The limbs were broad and when in full fruit the limbs extended next door to Isabell’s Drive-In. The drive-in was one of my hang outs and occasionally we would go to the back of the property to get a fig that was hanging over the fence.

If Mrs. Hale were to see us she would once again run us off as if we were stealing figs from her.

The truth is I never liked figs, but if we could get Mrs. Hale after us we would try to get a fig. The odd thing about this cat and mouse game is a few minutes after she would chase us off, she would come around the corner of her property and pass her phone booth with a big bucket of figs and offer us some that had just come off the same tree.

“Want some figs? You boy’s want some figs?”

I can still hear Mrs. Hale’s voice with her nasal pitch offering us the same figs we had just tried to pick from the same tree that was hanging down on the drive-in property.

These events happened in the 70s, which brings me to the funniest story Mrs. Hale would tell. Again, for all I know she was toying with us young boys’ minds as much as we enjoyed aggravating her about her figs and phone booth.

I will never know the truth, but she would share with us her story of being assaulted in her home. Now, that of itself is not funny at all, but here’s the scoop. Once again let me remind you that this supposedly occurred in the 70’s.

She told us a person had knocked on her door. As she came to the screen door this individual punched his fist through the screen and ripped the door open and came into her home. Just as he was about to get physical with her, arrows started flying through the screens of her home sticking into the walls as this man was about to attack her.

Upon seeing the flying arrows the man ran away. She ran to the front door in her torn clothes just in time to see the Indians fleeing her property on their horses riding down Main Street! She always attributed the Indians with inadvertently saving her.

I guess now you understand that I will always remember Dear Mrs. Hale.

-- Clifford

The Malcolm Purvis Library held its 10th Annual Breakfast with Santa Dec. 5. Mrs. Claus, played by Mary Whitaker, read Christmas stories to more than 40 children and their parents. Pictured, Grace Moore has her photograph taken during a visit with Santa Claus, played by Pct. 5 Constable Ron Wilcox.
Submitted Photo

Christmas parade brings miles of smiles to Magnolia faces

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Onlookers began arriving as early as noon for the Magnolia Christmas parade, which went off without a hitch to the very end as Santa arrived on a fire truck preceded by elves and clowns greeting the children with candy.

New Danville Community of Willis showcases its reindeer in the Magnolia Christmas parade.

The event was sponsored by the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce and traveled from Magnolia Junior High, up Michael St., across Commerce to Nichols Sawmill Rd. and back to the school.

At one point, some parade goers were seen setting up their chairs on FM 1774 and messengers were sent to corral them onto Nichols Sawmill Rd.

The parade has not followed that route in more than five years, according to Anne Sundquist, Chamber director.

Parade judges this year included Harriet Feather, Executive Director of the Master Chorale, President Bruce Hillegeist of the Greater Area Tomball Chamber of Commerce, and Terry Schell.

More than 80 entries in the parade passed before the judges in vehicles and on foot, in floats and on horseback, some danced and others marched, but all expressed the theme of the parade, “A Caroling We Go!”

The Magnolia High School Navy Junior ROTC produced a rousing chorus of applause when the marching brigade performed a sharp rifle drill, which earned a Best Overall Entry award.

Musicians, singers, clowns and dancers did more than entertain. They brought smiles to the faces of the many residents in the community who came out to enjoy the moment.

At the same time, beauty queens and dignitaries took the opportunity to wave at their constituents. Some even announced their candidacy, such as Jo Ann Windham, candidate for Mayor of Magnolia, and Bruce Ligon, candidate for Montgomery County District Attorney.

Like many events in a small town, parades and festivals are great opportunities for politicians, beauty queens and vendors to get their name out, and the BP MS 150 Recommended Ride was no exception.

The ride, dubbed Magnolia Miles, will be a first for Magnolia and is scheduled to take place March 8.

The YMCA mascot made a showing, as well as Elmo and the Cookie Monster. Crowds cheered when Ronald McDonald arrived in the Big Red Boot singing, “Feliz Navidad.”

At the Depot shoppers found refreshments in every flavor, as well as shopping, a Cookie Walk and an enormous rock wall. Climbers weren’t limited to the young, only the spry, as JoAnne Schermerhorn, 72, proved when she made two attempts to get to the top.

More Magnolia Christmas Parade Photos

After a long day at the Dec. 8 Magnolia Christmas parade and activities with Santa at the Depot, Courtney Gitau, 3, of Katy, takes a well-deserved nap.

The Magnolia High School Navy Junior ROTC marches in the Christmas parade where they performed a rifle routine.

The Texas Star Dance Team was selected as the first place entry in the marching unit division in the Magnolia Christmas parade.

Clowns ride atop Magnolia Volunteer Fire Department trucks in the Dec. 8 Christmas parade.

Magnolia Elementary was awarded third place in the non-commercial float division of the Magnolia Christmas parade held Dec. 8.

Ronald McDonald sings Christmas tunes from the McDonald Land parade float.

Search and rescue, a Montgomery County tradition

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Since 1984 local law enforcement agencies across Texas have called upon the Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team for support in a myriad of missions.

Steve Wilky drives the Montgomery County Search & Rescue Team boat during a water rescue training expedition.

The majority of Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team investigations are land rescue, said President Earl Gray. Water rescue occurs primarily during flood activity and washouts or in a search for lost creek swimmers.

Saving lives
From old to young, from endangered to disabled, the team has been involved in saving lives for more than 20 years. Gray cited several instances in which volunteers who are on 24-hour call were able to “jump and run.”

A 101-year-old man was successfully found after a seven-hour search more than 10 years ago when he wandered away from his Anderson home.

Several years ago, Gray said, after an exhaustive 32-hour search an 11-year-old boy, who followed a hive of his grandfather’s honeybees into the woods, was found in good health off Honea-Egypt Road, nine miles from his home.

Often the group assists other law enforcement agencies.

In July 2005, volunteers were called to assist in a search for a water skiers’ lost $18,000 prosthesis. After weeks of searching, Harris County Search and Rescue divers found the prosthesis in Indigo Lake.

And in June of 2007 at Hickory Creek near Marble Falls, volunteers assisted the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office in a search for two missing men after severe flooding washed their Jeep into the woods.

Training
Much of the training for volunteers is provided by the National Association of Search and Rescue (NASAR), which offers certification in SAR Technology Classes.

Reimbursement is made available to those volunteers who complete their training and acquire certification, said Gray.

Within the ranks of the Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team are two certified black-water divers with two more in training. The organization also boasts First Aid and CPR certified volunteers, several paramedics, and a host of officers from various law enforcement agencies.

Volunteers come from all walks of life, said Gray. From laborers to businessmen, and nurses to welders, more than 90 volunteers give their time and skills for helping others.

Resources
Tracking dogs, horses, trailers and 4-wheelers are among the most common property donations.

Bloodhounds that belong to individuals within the organization, and tracking dogs that are volunteered by the group Special K-9, are used to locate missing persons.

The ability to remain calm is an essential skill for a horse and rider, said Gray. Night riding, often through woods, or trees and brush is common. Some horses are skittish around dogs and other animals.

Equipment
The SAR Mobile Command Center is a 26-foot long box trailer equipped with a 10 kilo-watt generator, high intensity lights, heat and air conditioning.

It was purchased with a $10,000 reward the group received from the National Travel Safety Bureau when volunteers located a lost fuel tank from a Mitsubishi MU-2B-40 twin-engine plane that crashed in The Woodlands. The crash killed Jerry and Jeanne Fambrough of Alamogordo, N.M.

Water rescue efforts rely on the team’s 16-foot Rescue One flat bottom boat equipped with an overhead light bar, radio and telephones, and can operate in as little as eight inches of water.

“Some of our equipment has been donated, but most is purchased with monies received through our annual fundraiser,” Gray said. Volunteers provide the use of their personal equipment and property.

The Montgomery County Search and Rescue Team is a non-profit corporation governed by a board of directors. Funding is provided by donations it receives from fundraisers, private citizens, local businesses, state agencies, and government grants. To become a volunteer or make a donation, call 281-382-0629.

On Dec. 10 at approximately 2 p.m., an accident involving a Chevrolet Suburban and a Ford F-150 occurred in the 1200 block of W. Main. The Suburban collided with the pickup truck and crashed into Janie’s Impressions Salon. No one at the salon was reported injured in the accident, but an elderly female passenger in the Suburban was transported to Tomball Regional Hospital with injuries.
Photo by Brian Walzel

Magnolia council finds consensus on agenda items

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Council members were in agreement on most agenda items at the Magnolia City Council meeting Dec. 12, completing the city’s business in just more than two hours, with only one 30-minute executive session, and two items requiring more than 10-minutes discussion by council members.

Gardenwood AHP Grant
The council approved an Affordable Housing Program Grant for Gardenwood Apartments LP, formerly known as Magnolia Plaza. Mary Graves of MGC, Inc., a consulting firm for Gardenwood, said the city would have no filing liability due to the multiple forms of government funding the development will be receiving, making the monitoring and reporting of the grant distribution the responsibility of the bank. The city still stands to gain 15 percent of the $480,500 in developer fees, roughly $72,500.

Magnolia Ridge LGC
The council also granted approval for an amendment to the Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation for the Magnolia Ridge Local Government Code. The action will allow the LGC to meet and acknowledge a fulfillment of its purpose in Phase 1 of the development. Shawn Clunan of Vinson & Elkins said the action was the next step towards allowing the LGC board members to dissolve the corporation. The amended bylaws and articles are a result of the Texas attorney general’s opinion that an LGC cannot issue bonds payable by assessment fees.

Water tower update
Council members unanimously approved an amended $700,000 insurance policy for liability and property insurance coverage on the city’s two existing water towers from the Texas Municipal League Intergovernmental Risk Pool. The policy is a $2,156 increase to the budget and does not include the new water tower, which is due to come on line sometime in April.

On Dec. 15, Klein’s Super Market and RAC Materials, along with the Tomball Magnolia Tribune, donated 500 cases of canned goods to Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries in preparation for the charity’s annual Christmas food basket donation. During the weekend of Dec. 7, customers who purchased cases of Parade canned vegetables to donate to TEAM saw their donations matched by Klein’s and RAC. Each year, TEAM provides Christmas meals and toys to local families in need. Pictured, Klein’s Store Director Jeffrey Klein (left) and RAC’s Frank DeNina (right) with the canned goods donated to TEAM.
Photo by Brian Walzel

New campus prompts TISD to adjust attendance zones

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The Tomball Independent School District approved a re-zoning plan for its elementary schools in preparation for the opening of the district’s sixth elementary school in August 2008.

According to the district, of the approximately 3,795 elementary students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, 686 will be moved to new schools, or 18 percent.

Elementary School No. 6, as it is currently being referred to, is now under construction near Northpointe Blvd., west of SH 249. The school will service 14 zones in the southern portion of the district, including Northpointe Villages, Canyon Gate, Berry Hill and Canyon Villages.

Elementary School No. 6 will pick up 417 students formerly attending Willow Creek Elementary and 63 who previously attended Rosehill Elementary.

Meanwhile, approximately 108 students from Lakewood Elementary will now attend Willow Creek, and 98 Rosehill Elementary students will move to Tomball Elementary.

The adjustments were made, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services David Schuelke said, in an effort to keep subdivisions zoned together, and to maintain short travel distances for both parents and school buses, among other reasons.

Members of the zoning committee used a five-year planning period in hopes of keeping students in their elementary schools.

“When a child starts elementary school, they should finish in that elementary school,” Schuelke said.

He added that students facing the possibility of moving to a new school in their final year of elementary school could make a request to the district to stay at their old school, an opportunity Tomball ISD has afforded to parents in the past. However, Schuelke said no parents have taken the district up on the offer.

Under the re-zoning, Decker Prairie will enroll 540 students, Lakewood 731 students, Rosehill 484 students, Tomball Elementary 756 students, Willow Creek 618 students, and Elementary School No. 6 580 students.

Rosehill, Tomball Elementary and Elementary School No. 6 will each host bilingual education programs.

At the Dec. 12 meeting of the Tomball Rotary Club, the Tomball Centennial Commission presented the Tomball Police Department a check for $2,843 for its Blue Santa Shop with a Cop program. The money was raised during the Commission’s Hawgs with a Heart Motorcycle Rally held earlier this year in celebration of the city’s 100th birthday. The Tomball Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program provides an opportunity for local underprivileged children to spend up to $200 on Christmas gifts at Wal-Mart while they are accompanied by Tomball police officers. Pictured, (left to right) Diane Holland, Tomball PD’s “Blue Santa,’ Capt. Rick Grassi, and Vicki Butler-Rindos.
Photo by Brian Walzel

Magnolia MEF donates $50,000 to MISD

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

It was a night of awards, recognitions and contributions at the Magnolia Independent School Board meeting Dec. 11 where the district received more than $50,000 in contributions toward student education programs from the Magnolia Education Foundation.

Charlie Riley, retiring president of the Magnolia Education Foundation, presents the new MEF board members and a check for more than $50,000 to Magnolia ISD Superintendent Michael Holland. Pictured (left to right), MEF board member Rene Hancock, Riley, Holland, and MEF board member Nicole Grissom.
Submitted Photo

MEF President Charlie Riley was on hand to receive a $15,000 check from Eddie Heikkila and Tim Pixley of Brae Burn Construction. Riley then presented a check for more than $50,000 to the Board of Trustees.

Riley will rotate off the MEF Board of Directors this year and took the opportunity to introduce new MEF officers to the MISD trustees.

Brae Burn has served the district’s construction needs for more than 10 years.

In other district news:

• A request by charter school CEO Charles Cook of Responsive Education Solutions to amend the geographic boundaries of the school received a nod of approval in the district’s Statement of Impact.
• “It is my belief that this will not have any impact on our enrollment,” said Superintendent Michael Holland.
• Presentations were made recognizing CJ Williams, Ryan Wilson and Natalie Keiller as TMEA Area All-State Choir students. The award was significant, said Margy Korfhage, because the three were selected from more than 10,000 singers. It is a first for Magnolia High School to have three students selected to audition for the All-State Choir in a single year.
• Assistant cross-country coach Cindy Hicks recognized the efforts of the MHS varsity boy’s cross-country team for advancing to the Regional competition for the third year in a row. Four members of the team, Michael Cook, Anthony Jordan, Dayne Jordan, and Nick Hermes, have each advanced to regionals three years in a row, with Cook advancing to state one year. Three members, Nathan Grudier, Seth Kovanda and Mitchel Cruz, are first year varsity runners who all advanced to regionals this year.
• Coach Terri Johnson recognized the varsity Lady Bulldogs Volleyball team for achieving regional semi-finals with a 34-8 overall season and 10-0 in district. The team is undefeated in 23 straight home games, said Johnson who was selected as the 15-5A Coach of the Year. Thirteen of 15 team members were selected to Academic-All-District and three of 15 team members were selected to Academic-All-State.

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