MPD collision sparks investigation

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

An internal investigation is underway at the Magnolia Police Department after a collision involving two police officers in the early morning hours of Jan. 12.

Chief Ron Cunningham responded to the accident, but did not comment on the investigation. A police report had yet to be filed.

However, Mayor Jimmy Thornton did confirm that the accident took place at 3 a.m. in the Magnolia Junior High School parking lot, while the officers’ patrol units were running with all lights off in “dark mode.” On shift that morning were officers Dorothy Evans and Greg Valdez.

“Two officers were attempting to stop the racing that often takes place on Nichols Sawmill Road,” said Thornton, who added that racing down the road was a dangerous, but common practice.

Several reports of racing in the junior high parking lot, as well as up and down Nichols Sawmill Road, were what prompted the officers to be in the area.

No arrests were made, nor injuries reported, according to Thornton, and no action had been taken against either officer involved as of press time last week.

“We do have good police officers in the department,” said Thornton. “I understand that accidents will happen.”

The two units, both 2007 Dodge V8 Hemi’s, were delivered late last year.

One unit experienced heavy damage to the front end, bending the tow bar, while the other unit sustained minor rear end damage, said Thornton. He added that the units were already under repair and that the city’s insurance would cover the damages, which are estimated at $7,000 to $10,000.

However, Councilman Sammie Scott, who viewed the vehicles along with Councilman Dave Sutherland, said damages could be as much as $25,000.

While Sutherland voiced his concern that he had not been notified of the incident, Councilwoman Patsy Williams said Cunningham did notify her of the incident.

“It was an unfortunate accident,” said Williams. “I do not believe the officers’ intent was to deliberately destroy city property. It is my opinion that the officers we have on patrol at this time are qualified, trained individuals.”

Election season ramps up, candidate forum set

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

A combined effort by two groups on behalf of citizens and business owners alike will offer Magnolia area residents the opportunity to meet the political candidates and hear their positions on the issues.

The Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce and the East 1488 Community Association will host a candidate forum Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. at Bear Branch Sixth Grade campus, located at 8040 Ken Lake Dr. behind Bear Branch Junior High on FM 2978.

Moderators for the event will be Preston Cutbirth of Magnolia and Deborah English of the League of Women Voters.

The Chamber represents businesses in the Magnolia area and the Association is a non-profit organization representing numerous property owner associations in the area.

For more information, call the Chamber at 281-356-1488 or e-mail info@magnoliatexas.org, or call the Association at 936-441-2337 or e-mail e1488communityassoc@charter.net.

All candidates are invited to participate. The forums are open to the public.

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

Shhh! Hurry hide under the chair. Watch out! Here she comes! She’s got that mean look on her face! Look at her eyes! They are out for pain! Yeah, look at her fingers work that syringe! She’s out to get us! Run, Keith, Run! Hide under the table! Kick, scream, and yell like she’s killin’ you! Surely Mamma will hit her or something!

Who am I talking about? Well, Nurse Sadie, of course. Doctor Graham’s Nurse! What in the world does Doctor Graham and Nurse Sadie have to do with this story? Well, I’ll tell you a little later.

Sandwiched between Mr. Beard’s old gas station here on Main Street were several buildings. My mind is foggy on the occupancy. I know that Mr. Ward had a pharmacy there and Guinn’s Cleaners was in this area, as well as the original Spring Branch Saving and Loan, but it’s all jumbled up in my mind. There was also a clothing store and several different department stores there over the years.

At the intersection of Main and North Pine was a wood framed building. I don’t know who currently occupies this location. The building was built by Randy and Brenda Skelton and used to occupy Skelton Business Equipment.

The next building I remember on Main is a former carpet store. Raymond Meredith’s dad built the building for his new carpet store. If any of you remember, carpet was not always a common item here in Tomball. In my memory, carpet really didn’t become a big sales item until the 60s. I mean, face it! When is the last time you heard advertising for a house being sold with wall-to-wall carpet!

I don’t know what year the building was built but I’m sure it was probably one of the first carpet stores devoted mostly to carpet sales. Tomball Trophy occupied the building and now Mike Ott and family run a place called Logo Smart. I have forgotten how long they have been there, but it’s been many, many years.

TEAM occupies the next building. The building was the first sight of the Klein’s Super Market. After Klein’s moved from the location, Perry’s occupied the store for several years. After Perry’s moved to the new Klein’s Center further west, the group from TEAM moved in. The area that is now part of the building was at one time the parking lot.

The Klein family sort of settled this part of Tomball. Directly behind the grocery store on Cherry Street was the Klein Feed Store and behind the parking lot on the back street was the original location of Howard Klein’s law firm.

I can still see Mr. Hardy Gillam with his steel two-wheel dolly moving feed from the store to our truck. I can still smell the feed in the feed store. I know the women aren’t gonna believe this, but the men will remember when they were kids and had their first taste of rabbit, dog or cattle feed.

(OK guys fess up! You know you did it too! Don’t say you didn’t ’cause every boy raised in the country has tasted feed at least once in his life!)

Now, I know some of the old timers are gonna fuss at me because the truth is, there were probably other buildings on the site of the old grocery store before my time, but please remember these are my memories and I’m still less than 60 years old. A baby to some of you, a puppy, still wet behind the ears!

While I have many, many good memories of growing up with the Klein family, one thing that really stands out are some of my campout’s with Mark. Our campouts were always fun and full of mischievous childhood pranks.

I mentioned Nurse Sadie in the first part of my story. I really don’t ever remember actually running from her, but I always remember how mean she looked. Nurse Sadie worked for Doctor Graham. Doctor Norman Graham’s first office was located in the corner of the building of Klein’s original grocery store there on Main Street. If you ever notice, the door at the corner of North Cherry and Main still leads into a corner office in the building.

Nurse Sadie exuded the essence of a nurse during the 50s and 60s. White dress, white shoes, white hose and those little nurses’ hats that looked like wings. I think they tried to make us kids think they were angels nursing us back to health, but when Nurse Sadie would come after us with a needle I think she actually scared the devil out of me. I always felt better when I left the doctor’s office.

The truth of the matter is Nurse Sadie was probably not as old as she appeared in my mind. As you know, everybody over 20 looks old to a kid. She was probably a sweet person, but the only side of her I can recall is her needle attacks on my hinie. I never did know her last name. Truth is, she could have been a cousin to my family or something, or maybe her kids still live in the area!! That’d be my luck! I’ll have to watch my backside again!!

Till next time,

-- Clifford

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Donald Charles Brenner II (pictured) is suspected in approximately 14 rural residential burglaries in Washington County in which firearms, power tools, lawn equipment, trailers, motorcycles, electronics, jewelry, etc. have been stolen. Investigators believe that Brenner may now be staying in the Tomball/Magnolia/Conroe area. Brenner is a licensed electrician and is wanted for unlawful possession of a firearm in Grimes County. Anyone who knows of his whereabouts should contact Texas Ranger Otto Hanak at 979-251-0223 or Investigator Floyd Mathis with the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 979-277-6255.

Race Relations teen summit
Student ambassadors from Magnolia High School will participate at the 2008 Teen Summit for Race Relations on Jan. 29 to be held at the Berry Center in Cypress. Upon returning to school, the students will work to create harmony and understanding of diversity amongst their peers. The summit is designed to inform students about the numerous ethnic groups in the Houston area, dispel racial/ethnic myths and stereotypes, and to foster better understanding by having students interact with others from different geographical sub-areas within the Greater Houston Area.

Miss Magnolia Pageant
The sixth annual Miss Magnolia Pageant is scheduled for Feb. 16 with $2,300 in prizes slated for the winners. The title winner will receive a $1,500 scholarship, first runner-up $500, and second runner-up $300. The 2008 winner will be crowned by Miss Magnolia 2007 Lexie Weeks, who is a student at Texas A&M University. The event is set to take place at 7 p.m. at Magnolia High School, located at 14350 FM 1488. For more information, call 281-356-1488.

MISD board meeting
The Board of Trustees for the Magnolia Independent School District approved a location change for the Feb. 11 meeting. At the invitation of Principal Susan Ward of Bear Branch Elementary, the board will meet at the school, located at 8909 FM 1488, in celebration of the school’s 25th birthday. A reception is scheduled for 6 p.m. with refreshments and cake to be served, followed by the board meeting to be held in the school’s library at 6:30 p.m.

MISD names Magnolia Parkway Elementary

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Magnolia Independent School District has settled on a name for what has been referred to for the last two year’s as Elementary School No. 8.

Trustees unanimously approved Magnolia Parkway Elementary as the school’s new name at a Jan. 14 meeting. The school is located east of Thousand Oaks subdivision at 11745 FM 1488.

Superintendent Michael Holland said the new name is more representative of a regional area of the community.

Construction began in April of 2007 and is on track for completion in May 2008. Staff fulfillment and zoning is in process, according to Holland.

The 50-acre site will be the future home of a junior high and sixth grade campus, though no design plans are in process at this time, according to Facilities Coordinator John Paul Watson.

While the 90,000 square foot facility is planned for a 900-student capacity, initial enrollment in the 2008-09 school year is anticipated at between 600 and 700 students.

Tim Bruner, facilities project manager for the district, provided an update at the meeting. He said the natural gas line and overhead electrical installation is complete with interior wall framing at 90 percent.

The exterior masonry work is 99 percent complete and window installation is in progress, with sidewalks and canopies on time for a Feb. 1 completion date, after which ceramic tile flooring is scheduled to start.

Sanitary and domestic water tie-ins are scheduled for completion by March 1, followed by irrigation, landscaping, and interior concrete staining.

D.A.R.E. graduates honored at Bear Branch Sixth Grade

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Upon completion of its semester-long Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, Bear Branch Sixth Grade campus held a graduation ceremony Jan. 11.

Pct. 5 Constable David Hill (left) congratulates Cameron Salvaggio (center) for winning the Bear Branch Sixth Grade campus D.A.R.E. essay contest as D.A.R.E. Officer Dep. Constable Ron Wilcox (right) looks on.

As part of the program, 390 students submitted essays describing what the program means to them. One essay from each of 17 D.A.R.E. classes was selected for a campus contest.

Through a panel of campus Social Studies teachers, comprised of Mildred King, June Jacobson and Jennifer Adams, one essay was selected as the campus winner.

Cameron Salvaggio’s essay was selected for submission to the national level D.A.R.E. essay contest. Salvaggio was awarded a medal of honor in addition to a 22-speed Mongoose mountain bike, helmet and visor.

If Salvaggio’s essay is selected as the national winner, he will be entered into the international essay contest.

Each student in the program is entered into a raffle for prizes that are distributed by D.A.R.E. officer Pct. 5 Dep. Constable Ron Wilcox.

Prizes are provided through district funding, as well as through the donations of local dignitaries and businesses.

Students who participate in the D.A.R.E. program are taught through a decision making model that D.A.R.E. is also an acronym that stands for decide, assess, respond and evaluate.

In the program, students learn about the effects of drugs and alcohol on the human body, how to evaluate and respond to risky situations and how to make a commitment to sobriety.

The Magnolia Independent School District Board of Trustees annually provides budget dollars to fund the program. MISD is the only school district in Montgomery County to sponsor the D.A.R.E. program, according to Pct. 5 Constable David Hill.

“If we can affect the life of just one student in the district,” said Hill, “it’s all worth it.”

Wilcox has been the D.A.R.E. officer for MISD since the programs’ inception four years ago and has worked as a Pct. 5 Dep. Constable for eight years. Hill commended Wilcox on his dedication to the students and the program.

“This is the finest officer I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with,” said Hill. “I know that if the (school) district did not fund the program, he would do it for free. That’s how much it means to him.”

During the ceremony, Wilcox congratulated the students for applying themselves to the program and for making right choices about sobriety.

“You have worked hard and learned a lot,” he told the students. “You make my job easy.”

TISD may be $1.4 million over budget for miscellaneous projects

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Tomball Independent School District administrators are projecting that a number of planned improvements at Tomball High School and Tomball Junior High may come in more than $1.4 million over budget.

At a Jan. 14 meeting of the Board of Trustees, Assistant Superintendent for Administrative Services David Schuelke said unexpected construction costs and a need for additional restrooms at the Tomball High School football stadium contributed to the excessive costs.

Accounting for more than half of the $1.4 million excess is a $725,000 cost differential for replacing the roof at Tomball Junior High. The district had budgeted $1.25 million for the project, but an increase in cost per square foot inflated the project cost to $1.97 million.

However, Schuelke said the project will be re-evaluated and the final cost could be more within budget.

“We believe we’ll be able to get these in line,” he said.

Other projects that added to the $1.4 million overshoot is a $612,000 expense for construction of the agricultural arena at Tomball High School, $225,000 for additional restrooms at Tomball High School, and $228,000 in additional money previously budgeted for replacing portions of the roof at the high school.

Schuelke added that part of the reason for the cost differential was due in part to an increase in cost per square foot from $10 to $12 for the re-roofing projects.

Meanwhile, several projects may come in under budget, including replacing the stadium’s press box and constructing a press box on the visitor’s side. That project was estimated to cost $475,000, but TISD is planning for it to come in at just $116,000. A new chiller at Tomball Junior High will cost the district $75,000 instead of $210,00 and renovation of the mechanical, electrical, lighting and plumbing utilities at the ROTC building will come in $112,000 under budget.

Other improvements included in the “miscellaneous projects” portion of the $198 million bond passed by voters in May include a new backup boiler at Tomball High School, a new running track curb, and lighting and camera platforms, and new bleachers that will seat 500 at the high school stadium.

Planning commission to seek council’s approval for annexation and zoning plan

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

More than half a dozen residents of Magnolia Crossing attended the Magnolia Planning Commission meeting Jan. 15 to hear more on a proposed annexation plan being developed.

Residents of Magnolia Crossing posted flyers around the neighborhood inviting property owners to attend the meeting and to voice their preference for annexation and zoning.

Most came expecting to speak. However, as a result of what City Secretary LuAnn Drake said was a miscommunication, residents did not turn in a request to do so when Drake told them that Magnolia Crossing was not an agenda item.

“Anyone in attendance at a public meeting has the option of speaking prior to the meeting on any topic, or during the meeting on a specific agenda item,” she said.

Those present stated their opposition to annexation after the meeting.

“We don’t want it,” one resident said.

Most maintained that city services were of little value to property owners who have already drilled water wells and installed septic systems and can call on the sheriff’s department for law enforcement.

“There are no services the city could offer that would offset the cost of having to tie into them,” said another Magnolia Crossing resident.

During the meeting, residents heard from City Attorney Leonard Schneider and City Administrator Ryan Kelley regarding several preservation options for zoning, but little in the way of annexation.

That was due in part to the absence of City Engineer Craig Kankel. At the request of previous commission members last year, Kankel prepared a map of the city’s extra-territorial jurisdiction in anticipation of identifying potential properties for annexation.

As Kelley traverses the new ground of Magnolia politics, he was nothing if not cautious with his direction to commissioners on the issue.

“You all might want something fervently, but if the council’s not with you, it’s not going to happen,” he told them.

His recommendation was to acquire the city council’s blessing before any further action was taken on the annexation and zoning issue.

Though Kelley agreed that zoning works, he told commissioners that his job was not to be an advocate for zoning, but to look at different types of preservation as an economic engine for the community.

As a result, commissioners requested Kelley to sponsor an agenda item for discussion and/or action on zoning and annexation at the next council meeting, scheduled for Jan. 28.

Relay for Life of Waller County sets date, Miller named Chair

The American Cancer Society has named Theresa Miller of Waller to serve as chairperson for the 2008 Relay For Life of Waller County, which is set for April 4 with a theme of “Let’s Rock and Roll for a Cure.”

Theresa Miller

The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. at Waller High School, located at 20950 Fields Store Road.

“The vital research and programs of the American Cancer Society are leading the way to eliminating cancer as a major health problem,” said Miller. “We are going to work this year to raise a record amount for the relay.”

Last year, the Waller County relay raised $14,796.38, a record amount to date. This year, the goal is $50,000.

Miller is a cancer survivor since March 29, 2006, when she was diagnosed with three types of cancer: colon, thyroid and kidney cancer. Miller’s treatment included surgery for all three, as well as chemotherapy.

2008 marks the third year Miller has participated in the Relay For Life of Waller County and her second year as a survivor.

When asked what helped her fight her cancers Miller said, “My faith in God, and the prayers and support of my family, friends and husband, Mike.”

Miller had this advice for those who have been diagnosed.

“Do not be afraid to ask questions,” she said, “and talk to others who have had cancer.”

Relay For Life is the American Cancer Society’s national signature event and is as much an awareness raiser as a fundraiser. This family-oriented team event brings participants from all parts of the community together in a celebration of life.

Businesses, civic clubs, churches, friends and families take turns walking and running in relay fashion, while they also celebrate the critical role the American Cancer Society plays in the fight against cancer.

“We are challenging your company or organization to get teams together and join in the fun,” said Cathy Powell, a spokeswoman for Relay for Life of Waller County.

To register or to donate, visit http://events.cancer.org/rflwallercotx. For services provided by the American Cancer Society, call the 24-hour help line at 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Mustang Theater Presents…

The Fine Arts Department of Magnolia West High School will present the musical production, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” through special arrangement with Tams Witmark Music Library of New York.

Magnolia West High School Mustang Theatre will present “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” Jan. 25 and 27.
Submitted Photo

The show is a musical based on Charles Schulz’s classic comic strip “Peanuts,” directed by MWHS Theater Arts director Kim Bryant, with vocal direction by Mustang Choir director Sylvia Garza, orchestral direction by Mustang Band director Pat Crofton, and choreography by Fillies Dance Team director Amanda LaBorde.

Performances are Jan. 25 and 27 at 7 p.m. with a matinee performance on Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets prices are $8 for adults and $5 for students in advance and $10 for adults and $8 for students at the door.

For tickets or more information, call 281-252-2550, ext 7259.

Townsend announces intention to seek city council spot

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Three-time candidate for Tomball City Council Derek Townsend has announced his intentions to once again run for a seat, but has not decided who he will oppose.

Derek Townsend

However, Townsend said his campaign wouldn’t necessarily be against an opponent, but rather for a position.

“I am not going to run against an incumbent, I am going to run for a position,” he said. “I’m not going to be talking bad about them, I’m not going to be involved in that.”

Position 1 incumbent Warren Driver and Position 5 incumbent David Quinn are both up for re-election this year, and both have said they will run again.

Townsend said one of his goals was to help unify what he perceives as a divided city.

“I think our town has been pretty well split in half in the last couple of elections,” he said. “There are different factions fighting amongst each other, there are innuendos, whisper campaigns, developers that are mad, citizens that are mad. I think we’re too small of a town for that to go on. We need a united front.”

Among the issues Townsend said the council needs to address is the “illegal immigrant issue” in Tomball. Townsend said he would work to make English the official language in Tomball and take measures to ensure the city does not contract with companies that hire illegal immigrants.

“I just think we need to stand up for our town, our state and our country and say look folks, you’re in the United States of America,” he said. “You’re asking us to change everything for your benefit; that’s not the way it works.”

Townsend also addressed what is perhaps the most hotly-debated topic right now in the city in zoning. He said he is in favor of zoning, but that the decision should be left up to the voters, not the city council.

“I think everybody should have the right to vote on this issue,” he said.

Townsend said he would like to see downtown Tomball rejuvenated and a limit placed on council terms.

He also said he will not accept money the city pays its council members to attend meetings. He believes that those who serve on council, volunteering their time and efforts, should not expect to be paid for meetings.

“We’ve got employees that cannot afford to reside in Tomball, and I think that’s totally wrong,” he said. “Give that money to the employees.”

This marks the fourth time Townsend has run for city council. The first time came in 2003, then he ran again in 2004 and as a write-in candidate in 2007.

He is a graduate of Cy-Fair High School and has lived in Tomball for the past 14 years.

Lone Star College unveils new logo for new name

In a series of simultaneous events spanning six separate campuses, the Lone Star College System (LSCS), formerly North Harris Montgomery Community College District, unveiled a new logo Jan. 16 to support its new name. Large banners with the system’s new look were revealed as scores of students, faculty, staff, elected officials and community members converged at ceremonies held at the System Office and the five major colleges.

Pictured, Lone Star College-Tomball faculty and staff, along with local dignitaries gather to witness the unveiling of the college system’s new logo.

“We’re entering a new and exciting era in the history of the Lone Star College System,” said Chancellor Richard Carpenter, who presided over the event at the System Office on Research Forest Dr. in The Woodlands. “This new star logo goes hand-in-hand with our new name. It unites this great college system and symbolize its strength as a whole.”

The new logo, which officials are calling the “Star of Tomorrow,” features an open star design that represents forming students who are themselves works in progress. The design also hints at Lone Star College System’s welcoming spirit to all seeking to improve their lives while echoing its potential to grow with the community. The arc bisecting the star illustrates the system’s role in connecting students to the future by bridging the gap between education and employment. In addition, the arc represents LSCS’ ability to link students to the future through distance learning.

At each event, college presidents read a message from Texas Governor Rick Perry proclaiming the day “Lone Star College Day” as part of the unveiling of giant banners bearing the new logo.

Each college customized its respective event with student entertainment and refreshments. At Lone Star College-Montgomery, a drum and fife corps and the Texas Renegade country band entertained attendees, while Frito Pie was served and a country and western medley was performed by the school choir at Lone Star College-Tomball.

Last November, a unanimous vote of the board of trustees resulted in North Harris Montgomery Community College being officially re-named Lone Star College System, the overwhelming favorite of the more than 5,000 who participated in an interactive Web-based search and polling process.

Waller County Commissioners oppose TTC/I-69 corridor

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

In anticipation of town hall meetings and public hearings scheduled by TxDOT in the coming weeks, Waller County Commissioners Court affirmed an amended resolution Jan. 17 in opposition to the proposed Trans Texas Corridor (TTC).

The project is proposed, because for the moment, TxDOT has no funding for the construction of the $184 million dollar super highway, despite a $9 million marketing campaign currently in progress. That is due to the passing of Senate Bill 792 in the last session, which ultimately closes the door on mobility development through public-private partnerships with foreign investors for two years.

Commissioners unanimously affirmed an amended resolution that was passed in April of 2005 opposing a transportation corridor they believe would split farms and ranches, uproot wildlife, have a negative impact on the local economy and create pollution and trash.

Additionally, the original resolution voiced opposition to a transportation conveyance that “will better enable terrorists to attack these resources and disable them, especially in remote areas.”

The amended resolution adds wording opposing the negative impact on regional and local mobility plans, as well as opposing the use of public-private partnerships for construction funding.

As part of Gov. Rick Perry and former Texas Transportation Commission Chairman Ric Williamson’s mobility plan for Texas, TxDOT moved from being a tax-funded department to being increasingly toll funded through public-private partnerships.

The change in funding structure for TxDOT was validated as an effort to meet the rising costs of mobility infrastructure, while meeting the long-term transportation needs of Texans.

However, for Waller County the passing of House Bill 3588, which gave the Texas Transportation Commission the authority to create the corridor as a toll funded conveyance, was a nail in the coffin for many agricultural property owners in the county.

Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions and receive more information at a town hall meeting on Jan. 22 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Hempstead.

Waller County Pct. 1 Commissioner Bill Eplen and Pct. 3 Commissioner Milton Whiting were designated to read and submit the formal resolution at the upcoming public hearings scheduled for Feb. 27 in Hempstead and Waller.

Residents have the opportunity to submit comments on the corridor until March 19.

• Access the comment form online at http://ttc.keeptexasmoving.com/
• Provide an oral comment at a scheduled public hearing, not to exceed three minutes.
• Submit written comments by U.S. mail to TTC-69 P.O. Box 14428, Austin, TX. 78761, or at a scheduled public hearing.

DPS offers vehicle theft prevention programs

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Waller County Sheriff’s Office recently announced its support of two auto theft prevention programs offered by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

“A car is stolen in Texas every five and a half minutes. More vehicles are stolen between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. than any other time,” said Shelly Cunningham, assistant communications supervisor for the Waller County Sheriff’s Office. “Simply by enrolling, you make it harder for a thief to drive away in your car.”

According to the Texas Crime Information Center, 784 pieces of commercial equipment were stolen in 2000, in addition to 801 pieces of farm equipment. In 2001, 788 pieces of commercial equipment and 1,063 pieces of farm equipment were stolen. In 2003, more than 98,000 vehicles were stolen in Texas.

T.R.I.P.
The Texas Recovery and Identification Program (T.R.I.P.) is designed for owners of both commercial and farm grade equipment to enter specific information regarding their property into a database that will be utilized by law enforcement personnel in tracking stolen equipment.

Any property that has permanent wheels or tracks and a manufactured property identification number (PIN) is eligible for the program. Registration is free.

The program will be used as a tool by law enforcement to assist in recovering these vehicles by providing a decal bearing an assigned PIN. The Web site for registration is http://records.txdps.state.tx.us/mvt.

For more information, e-mail TRIP@txdps.state.tx.us or call toll-free 1-888-447-5933.

H.E.A.T.
Vehicle PIN numbers and decals for non-commercial grade vehicles may be obtained under the Help End Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) program. H.E.A.T. is a statewide vehicle registration program administered by DPS that helps law enforcement officials identify stolen vehicles.

Any vehicle owner in Texas can obtain vehicle decals that authorize law enforcement officers to stop the vehicle anywhere in Texas and verify ownership between 1 and 5 a.m. Also available are BORDER decals, which allow ownership to be checked at any time of the day for any vehicle being driven across the border into Mexico.

To register for H.E.A.T., call toll-free 1-888-447-5933, or register online at http://records.txdps.state.tx.us/heat.

Superintendent Michael Holland received the approval of the Magnolia Independent School District Board of Trustees Jan. 15 following an annual review when his contract was extended to 2011. Holland has been with the district for nine years. He was acknowledged by Trustee Billy Thompson for establishing the district motto, “celebrate our strengths, and acknowledge our weaknesses,” in which transparent statistical reporting is a key factor.
Photo by Cari Herr

Magnolia Challengers seeking players for spring season

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Magnolia Challenger Team is in its fifth year of play and is seeking disabled boys and girls to join its winning Lookouts T-Ball team.

Play is open to children between the ages of 5 and 15. Disability is a prerequisite for team members and may include cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, sight impairment, or mental delay.

“We encourage parents to register their special child, so that they will have the opportunity to experience the value of teamwork and develop new friendships, while learning the fundamentals of baseball,” said manager Bobby Martin.

The 2008 spring season begins March 8. Registration will take place at a breakfast fundraiser Jan. 26 at Applebee’s, located at 6111 FM 1488 at FM 2978, from 7 to 10 a.m. and is sponsored by the Magnolia Little League Baseball Association.

“Special payment arrangements can be made,” said team mom Sabrina Martin. “The goal is to have each special needs child in our area on the field, playing ball, reaching their full potential, and having a great time in doing so.”

Registration is $50 per person and includes a team shirt, pants, belt, socks, ball cap and trophy. Visit www.mllba.com to register on-line by Jan. 29. For more information, call 832-326-0618.

Tomball boys, girls hoops split against Klein Forest

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Faced with an opportunity to take the outright lead in 16-5A boys basketball, the Tomball Cougars dropped their first district contest to Klein Forest, 75-64, Jan. 15.

The Golden Eagles and Cougars were the only undefeated teams in the district, with Klein Forest at 4-0 and the Cougars at 3-0. A victory over the Eagles would have given Tomball a half-game lead in the district.

But the Golden Eagles asserted their dominance just as they have all season, using a 26-10 first quarter run to kick-start an impressive win.

Tomball cut the lead to just 11 points by halftime with an 18-13 second quarter. The Cougars closed the gap even more at the end of the third by outscoring the Golden Eagles 19-17. Going into the fourth quarter, Klein Forest’s lead had been cut to just nine, but the Golden Eagles pulled away, outscoring Tomball 19-17 in the fourth for the 11-point win.

The loss drops Tomball into a tie with Klein Collins, who both have one district loss. The Cougars are now 3-1 in district and 18-8 overall.

Meanwhile, the Tomball Lady Cougars had quite a bit more to celebrate than did their male counterparts against Klein Forest.

The Lady Cougars strengthened their hold on second place in the district with a dominating 57-36 shellacking of the Lady Eagles. Playing the last place team in 16-5A, the Lady Cougars needed to establish their legitimacy as a significant threat in the district, and they did so against Klein Forest.

After the Lady Eagles came out inspired and took an early 10-8 lead after the first quarter, the Lady Cougars responded by outscoring their opponent 49-26 the rest of the way, including 16-4 in the second quarter.

Taylor Frank led the way for Tomball, scoring 18 points. Sarah Reno chipped in 16 points for the Lady Cougars, who improved to 19-7 overall and 6-1 in district play.

Local men arrested in Florida firearms incident

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Two local residents were arrested in Escambia County, Fla., Jan. 11 in a firearms incident that required police to dispatch a search helicopter and a K-9 unit to locate one of the suspects.

Nathan Young, 32, of Tomball, and Chad Roebuck, 25, of Magnolia were arrested after Escambia County deputies were called to a Red Roof Inn off I-10 at about 2:30 a.m. in reference to a robbery.

The victim, Christopher Norris, told police that he had been robbed and hit in the head with a firearm.

Police found a vehicle fitting the victim’s description not long after at a nearby intersection. The driver, Christy Piciullo, 29, of Florida attempted to flee the scene on foot when officers arrived. She was apprehended a short time later.

While Piciullo was being arrested, Roebuck arrived at the scene in a second vehicle and got out holding two handguns. Young was also riding in the vehicle.

When other deputies arrived, Roebuck fled the scene. Young remained in the vehicle and was taken into custody.

Police dispatched a K-9 unit and a helicopter to locate Roebuck, who was eventually found about two hours later. Police recovered two semi-automatic handguns, a sawed-off shotgun, and Norris’ money.

Roebuck was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, possession of a short-barreled firearm, possession of a firearm, burglary, robbery, resisting a law enforcement officer without violence, and theft.

He was being held at Escambia County Jail on $275,000 bond.

Young was charged with aggravated assault, aggravated battery, false imprisonment, possession of a short-barreled firearm, possession of a firearm, burglary, robbery, and theft. He was being held at the jail on a $250,000 bond.

Piciullo was charged with principle to a robbery, home invasion with a firearm, principle to an armed burglary, principle to false imprisonment, principle to grand theft and resisting without violence. She was being held on a $210,000 bond.

Shawn Avery Robertson, a fourth grade student at Waller ISD’s H.T. Jones Elementary School (JES), recently participated in HEB grocery stores’ “HEB on the Move” photography contest. The challenge of the contest was to highlight health and fitness in daily life through photography. Robertson took a photo of two friends participating in a football game. On Jan. 8, he traveled to the HEB near Gulf Gate Mall where he was presented with an Award of Excellence, a $100 gift certificate to any HEB, and an enlarged print of his winning photograph, which was showcased in the “HEB on the Move” booklet. Pictured, Robertson (left) poses with JES Principal Carol Bates (right).
Submitted Photo

WISD construction improvements stand still despite court victories

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Despite a victory in the First District Court of Appeals, Waller Independent School District has been stymied in the sale of $49.3 million in bonds by Pct. 3 Justice of the Peace Dewayne Charleston’s suit opposing the district’s bond election last May.

However, the attorney general’s (AG) office placed a deadline on the suit Jan. 15 in a letter requesting Charleston and opposing parties of the suit to show just cause in continuing a hold on the release of the sale of the bonds.

WISD spokeswoman Sarah Stephenson confirmed the news, adding that the district had not received the results of the AG’s request.

The district has victories in all appeals up to this point. However, due to continued litigation, the AG would not approve the sale of the bonds. As a result, the district has been unable to begin construction on any of the improvements the bonds will finance.

The latest opinion on the issue was offered by an appellate court Dec. 21 and upheld the district court’s Oct. 2 order validating the bond election and requiring Charleston to post the $715,000 security bond to cover the cost of construction delays.

Because Charleston failed to present evidence that established his entitlement to a temporary injunction, the appellate court also upheld the district court’s finding to dismiss him from the suit.

The appellate court dismissed the majority of Charleston’s appeal due to lack of jurisdiction.

A federal suit filed by Charleston on Sept. 24, Jackson v. Waller Independent School District, is pending a trial date, according to WISD attorney Patrick Mizell of Vinson and Elkins.

The school board approved the bond election following a presentation of findings by three citizen’s committees in a yearlong study of financial planning, existing facilities and capacity, including enrollment, growth, and grade structure.

Voters approved the bonds 770 to 446.

Travis Ponder (left) and Austin Williams (right), both 2006 graduates of Tomball High School, pictured with FFA Advisor Jessica Reeves (center), recently received the American Degree at the 80th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. The American Degree is the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization. Ponder and Williams were recognized for demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing and service programs. To be eligible, members must have earned and productively invested $7,500 through a supervised agricultural program. Williams and Ponder were both members of the Tomball FFA Chapter.

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