Official site of Tribune News serving Tomball, Magnolia and Waller

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

Bob Pitcock of Magnolia has good reason to be thankful for every day. In December of 1989 he suffered a heart attack and was given a dire diagnosis that his heart was failing and he needed a transplant. Luckily for him and his family, a heart became available several months later and he gained a new lease on life.

“You feel forever grateful that someone has faced the tragedy of losing a family member and thought to donate the organs to a patient in desperate need, especially at a time like that,” said Pitcock.

Many heart transplant patients have a long history of cardiac issues.

“I had hereditary heart problems and had five heart attacks over a six-year period,” stated Pitcock, who was a 50-year old family man, truck driver and musician at the time of his transplant. “I even had one heart attack while I was playing onstage at the Texas Opry Jamboree in Magnolia.”

After receiving his new heart in January 1991, Pitcock spent 17 days in the hospital. He recovered quickly, and was able to drive a car within five weeks. He still returns to St. Luke’s Hospital annually for a checkup. 

“I was fortunate that I had no rejection issues and only a few minor problems in all these years,” he recalled. “I feel somewhat like Humpty Dumpty who fell into pieces. But, luckily, St. Luke’s (Hospital in Houston) was able to put me back together again.”

Pitcock has devoted his time to campaigning for families to donate the organs of their loved ones and to helping other transplant patients who need emotional support from someone who has gone through it. Sometimes he talks to them in person or over the phone; other times he corresponds via mail or email. He is a member of “Transplant Buddies” and has communicated with recipients and donor families all over the world.

Pitcock remembers a particular case of a 14-year-old boy who was afraid to accept his necessary heart transplant. He was able to talk to the boy and convince him that the operation would be worth it, and he finally agreed to the transplant. Afterward, the boy’s family called Pitcock to thank him.

“This is what I live for, along with just the feeling of happiness for being alive,” he said.

Pitcock credits his heart transplant surgeon, O.H. (Bud) Frazier, with saving his life. Dr. Frazier, the Chief of the Center for Cardiac Support at the Texas Heart Institute and Chief of Transplant Service at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital (both in Houston), has performed more than 1,200 heart transplants during his career. Pitcock was transplant No. 395 for Frazier.

Anyone needing emotional help with their own or a family member’s transplant can check out www.transplantbuddies.org, a community site dedicated to providing information and support about the transplant process. 

Larry Dyke’s official biography states that he has devoted his life’s work to the interpretation of the beaty he sees in nature. That beauty will be on display in Tomball Sept. 15, as Dyke will appear at Sallie Fisher’s Custom Frame and Art Gallery from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“He is known for his Texas landscapes, golfing series and he does a lot of inspirational pieces,” Fisher said. “He’s one of the most famous artists of our time and his work is extremely sought after.”

Dyke, who has a painting still residing at The Vatican, said his personal journey to art came as life brought other trials along the way.

“I would get in trouble with teachers for drawing when I was supposed to be paying attention, but then it was more of just something to do,” he said.

Dyke said after trying to enter medical school without success, he settled on teaching. While he loved children, something was missing. It was then that a gallery told him they had sold two of his paintings and wanted more.

“That’s when I cashed in my teacher retirement and went to work painting full time,” he said.

He believes that opportunity was a blessing from God and is why he always signs his work with a special touch.

“I always add a scripture verse,” he said. “I’m very grateful for this.”

Dyke said the Tomball area has always been kind to him and holds a special place in his heart.

“It’s always been a significant area to me,” he said. “I don’t do many public appearances anymore, but I do look forward to this one.”

Fisher said she likes to bring Dyke to the area because his works are extremely popular.

“We try to bring him in every two years,” she said. “It’s an honor to be able to get him here.”

For more information visit www.salliefisherart.com or call 281-351-5535.

It’s been a year since the City of Magnolia passed an ordinance against texting while driving within the city limits. According to Sgt. Silliman of the Magnolia Police Department, this ordinance is doing its job while making the city’s streets safer.

“There has been a 54 percent decrease in the number of auto crashes since the ordinance was passed last September,” said Silliman.

Silliman contends that thhis is a pretty important statistic because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (www.nhtsa.gov) sited the death of more than 3,000 people nationwide because of texting and driving, or one in ten traffic fatalities, in 2010. 

Silliman would like to remind people that the ban on texting while driving still stands within the city limits. So far this year, 34 citations have been issued. Several other Texas cities prohibit texting while driving,, but so far this legislation has not been passed to extend such a law to the entire state. Texas is one of only 11 states without a ban on text messaging.

Driving near schools is an exception. The use of communication devices while driving in a school zone (this includes both texting and talking) is against the law statewide. Additionally, novice drivers in their first 12 months behind the wheel are prohibited from using cell phones for text or voice communication.

“Tragically, a lot of people think it’s harmless to text and drive,” Magnolia Police Chief Domingo Ibarra said. “We have had several fatal traffic accidents in Montgomery County that were due to texting and driving. The Magnolia ordinance is a benefit because once people realize texting and driving is illegal, it does get their attention and they tend to be more careful.”

Magnolia Mayor Todd Kana agreed.

 “This ordinance was a move in the right direction," Kana said. "I have heard nothing but positive feedback from residents. As a smartphone user myself, I know it is easy to get distracted by these devices. When people know about the law, it is easier for them to stay focused."

Early voting for the Nov. 6 general election starts Oct. 22 in Texas. In Tomball early voting will be held at the public works building, 501 James Street. Hours and times are Oct. 22-26 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Oct. 27 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Oct. 28 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Oct. 29 - Nov. 2 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In Magnolia early voting will be at the Magnolia Fire Department, 18215 Buddy Riley Blvd. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22-26, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 27, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 28 and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 29-Nov. 2. In Waller County early voting will be held at Houston Oaks Country Club, 26705 Heger Rd. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 22-24 and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Oct. 25-Nov. 2, with the exception of being closed Sunday, Oct. 28.

A train crashed into a trailer carrying oil field equipment bound for Mexico, yesterday afternoon in Magnolia.

The trailer was caught under a train crossing that was too low for the trailer to be passing through, according to eyewitnesses. The scene caused traffic headaches in all directions on both FM 1488 and FM 1774, as well as many side streets within Magnolia.

No one was injured.

A Magnolia woman, Kandi Thibodeaux Edwards, shot this amazing video while stopped at the traffic light at 1774 and 1488.

Two farmers markets are now open for residents of the Magnolia-Waller areas, giving them a chance to buy fresh produce, eggs and meats. The most recent market to open is the Waller County Farmers Market, located at the Waller ISD Auxiliary Stadium, just south of SH 290, on Field Store Road. The other is the Magnolia Farmers Market, which has been in existence for three years and is located at the intersection of FM 1488 and FM 1774 in Magnolia.

The new Waller County market, which is open each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., opened on July 14 and had many visitors, despite the floods in the area that week. On July 21 the market had 15 vendors offering locally-produced food products and home-made crafts. It is sponsored by the Texas AgriLife Extension and the Texas Cooperative Extension.

“This market was founded to boost the agricultural community in Waller County by encouraging crop diversification and offering a year-round sales opportunity for their products,” Debbie Cross, Vice President of the Waller County Farmers Market Board of Directors and vendor, said.

Any grower in the area can participate on any given Saturday, by paying the booth fee of $40. There are restrictions on prepared food products, but not on raw produce. Interested vendors should call Debbie Cross for more information at 832-863-5533. All of the workers are volunteers and currently the proceeds from booth fees are used for advertising. The market is looking to partner with local charities that will receive donations and can help promote the market.

The Magnolia market, also called Sweet Magnolia Pickins, is held every second and fourth Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is supported by 4B Community Development of the City of Magnolia and offers local residents fresh and organic food options to purchase. This market requires vendors to be members and currently charges a $25 annual membership fee and a $15 booth fee on each market day the vendor attends. In addition, there is a permit fee required for vendors that sell temperature-specific products such as meat or eggs, or that offer samples. Some of the vendors at the Magnolia market are also represented at the Waller market, but each market also has unique food products. Those interested in seeing the vendor list or becoming a vendor should visitwww.sweetmagnoliapickins.net.

At this time, the Magnolia Farmers Market is held at the same location as Magnolia’s Peddler’s Green Crafts Market, but on separate days. It is a goal to combine both markets on the same days in the near future, according to Market Manager Boo Henderson.

Big sellers at the markets this month were ripe watermelons, local honey and free-range and grass-fed meats, according to organizers. Today people look for natural food products that are purported to be higher in nutrients and free of unhealthy additives or pesticides. In addition, many residents prefer to help the farms in their own area by buying locally.

Aug. 26 - Deputy Mittag arrived at Woodtrace Boulevard and Wright Road to serve a warrant on a 39-year-old male for Theft. The subject was located and the subject was taken into custody.

Aug. 30 - Deputy Thomas was dispatched to a welfare check at a store in the 10900 block of FM 1488. Upon arrival Thomas was able to wake the clerk. The 56-year-old male was stumbling as he walked and had a very strong odor of alcohol. Thomas placed the subject into custody for Public Intoxication and a morning shift employee arrived to take control of the business.

Sept. 1 - Deputy Allen was dispatched to a welfare concern in the 32000 block of SH 249, where a 42-year-old male was passed out in the parking lot of a bar. Upon arrival, Allen identified the subject and dispatch notified him the subject had five outstanding warrants for traffic offenses.  Allen placed the subject into custody for the warrants.

Sept. 1 - Deputy Curry was dispatched to Violet Lane in reference to family violence. Curry met with a 27-year-old male standing in front of the residence. The subject advised he had been arguing with his wife. The subject’s wife advised that her husband assaulted her. Curry placed the subject in custody for Assault.

Sept. 1 - Deputy Allen initiated a traffic stop in the 17000 block of FM 1488. Allen identified the 32-year-old male and was notified by dispatch that the subject had two felony warrants out of San Jacinto County. The subject was placed into custody for the warrants and transported to the Montgomery County Jail.

Sept. 3 - Deputy Crandell was dispatched to a welfare concern in the 37000 block of Persimmon, where the reportee discovered a female in the passenger seat of his vehicle. Upon arrival the Deputy met with a 31-year-old female subject who appeared to be extremely intoxicated.  Crandell placed the subject into custody for Public Intoxication.

Sept. 3 - Sergeant Gonzales located a 21-year-old male on Middle Trail. The subject had an open warrant out of Montgomery County for Burglary of a Vehicle. Gonzales placed the subject into custody.

ARRESTS:

Narcotics Violations

On 08/27/2012 at approximately 16:18, Officer Hernandez was dispatched to a suspicious persons call in the 1000 block of Hicks and found that person to be intoxicated.   Officer Hernandez arrested the 30 year old woman from Tomball for Possession of a Controlled Substance. 

On 08/28/2012 at approximately 11:50, Officer Sampson was dispatched to 28400 block of Tomball Parkway for a suspicious person looking into cars.  The 24 year old man from Spring was placed under arrest for an Webster PD warrant.  During a search incident to arrest, Officer Sampson discovered cocaine and pills in the suspect’s pocket.

On 08/29/2012 at approximately 10:51, a 23 year old female from Tomball was arrested for Tomball PD warrants and Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Officer White was dispatched to four corners on an impaired female call.  During a search incident to arrest, marijuana was discovered in the suspect’s pocket and hydrocodone in her purse.

Driving While License Suspended or Invalid

On 08/27/2012 at approximately 08:00, Officer Sellers arrested a 37 year old man from Sugarland for Driving While License Suspended and Display of a Fictitious Inspection Sticker in the 700 Block of East Main.  

On 8/31/2012 at approximately 02:00, Officer Rodriguez arrested a 36 year old female from Conroe for Driving While License Suspended in the 29900 block of Tomball Parkway.

Driving While Intoxicated

On 08/26/2012 Officer Diaz arrested a 35 year old man from Tomball for Driving While Intoxicated.

On 08/27/2012 Officer Tikal arrested a 45 year old man from Montgomery for Driving While Intoxicated.

On 08/28/2012 Officer Burns arrested a 50 year old man from Cypress for Driving While Intoxicated.

On 09/01/2012 Officer Diaz arrested a 33 year old man from Magnolia for Driving While Intoxicated.

On 0/01/2012 Officer Burns arrested a 48 year old man from Houston for Driving While Intoxicated.

Theft

On 08/27/2012 at approximately 12:05, Detective Chambers responded to a theft in progress call in the 27600 block of Tomball Parkway. A 35 year old man from Houston was arrested for shoplifting and $138 of merchandise was recovered. 

On 09/01/2012 at approximately 15:54 in the 27600 black of Tomball Parkway, Officer Ferguson arrested a 25 year old man from Houston for Shoplifting and merchandise totaling $61.61 was recovered. 

OFFENSE REPORTS:

Burglary

On 08/27/2012, Officer Hernandez responded to a Burglary of a Building in the 14200 Block of Limerick, where an air compressor and gas can, valued at approximately $115, were stolen.

On 08/28/2012, Officer Tikal responded to a Burglary of a Building in the 500 Block of East Main., where a welding system valued at approximately $800 was stolen.