Tomball council places $1,000 cap on campaign
contributions
By Brian Walzel
Editor
Despite councilman Bill Webb’s staunch opposition, the
Tomball City Council set limits last week on how much money
a city candidate can receive as a campaign contribution.
At a Feb. 4 meeting, the council voted 4-1 to amend an
election law placing a $1,000 limit on any single donation a
candidate for city council can receive.
Webb claimed that the way the ordinance is written
portrays anyone who accepts or donates a large amount of
money as dishonest.
“We have people who have given $5,000,” he said. “Does
that mean they are corrupt?”
Webb was the only council member to vote against the
measure.
The ordinance prohibits any person from making a
political contribution to a candidate of more than $1,000
per election or from a candidate accepting such a donation.
It also disallows anyone from making a contribution to a
political committee of more than $1,000 per election.
According to the ordinance, “in 2006 and 2007,
approximately 5 percent of the contributors to a candidate
contributed more than $1,000,” and that the average total
contribution to city council and mayoral candidates in 2006
and 2007 was approximately $8,250.
The ordinance also states that the city hopes to “promote
integrity, honesty, and ethical conduct…and to prevent
corruption or the appearance of corruption in the conduct of
city government.”
In last May’s election, five candidates sought two
positions.
Gretchen Fagan and Diane Holland ran for the mayoral
seat, while Derek Townsend, Webb and H.G. “Hap” Harrington
ran for Council Position 3.
According to each candidate’s 2007 campaign finance
reports, of all candidates, Webb received the five largest
donations, all of which were more than $1,000.
Art DePue made contributions of $10,000, $3,000 and
$2,000. Gerald Lindermuth donated twice, once for $6,500 and
again for $3,500.
Ron Caster made contributions to Webb’s campaign for
$2,000, $5,000 and $1,000.
Townsend, a write-in candidate, received no donation
matching or exceeding $1,000 and Harrington received two
donations of $1,000, from Teddy Klein and Tomball Regional
Hospital CEO Lynn LeBeouf.
Fagan, who won the mayoral election, received three
donations of $1,000, from Pat Bailey, her mother and
campaign finance manager, Coleen Cook, and from William
Sumner.
Holland received $1,000 donations from Ellen Lenk and
Pearl Fincher, an $1,850 contribution from John Gannon for a
billboard, and a $2,000 contribution from DePue. State Rep.
for District 130 Corbin Van Arsdale contributed $2,055 for
campaign signs for Holland.
Pictured, an Iraqi child holds up a Beanie Baby doll given
to her by Texas servicemen serving in Iraq. Dottie
Wainwright, National Defense Chairman for the Heritage
Trails Daughters of the American Revolution chapter,
corresponds with Staff Sgt. Pharr of the Civil Affairs Team.
“Thanks for the continued support of the troops. We truly
appreciate all the letters of encouragement, e-mails, and
boxes. The children love the toys, especially the Beanie
Babies. Most of these kids have no concept of what a toy or
a stuffed animal is. It's awesome to see their eyes light up
and the smiles on their faces when you hand one to them. We
truly live in the greatest county on Earth and we are
honored to call all of you our friends,” Pharr said.
Submitted Photo Citizen tips prompt arrest,
extradition of California sex offender
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
Due to several reports by citizens of suspicious
behavior, a California sex offender, who failed to register
in Texas, is behind bars awaiting extradition by the San
Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas E. Packer
Through the combined efforts of two local Constables
Office’s, Thomas E. Packer, 45, of Magnolia is in jail on a
$300,000 bond to stand trial for two counts of sexual
assault to a child, among other charges.
“We encourage the citizens to give us a call for anything
that looks out of place,” said Montgomery County Pct. 5
Constable David Hill. He added that the citizen calls
prompted the investigation and Packer’s eventual arrest.
The week of Jan. 28 the Constable’s office received
several complaints from Westwood subdivision residents that
a man driving a yellow 1985 Dodge pickup was stopping at
school bus stops in the early morning hours to talk to
children.
Pct. 5 Dep. Constable Chuck Kennedy was placed on
surveillance for a suspicious vehicle. The morning of Jan.
30 he located Packer and ran an identity check.
Packer told Kennedy he had lived in the area for more
than a year. He said he was a newspaper delivery employee of
Houston Community Newspapers and was only trying to get the
children out of the road, police reported.
However, further investigation returned a non-extradition
warrant from San Bernardino County, Calif. Packer had fled
the state after a warrant was issued for two counts of
sexual assault to a child, resisting arrest, family assault
and telephone harassment.
Packer’s two step-daughters, now in their twenties, made
recent outcry against him of sexual assault dating back to
the ages of 11 and seven respectively, police reported.
Because Packer’s Magnolia address in the 24200 block of
FM 1488 rests in Waller County, Pct. 2 Constable Bill Bright
was contacted to assist in the arrest on Feb. 1 that was
initiated by Pct. 5 deputy constables.
The arrest went smoothly, said Bright. Packer was
magistrated before Waller County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace
Delores Hargraves the same day. He was then transported to
the Montgomery County Jail as the arresting agency.
According to Dep. Constable Dale Park, Packer holds a
previous jail record in the California state prison for
rape. Packer faces an additional charge of failure to file
sex offender status with the state of Texas.
The problem was that San Bernardino did not want him
back, said Hill.
Within three days officials were able to upgrade the
charges, through the efforts of Park and Supervising
District Attorney Denise Devorak of the San Bernardino
District Attorney’s Office. The San Bernardino County
Sheriff’s Office is in route from California to accept
extradition of Packer.
“He had several counts against him and he was a threat to
our neighborhoods,” said Hill. “We wanted them to come and
get him.”
Should Packer contest the extradition, a Governor’s
warrant would be required to send him back to California.
Rodeo proclamations delivered ‘Pony Express’
style
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
The Harris County Junior Deputy Sheriff’s Mounted Posse
arrived in Magnolia Feb. 2 at the Malcolm Purvis Library to
issue proclamations and invitations to city and county
officials for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
City and county officials were given proclamations of
invitation to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Feb. 2 by
members of the Harris County Junior Deputy Sheriff’s Mounted
Posse.
The posse riders travel Pony Express style in 1-mile
increments, passing batons that are signed by city and
county officials in outlying cities. The Posse was
established in 1951 and is a non-profit youth equestrian
organization made up of members ranging in age 6 to 18.
Within the Posse’s ranks is a registered Mustang adorned
with an Arabian tattoo, one of only a few nationwide, owned
by retiring Posse member Allison Glenn.
In addition to the pony express ride, the Posse
participates in numerous events, performing in local rodeos,
parades, the Special Olympics and the MS 150 Ride. When they
are not performing, they are practicing two to three
weekends a month.
This year Posse members dressed in full attire began the
journey Jan. 12, delivering the proclamation to Columbus,
Weimar, Schulenburg, and Hallettsville. After arriving in
Magnolia Feb. 2, the Posse traveled on to Montgomery and
Navasota.
On Feb. 23 the proclamation will be delivered to Waller,
Hempstead, Bellville and Brenham. The final leg of their
journey will end March 1 at the Houston Livestock Show and
Rodeo Parade.
The Posse will ride the route in reverse next year
arriving in Magnolia at 3:30 p.m. for a barbecue celebration
of the event.
Candidate Forum
The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce (GTACC) is
offering “Meet the Candidates,” Tuesday, Feb.12 from 6-8
p.m. at the Elmer L. Beckendorf Conference Center at Lone
Star College-Tomball, located at 30555 Tomball Parkway.
Candidates seeking election to the Texas State
Representative District 130 position, including incumbent
State Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale and B. Allen Fletcher, will
present their views and opinions and answer questions from
the audience. The March 4 Republican Primary Election will
determine the race for District 130. The public is
encouraged to attend this free event. For more information,
call the Chamber office at 281-351-7222.
Mobile Dentist
Waller Independent School District will host a Mobile
Dentist program for students in pre-kindergarten through
eighth grade between March 17 and 19. Sign up is required by
Feb. 20 to receive services. Permission forms will be sent
home from all qualifying campuses. Mobile Dentist will visit
Fields Store Elementary and Holleman Elementary March 17;
Jones Elementary March 18; and Roberts Road Elementary,
Schultz Middle School, and Waller Junior High March 19. For
more information about Mobile Dentist contact Waller ISD
Nurse Karen Reid at kreid[at]wallerisd.net or 936.372.9196
or visit
www.mobiledentist.com.
Chamber Golf Tournament
The GTACC will host its 30th annual golf tournament March 27
at Lake Windcrest Golf Club in Magnolia. The format is a
four-man scramble with prizes awarded. The price includes
green fees, range balls, breakfast and lunch. Beverages will
be provided. There will be two shotgun starts at 8 a.m. and
1 p.m. For more information and to sign up, call
281-351-7222 or e-mail
bbeyer@tomballchamber.org.
School Calendar Survey
The Waller Independent School District is offering an online
survey Feb. 12 to 2 to determine the 2008-09 school
calendar. Because of new state legislative requirements,
school districts may not begin school before Aug. 25, 2008.
This change affects the beginning and ending of first
semester, as well whether school ends in May or June, and
the lengths of Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. The
online survey is available at
www.wallerisd.net. One vote per household is allowed.
Online voting is strongly encouraged. Visit your child’s
campus to submit a paper ballot that can be acquired through
any campus secretary. For information, e-mail
sastephe[at]wallerisd.net or call 936-931-0309.
Tomball names Doerre acting Chief of Police
The City of Tomball announced last week the appointment
of Ricky Doerre as the Acting Chief of Police, effective
Feb. 22, following the resignation of current chief, Michael
Blake. Doerre will serve until a new chief is appointed.
Ricky Doerre
Doerre, a 1984 graduate of Tomball High School, started
with the Tomball Police Department on Oct. 27, 1994. He was
promoted to Captain on Oct. 1, 2003.
Doerre received a bachelor’s degree from Midwestern State
University and is a graduate of the FBI Academy. He holds
both a Master Peace Officer Certificate and Trainer’s
Certificate from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement
Officer Standards and Education.
During Doerre’s tenure with TPD, he has served as a
patrol officer, sergeant of the school resource officer
program, team commander for the strategic response team and
head of investigations.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Captain
Doerre as the acting chief of police,” said City Manager Jan
Belcher. “Captain Doerre has the education, training and
experience to lead the police force until a new chief is
appointed. He also has the support of the men and women of
the department, as well as the community.”
Magnolia Police Chief Ron Cunningham (right) introduces
Tonya Ward (left), a new reserve patrol officer. Ward comes
to the MPD with six and half years experience with the
Harris County Sheriff’s Department. She is married and has
one daughter.
Photo by Cari Herr Same story for Tomball,
Magnolia hoops as season nears a close
By Brian Walzel
Editor
As has been the case for much of the season, the Tomball
Cougars found success on the hardwood Feb. 5 while the
Magnolia Bulldogs struggled in a pair of defeats.
The Tomball Cougars boys’ team all neared a playoff berth
in District 15-5A by knocking off the Klein Bearkats 73-44
at Tomball High School.
Tomball used a full throttle offense to pull out a huge
first half lead, large enough to set the cruise control in
the second half and secure their seventh district win.
The Cougars jumped out to a 25-11 first quarter lead,
which increased to 45-23 by halftime, nearly double what the
Bearkats could muster offensively.
With the win all but secured, head coach Brad Ball called
off the dogs in the second half as Tomball scored just 28
points.
Tomball’s Chase Bartlett scored 17 points in leading the
Cougars, while Reid Wallace and Mitch Powell added 12.
At 6-2 in district play, the Cougars needed only to win
one of their remaining four games as of press time last week
to wrap up a playoff spot. They are currently the third seed
in the district behind Klein Forest (8-1) and Klein Collins
(8-1).
Meanwhile, the Lady Cougars continued their own march
toward the playoffs with a 40-32 road win over the Klein
Lady Bearkats. At 8-3 in district play and with just one
game left in the regular season, the Lady Cougars secured a
playoff spot two weeks ago. But that didn’t mean their
intensity let up against Klein.
After a slow first half in which the two teams combined
for just 32 total points (a 17-15 halftime lead for the Lady
Cougars), Tomball pulled away in the second half. The Lady
Cougars outscored Klein 12-8 in the third quarter and 11-9
in the fourth on their way to the 8-point victory.
Taylor Frank led the team in scoring with 15 points.
Samantha Neal had 12.
At this point, both the Magnolia boys and girls squads
are playing for pride and respectability. Buried in the
standings and both in last place in their respective
districts, Magnolia is now working toward developing for the
future.
The boys’ team struggled in a 59-41 road loss to Oak
Ridge during a game in which the Bulldogs’ offense couldn’t
get much going.
The War Eagles asserted their dominance early, jumping
out to a 34-14 halftime lead. Down by 20 going into the
third quarter, the Bulldogs rallied to cut the lead to 14,
but the War Eagles used a 16-12 fourth quarter to wrap up
the 18-point win.
Michael Abendschein led the Bulldogs with 9 points. With
the loss, Magnolia falls to 4-15 overall and 1-7 in district
play with four games remaining.
Meanwhile, their female counterparts did not fare any
better.
The Lady Bulldogs suffered a heart-breaking 42-38,
4-point loss to the Lady Eagles at Magnolia High School.
Leading 32-25 going into the fourth quarter, the Lady
Bulldogs needed only to play a ball control offense and
limit scoring opportunities for Oak Ridge. But the Lady
Eagles came out gunning and outscored Magnolia 17-6 in the
final frame on their way to the come-from-behind win.
The Lady Bulldogs fell to 8-21 overall and 0-10 in
district play.
Tomball High School head soccer coach Rod Spears (left) and
Athletic Director Bob Fontenot (right) look on as Leigh
Williams (center) signs a soccer scholarship with the
University of Wisconsin–Madison. Williams has played soccer
for eight years. She is also the soccer team co-captain and
plays midfielder. Spears says Williams is equally strong in
the classroom and on the soccer field, and that she is a
good team leader.
Submitted Photo MISD students learn leadership
skills through RYLA
By Cari Herr
Tribune News
Three Magnolia students learned the value of teamwork by
attending an annual Rotary Youth Leadership camp in January.
RYLA is Rotary International’s training program for young
leaders that emphasizes student leadership, citizenship and
personal growth.
Zak Carroll
Magnolia High School junior Zak Carroll, along with MHS
student Laura Chavez and ALPHA Academy student Melanie
Guerra were selected to participate in the program by the
Magnolia Rotary Club through the efforts of MHS Counselor
Teresa Jackson and Principal Jeff Springer.
At the Feb. 5 meeting of the Magnolia Rotary Club,
16-year-old Carroll shared his RYLA camp experience with
Rotarians.
“I didn’t know you could have that much fun without
electricity,” he said. At MHS Carroll is active in theatre
arts, swimming, modeling and is learning French.
Through activities and networking sessions at RYLA camp,
students learned the value of teamwork by identifying each
other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“I left the camp with so many good skills,” said Carroll.
“I learned how to better work with others in a group
setting.”
He added that he has begun tutoring his fellow students
using the teamwork skills he learned, an action he said he
never would have considered before the camp.
Skills learned at camp teach student leaders how to
motivate others to become more involved in their
communities.
Texas Association of Business Houston Coastal Chapter
President Ken Legler presented awards to Dist. 150 State
Rep. Debbie Riddle, Sen. Dan Patrick and Dist. 130 State
Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale at the Greater Tomball Area Chamber
of Commerce monthly luncheon Feb. 1 for their pro-business
voting records. Riddle received the Champion for Free
Enterprise Award, while both Patrick and Van Arsdale
received Fighter for Free Enterprise Awards. Pictured, Miss
Tomball 2008 Caroline Dernek, Van Arsdale, Legler, Riddle
and Patrick.
Photo by Cari Herr Haffner recognized as Citizen
of the Year at annual Chamber gala
By Brian Walzel
Editor
The Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce threw its
biggest party of the year Feb. 1 while awarding its highest
honor, the annual Citizen of the Year award.
Ron Haffner (holding award) was joined by past Citizens of
the Year at the Feb. 1 dinner, including (from left to
right), Bruce Hillegeist (1994), Stephen Hohl (2005), Dr.
Norman Graham (1988), Travis Whitaker (2002), Sandy Krug
(1996), Merritt E. Spencer (2004), and Robert Klein (1995).
Held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and
Convention Center, the annual gala recognizes the Chamber’s
Board of Directors and typically uses the event to name its
Citizen of the Year.
“Ron Haffner is the pre-imminent type of leader,” Chamber
President Bruce Hillegeist said. “He does things to improve
the quality of life for people of Tomball and for his
family, and he doesn’t do it for a reward. He’s really a
dedicated servant of this community.”
This year, that award was named earlier than usual, Dec.
13, when the Chamber named Ron Haffner as its recipient.
During his acceptance speech at the dinner, Haffner said
he was grateful the Chamber notified him of his award in
advance so that his family could attend the event. Haffner’s
wife, mother, children and brothers joined him at the
Chamber gala.
“It just meant a lot to see my mom, my brothers and my
friends in the audience, and to be able to share that honor
with them,” he said.
Haffner was presented the award by last year’s Citizen of
the Year, Stephen Hohl. During his speech, Hohl listed the
numerous accomplishments Haffner has achieved and the
several organizations that he has either chaired or been a
member of.
Haffner served as Chairman of the Tomball Chamber Board
of Directors in 2000 and served on the Executive Board from
1995 to 2000. He was president of the Tomball Rotary Club in
2005 and is a founding member of the Christian Business
Luncheon. He serves on the Board of Directors for the
Tomball Regional Arts Center, Olympic Speed Skater Chad
Hendrik’s 501c(3) Foundation, which supports Special
Olympics and ALS, and has been the Master of Ceremonies for
the Tomball Holiday Parade since 2004.
Haffner graduated from Texas A&M University in 1991 with
a bachelor’s degree in accounting. In June of that year,
Haffner moved to Tomball without knowing a single person in
the area. One of the first places he visited, Haffner said,
was the Chamber office.
“It was a starting point to meet other people who own
businesses in town. And what I got out of that is what I got
from the Chamber. I simply didn’t just pay my dues,” he
said. Haffner is the president of A&M Temporary Services,
Inc., which he started in 1992. He also serves as the
managing partner of Haffner, Haffner, and Spears, a CPA firm
he and his wife Amy own.
In addition to his numerous memberships, Haffner is
currently the chairman of the Tomball Chamber Building for
Tomorrow Capital Campaign, which works to raise money to
help pay for the Chamber offices located at 29201 Quinn
Road.
So far, Haffner has helped raised more than $200,000
toward the $1 million goal. Haffner has two sons, Taylor, 8,
and Mason, 6. He married Amy McPherson in 1994.
Patrick Jankowski, Vice President of Research for the
Greater Houston Partnership spoke on the statistics
supporting the potential for an economic recession at the
Feb. 1 Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce Luncheon.
Photo by Cari Herr
Texas Crossword
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and choose "Save File As...":
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Smith: Landmark Building is ‘Mount Magnolia’ for
community
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
The tallest building in Magnolia is the Landmark Building
and has been dubbed “Mount Magnolia” by former Magnolia
Mayor Cedric Smith. The 47-foot-tall building is located in
the heart of the central business district of Magnolia near
the intersection of FM 1488 and FM 1774.
A view from the Landmark Building, located at 18230 FM 1488,
depicts Magnolia Elementary. Standing at 47-feet, it is the
tallest building in Magnolia and has been dubbed ‘Mount
Magnolia’ by former Mayor Cedric Smith.
Photo by Cari Herr
It is the first three-story brick construction in the
small town. Developers used local historians, architects and
construction companies throughout the project to reflect a
circa 1940 style exterior, as well as throughout the 65,000
square-foot interior.
“It is a piece of architecture that represents the strong
character that we as a community personify when others
interact with us,” said B5 Construction owner Cecil Bell,
Jr., at a recent Magnolia Rotary Club meeting where members
were treated to a tour of the building.
The two and half year journey from conception to grand
opening will culminate in mid-March when tenants in the
building open for business.
Partners of the High Star Inc. development include Bell,
Steve Hoffart, owner of Magnolia Pharmacy, and Dr. Edward
Terrason, director of the Magnolia Health Care Center.
Local historian and author Celeste G. Graves has agreed
to provide historical photographs and artwork that will line
the halls throughout the building depicting the progression
of growth in the community.
According to Bell, the building will provide an amenity
to the community that allows residents access to financial
and medical professionals who can provide the same level of
care and attention they may find in surrounding cities.
Elevators will whisk visitors from floor to floor for
services from tenants, including First Community Bank,
Hoffart’s pharmacy and Terrason’s medical offices, as well
as other medical and professional services.
“Magnolia is on the move in a lot of different areas,”
Bell said, who anticipates the need for professional office
suites.
He believes the 50,000 square feet of available lease
space will house more than medical professionals. In
addition, a 1.78-acre tract of land has been reserved at the
forefront of the site for retail or restaurant space.
For more information, visit
www.magnolialandmarkbuilding.net.
Tomball council approves zoning ordinance, map
By Brian Walzel
Editor
Just more than two years after citizens voted down a
zoning ordinance, the Tomball City Council unanimously
adopted a zoning plan and map Feb. 4, putting into motion a
process that City Manager Jan Belcher said would enact
zoning by March 7.
Members of the Tomball City Council voted Feb. 4 to adopt a
zoning map and ordinance.
Despite a slight reversal of his position by councilman
Bill Webb, council unanimously approved the motion at a Feb.
4 meeting.
In order to formally adopt the measure, council needed to
vote on the plan twice. The first came two weeks ago at the
Jan. 28 meeting.
Webb was one of the five council members who unanimously
approved the plan at that meeting, rather than choosing to
send the measure to voters for a May election.
However, at the Feb. 4 meeting, Webb made an initial vote
for turning the plan over to the citizens to decide.
Webb said that he did so “for no particular reason.”
“I’m for zoning,” he said. “I wanted to make a statement
that I believe it should go to the public. And I think it
would pass.”
The crowd at the Feb. 4 meeting was significantly fewer,
but just as vociferous. About a dozen people addressed the
council, with some, such as Rick Tomlinson, Michael Kelly
and Tina Salem, pleading with its members to “stay the
course,” and finalize the zoning plan.
“I think Tomball took a step in the right direction in
protecting our schools and our neighborhoods,” Salem said.
Others either asked council to turn the vote over to the
public or disputed the designation of certain properties.
“I am for good zoning,” said Derek Townsend. “But let the
voters decide on it. I still feel like we have the right to
vote on huge issues like zoning and (Hooks) Airport.”
Preston Dodson spoke on behalf of a client who owns three
tracts of land on Medical Complex Drive, Cherry St., and
Michel St. According to Dodson, the tracts of land owned by
his client have been designated single family-residential,
but would prefer they either be re-zoned to commercial or
light industrial.
The adopted ordinance allows property owners to address
the Zoning Commission and request a re-designation.
Following the unanimous approval by the council, many of
those in attendance who supported zoning stood and applauded
the measure.
From the Book of Clifford
By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer
Last week I started a new two-part story. Here is a
recap. I temporarily lost my mind and filled my diesel truck
with gasoline (for the third time in my life!) On my way to
the ranch the motor died in the middle of US 290 at the
Chappell Hill intersection. An immediate adrenalin rush and
the grace of God allowed me to push my truck and gooseneck
trailer to the right-hand turn lane by myself!
I made a call to Lee Chapman of Tomball Paint and Body
for a tow home, but my first call went to my friends in
Washington, Texas, Robert and Jennifer Blystone. They were
on their way to pull me completely off the highway and onto
a parking lot. The story resumes.
As I stood on the side of the road contemplating the rest
of my day, I saw Robert and Jennifer pull up in their old
blue farm truck. Anyone who has ever lived in the country
knows there is a big difference between a regular truck and
a farm truck. A regular truck can be pretty and kept clean.
A farm truck, however, doesn’t need a lot of care. No need
in washing the thing too often ’cause it’s just gonna get
dirty all over again. No need in fixing the dents ’cause
it’s just gonna get re-scratched and re-dented. Bailing wire
and duct tape can do wonders for a good truck.
Robert’s truck has probably seen it all. The truck has
probably driven through every kind of dung imaginable at one
time or another and it has probably hit more mud holes than
can be found on a City of Houston street. The truck is
simply a great, wonderful, dependable tool that is there
when you need it.
As he pulled in front of me, I started to hook up a chain
while watching for traffic. Robert went to his truck with
Jennifer in the passenger seat and I went to mine. We had
already discussed our strategy for getting across the busy
highway. It was decided that I would signal him when it was
safe to pull into traffic. The next few seconds of my life
seemed like an eternity!
As he tightened the chain, I studied my rear and side
mirrors for a large break in the traffic. The traffic
cleared and I gave him the signal to pull ahead.
I could hear his truck engine revving and I could feel my
truck wanting to lunge forward from the pull. Louder and
louder, he revved his engine and, suddenly, his tires broke
ground and started spinning as his truck began to bounce and
smoke.
My truck started shaking and wanted to move from the
overstretched chain, but I was going nowhere. Smoke was
billowing more and more from his truck and I thought he was
going to jerk the rear end out of his old farm truck!
Immediately my mind was wondering how in the world I
pushed my rig by myself when his old truck wouldn’t pull the
hat off my head! Bouncing, smoking, shaking, and pulling was
all I could see when, suddenly, my mind kicked into gear.
“Neutral, you dummy, neutral! Put your truck in neutral!
Take it out of park!”
As I glanced down and pulled the stick shift to neutral I
rechecked the mirror and all was still clear. When I hit
neutral we took off across the highway like a bullet. I felt
like reciting those famous words from Martin Luther King,
“Free at last free at last! Thank God I’m free at last!”
As we turned into the Chappell Hill Restaurant parking
lot I felt an extreme sigh of relief knowing that I was
finally safely off the road.
A short time later, Lee showed up with his wrecker. I
asked him to take my truck to Mueller’s Auto because Billy
had drained it the last time I did this. Lee dropped me off
at home and I grabbed my other truck and headed back to the
ranch that afternoon to feed my hungry cows. The day was
saved, thanks to my good friends!
Now, lest you think I am the only person who has ever
done bad things to my diesel truck, I heard there is some
guy in town that has actually ran his truck completely out
of diesel, which is also a no-no. Rumor has it he has done
this twice!
One more time and he can join my Diesel Association Motor
Club for Forgetful Old Men. I can’t remember the guy’s name
because, from what I hear, he has several aliases. He goes
by names like Bo, Beau, Beaux, Bimbo, Johnny, J.A., Johnny
A, and several other names. His last name is also an alias,
as I have heard it as Miller, Mueller, Moeller, and several
other versions. I hope to meet him someday.
-- Clifford Magnolia Family YMCA kicks off
2008 Partners Campaign
The Magnolia Family YMCA 2008 Partners Campaign is
officially underway. This year’s campaign includes local
volunteers and YMCA staff who will share the YMCA story and
reach out to community members to help raise funds to
provide less fortunate children, teens, and families with
scholarships and program subsidies to participate in YMCA
values centered programs.
Helping kick off the Magnolia Family YMCA Partners Campaign
with a $1,000 gift to the campaign were (from left to right)
Pct. 2 County Commissioner Craig Doyal, Sheriff Tommy Gage,
Constable David Hill and Pct. Justice of the Peace Matt
Madsen, along with Chad Swirczek and Kip Gary, YMCA Partners
Campaign Chairman.
“There are people in need living in our communities, each
with a different set of circumstances that might make it
difficult to afford our services,” said Chad Swirczek,
Magnolia YMCA Center Executive Director. “The Partners
Campaign raises funds for these individuals and families in
mind, those who otherwise could not benefit from our
programs.”
According to Swirczek, the money raised during this
campaign goes directly to children and families who need
YMCA values-based programs like youth sports, after school
child care, summer camp and swim lessons.
“Your donation could mean that a working parent can feel
at ease, knowing their child has a safe, nurturing place to
go after school,” he said. “One hundred percent of every
dollar raised for the Magnolia Family YMCA stays in the
Magnolia community.”
Through local donors, the YMCA strives to fulfill its
mission to provide its services to everyone, regardless of
their inability to pay. The Magnolia Family YMCA Partners
goal this year is $50,000. Achieving this goal will mean
that more people will be able to experience YMCA programs.
For more information, call the Magnolia Family YMCA at
281- 356-4077.
Jones Elementary students, PE teacher reaping
benefits of TOT program
Three years ago, Jones Elementary School (JES) physical
education teacher Peggy Holz saw a demonstration of Teams of
Tomorrow (TOT) while attending the annual Texas Association
for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance
convention. Holz thought the program would be fun and
exciting for her students. Every year since she has returned
to the convention and learned more about the program. Holz
set out to find a corporate sponsor and found SEC Energy
Products and Services, LP (SEC) based in Houston, co-founded
by Waller ISD Board President Bo Pierce. The company has
agreed to sponsor the program at JES.
Bo Pierce, co-founder of SEC Energy Products and Services
visited Jones Elementary School Jan. 18 to give a gift to
physical education teacher Peggy Holz. Pictured, JES
students pose with (back row, left to right) Waller ISD
Superintendent Richard McReavy, Holz, Pierce, and Principal
Carol Bates.
Students at JES are excited to begin TOT, an innovative
and new physical education program, which includes creative
ball handling and dribbling drills for elementary students.
After going through the lessons, students will be ready
to perform at community events. For more information on the
program, visit
teamsoftomorrow.com.
Tomball Police Officer Marc Langdon was recognized Feb. 1 as
the Public Safety Officer of the Month for January at the
Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon.
Pictured (left to right), Miss Tomball 2008 Caroline Dernek,
Ashley Crisler of Woodforest National Bank, Tomball PD Capt.
Rick Grassi, Langdon, wife Amy, and daughter Meredith, age
4.
Photo by Cari Herr Brookshire officials arrested
for alleged contract skimming
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
After a yearlong investigation, the FBI with the
assistance of Constable Bill Bright of Waller County Pct. 2
was successful in netting two arrests Jan. 25 with more
forthcoming in what Bright called a conspiracy of bribery
and kickbacks across the county.
The investigation began in June of 2005. Bright was
invited to participate in February of 2007. In less than a
year, a federal warrant and indictment were issued.
Named in the Jan. 25 indictment were former Brookshire
Mayor Keith Woods and former Brookshire Public Works
Director Henry Cheney. Both were arrested and charged in a
conspiracy to use their official positions to skim personal
profit from federal grants awarded to the city.
Cheney was arrested at his home without incident, said
Bright. Once Cheney was securely in custody, Bright and FBI
Agents immediately proceeded to Woods’ residence where they
detained and arrested the former mayor.
Woods, now the city's economic development coordinator,
ended a 10-year run as mayor of the town of 4,000 last year.
Cheney was on the Brookshire payroll for five years until
last year.
According to the indictment, information for the arrests
came from a demolition contractor who provided cash to Woods
and Cheney to receive four city contracts. The 30-page
document does not name the contractor.
The six-count indictment accuses Woods, 41, of receiving
$5,650 and alleges that Henry Cheney, 55, netted $700 from
the scheme.
Woods and Cheney appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge
the same day and were released from federal custody on
$100,000 signature bonds.
WHS girl’s wrestling team wins state dual
champions title
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
The Waller High School (WHS) Lady Bulldogs girls
wrestling team clinched the win in the state dual
championship Jan. 19 at the Katy ISD Merrell Center.
(WHS) Lady Bulldogs girls wrestling team wins the state dual
championship at Katy ISD Merrell Center.
Competing with the top wrestling teams from across Texas,
the Lady Bulldogs were joined by the Cypress Ridge Lady Rams
as the two Houston area girls team representatives were
recognized as the best overall wrestling teams in the state.
The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Rams are the first Houston
teams to reach a state dual final in the 11-year history of
the tournament.
WHS, seeded third in the tournament, opened with a 42-18
quarterfinal win against El Paso-Hanks. They then met
Frisco-Centennial in the semifinals where Waller edged
Centennial 33-22.
The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Rams last met at Cy-Ridge High
School Jan. 17 and tied each other 30-30, with the
tiebreaker going to Waller. They repeated that win at the
Jan. 19 competition tying the score at 27. Waller won on
criteria, which is a count of all first points scored in
matches.
“The match came down to most first points scored. We had
12 scored first, they had 3. We have been preaching for the
last four years to be aggressive and always attack. It paid
off this time,” said head coach Jason Thurston.
A major advantage the Lady Bulldogs held over many of the
other teams competing in the tournament was its depth.
Having several girls at different weight classes gives a
coach tremendous strategic advantages to create match-ups
that benefit a team.
The state dual championship differs from District,
Regional, and State title competitions. Victories are
decided by how each wrestler competes head to head with one
other team. That demonstrates the strength of an entire team
of girls over a total of 10 weight classes, versus a
measurement of several quality kids in a program that is
scored similar to a track meet.
“This was the first year that our school district allowed
us to travel outside of Houston and we took advantage of
it,” said Thurston. “So what you saw on the bench in
excitement and atmosphere; that was definitely a product of
traveling together.”
J.L. Lyon Elementary held a fundraiser to benefit St.
Vincent de Paul culminating in a Souper Bowl football game
Feb. 1 between staff members and fifth grade students. The
staff won 28-23. The fundraiser netted $700 from a school
wide penny drive and staff donations, in addition to many
cases of non perishable food items. Pictured (left to right,
front row), Erwin Garcia, Irma Patton, Meredith Holmes,
Tracy Colley, Heather Hornsby, Kristin McNulty, Donna
Mugavero, and (left to right, back row) Herman Gonzalez,
Donna Hargrave, Kristen Roden, Misty Poissoit, Mary Petteys,
Yolanda Rodriguez, and Mark Smith.
Submitted Photo Benefit concert set for
12-year-old burn victim
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
A concert fundraiser is set for Feb. 16 to benefit Joshua
Shupak, 12, who is recovering after being burned on more
than 85 percent of his body at a family birthday party last
year. The event begins at 8 p.m. at Mainstreet Crossing,
located at 1111 W. Main St. in Tomball.
Joshua Shupak
Joshua and his father Donald were badly burned in an
accident Nov. 18 involving a small campfire. Joshua, a
former Magnolia Elementary fifth grader, and Gladiators
football player, was home for a visit with his father when
the incident occurred.
Donald was transported to the University of Texas Medical
Branch. He has undergone numerous skin grafting surgeries
and treatment for extensive burns on almost half of his
body. Donald was released prior to Christmas and is back
home in Magnolia. His family held a benefit for him in
Victoria in early January.
Joshua was flown to Shriner’s Burn Center in Galveston.
Because of extensive burns on 85 percent of his body, Joshua
has undergone trimming of his fingers and ears and some skin
grafting. His mother, Cheryl Shupak, has been living in a
hotel in Galveston through Medicaid assistance.
Joshua was released from the hospital on Jan. 24. Cheryl
relocated to Galveston two weeks ago to care for him full
time while he undergoes therapy and many more surgical
procedures.
“It’s a time consuming process, but we’re here for him,”
said Cheryl. “He’s still frightened of the unknown, but he’s
doing well.”
His hands are wrapped and Joshua is not able to write or
draw yet. Joshua will miss the school year. Doctors say he
will be able to start school again within six months, with
the aid of a laptop, donated by Dell, and voice activated
software.
“Joshua is walking and talking,” said Cheryl. “He’s had
fourteen surgeries, but he’s improving.”
If the doctors release him, Cheryl said, Joshua will be
able to attend the concert. All proceeds from the concert
will go to Cheryl Shupak to pay for the many expenses the
family has incurred.
435th District Court sets
civil commitment of sex offenders
By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff
The newly established 435th District Court’s purpose is
not for the criminal commitment, but for the civil
commitment of sexually violent predators. It is the first
district court in the state to serve every county in the
state.
The court will determine by jury if existing sex
offenders should be classified as sexually violent predators
and whether the offender is likely to commit another
sexually violent crime and setting the conditions of
commitment.
If an offender meets the requirements, he or she will be
assigned to one of five halfway houses in the state and will
be required to wear a GPS tracking device.
The court will also act as an overflow court for felony
criminal proceedings.
This year marks the first election year for the bench in
the new court that was established by the Texas legislature
effective Sept.1. All the candidates running for District
Judge of the 435th Judicial District Court are attorneys and
have filed as republicans.
Listed alphabetically, candidates include:
Scott Golemon
20 years civil trial work and community support
Strength: Civil litigation
Promise: Protect the citizens
Hardline: Experience and community involvement
Priority: Service
Contact: 100 IH 45 N., Ste. 100-A Conroe, TX 77301, or call
936-441-0388;
JD Lambright
8 years civil, criminal work 25 years Shell Oil, retired
Strength: Personnel, budget
Promise: Equitable justice
Hardline: Follow the rules of civil, criminal prosecution
Priority: Demeanor
Contact: 15132 Walden Rd. Montgomery, TX 77356, or call
936-539-3499
Mike Seiler
14 years county Asst. DA 221st District Court Chief
Strength: Criminal trial work
Promise: 50 jury trials a year
Hardline: Pedophiles cannot be cured, only treated
Priority: Protection
Contact: 318 South Silvershire Circle, The Woodlands, TX
77381, or call 936-539-7800.
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