Spring mother gives birth to first 2008 baby at Tomball Regional

By Brian Walzel
Editor

New Year’s Day took on a special meaning this year for one local couple who gave birth to the first baby born in 2008 at Tomball Regional Medical Center.

Christina and Michael Wright gave birth to Aydan at 6:22 a.m. on Jan. 1, the first baby born in 2008 at Tomball Regional Hospital.

Aydan Michael Wright was born at 6:22 a.m. at the Women’s Center at Tomball Regional.

Aydan was born to Christina and Michael Wright of Spring and weighed 8 pounds, 3 ounces, the happy mother reported last week.

The baby was born healthy and happy, despite a typically arduous delivery.

“Those things are never pleasant,” Christina joked, “but it actually went very smooth.” The new mother said her original due date was Jan. 4, but she and her husband, Michael, chose to go in to the hospital early so doctors could induce labor.

But Aydan had other plans.

“I went in to begin the process and then I started to go into labor naturally,” Christina said.

By New Year’s morning, Aydan had arrived.

Christina credits the Women’s Center nurses for making Aydan’s birth a relatively pleasant experience.

“I was fortunate to have fantastic nurses to keep me focused and who were able to take care of me,” she said. “I couldn’t have done it without the nurses and my husband.”

Christina and Michael have been married for seven and a half years and Aydan is their first child.

She said the couple typically enjoys a low-key New Year’s celebration, “just hanging around the house and enjoying the fireworks.”

“We don’t really do much,” Christina said.

But this year, she added, they were able to get a bird’s eye view of Tomball’s celebration from the Women’s Center.

“We had a great view,” she said, “so we got to watch Tomball celebrate.”

TransTexas Corridor/I-69 Segment Committees, public meetings move forward

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

While Waller County constituents have been instrumental in legislation affecting the proposed TransTexas Corridor I-69 (TTC/I-69), concern over non-disclosure requirements for TxDOT Segment Committee members remains unresolved even as public meetings move forward.

The orange shaded area represents the proposed TTC/I-69 corridor through Waller County.

Public meetings
Informational town hall meetings to review and receive comments on the TTC/I-69 Draft Environmental Impact Statement are scheduled for January and February.

Citizens for a Better Waller County have been opposed to the TTC/I-69 corridor since its inception. President Don Garret said the group would hold its own meetings on Jan. 10 and Jan. 16. For more information, visit citizens@wallercountycitizens.org.

Garret said the purpose of these meetings would be to prepare for the upcoming TxDOT town hall scheduled for Jan. 22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hempstead.

A presentation from representatives of TxDOT concerning the TTC/I-69 development is on the 8:30 a.m. agenda for the Jan. 23 Waller County Toll Road Authority (WCTRA) meeting to be held at the county Road and Bridge Administration building, also in Hempstead.

Corridor plans can be reviewed and comments can be submitted at two TxDOT public hearings scheduled for Feb. 27 in Waller County. Open house is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with hearings to commence at 6:30 p.m.

For more scheduled meetings, visit www.keeptexasmoving.com. All comments on the I-69/TTC must be submitted by March 19.

TTC Legislation
Many in Waller County opposed to the corridor heralded Senate Bill 792 as a welcome killjoy for TTC/I-69 funding. A common interpretation of the bill, approved in the last legislative session, is that it suspends funding of Commercial Development Agreements (CDA) with foreign investors through Public-Private Partnerships over the next two years.

That is considered by some as a deterrent to the investment interest of Cintra Concesiones de Infraestructuras of Spain who has entered into limited contracts with San Antonio-based Zachery Construction Company for the TTC.

In reality, the bill exempts most CDAs that have execution dates within the two-year moratorium.

However, SB 792 does require CDA revenues, such as concessions and tolls, be used only for other projects in the region in which it is generated and limits CDA terms to 50 years. That could be considered prohibitive to foreign investors.

In addition, it makes provisions for local Toll Road Authorities to have the first option in building new toll projects. The bill in no way suspended construction on the TTC/I-35 corridor, but did put a damper on available funding mechanisms for the TTC/I-69 for at least two years.

Segment Committees
In the interim, TxDOT, a self-professed “financially challenged” entity, has responded with a $9 million marketing campaign designed to promote awareness on the proposed project.

As part of the campaign, TxDOT initiated local segment committees to be comprised of community members who are charged with gathering public preference for the project. However, one of the proposed rules of membership for Segment Committee members is to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

“How does that impact transparency and a member’s ability to report back to his constituents on the project?” asked WCTRA Director Trey Duhon at a recent meeting.

Duhon said he had requested an opinion on the proposed rule from the state Attorney General’s Office. WCTRA directors approved a resolution at a Dec. 19 meeting requesting at least one position on the TxDOT local Segment Committee.

Meanwhile, TxDOT is moving forward with its campaign to gather information for the purpose of narrowing the TTC/I-69 corridor down from the proposed 1,200-foot, six-lane behemoth of original conception, to a more rural-friendly mobility structure.

Waller Independent School District’s Fields Store Elementary third graders (pictured) have been learning about the different communities across the United States. After reading the book “Flat Stanley” by Jeff Brown, students sent their Flat Stanley’s on a journey to gather information about other communities. This included information on climate, economics, history, traditions, celebrations and culture.
Submitted Photo

Speak now on zoning issue or forever hold your peace

By Brian Walzel
Editor

For those who have been silent bystanders in the Tomball zoning debate, now is your time to speak up. And it may be your last chance.

The Tomball City Council recently announced that they, along with the Zoning Commission, will hold a Jan. 21 public hearing for a proposed zoning ordinance. The hearing will be a time where anyone who has anything to say about the ordinance or the map can let their voice be heard.

So far, there are no plans to have a second public hearing, and council may, in fact, adopt the ordinance shortly thereafter. They also may turn it over to a public vote. That decision has yet to be made and council members have been tight-lipped about their plans, if they even have any.

But, according to Mayor Gretchen Fagan, the council will most likely do what the public wants them to do.

Here’s hoping those words prove to be true.

Council members are elected, in part, because we believe in their judgment, we believe they will do what’s in the best interests of the city. After all, they enact dozens of laws without the slightest opposition from their constituents.

On the other hand, zoning stirs up a hornet’s nest of emotions. It has a wide-ranging affect on homeowners, land developers, realtors, prospective residents and businesses. Many believe those who will be affected the most should get the say. Whatever your opinion is, tell the council.

The zoning process, which has been in effect for more than a year, has taken on a multi-faceted dynamic. Not only is there the issue of whether or not zoning is good for the city, there is also the argument of who should decide on the issue.

Should council members, the ones that were elected and whose judgment is valued and trusted, do what they think is best for the city?

Or should the community, who ultimately is affected the most, make the decision? Of course, each argument has a myriad of underlying thoughts and opinions.

The land developers, real estate and business communities are in staunch opposition of zoning.

“Whose idea was it to bring up zoning again, anyway?” one prominent land developer recently asked.

Some homeowners and longtime Tomball residents don’t want to see their neighboring properties turned into strip centers or warehouses, but neither do they want to see small residential subdivision be absorbed into commercial zones.

And then the argument continues over whose decision the ordinance is up to. “Give people their constitutional right to vote,” some say.

“Let the elected officials decide,” others plead. “We elected them to make these decisions.”

Whatever corner you stand in, now is your time to speak up. Against zoning? Tell the council. Want the public to vote? Tell the council. Even if you’ve shown up late to the game and have a problem with what the planners have tagged your land as, tell the council. It’s not too late. It may be the last chance you have.

Servpro named Business of the Year by Lone Star College

Servpro of Spring-Tomball, which is independently owned and operated by Kathleen and Anthony Scott of Tomball, was one of five businesses that were recognized and honored recently with the 2007 Business of the Year Award by Lone Star College.

Pictured (right to left), Anthony and Kathleen and Scott were honored with a 2007 Business of the Year Award from Lone Star College presented by Chancellor Dr. Richard Carpenter and Ray Hawkins, President of Lone Star College-Tomball.

The five winners, selected from a pool of almost 200 nominees, represented different service areas of the college system. The Scotts and Servpro represented the Tomball College area.

The awards are given annually based on a company’s leadership and its service in the community and in the industry, a positive entrepreneurial image, exemplary business practices, peer recognition and business growth.

The business owners accepted their awards from Chancellor Dr. Richard Carpenter at the 21st Annual Small Business Awards Banquet.

Servpro specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke, or water damage situation. Servpro of Spring/Tomball also mitigates mold and mildew from homes or businesses.

“We’re so excited to win this award and it means a lot to us as a small business in this area,” said Kathleen Scott. “We really appreciate the considerations of the college system and the Small Business Development Center by being recognized for this award.”

Kathleen handles the marketing side of the business while Anthony handles the operation end. Kathleen serves on the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and serves as chair of the Chamber’s ambassadors and as vice chair of member development.

Volunteers are life blood of horse therapy at SIRE

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Among the disabled, SIRE: Houston’s Therapeutic Equestrian Centers is known for its therapeutic horseback riding programs for children and adults with disabilities or injuries.

SIRE client Krysia Barnes (atop horse) with her team of volunteers at a recent Ride-A-Thon

The program provides not only a social outlet, but through a team of volunteers allows the freedom of walking that some disabled do not otherwise have by matching them to older horses with even temperaments.

Clients of all ages and circumstances benefit from the physical therapy they receive at SIRE, including automobile accident victims of all ages, those with autism, congenital disabilities or Down syndrome.

Registration is in process for volunteer horse leaders and side walkers for the upcoming semester at each of SIRE’s three locations in Hockley, Spring and Ft. Bend County.

“No previous horse experience is required,” said Executive Coordinator MaryKate Flanagan, “just a desire to help some very special people mount up and leave their limitations on the ground.”

Volunteers are the lifeblood of SIRE and donate more than 28,000 hours of time annually. They must be at least 14 years old to participate and must attend both the orientation and training session at any location.

Orientation for volunteers will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 9 at the Hockley and Spring locations and Jan. 16 at the Ft. Bend location.

Volunteer training will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Jan. 12 at the Hockley and Spring locations and Jan. 19 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ft. Bend location.

The Hockley facility is located at 24161 Spring Dr. To register, call 281-356-7588. In Spring, visit 4610 Sloangate or call 281-353-6160. Sienna Stables, located at 8255 Camp Sienna Trail, is the Ft. Bend County location and can be reached by calling 281-778-0202.

For more information on volunteering, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at any of SIRE’s three locations or visit the Web site www.sire-htec.org.

Academic Decatholon
Magnolia High School will participate in the 2008 Academic Decatholon to be held at Klein Collins High School Jan. 18 and 19. Volunteers are needed on Jan. 18 between 1 and 8 p.m. to grade essays and to judge speech and interview categories. Test proctors are needed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Jan. 19. For more information, contact Brenda Marfin at 281-356-3571.

Cooper Foundation
The Cooper Foundation will be holding Facilitator Training on Jan. 9 and 16 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Both trainings are required to become a facilitator for the foundation, which provides mediation and counseling services for grieving children. Trainings will be held at The Cooper House, 109 Holderrieth Blvd. in Tomball. Call 832-623-9966 or e-mail info@thecooperfoundation.org to sign up or for more information.

Applicator Training
Waller County will have a private applicator license training and testing on Jan. 24 at the Texas Agri-Life Extension, Waller County office from 1:30 until 4:30 p.m. This license allows landowners and farmers to purchase and apply chemicals (herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, i.e.) and teaches license holders safety measures, current application methods, and laws concerning the use of chemicals in agriculture. A 100 question test will follow the training. No cost will be charged for the training or test, however the $30 study materials should be purchased prior to the event. Refreshments will not be provided. Individuals with disabilities who require auxiliary aide service or accommodations in order to participate in Extension programs should contact the Texas Agri-Life Extension Service, Waller County at 979-826-7651 to discuss specific needs five days prior to program dates.

Seven pit bulls found dead in vacated Tomball home House believed to be breeding ground for dangerous dogs

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Tomball police and city public works employees removed at least seven dead dogs from a Tomball home late last month, a home that may have been used for breeding pit bulls.

On Dec. 28, Tomball police responded to a call to a home in the 400 block of McPhail. What they discovered was a gruesome scene: several pit bulls lying dead in kennels inside the home.

“The smell was pretty bad,” Sgt. Gary Stewart said.

Harris County Appraisal District documents show that Paula Lee of Magnolia owns the property. According to police, she and her husband leased the property to Pam Tarlton, who lived at the house with her daughter.

“I had no knowledge of it,” Lee said. “I knew she had a couple of dogs.”

Lee was told shortly after Christmas by neighbors of Tarlton that the renter had moved out. Lee said Tarlton was behind on her rent and left town Dec. 25. When she went to the house the following Friday, she found several large pit bulls lying dead in large kennels throughout the house.

“These were big dogs, they weren’t small ones,” Lee said. “They were all inside, a couple in the living room, a couple in the back room.”

According to Stewart, the department has been told that the home may have been used to breed pit bulls. Lee said she has known Tarlton for 12 years, made regular visits to the home, and still had no knowledge of the alleged activities.

“I still, right now, cannot believe it,” Lee said. “I knew her for 12 years. To me there was no indication.”

At least seven dead pit bulls were found inside this Tomball home Dec. 28.

After the events unfolded last week, Lee recalled a meeting she had with Tarlton at the house on McPhail about three weeks ago.

“I said I smelled something,” Lee said. “She said something may have crawled under the house and died. And it wasn’t really, really bad, so I believed it.”

Lee hasn’t spoken with Tarlton or her daughter since they vacated the house. She said she would like to get the late rent money, but would rather put the issue behind her.

“I just want to cut my losses and learn from this,” she said.

Stewart said both Tarlton and her daughter would be questioned as part of the investigation. No arrests have been made and charges had yet to be filed as of press time last week.

Tomball High School Assistant Principal David Unruh (far right) supervised as more than 2,700 students participated in an evacuation drill Dec. 18. Tomball ISD students at each campus took part in the drill by loading buses as they would in the event of an actual emergency.
Submitted Photo

Magnolia picks up annexation issue after seven months

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

After seven months of tabled discussions regarding Magnolia’s proposed annexation plan, the Magnolia Planning Commission (MPC), now headed by President Barbara Gardner, has picked up the threads of conversation.

In February of last year former City Manager Roger Carlisle introduced the potential for increased property and sales tax through annexation to the MPC.

He told directors that the city’s water and sewer lines had been extended out into the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) to subdivisions, such as Magnolia Crossing, which is receiving water and is adjacent to the city, with no return on the investment.

Discussion fell off following the city elections in May, which were followed by new appointments to the MPC by the new city council, and were punctuated by the resignation of longtime MPC President Denny O’Brien in November.

Throughout last year, City Attorney Leonard Schneider provided an overview of annexation to directors as new members came on board.

“A hold was placed on developing a proposed annexation plan because the city council wanted more information,” said Schneider. “Annexation commonly will increase the tax base for a city.”

Prior to May, the annexation issue was in full swing. Now that City Administrator Ryan Kelley is on board, review and adoption of an annexation plan could find the driving force it needs to get back on track, Schneider told directors.

The three-year annexation plan process is initiated when the city adopts an ordinance or resolution that identifies areas that are intended for annexation and culminates with the annexation of those identified properties.

“It’s a process that requires public hearings,” said Schneider.

There are two types of annexation that a city can adopt.

Bilateral annexation by a general law city occurs when it receives a petition from a property owner to be annexed, such as Magnolia Ridge, Schneider said.

Unilateral annexation may occur after a city identifies any areas within the city’s half-mile ETJ that are adjacent to the city boundaries and to which the city provides services, such as water and sewer.

Once the plan has been in place for three years the city can then begin annexation at a rate of 10 percent per year, accruing up to 30 percent. However, annexed properties can request to be de-annexed after one year, but within three years of the date of annexation.

According to Texas Local Government Code, if a city can prove a population of 5,000 or more, it can attain a Home-Rule municipality status and can annex identified properties within its three-year land plan. That is commonly referred to as a “land grab” because those property owners, with few exceptions, cannot request to be de-annexed.

The intent of including proposed areas to be annexed is to promote economic growth in a city by adding to its property and sales tax base, to facilitate long range planning for providing city services, such as water and sewer, and to protect future development by enforcing land use regulations, such as zoning.

The issue was placed back on the MPC agenda for the Jan. 15 meeting.

Magnolia’s Troop 1114 turns out another Eagle Scout in Reader

Wesley Reader, a member of Venturing Crew 1114 and Boy Scout Troop 1114 in Magnolia, recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The Magnolia United Methodist Church charters both Crew 1114 and Troop 1114.

Wesley Reader recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

His Eagle Scout Court of Honor will be held within the next few months.

Reader started in Scouting as a Tiger Cub in 2000 and progressed through the ranks in Cub Scouting, earning Bobcat, Wolf, Bear, the Webelos Badge, and the Arrow of Light before crossing into Boy Scouting in March 2005.

Originally from Georgia, Reader was invited into the “Target” classes in the 5th grade there, continued with AP classes through the 6th grade and was subsequently invited into the National Junior Honor Society in the 7th grade at Bear Branch.

He is active in athletics, played football and took part in swimming for Bear Branch.

Reader’s Eagle Project benefited Magnolia United Methodist Church in Magnolia and required 228 hours of labor. He is an 8th grader at Bear Branch Junior High in Magnolia.

Lady Bulldog volleyball players net scholarships

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Three Magnolia High School Lady Bulldog volleyball players were honored prior to the Christmas holidays when they received volleyball scholarships to various universities to continue their education and their playing careers.

Pictured (left to right), Magnolia High School seniors Hannah Fort, Alicia Shaffer and Michele Williams signed letters of intent and received scholarships to play volleyball at various universities.

As the 2006 district 15-5A Blocker of the Year, Hannah Fort played that role again for the Lady Bulldogs as they advanced to the UIL Regional Semifinals in 2007. The 6-foot, 1-inch middle blocker was signed to play in Ft. Worth for Texas Christian University.

One of the Prep Volleyball Defensive Dandies for 2006, 5-foot, 10-inch left side hitter Alicia Shaffer, was a leading passer and digger for Magnolia in the 2007 season. She signed with the University of Texas at Arlington.

Michele Williams was named a Prep-Volleyball All American in the 2005 and 2006 seasons. The 6-foot, 1-inch middle blocker graduated early in December and has begun training and attending classes at Louisiana State University.

Williams said she is looking forward to making an immediate impact for the LSU Tiger team.

The Cat in the Hat made mischief at a local assisted living center recently. Arriving at St. Dominic’s Village with his bag of tricks, he and the antics of the other drama students from Northwoods Catholic School elicited smiles and laughter from the residents. The students presented two short plays, “The Cat in the Hat” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Pictured, (left to right), Ana Paula Flores, Ana Sanchez-Riveron, Ben Frederick and Lauren Petty. Submitted Photo

Tomball, Magnolia girls hoops headed in opposite directions

By Brian Walzel
Editor

With the district season underway for local girls basketball teams, the Tomball Lady Cougars will be looking to continue their early season success while the Magnolia Lady Bulldogs will be hoping to turn things around.

With a 10-5 non-district record and 2-1 district mark, the Lady Cougars have positioned themselves nicely for a playoff run in 16-5A. While the likes of Klein Oak and Westfield will be at or near the top, Tomball should have the offensive firepower to keep pace. Taylor Frank leads the Lady Cougars in scoring, averaging 15.9 points per game (ppg), while Samantha Neal (15 ppg), Sarah Reno (14.6 ppg) and Kathleen McStravick (12 ppg) all have proven to be key offensive weapons for the Lady Cougars.

Tomball will also be looking to gain some stability to what has so far been an up and down season. The Lady Cougars followed up a season-opening 48-39 win over Magnolia with a victory over Kinkaid. They then lost two and won two.

The Lady Cougars even began district play with two straight wins, Dec. 11 over Klein Forest and Dec. 18 over Klein Collins. But Tomball fell to district favorite Westfield Dec. 21, 52-45. Their next game is Jan. 11 when they host Klein at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Magnolia Lady Bulldogs are hoping the district season will bring a change in fortune. Magnolia goes into 15-5A play with an 8-11 record, but fresh off a 52-37 victory over Cy-Ridge Dec. 29.

Their season so far has pretty much gone to form. The Lady Bulldogs have beaten many of the weaker teams on their schedule, such as Aldine, Orangefield, Cy-Woods and Klein Collins and have understandably struggled against the likes of Tomball, Klein, Cy-Creek, Channelview and Jersey Village.

Magnolia’s district season kicked off Jan. 4 against Lufkin. Results of that game were unavailable as of press time last week.

This year, the Lady Bulldogs are led by Kellie Loukanis, who leads the team with a 16 ppg average. Also making key contributions have been Krystal Rice and Michelle Larson.

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

Last week I let the cat out of the bag about my first ride in a police car. I know my mom, as well as many long time readers, have heard this story. I bet somebody is already on the phone reporting me to her, not knowing that she already knows.

Every once in a while people will greet my family members and when they discuss my name the person suddenly realizes they are talking to my mom or my wife or other members of my family and will nod their head and say “oh, so your Clifford’s so and so, huh?” leaving my family in such limbo that they don’t know whether to be proud of me or run and hide.

As I mentioned last week, one of my gathering spots before school and during lunch hour used to be Mr. Bill’s Drive In on Main Street. It sat in the 700 block of Main Street.

We guys would gather under the old sycamore tree and waste away our idle time with stories of bull corn and lies.

One day two of my younger friends showed up for one of our lunch hour bull corn sessions and these two guys seemed to have a bone to pick with each other.

I can’t tell you their names ’cause one of them still lives in town and I don’t know if he has told his family about this.

I don’t want to have his family punish him even though he is already a 40-plus-year-old man. For the sake of this story I’ll call him Mr. Hohl and the other guy I will name Mr. Pope. I think those two names are common enough that nobody will figure out who they are.

Mr. Hohl and Mr. Pope were both a couple of years younger than me and how they came into our group one day, I can’t recall. I must have been a senior and they may have been freshmen or sophomores.

These two fellas were built much like I was in high school. They were small in stature and, with no offense to either one of them, they reminded me of a bantam rooster. They seemed to be all bark and no bite. (I say this tongue in cheek hoping they don’t figure out who they are because one of them is two heads taller than me now! I think I finally outweigh him, but I know for sure he can chase me down ’cause he’s faster than me!)

For some reason, these two guys were having words with each other. I don’t even know why they were mad, but their feud wound up in the midst of our lunch hour gathering place under the sycamore tree.

Their mouths were well engaged and their words became more and more offensive as each of them tried to out do the other. Finally, all of us older guys decided to liven up our lunch hour so we antagonized these guys enough to cause them to go to blows with each other.

Obviously, since we were sitting right on Main Street, we didn’t want anybody but ourselves to see the fight, so I took it upon myself to park my truck parallel with Main Street to block any street view of the arena we had just set up. I don’t know why or how, but our local police officer, Mr. J. C. Bolton got wind of the fight and pulled up in front of the store.

After questioning all of us for a moment he placed Mr. Hohl and Mr. Pope in the back of his car and told me to get in the front. I was scared spit-less! I had never even touched a police car, much less have to ride in one!

As I climbed into the front seat, I immediately noticed the shotgun anchored in the front floorboard, as well as all of the radio equipment. I was scared, but there was no way I was gonna let my fear overwhelm me and I developed a smirkish grin. I turned toward all my buddies and they were standing outside the car poking each other and pointing fingers and laughing at us as we were hauled off in the police car.

I had no idea where Mr. Bolton was taking us. My life began to flash in my mind and I began to figure out what I was going to tell my parents when Mr. Bolton drove from Mr. Bill’s to the school office across the street.

We were ushered from the car to the office and I don’t recall whether Mr. Voytek or Mr. Tipps (Hi, Mr. Tipps) talked to us. Mr. Bolton told them Mr. Hohl and Mr. Pope were fighting and I was instigating a riot! A riot, I thought!

“How can two guys fighting be called a riot?” I thought to myself, but I didn’t say a word. I was scared to death! I could see myself serving hard time when the word riot was used!

I guess all the other guys hootin’ and hollerin’ around the makeshift ring seemed like a riot to Mr. Bolton. Probably the only thing that ever happened in town back then was a load of cows got loose on Main Street, so I guess a fight seemed like a riot!

My memory fades me and I really, really don’t remember the punishment we received, but I will never, ever forget my first ride in a police car!

More next week as I move east on Main Street.

-- Clifford

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