Official site of Tribune News serving Tomball, Magnolia and Waller

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. 

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."

Nearly 20,000 acres scorched. Almost 80 homes destroyed. Firefighters battling heat, wind and flames for nearly two weeks. These are some of the heartwrenching memories from the Tri-County wildfire that ravaged the area near Magnolia just a year ago.

But for every bad memory it seems as if there were many more heartwarming stories. Like the horse that was saved after suffering burns to nearly 40 percent of its body. Houses still standing, even though the earth was scorched all around it.  Firefighters from as far away as Alaska showing up to help.

“It was amazing to see what the community was able to do and what it did to help the firefighters,” Jared Karns, with the Texas Forest Service said.

Magnolia Fire Chief Gary Vincent agreed.

The absolute support we had from the community and the efforts of the firefighters was great,” he said. “A lot of people put their lives on the line and did a tremendous job.”

"My son was with the volunteer fire department,” said resident Becky Yountz. “He was having dinner with us and he got called to go to the fire station. None of us imagined he wouldn't be back for six days. They all worked so hard --- day and night --- I don't know how they did it."

The weeks leading up to the fire, officials said were almost like waiting for the inevitable. No rain for months. Conditions just kept getting drier and to top it off a tropical storm was headed for Louisiana, bringing no water relief, but sending the winds this way -- winds that can fuel a fire.

“The drought conditions were the worst I had ever seen,” Vincent said.

Once the winds came from Tropical Storm Lee, the perfect “storm” had arrived.

“These wrap around dry winds are what caused the fire to spread,” Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams said.

On the day of the fire, Vincent knew his department was up against it when he saw the first column of smoke.

“When I saw that I knew it was a major event,” he said.

While firefighters battled the inferno, members of law enforcement and Montgomery County’s Emergency Management Office began the painful process of evacuations.

One of those evacuees was Erin Redwine, who lived in the Ranch Crest subdivision.

“You never think it will happen to you, but we had all of ten minutes to get out,” Redwine said. “You really need to be sure to keep important papers all in one box so they are easy to grab. People should to be ready to take their pets with them when something like this happens -- I saw one poor dog left tied to a tree."

Vincent said that while 76 houses were lost in the fire, more than 10,000 were saved due to efforts on the ground and in the air. Officials estimate that more that $1 billion in property was saved.

Karns, Vincent and Williams hope the event stirred up some awareness in the community on what to do to help ensure their home is protected.

“We had what we hope was a once in a lifetime event, but you have got to prepare for it,” Williams said.

“It is incumbent that people prepare beforehand,” Vincent added.

Karns said one way residents can educate themselves on how to prepare is by visiting the Texas Forest Service firewise site at texasfirewise.com.

“It’s very important to learn these firewise techniques to keep yourself, your family and your property safe.”

Tribune Correspondent Cheryl Garcia contributed to this report.

Montgomery County deputies caught a home invasion suspect as he was being treated for a gunshot wound he suffered during the crime.

Adrian Granados-Yepez, 27, of Tomball was arrested at Memorial Hermann Hospital Jan. 28, in Houston, after deputies say he was shot by a Magnolia woman, after breaking into her home. The home invasion occurred in the 18700 block of Mink Lake Drive.

Deputies said that three men attempted to enter the home Jan. 25 , but fled after the 33-year-old mother shot Yepez.

The woman, who did not want to be identified, told deputies that she was putting her 6-year-old son to bed when she heard noises coming from her bedroom. She then ran into her living room, where she saw three masked men pointing a gun at her.

She told detectives that she then led the men to her bedroom, promising to get them money, where she retrieved her pistol and shot Yepez in the stomach. While Yepez and another man fled, a third suspect grabbed the woman's gun and kicked her, before running out of the house.

"Detectives continue to investigate the incident and are working to identify other suspects," Montgomery County Sheriff's Lt. Dan Norris said in a statement.

Detectives are asking that anyone with information call the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-392-7867, the sheriff's office at 936-760-5800 or detectives Mullis and Hahs at 936-760-5876.

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.

Early last Monday morning May 6, Montgomery County 911 dispatchers received a call about a bad wreck on FM 1774, south of Magnolia.

When Magnolia firefighters arrived around 1:30 a.m., they found a white 2008 Dodge pickup truck in a ravine off the side of the road, near Hunters Lane.

Officials said that the truck veered off the road and cut through several trees, before ending up on its side. Firefighters and EMT's found the driver, Ramiro Castillo-Juarez, 25, still eat belted inside the cab with minor injuries.

His coworker, Louis Alcala, 47, was not seat belted and was found non-responsive inside the truck. Montgomery County Pct. 5 Justice of the Peace Matt Masden later declared Alcala dead at the scene.

Castillo-Juarez was transported to Tomball Regional Medical Center with minor injuries. After his release he was taken into custody
and jailed on charges of Intoxication Manslaugh-ter.

The crash caused a headache for early morning traffic, as a crane from Milstead Heavy Duty had to be called in to remove the truck from the ravine. FM 1774 was closed in both directions until just after 6 a.m.

Alcala's body was transported to the Montgomery County Forensic Center for autopsy.

The Montgomery County District Attorney's office said that Castillo-Juarez's bond was set at $150,000.

The crash was investigated by Department of Public Safety troopers and the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office.

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.

Magnolia Community Foundation (MCF) presented a $500 check to Magnolia Elementary School (MES) at their Summit 2012 meeting. MES won the social media campaign which helped to promote this year's Tailgate on the Stroll event. Pictured are (from left)  Deborah Rose Miller, MCF President; Jennifer Spivey, MES assistant principal and MCF Directors Larry Edwards, Phyllis Stegen and Stephanie Saker. For more details, visit www.magnoliacommunityfoundation.org.