City to focus on engineering study, rather than repair of streets

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The City of Tomball will be taking a year break from major road projects in 2009, focusing instead on a study of all the city’s streets to determine which are in most need of repair, according to Public Works Director David Kaufman.

Road construction signs such as one the one shown here will not be a common site in Tomball in 2009, as the city will focus its efforts on an engineering study of the city’s streets.
Photo by Justin Elbert.

However, that decision, he added, does not mean any of the city’s streets are at risk.

“There are no streets that stand out and we’re not going to lose any streets by not doing any work this year,” Kaufman said.

Instead the city will be focusing its efforts, and its money normally designated for street maintenance, on a proposed engineering study of the city’s streets and drainage.

Kaufman is hoping the study will show the city which streets are in best shape and which are in the worst.

“With many of these streets, we don’t know how long its been (since they have been repaired),” Kaufman said. “This will give us an idea of where to perform maintenance.”

He said that in the past, a road’s condition was typically determined just by driving on it. An engineering study will utilize x-rays, core samples, drainage studies and more to give the city a better idea of its stability.

“We don’t want to spend thousands of dollars (on road repairs) and a few years later find out we wasted those dollars,” Kaufman said.

The city will likely hire an engineering firm, he said, to perform the study. The city has budgeted $75,000 for road maintenance, Kaufman said, but all of it would not necessarily be used for the study.

“We’re not totally neglecting or ignoring any work that needs to be done,” he said. “We will continue to do road maintenance.”

Kaufman explained that there are a few unpaved streets in the city that may need to be paved, in addition to a few other projects.

“We’ll be spending money on maintaining our streets and sidewalks like we normally do,” Kaufman said.

WHS student seriously injured, 4 others killed in crash

By Justin Elbert
Tribune Staff

Three teens and one adult were killed Dec. 26 in an early morning crash on US 290.

According to police, 16-year-old Luis Sanchez, a junior at Waller High School, was exiting from the 610 Loop on to SH 290 around 3:25 a.m. Dec. 26 when he lost control, crashing the pickup truck he was driving into a concrete ramp.

Authorities confirmed there were four passengers in the truck at the time of the accident. Two of the passengers, both female, were sitting on two male passengers’ laps, officials said.

Three of the passengers were killed instantly in the crash and a fourth died on the way to the hospital. Sanchez was transported to Ben Taub Hospital with multiple broken bones. He was listed in fair condition at Ben Taub Hospital as of press time last week.

Passengers killed in the wreck were Leonel Lopez, 15, Elizabeth Ceballos, 16, Omar Jovanni Loredo, 17, and Anna Maria Perales, 21.

Loredo, a senior at Waller High School, was laid to rest Dec. 30 in the Waller Cemetery. Canon Funeral Home, which handled the affairs, set up an online guestbook for friends and family to post thoughts and remembrances of Loredo.

Amy Beebe of Hockley posted, “My prayers go out to the family and friends...Omar was a bright young man and always had some sunshine to spread on a cloudy day. He had a ready smile and a quick laugh.”

Robin Vesmirovsky of Waller posted, “He (Loredo) was a very sweet young man, always quick with a smile. He will be missed greatly by the many who had the privilege of knowing him.”

Police said alcohol was not a factor in the crash.

Final Chamber gala to shed black tie, show team colors

By Brian Walzel
Editor

In the final year of the event, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is loosening its tie for the annual Chairman’s Ball. In fact, it’s shedding the tie all together.

This year’s event is taking on a “tailgating” theme, where guests are encouraged to wear a jersey or the colors of their favorite sports team.

Chamber Special Events Director Faye Drennan said gala organizers wanted to create a more relaxed atmosphere for this year’s event.

“The idea is for everything to be interactive,” she said, “and to have a fun atmosphere for people to visit, play games. We’re going to be kids again.”

In addition to the festivities, Drennan said each table sponsor would be decorating their respective tables to fit the night’s theme.

“Different businesses will do their table top decorating in their favorite team colors, and use that to promote their business,” she said.

Drennan said gala organizers chose to go with a more relaxed theme this year to give partygoers a break from the many black tie affairs they attend throughout the year.

In addition, the Chamber’s board decided to make this year’s gala the last.

“The board decided it didn’t serve our mission,” Drennan said. “We used to do an honorary luncheon and it was their original intent to honor the Citizen of the Year and to induct new members.”

This Chairman’s Ball will recognize Mary Harvey, owner of Granny’s Korner and member of the Tomball City Council, as its Citizen of the Year. Harvey was named this year’s recipient last month.

Tickets for the Chairman’s ball are $65 for individual tickets. Table sponsorships range from $1,000 to $2,500. A cocktail reception begins at 6:30 p.m.

The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center is located at 1601 Lake Robbins Drive. Tickets are available at the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce Office or online at www.tomballchamber.org. For more information, call 2881-351-7222.

Cougars dismantle Anderson, 85-38

By Bernard Ambe
Contributing Writer

The Tomball Cougars headed into their Dec. 30 match-up against Austin Anderson on a two game losing streak; a far cry from their red hot 12-2 start on the season, winning nine straight at one time. Accustomed to pummeling opponents by 20 points or more, Cougar fans might have felt inclined to pinch themselves after being on the wrong end of a blowout against the Huntsville Hornets. That pinch might have turned to a slap when the Cougars fell 58-43 to The Woodlands.

Luckily, the holiday season taught the Cougars it is truly better to give than to receive. Head coach Brad Ball and company took the old saying to heart, dropping 85 points on the Trojans in their largest margin of victory this season (47 points). The Cougars unloaded on Anderson, with four players scoring in double digits.

Senior posts Reid Wallace and Colin Wierengo led all scorers with 12 points each, while forwards Jordan Leslie and Tyler Nicholas contributed 11 points each. Tomball was also solid on defense, holding the Trojans to a pedestrian 16 points in the first half.

Despite their holiday scare, Tomball is now sitting at the top of 13-5A after regaining first place with their victory over Anderson. With their 13-4 record, it seems all is well in Cougar country as Tomball has returned to their winning ways, and not a moment too soon.

The free-for-all which is 13-5A basketball is upon us. The usual suspects (Klein Forest and Klein Collins) are just games behind the Cougars, while Spring has emerged as a force to be reckoned with this season. The Cougars made an impressive statement by humbling the Trojans, however Tomball was doing more than showing it’s guns. By the looks of things, it is safe to say a district championship is definitely one of Tomball’s New Years resolutions.

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

All good things must eventually come to an end. Whether it be a good meal, good times, good company, good jobs or even life itself. At some point in time it must end. So it goes even with the holidays. They, too, must come to an end.

The holiday season seemed to come upon me very quickly this year. I was barely getting over Halloween when Christmas rolled around and now here we are past the end of 2008 and into the beginning of 2009.

It’s hard to imagine the events of this past year. It has been especially hard on the majority of my readers. We all live in an area that was devastated this past year by Hurricane Ike. Many others have been hit by higher gas prices, a failing housing market, job loss and other factors that have taken a toll on many. We have had an election year unlike any other, a continued war, a financial crises in our country and many other factors that have turned life upside down for many.

I have held to a steadfast faith and hope in God that all will be okay in the end. My family has been slightly touched, but not devastated by the world’s events. Our family’s concerns are on the outer fringes of many others.

A lot of families are split apart right now with members serving overseas. Many others are still separated by the hurricane. Some have left this area to find work in other places, hoping to call for their families to join them in the future.

As I reflect on the past year, I look to the future with renewed inspiration. On a personal note, I pray that my business continues to grow and prosper. I look forward to some remodeling projects around my home. I hope to make some major changes at the ranch this coming year with a new water well, barn and fencing. I look forward to the possibility of getting rid of some old things and buying some new items.

I am a dreamer. I invent things in my mind and then try to set into motion my dreams. Some come true and most don’t. Some should happen and a lot of them shouldn’t. Some people would get disappointed if they had as many failures in life as I have had. Not me, however. Each dream and idea brings me a step closer to success.

Some days, however, I do fall into a rut and begin to wonder where our society is headed. If I thought about it too hard the, rut I fall into could become a deep pit of mud. I look around at the way many people are living this life and wonder to myself if they have any hope for the future.

I question them in my mind and wonder if they have ever taken stock of their inner spirit. Some people are so twisted in their mind, living for the here and now, that it makes me wonder if they have ever considered their eternity.

I have been writing my stories for about 13 or 14 years each and every week. Some weeks I struggle and some weeks the words flow easily. Some stories make you laugh and some stories make you cry. Some stories come across as funny to a few and the same story may be offensive to others.

For me, however, my labors at a keyboard each week bring me an opportunity to search my own soul and share with you my life as it has happened to me. As I look back on 2008 and begin thinking about 2009, I hope I can continue sharing my life’s events with you each and every week.

You never know what lies around each corner in life. Will there be that one person you meet next week that will change your course in life? Will a phone call next month turn life in directions you never thought would occur? Will a special letter arrive in six months that changes the course of your personal history? What are you striving for? What are your hopes and dreams for 2009? Have you included God in those plans? I hope so, ’cause if you haven’t, your main source of strength and support is void.

Look to this next year as being your year! Expect great things to happen in your life in 2009. Ask and you shall receive! Seek and you shall find! Knock and it shall be open unto you! I’m ready for great things in 2009! Are you?

-- Clifford

Still no arrests in Waller murder, ID being withheld

By Justin Elbert
Tribune Staff

Authorities still haven’t made any arrests after a bicyclist found the body of a man wrapped in a blanket along FM 1458 in Waller County nearly two months ago.

A passing bicyclist found the body, which was tightly bound with ropes and cords wrapped in a blanket, on Nov. 16.

According to Waller County Sheriff Randy Smith, the victim suffered several gunshot wounds.

Smith said authorities have a few people of interest in the case, but no arrests have been made.

“This is a time consuming investigation,” Smith said. “We have a few leads, but nothing concrete.”

Smith said that although the victim has been positively identified, authorities are waiting until they get positive confirmation that a blood relative in America has been notified of his death.

“We are currently looking for a blood relative in the states to notify,” Smith said. “As far as we know, most of his family lives in Mexico.”

The investigation is being conducted by the Waller County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers.

Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to call the Waller County Sheriff’s Office at 979-826-8282.

Magnolia man arrested on Criminal Solicitation charges

By Justin Elbert
Tribune Staff

On Dec. 30 deputies from the Montgomery County Pct 5 Constable’s Office arrested a Magnolia man wanted for criminal solicitation with intent to commit aggravated sexual assault of a minor.

Capt. Chris Jones said the Constable’s Office received a fax around noon on Dec. 20 from the San Antonio Police Department in regards to a warrant issued for Paul William Herbst, 31, of Magnolia.

Jones said that as soon as the Constable’s Office received the fax, a task force from Pct. 5 went to the residence located off FM 1486 and arrested Herbst.

“We got the fax at noon and by 2 p.m. Herbst was in jail,” Jones said. “While on location, we also seized two computers and placed them in evidence.”

The computers will be sent to San Antonio to serve as evidence in Herbst’s case.

Paul William Herbst was in the Montgomery County Jail as of press time last week awaiting extradition to Bexar County.

McCurdy still waiting for new van after reality show debacle

Justin Elbert
Tribune Staff

After more than two months of waiting, Ronnie McCurdy is still without the “tricked out” handicapped van that was promised to him by the reality television show “Trick My Truck.”

McCurdy was selected to be on Country Music Television’s “Trick My Truck” this past summer and was hoping the show would fix his aging handicapped-accessible van.

McCurdy needs the van because a neck injury a few years ago left him paralyzed from the mid-chest down.

“Trick My Truck,” which is produced by Varuna Films, takes the trucks of needy drivers and “tricks” them out so when they leave the shop, they are in better, and typically more fashionable, condition than when they went in.

According to McCurdy, when he went to pick up his supposedly finished truck in mid-October, he found a half-completed unsafe van and immediately demanded the show fix the mistake.

What has ensued has been what McCurdy describes as a “cat and mouse” game trying to get Varuna Films to rectify the situation.

McCurdy said that a spokesperson from Varuna Films told him that the show was considering providing him with a new van, but as of press time last week the Tribune was unable to contact Varuna Films to confirm the offer.

Coincidently, McCurdy hasn’t been able to contact Varuna Films either.

“I’ve called every number I have for them,” he said. “It’s like they have disappeared from the face of the earth.”

Calls to Varuna Films by the Tribune went unanswered as of press time last week. Calls to Country Music Television, “Trick My Truck’s” parent network, also went unanswered as of press time last week

Waller Junior High (WJH) Student Council held Operation Compassion before the Christmas holidays and collected non-perishable foods, new toys and gently used clothing. All seventh and eighth grade WJH students teamed up and collected the goods and spare change to donate to Waller Assistance and Restoration Ministries (WARM) for local distribution. Pictured, WJH students Heather Snow (left) and Brooke Wooten (center) help load clothing with WARM’s Sandra Dugan (right).
Submitted Photo

Library system to hold New Year weight loss program

Citizens will get a whole lot more than just books when they visit the Montgomery County Memorial Library System this winter. Now, they may come away with a slimmer body and a more positive attitude.

It’s all part of a new health and wellness program called Library L.I.T.E. (Lose weight, Increase confidence, Tone your body, Exercise and energize), which begins at all seven library branches on Jan. 12. The eight-week program will run until March 9 and will include a wellness newsletter, a weight loss competition and walking program, and nearly 100 free health and wellness activities for all ages offered at each of the seven library branches.

A partnership with the AgriLife Extension Center will enable library patrons to sign up for the Walk Across Texas walking challenge and weight loss competition between the library branches. Similar to the “Biggest Loser” competition seen on television, library patrons and staff will join to form one team for each library location. Each library will compete to see which one can lose the most weight and walk the most miles during Library L.I.T.E.

Participants may sign up for either the weight loss or walking challenge, or both programs if they wish. Only patrons 18 years and older will be permitted to sign up for the weight loss competition. Sign up begins Jan. 12 at any branch library of the Montgomery County Memorial Library System. Participants may only choose one branch team to join. No new registrations will be taken after Feb. 23.

The first 20 people to sign up for the walking program at each branch will receive a free pedometer. Incentives and prizes will be given to winning team participants at two-week intervals. Prizes can be collected during the two weeks following a win at the adult reference desk of the winning location. At the end of the eight-week period, the library that loses the most pounds per person will be coined the “Litest Library” and earn a branch party in March. Winners will be announced on the library homepage at www.countylibrary.org.

For more information, contact Melissa Baker at mbaker[at]countylibrary.org or Devery Johnson at djohnson[at]countylibrary.org at the Central Library in Conroe at 936-788-8377.

Local library branches in the Montgomery County Memorial Library System include the Central Library, 104 I-45 North in Conroe; the Malcolm Purvis Library, 510 Melton Street in Magnolia, the Charles B. Stewart - West Branch Library, 202 Bessie Price Owen Drive in Montgomery; and the South Regional Library, 2101 Lake Robbins Drive in The Woodlands.

Successful season earns five Bulldogs first team selections

Brian Walzel
Editor

Following one of the school’s deepest playoff runs in its history, the Magnolia Bulldogs were awarded with five of its players being named to the 18-4A First Team All-District team.

Linebacker Sean McKeown, quarterback Dennis Dunbar, fullback Arnold Neveraz, offensive lineman Josh McNeill and center Garrett Young each garnered first team recognitions for the Bulldogs this year.

Dunbar rushed for 705 yards and seven touchdowns, while Neveraz ran for 727 yards and six touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ option attack. Young and McNeill anchored an offensive line that helped Magnolia rank among the top rushing teams in the Houston area.

Magnolia also placed several players on the 18-4A All-District second team, including defensive end John Edmundson, linebacker Eason Hohensee, cornerback Dai’Jon Chaney, kick returner Chase Wehr, utility specialist Daniel Rueda and offensive linemen Clinton Moore and Patrick Leabo. Chaney was also named to the second team for his play at wide receiver.

Earning honorable mention status was Wehr as running back and cornerback, running back Alex Smith, defensive end Addison McClellan, defensive tackle Evan Enderle, strong safety Joe Bolin and Rueda again as free safety.

Rueda earned a third recognition, along with Justin Caka, for being named Academic All-District.

The Bulldogs went 8-4 overall this year, and 5-2 in district, and made an inspired run through the Class 4A Region II playoffs.

Magnolia knocked off Buda Hays in the first round and Nederland in the second round before falling to Friendswood in the regional semi-finals.

The Waller Lady Bulldogs traveled to Magnolia Dec. 16 for their first district game. While it was point-for-point most of the game, Magnolia rallied late in the fourth quarter for the win, 45-42. Da’Naiveia McDade tried to send it to overtime with a half-court buzzer shot, but missed it by mere inches. McDade pulled another double-double, scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, two steals, two blocks, and shot 75 percent from the line. Other contributors were Camile Brown and Ashley Kelsey with six points each.
Submitted Photo

Texas Crossword

Crossword puzzles are in Adobe PDF format. Click on the links to open them in Adobe Acrobat Reader, or right-click and choose "Save File As...":

- This week's crossword

- Solution to last week's crossword