30 residents lose homes after 3-alarm fire at Tomball complex

By Brian Walzel
Editor

A fire that broke out in the early morning hours at Cobble Creek Apartments on Lawrence Street in Tomball destroyed an entire building and displaced more than 30 people.

A fire at Cobble Creek Apartments in Tomball completely destroyed Building 2 of the complex.

According to Tomball Fire Department Chief Randy Parr, the fire began at approximately 1 a.m., but had been burning for a while before anyone noticed. By the time fire fighters arrived on the scene, much of the damage had already been done.

“I knew we were probably in a losing battle,” Parr said.

Residents of Building 2 were evacuated and there were no reported injuries, but the building and its contents were destroyed. Of the 16 apartments in Building 2, 13 were occupied.

When fire fighters did arrive and gained entrance to one of the apartments, the second floor of the building collapsed into the first.

“We are very fortunate we didn’t have fire fighter injuries or worse,” Parr said.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but the preliminary findings by the Fire Department have revealed that the incident was likely an accident.

“But, it’s difficult to pinpoint the cause of the fire because of the amount of destruction,” Parr said.

He added that part of the cause of the massive destruction was high winds.

Several local fire departments aided Tomball in fighting the blaze, including those from Klein, Spring, Magnolia, Rosehill, Cypress Creek, and Northwest.

“They did a remarkable job of keeping the fire off the other buildings,” Parr said.

He also praised the support of local police, public works, EMS and the Tomball Community Center, which was open to shelter the victims of the fire.

Red Cross set up a shelter at ChristBridge Church where many victims fled.

“The guys did a great job in spite of the destruction of the building,” Parr said. “It could have burned the entire complex down.”

The fire had mostly been extinguished by early morning, although a tanker truck remained at the complex throughout the following day to extinguish the few remaining hot spots smoldering in the building.

The Texas Cattleman trail riders passed through Magnolia on Feb. 26 as horses, buggies and covered wagons headed past City Hall east on FM 1488 towards the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade to be held March 1.
Submitted Photo

Constables crack down on child support violators

Fifteen local parents who were in violation of court ordered child support were arrested Feb. 28 in a countywide sweep conducted by the Montgomery County Constables Office.

The countywide sweep, which was conducted in conjunction with Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Child Support Division, targets parents who are wanted by authorities for failing to pay their court-ordered child support, according to a press release by Abbott’s office.

In addition to Pct. 5 Constable David Hill, Pct. 1 Constable Don Chumley; Pct. 2 Constable Gene DeForest; Pct. 3 Constable Tim Holifield; and Pct. 4 Constable Travis Bishop participated in the arrests. Investigators with the Attorney General’s Child Support Division aided the constables by providing logistical assistance to locate missing parents.

The arrested parents owed a total of more than $219,000 in back child support payments. Amounts ranged from less than $4,000 to more than $40,000.

“Parents have a moral and legal obligation to make regular child support payments,” Abbott said.

Delinquent parents arrested in the roundup face up to six months in jail. Cash bonds that parents post to get out of jail are paid to the custodial parents and children who are owed back child support.

Statewide, child support collected by the Office of the Attorney General exceeded $2.3 billion for the state fiscal year that ended Aug. 31, 2007. Montgomery County parents received $24 million of that amount.

Parents can avoid arrest by paying child support in full and on time. Those who have fallen behind on their child support payments should contact the AG’s Child Support Division at 800-252-8014 to make payment arrangements.

Much of Harris County seats to be decided in November election

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Tomorrow’s primary election will finally bring to a conclusion a frenzy of political posturing and will also set up what will no doubt be a heated November general election.

Several races in Harris County will be decided in the March 4 primary, while others will only decide each party’s winner and send them on to the November election to square off.

One of the most hotly contested races this year has been for District 130 State Representative between incumbent Corbin Van Arsdale and challenger Allen Fletcher.

Van Arsdale was elected to the House in 2002 and has run on a ticket of battling illegal immigration in Texas, cutting government spending and easing property taxes.

Fletcher has also run on a campaign of fighting illegal immigration and has also targeted appraisal caps, property taxes and increased college tuition as issues he would work to improve.

In another race that will be decided in tomorrow’s primary, Harris County Pct. 4 Constable Ron Hickman is facing a pair of challengers for that position in Louis Guthrie and Lindsay Siriko.

The seat for Dist. 4 State Senator is also up for grabs, with Michael Galloway facing incumbent Tommy Williams.

While two of the higher profile races affecting the Tomball area will be decided in the primary, tomorrow’s vote is only the first step in winning the election. Several local races won’t be determined until November with both Democrats and Republicans fighting for nominations.

District 10 U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul is running unopposed in the primary, but will face a Democratic challenger in November, either Larry Joe Doherty or Dan Grant, whoever comes out on top after tomorrow’s vote.

In the Harris County District Attorney’s race, Democrat C.O. “Brad” Bradford is running unopposed in the primary, but will face off against the winner of a cluster of Republican candidates in a scramble to take advantage of Chuck Rosenthal’s recent resignation.

Kelly Siegler, Doug Perry, Pat Lykos and Jim Leitner are all battling for the Republican nomination.

The race for Harris County Judge is also crowded with two Republican candidates, incumbent Ed Emmett against Charles Bacarisse, and two Democrats, David Mincberg and Ahmad Hassan vying for their party’s nominations.

Another race that won’t be decided until November is that of the Harris County Sheriff. Six candidates, three Democrats and three Republicans, are on the ballot to unseat Tommy Thomas.

For the Republicans, Michael F. Plagens, Paul Day and Thomas are on the ballot, while Charles Massey, Adrian Garcia and Guy Robert Clark are battling for the Democratic nomination.

Lakewood Elementary kindergarten teacher Sharon Pauley (left) helps Noah Olson (right) with an assignment at an independent reading station. Pauley created various learning stations and divided the students into groups. As each group rotated to different stations, they learned a new skill.
Submitted Photo

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

Last week I shared with you just one of the many, many mishaps I have had in life when it comes to handyman projects. Over the years I have developed quite a reputation for being the guy that you DO NOT want helping you around the house with repair projects.

If it ain’t broke too bad, just let me at it. I can finish ‘er off.

My life’s comedy of issues was something that I had hoped would stop with me, but unfortunately I have passed my misgivings on to the next generation. Read on.

Just a tad bit over a year ago my son got married. We have always said, “He prayed and God gave.” My daughter-in-law is a sweetheart and I am very proud of both of them as they just recently celebrated their first year in marriage.

Good fortune has recently found them with the ability to purchase a very nice home in a nice, quiet neighborhood. The home is structurally sound, but did need some cosmetic repairs.

When your children marry, the marriage comes with baggage. Now baggage is not a bad word because some baggage is good baggage and some baggage is bad. In our case both of my children have brought good baggage with them. The in-laws!

I fully understand this baggage issue is a two way street and we have been extremely fortunate that the in-laws are great people and I know they respect us as much as we respect them. (After this story is over I hope this still holds true!)

For the sake of this story I may use a fake name. We will call the in-laws Harold and Jean. Let’s also maybe give them a fake last name like Misdemeanor...naw. Let’s make them Fellons.

Harold and Jean have spent many hours into the house helping Justin and Katie get the house cleaned up, painted and other repairs. The house is really coming along. Part of the work being done is new countertops. So a few days ago my son and Harold were tearing out the old countertop, getting ready for the new one.

Part of the project was the removal of the kitchen sink. After cutting off the two faucets under the sink Harold began the process of unscrewing the supply line for the cut off valve. As he began unscrewing the line, a small amount of water began to flow from the line and I am sure Harold thought it was simply a small amount of backflow draining down, so he continued to unscrew the line.

Suddenly the water began to gush from this line and Harold did his best to stop the water with his hand.

As seconds passed, people started running around the house knowing Harold was in trouble as they were all hollering, “cut off the water, cut off the water!”

Harold once again grabbed the little handle on the cut off valve and it was already screwed down as tight as it would go. Seconds continued to pass and people were still hollering and scurrying around trying to figure out what to do.

I am sure Harold was hollering orders, but they were not sure exactly where the cut off was outside. As panic continued Harold suddenly felt the line begin to get hotter and hotter, so much to the point that he could no longer try to stop the flow.

As seconds turned into a minute they ran outside and found the meter and were able to stop the flow by turning off the water supply to the entire house.

The clean up began with a wet vac. After a while the tile floor had been properly vacuumed and they were feeling pretty good about sucking up most of the water to avoid further damage.

It was my son’s duty to empty the water in the Wet-Vac, so he carried the cleaner over to the kitchen sink. He hoisted it up on the remaining countertop and poured the entire contents down the kitchen sink…when…suddenly….the same water they had just vacuumed off the floor began running down the sink and back onto the floor!

He had forgotten the fact that the drain lines had already been removed from the sink!

I really, really thought Harold was going to bring a mishap free handyman education to my son.

Alas. My son doesn’t have a handyman’s chance in China with a dad like me and a father-in-law like Harold Fellon.

Join the Club Son.

-- Clifford

Sallie and Sadie take a break from pulling Wagon No. 6 of the Sam Houston Trail Riders during their Feb. 26 stop in Tomball. The ride was established in 1955 and follows a 70-mile trek to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Parade held in downtown Houston on March 1.

Seven seek election for Waller County Sheriff

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

With Sheriff Randy Smith’s announcement that he would not run for re-election, a horde of candidates have filed for the March 4 primary in the race for Waller County Sheriff, including two Democrats and five Republicans.

At an election forum Feb. 21 sponsored by the Waller Area Chamber of Commerce, each of the seven candidates expressed the prevailing opinion that they were the best man for the position in making Waller County a better, safer place to live.

R. Glenn Smith (R) began his law enforcement career 29 years ago in Grimes County. He has been the Chief of Police of Hempstead for the past six years. He was the Chief Deputy Sheriff in Sabine County, spent seven years on a narcotics task force with two years as commander and 10 years with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

“I push education. I think the best education out there creates the best officer,” said Smith. “As the sheriff, I would want to see to it that we do our part to keep our neighborhoods safe.” Some plans include high-visibility patrols, special units for specific crime areas, a narcotic task force and a substation at the south end to keep people closer to the sheriff’s office.

Jeron Barnett (D) began his law enforcement career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office 22 years ago. He is currently a Katy Police Department patrolman and Crime Prevention Officer. He has a Master Peace officer’s certification. Barnett said he has worked in Washington County teaching and training recruits and worked investigations and narcotics.

“We must get into the community to help solidify ourselves,” Barnett said. “Unity is of the utmost importance. We must work together.” He believes the sheriff’s office must merge with other law enforcement entities to get more done to address domestic violence and drugs through training and education in working with youth, homeowners associations, businesses and chambers of commerce.

Joe Hester (D) began law enforcement 34 years ago. He has 24 years experience as a supervisor, with 17 of those years spent as the Chief of Police in Denver City (seven and a half years), Hempstead (six years) and Navasota (three and a half years). He is a graduate of the FBI Academy.

“I have experience working with city and county councils of government, school districts and other law enforcement agencies. I have experience working with budgets and management experience,” said Hester.

Brian Nichols (R) began his career as a paramedic in 1986. He joined the Waller County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) as a reserve officer in 1996 where he is currently an investigator. Nichols serves as the county’s appointed Emergency Management Coordinator, the coordinator for Waller County Crime Stoppers, and serves as a director on the Waller-Harris ESD 200.

“I believe I am the most qualified to be the next sheriff of Waller County,” said Nichols. “The WCSO has some issues. I think that we’re stagnant. I think I can get us to be more proactive as a law enforcement agency for the county.”

Harold Barthe (R) is a 27-year veteran of the Houston Police Department where he worked patrol across Houston, was the lead investigator in the narcotics division, and was instrumental in a 1980 Brookshire narcotics arrest. He served six years on the board of directors for the Houston Police Officer’s Union implementing an online degree plan for the department.

“We need to beef up and educate our patrol force and increase the educational opportunities for officers,” Barthe said. He believes that will justify the payment of a solid wage to prevent losing good officers to surrounding counties. “We have to have a partnership to build a team in Waller County amongst the citizens and law enforcement agencies, the school district and the commissioners.”

Robert Burns (D) began his career as an emergency medical technician and a volunteer fireman. He graduated from the police academy and joined the Hempstead Police Department 18 years ago as a dispatcher. He is currently a patrol sergeant with the WCSO where he worked a five-year detachment to a three-county narcotics task force.

“My plan for Waller County is called ‘No Gaps Law Enforcement,’” Burns said, “and is achieved by maintaining a lasting partnership with every law enforcement agency within this county and in surrounding counties, as well as civic groups, EMS, VFD, Chambers and EDCs where we would share and disseminate crime trends in the area.”

Joey Williams (R) has 20 years in law enforcement with two years at the Hempstead Police Department and nine years at the WCSO.

“I believe we need to bring back integrity and responsibility, both professionally and personally,” Williams said. “I believe we need to have resource management and to restructure the office by having the right people in the right place working with other law enforcement communities.”

TxDOT issues new directive due to overwhelming opposition

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

After many years and millions of dollars spent on planning, development and marketing, TxDOT officials are seeking a compromise with Texans on the development of the Trans Texas Corridor.

Hank Gilbert of Texans Uniting for Reform and Freedom (TURF) encouraged residents at a Feb. 27 public hearing to continue the fight for a return to representative government going into the 2009 Legislature.

Most recently, new directives have been issued to proceed into Tier 2 development of the I-69 corridor (TTC/I-69) using existing infrastructure.

That action is a result of the overwhelming public opinion of Texans in the pathway of the proposed corridor who are adamantly opposed to the development, making TxDOT the focus of multiple lawsuits and investigations.

As with other public hearings held during February, in attendance at the Feb. 27 TxDOT meeting at Waller High School were city, county and state representatives, all expressing their opposition to the corridor and supporting the “No Action Alternative.”

Dist. 130 Rep. Corbin Van Arsdale, Dist. 28 Rep. John Zerwes and Dist. 138 Rep. Dwayne Bohac all issued statements requesting an investigation into TxDOT’s actions regarding the corridor, including, among other things, the alleged illegal involvement of Cintra lobbyist Dan Shelley and the misuse of public funds.

Van Arsdale said that if TxDOT did not halt the development of the proposed footprint, the legislature would work to halt it for them.

While it may be premature to say that the currently proposed route has been abandoned, TxDOT Executive Director Amadeo Saenz issued a recent directive to make the use of existing infrastructure primary going into the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS).

“This policy is pretty new,” said Jack Heiss, project manager for the TTC/I-69. “It’s the internal policy of the department, but is external to the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), which does not recommend we use existing infrastructure.”

Heiss received the new directive on the project through Phil Russell, TxDOT Assistant Executive Director for Innovative Project Development, who has said that the project will now likely be an upgrade of existing facilities.

“The policy I have been directed to follow, as we move forward, is to explore and exhaust the possibilities of using existing infrastructure,” said Heiss.

Through the DEIS, existing infrastructure automatically proceeds to Tier 2 for consideration in the FEIS. However, the new directive is that those existing infrastructures will be considered first, said Heiss.

Those existing infrastructures include US 59, US 77, US 281 and SH 44 near Corpus Christi.

More than 85 priority projects are first in line to receive any portion of the $5 billion in revenue bonds yet to be appropriated by the 81st Legislature. Included in that list is the upgrade along US 77 to an interstate, between Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley.

Until then, TxDOT has suspended work on millions of dollars of developments across the state because the federal government has rescinded more than $1 billion in federal highway monies from TxDOT’s budget.

That, in combination with the loss of private investment dollars through SB 792, coupled with a deficit spending approach to future gas tax dollars over the last several years, has placed TxDOT in a self-professed “financially challenged” position.

Residents issuing substantive comments on the DEIS have made it clear that they believe the DEIS for the TTC/I-69 does not address many prevalent issues.

Speakers cited a lack of agricultural land mitigation, a lack of air and noise pollution factors, water shed and flooding contingencies, water resource conservation, and the threat to endangered species indigenous to Waller County.

In addition, many voiced concern that the DEIS makes no provision for emergency services and school district access cost calculations and impacts, as well as concern that the corridor may overlay natural open spaces, such as Camp Allen Pentecostal Retreat and the Katy Prairie Conservancy.

Magnolia Junior High Principal Mark Weatherly (left) receives a $1,000 check from Farmers Insurance Group District Recruiting Manager Shyllo DeLaCruz (center) and Magnolia Farmers Agent Mark Davidson (right). The donation will go toward a new sound system for the school’s gymnasium.
Photo by Cari Herr

BP MS 150 ‘Magnolia Miles’ set for March 8

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

Magnolia Miles is a BP MS 150 Recommended Ride that offers both an individual ride and a family ride. The rides begin at 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. respectively on March 8.

The starting line will be at Magnolia Junior High School, located at 31138 Nichols Sawmill Road. The ride offers five options, including an 11-mile family ride, and 24-, 42-, 52-, and 72-mile rides, and requires a signed waiver and release of liability.

The event is co-sponsored by the Holy Name Passionist Retreat Center (HNPRC) and the Magnolia Area Chamber of Commerce.

Holy Name is located in Houston in the heart of the Memorial district and is home to many active 12-step recovery programs for all types of addictions.

The center hosts retreats for Catholic men, women, youth and young adults, as well as conferences and retreats for non-profit organizations.

The Chamber has been active in southwest Montgomery County for 30 years, representing businesses located in and out of the area in legislative, mobility and economic issues, as well as sponsoring public events and providing more than $4,500 in annual scholarships to area students.

Proceeds from the event benefit HNPRC programming, which has committed 25 percent of the proceeds to the Chamber, according to MACC President Anne Sundquist.

Rest stop sponsorships are available, supplemented through the assistance of student volunteers. For more information, visit www.magnoliatexas.org or call 281-356-1488.

The cost is $30 per person and $50 per family and includes a free T-shirt if registered before Feb. 29. The cost increases to $35 per person the day of the ride.

Register online before March 6 at www.magnoliamiles.org, or e-mail heidihnrc@yahoo.com.

For more information on the retreat center, visit www.passionist.org/holyname or call 713-464-0211.

Teen suspected of arson at Lone Star College turns himself in

By Brian Walzel
Editor

A teen believed to have set several small fires at Lone Star College-Tomball has turned himself into police, the Tomball Fire Department has reported.

The 14-year-old white male, whose name was not released, turned himself into to Tomball Police on Feb. 27, 11 days after the fires occurred at the college.

According to the Tomball Fire Department, “a person of interest was observed on video surveillance tape inside the college with the time line matching and placed him as the only person in the area at the time of the fires and the alarm activating.”

More than five people identified the suspect through photographs taken from the scene. The teen was placed in custody, booked and transferred to Harris County Juvenile Detention by the Tomball Fire Marshal’s Office.

The fires occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on Feb. 16. According to the Fire Department, “the responding units found evidence of three fires, all of which had been extinguished with minor damage.”

Investigators found that fires had been ignited in the men’s locker room, where toilet paper and carpet had been burned, in a hallway, where paper, a bulletin board and carpet had been burned, and in the commons lounge area, where a plastic tree in and carpet had been burned.

During the investigation the teen was interviewed by arson investigators. After investigators presented evidence placing him at the scene during the time of the fires, he confessed.

Tomball Junior High eighth graders Jaclyn McCoy (left) and Maggie Barraza (right) display their rodeo artwork entries, which were judged in the TISD Rodeo Art Competition. McCoy received Best of Show for her creation and Barraza came in first place.
Submitted Photo

Tomball Fire Department partners with smoke alarm campaign

The Tomball Fire Department will be accepting donations of free smoke alarms from the “Smoke Alarms in Every Home, a Charitable Campaign of Wayne Wright Lawyers,” at the March 3 Tomball City Council Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wayne Wright Lawyers, a law firm with offices in Corpus Christi, Austin, San Antonio, Houston and El Paso, created the “Smoke Alarms in Every Home” campaign to ensure that free smoke alarms are installed in the homes of every family without one.

To accomplish this goal in Tomball, Wayne Wright Lawyers is partnering with the Tomball Fire Department to identify the need for smoke alarms in their area and to install them for free.

The campaign was launched in December of 2006 with the San Antonio Fire Department after nine people in San Antonio perished from fires in homes that were not equipped with smoke alarms. Three of these lives, Senator Frank Madla, his granddaughter and his mother-in-law, brought media attention to this issue. The high number of fire related deaths due to an absent or non-working smoke alarm inspired Wayne Wright Lawyers to take action and help prevent future fire fatalities.

In one year, the “Smoke Alarms in Every Home” campaign has created partnerships with more than 74 different fire departments across south Texas and to date has committed to donate more than 49,450 smoke alarms. The campaign is continuously working to create partnerships with other fire departments in hopes that every home will have the opportunity to become equipped with this simple life saving device.

To receive installation of free smoke alarms, call Wayne Wright Lawyers at 210-734-7077 or the Tomball Fire Department at 281-351-7101.

Waller High School sophomore wrestler Shelby Fellers surprised the 148-pound division with her pin of Brazoswood’s Joanie Cortez to earn a spot in the Regional finals against district rival Kathleen Farmer Feb. 9. Fellers took silver to earn her first trip to the state tournament. Submitted Photo

Spring sports in full swing for local high schools

By Brian Walzel
Editor

With the onset of March, spring semester sports are in full swing and Feb. 26 included a full slate of games for schools in the Tomball and Magnolia areas. A quick look at the action:

Baseball

The Magnolia Bulldogs moved to 6-2 on the young season with a 3-2 win over Klein. The Bearkats took a 1-0 lead with a first inning run, but the Bulldogs tied the game in the top of the third. Magnolia took a 3-1 lead when they scored a pair in the top of the fifth inning. Klein plated a run in the bottom of the sixth, but the rally fell short and the Bulldogs escaped with the victory. Ryan Welch was the winning pitcher for the Bulldogs, while Tyler Boss took the loss for Klein.

Softball

The Tomball Lady Cougars took their district opener over Westfield with a 5-0 shutout. The win improves Tomball to 2-1 overall. Shelby Lancaster picked up the win for the Lady Cougars. Meanwhile, the Magnolia Lady Bulldogs also recorded a victory with a 2-0 win over Giddings. The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the sixth inning when the Lady Bulldogs broke through with a pair of runs. Magnolia’s Katy Adair and Ariel Hovis connected for extra-base hits, while Adair picked up the win. The victory improves the Lady Bulldog’s 2008 record to 2-2. The Concordia Lutheran Lady ’Saders were also victorious after a 6-3 win over Episcopal. Concordia jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the first inning, but Episcopal fought their way back with a run in the bottom of the first, adding runs in the second and third, as well, to cut the Lady ’Sader lead to 4-3. But Concordia pulled away with a run in the fourth and another in the sixth to lock up the win. Christina Jeffrey, Danielle Hirsch and Emily Vidor contributed to the win with extra-base hits.

Soccer

The Magnolia boys’ soccer team ran into a wrecking ball in the Conroe Tigers in Magnolia. The game remained close in the first half, as the two squads played to a 1-1 tie at halftime. But the second half was all Conroe. The Tigers scored four goals on their way to the 5-1 win. Scoring for Conroe was Jerry Bautista, Norman Platero and Rudy Roman. Platero and Roman each had two goals. Scoring the lone goal for Magnolia was Emanuel Capusan. Just a few miles south, the Tomball Cougars boys team faired somewhat better, playing to a 1-1 tie with Klein Oak. At halftime, the game remained scoreless, but each team picked up a goal in the second half. Zac Burns scored Tomball’s goal, while Carl Flemming netted one for Klein Oak.

The Magnolia girls fared significantly better than did their male counterparts. The Lady Bulldogs came out on top against the Lady Tigers, 3-0. Magnolia scored a goal in the first half and another in the second half on their way to the shutout victory. Kristin Qassom, Anahi Apoloniar and Brittany Madrigal all scored goals for the Lady Bulldogs. However, the Tomball girls were on the losing end of a match against Klein Oak. The Lady Panthers scored a goal in the first, but Tomball answered to tie the game in the second half. Klein Oak added a late goal to seal the victory. Kaitlyn Shelledy scored for the Lady Cougars, while Alison Germany and Tori Lunsford connected for Klein Oak.

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