19-year-old Tomball man shot during ‘random act of road rage’

By Brian Walzel
Editor

A 19-year-old Tomball man miraculously sustained only minor injuries after being shot multiple times by another man during an alleged road rage incident.

Chris Young

Nick Young was driving with his girlfriend, Ashley Jordan, and his friend, Joe Herrera, Nov. 23 along FM 2920 near Cypress-Rosehill Road when a man, later identified as Simon Guadalupe Vecerra, approached his vehicle driving a dark green Chevrolet truck at about 10 p.m.

Simon Vecerra

According to a Tomball Police Department report, Vecerra opened fire on Young’s vehicle near Cypress-Rosehill Road. He continued to follow Young’s vehicle all the way to SH 249, shooting at Young and his passengers sporadically. Young finally stopped his vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot and Vecerra fled the scene.

Tomball PD and EMS responded to the scene and transported Young and Jordan by ambulance to Memorial Hermann Hospital.

According to the report, Young “had been struck several times by what appeared to be shotgun pellets on the left side of his body.”

Later that night, Officer Johnny Freeman stopped the suspected vehicle matching the description given by Young and his passengers. Vecerra, 33, was arrested for driving while intoxicated and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Officers found a Mossberg 410 shotgun, along with several spent rounds of ammunition on the floorboard of Vecerra’s truck.

Young was treated by hospital staff for multiple wounds to his upper torso and was later released.

According to Young’s mother, Denise Young, Chris is “in a lot of pain.”

“But at least he’s alive,” she said.

She added that the incident was a “random act of road rage.”

Due to the nature of his injuries, Young’s mother said he is now unable to work and medical bills are piling up.

“He has no money coming in and no health insurance,” she said.

Denise has organized a benefit for her son, scheduled for Dec. 15 at Darwin’s Place, located at 19227 FM 2920 in Tomball. Details are still being worked out, but more information is available by calling 281-255-2295.

“Hopefully the benefit will help him at least with his medical bills,” Denise said. “We don’t expect him to get rich from this, only to survive.”

New Magnolia city administrator initiated into political climate

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The City of Magnolia hired a new City Administrator at the Nov. 26 meeting who was properly initiated into the administrative woes of the city during an executive session lasting more than an hour and half.

In a unanimous vote, the city council authorized the mayor to sign an employment agreement with attorney Ryan C. Kelley. Kelley was accepted to the State Bar in 1998 after receiving a law degree from St. Mary’s University of Law in San Antonio.

Ryan C. Kelley

He comes to Magnolia from Pilot Point where he has been the city administrator since 2005. He also administrated over the city of Rollingwood for four years. In addition, his experience includes Main Street grant programming, preservation and redevelopment, and economic development.

That list of experience earned him a nod of approval from the Magnolia 4A and 4B Corps. to act as the Executive Director for both groups. The decision came at prior meetings held the same day, but not without much private and legal consultation by 4B. Kelley’s monthly compensation was agreed upon at $750 per month from each corporation.

“We wanted him to understand that the 4B is a viable entity that can provide positive growth for the city,” said 4B Vice-President Mike Karm.

It took less than 30 minutes for Kelley’s final interview and contract negotiation with the city council in an executive session. The approval came just minutes prior to an approved motion for another executive session in which council members conferred with attorneys for legal advice on two long-standing concerns.

Those included legal advice associated with claims or grievances asserted by Cpl. Mike Alexander, as well as legal advice associated with the restructuring of the Magnolia Ridge Public Improvement District, Local Government Code (LGC), development agreement and issuance of any bonds.

Through it all Kelley maintained a positive outlook. “You’re not going to see me in a coat and tie much. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” he said.

His official start date is Jan. 3 with annual compensation accruing at $55,000, according to his contract.

HPD aerial drone display takes Waller by surprise

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

A private demonstration of a remote surveillance drone was held in Waller County Nov. 21, but went public after a KPRC Channel 2 News report that a News Chopper 2 had spotted the aircraft, as well as the ground team.

The investigative team in the helicopter reported that they followed the aircraft at an altitude of 1,500 feet for more than an hour, while ground teams maneuvered the aircraft from below.

The demonstration was reportedly offered by Insitu, Inc. to select area dignitaries, the Houston Police Department and members of Homeland Security.

Insitu, Inc. manufactures Unmanned Aircraft Vehicles (UAV) and Systems (UAS) for military and homeland security applications. The aerial units are heavy-gas powered with as much as 24-hours of flight duration and a 20,000-foot maximum flight ceiling and cost between $30,000 to $1 million.

According to Waller County Sheriff Chief Deputy John Kramer an invitation was extended to the Sheriff’s department, although he did not attend.

“Since the event was occurring in Waller County, I can only presume it was a courtesy invitation,” said Kramer.

Chief James Fulton of the City of Waller Police Department said he did not receive an invitation. “If the demonstration did not take place over the city limits, we would not be notified,” Fulton said.

Kramer addressed complaints by residents that the remote drones could be a potential invasion of privacy.

Although a domestic drone has the potential to be an invasion of privacy, he said, there are statutes protecting the privacy of the citizen. If an infringement occurs, there are means to address and correct it.

Kramer listed the more positive attributes of the use of aerial drones for law enforcement agencies in locating drug suspects on the move, or by Texas EquuSearch for locating missing persons.

Currently, ground surveillance, 4-wheelers and helicopters are the tools of choice.

For example, the Texas Department of Public Safety uses a helicopter to detect a Lojack security transmission for a reported stolen vehicle. “Drones could be used for that at a much less expense,” Kramer said. “A drone has more air intensity.”

First Friday Luncheon
The First Friday membership luncheon of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce is set for Dec. 7 and will include special holiday entertainment. This is the Chamber’s annual holiday celebration lunch, hosted by Salem Lutheran Church. The Concordia Lutheran High School Concert Choir, directed by Tavis Schlicker, will treat guests to a special holiday performance. The lunch will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, located at 22601 Lutheran Church Road. Reservations are requested and can be made by calling the Chamber office at 281-351-7222.

Tomball College Registration
Registration for the spring 2008 semester and the winter mini-mester at Tomball College is under way. On-site registration is available at the Tomball College main campus, located at 30555 Tomball Pkwy., and at the Tomball College Willow Chase Center, located at 9449 Grant Road. Registration hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Students have until Dec. 15 to register for the mini-mester, which begins Dec. 17. The last day to register for the spring 2008 semester is Jan. 12. Classes start Jan. 14. There will be no registration during the winter holidays from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2. For information, visit www.tomballcollege.com or call 281-351-3300.

Emmett seeks partnerships
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett will host a major summit of Harris County municipal officials early next year to address and resolve some of the county's most pressing issues. In a speech before the Harris County Mayors’ and Councils’ Association at the Monument Inn in La Porte last week, Emmett outlined plans for a series of upcoming transportation, health and environmental projects. Emmett told the group he would be seeking the advice and cooperation of mayors and council members from the 31 incorporated cities and towns within Harris County. First on Emmett’s agenda is transportation. The judge says he intends to announce the framework of a major transportation initiative sometime next month and then meet with mayors and council members on details in the following weeks.

Concordia Crusaders impressive in state title run

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The Concordia Lutheran Crusaders are making an unprecedented push to a state title run, needing only two more postseason victories to claim the school’s first varsity football championship.

After finishing the regular season 8-3 overall and winning the TAPPS 3-II district title, the Crusaders went into the playoffs on a roll.

In their first round match-up against San Antonio Christian, the Crusaders used a second-half surge on their way to a 43-33 victory. The game was tied at 14 at halftime, but the Crusaders outscored San Antonio Christian 29-19 in the second half to secure the victory.

The Crusaders’ second round victory over Second Baptist was somewhat less in doubt by halftime. Leading 21-9 at the break, the Crusaders defense put the clamps on, allowing only one more Second Baptist touchdown on their way to a 28-16 win.

That victory propelled the Crusaders into the state semi-finals where they took on Denton Liberty Christian at 2 p.m. in Ennis on Saturday. Results of that game were unavailable at press time.

The winner in that game will go on to face either Dallas Christian or Houston Christian for the TAPPS Division II state title this week.

This year the Crusaders have been led by quarterback Joshua Christian who has completed 100 of his 209 pass attempts, nearly a 50 percent completion percentage for 1,681 yards. Christian has also thrown 18 touchdown passes compared to just five interceptions.

Running back Patrick Flaherty has also been a main offensive cog for the Crusaders this year, eclipsing the 1,000-yard rushing mark with 1,639 yards for the season. His 24 touchdowns are among the best in the Houston area.

Chris Duffy (54 receptions, 504 yards) and Nathan Bartholomew (26 receptions, 486 yards) have also been offensive threats. Alex Thomas and Joshua Bartholomew have also contributed offensively.

Klein, RAC Materials join forces to stock TEAM’s shelves

By Brian Walzel
Editor

Klein’s Super Market and RAC Materials are once again joining forces to stock the pantry shelves for Tomball Emergency Assistance Ministries this holiday season.

Jeffrey Klein (left) and Frank DeNina (right) with canned goods to be donated to TEAM for Christmas food baskets.

Klein’s customers who purchase cans or cases of Parade canned vegetables between Dec. 7 and Dec. 10 will have their donations matched by up to 100 cases by both Klein’s and RAC Materials.

The two businesses will then deliver the canned goods to TEAM Dec. 14, just in time for the local charity to hand out their annual Christmas food baskets.

The Tomball-Magnolia Tribune will provide the transportation for the canned goods from Klein’s Super Market to TEAM the day of delivery.

According to Klein’s Store Director Jeffrey Klein, more than 300 cases of canned goods were donated to TEAM last year, a target that he expects to match once again this year.

“This is the main way to put groceries on their shelves,” Klein said.

Klein’s customers can purchase the vegetables either by the can or the case. But Klein said most customers usually by the $12 case. Klein’s has been donating to TEAM for more than 15 years, Klein said. Meanwhile, this year marks the second for RAC to be involved in the program.

“The best thing is this helps the community,” said Frank DeNina. “I’m just glad to get in on Mr. Klein’s generosity.”

Not only will TEAM be donating Christmas food baskets to local families in need, they are also taking part in the Adopt-a-Family program. Through the program, local families in need can submit ages and gender of their children and TEAM will work to provide them with new toys.

Organizations, individuals and churches adopt families and get the children’s wish lists from TEAM to provide the families with gifts for the children. TEAM will adopt the families that do not get adopted by other individuals. TEAM assists more than 160 families for Christmas.

TEAM Director Loma Holmes said gifts should be received no later than Dec. 11. The food and gifts will be donated to local families on Dec. 20 and 21.

One of the biggest needs is toys for teenagers.

“We are always short on gifts for teenagers,” Holmes said.

For more information about TEAM and its efforts to provide for families during the holiday season, call 281-351-6700. TEAM is located at 300 W. Main St. in Tomball.

Magnolia ISD recognizes National Merit Scholars

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Magnolia Independent School District recognized three Magnolia High School seniors recently who have achieved various levels in the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSP).

Joshua Loucks, Erin Frenchak and Ernesto Bravo have all received letters of recognition and commendation, with Loucks being named a finalist in the scholarship program.

Joshua Loucks

The NMSP was established in 1955 as an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. The program has grown to include more than 1.4 million applicants annually.

Applicants must pass a qualifying PSAT/NMSQT test in the 96th percentile to be selected for recognition. Of the 50,000 students recognized, only about 34,000 receive letters of commendation, according to the district.

Commended scholars are not eligible for scholarships. Only 16,000 of the 1.4 million applicants are selected as semifinalists to be considered for a Merit Scholarship award.

Frenchak scored a 34 out of a possible 36 on the ACT and ranks 12 of 617 in the Magnolia High School Class of 2008 and has been selected as a NMSP Commended Scholar.

“It’s been an honor to receive this award because it recognizes me for doing my best,” Frenchak said. “If you never push yourself, you’ll never realize your full potential.”

Semifinalists advance to finalist by meeting academic standards and other civic requirements.

Loucks was selected as a Semifinalist and a Finalist for the Merit Scholarship award. He scored 34 of 36 on the ACT and is 25 of 617 in the MHS Class of 2008. Loucks will learn the status of his award when the results are announced in February.

The National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP) was established in 1983 to specifically recognize Hispanic scholars.

Bravo was recognized as a NMSP Scholar and received the Hispanic Scholar Award for academic excellence.

Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Wal-Mart kick off Adopt a Family program

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Wal-Mart are once again asking for the community’s help to make this Christmas special for local families in need.

Representatives from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Wal-Mart prepare for this year’s Adopt-a-Family program.

The Sheriff’s Office Dist. 1 Storefront Deputies have registered 52 children from 15 families who need assistance to make their Christmas special. The families were submitted by local schools that have first-hand knowledge of the hardships that selected families are currently encountering.

With the community’s help, last year’s Adopt-a-Family program was successful in granting 51 children a very merry Christmas.

Wal-Mart, located at SH 249 and Spring Cypress, has built a special “Christmas Wish” tree at the center of the store. Customers can select a card from the tree and purchase the gift for that child and leave it at the register. The children’s ages range from infant to 17 years old. The Christmas tree and cards will remain up until Dec. 10.

For more information, contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Storefront at 281-537-9492, or Wal-Mart at 281-374-9449.

Bond for Magnolia Ridge assessment plan moves forward with split vote

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

A swing vote by Magnolia councilman John Bramlett put Vinson & Elkins, the city’s bond counsel, in the driver’s seat as Magnolia Ridge developers move forward in restructuring the development’s assessment plan.

Representatives of Vinson and Elkins (V&E), the city’s bond counsel, were invited to attend an executive session at the Nov. 26 council meeting to once again address the bond issue with Magnolia Ridge developers.

Previous discussions on the subject left developers, financiers and attorneys scrambling for contract wording that would remove all doubt of any obligation on the city’s part for bonds the development is requesting the city to issue.

At the Nov. 13 meeting, Bramlett and Councilman Dave Sutherland said they were “uncomfortable” with the wording of the letter of engagement with V&E, as well as with the development agreement with Mag-Tex Acquisitions, LLC.

Council members reviewed new documents in executive session and upon reconvening, approved an amended development agreement with Mag-Tex in a 4-1 vote. Sutherland was the only vote against the motion.

“I am in favor of growth,” said Sutherland. “But we need to be careful not to get ourselves into a position of having a bill we cannot pay. That’s why I voted no.”

Addendum B establishes a partnership between the City of Magnolia, Magnolia-Tex General Partner LLC, Mag-Tex LP, and Magnolia Ridge LGC where the developer agrees to reserve $25,000 for legal fees towards restructuring the Magnolia Ridge Local Government Corp. (LGC) and the amended development agreement.

Approval of the agreement set the stage for council to approve a letter of engagement with V&E, which was approved in a 3-2 vote with Sutherland and Sammie Scott voting no. Scott’s votes on the two related issues seemingly conflicted. However, he declined to comment regarding his votes.

Councilman Todd Kana’s supporting vote was contingent upon a confirmation by Tom Sage of V&E that the letter of agreement would include a change in the bond ordinance to reflect that the bonds are payable from the assessment fees and to name Magnolia Ridge as the bond holder.

The letter of engagement with V&E will use the levy of assessments on Magnolia Ridge property owners as the only repayment structure for the bonds, Sage said.

Sutherland remained skeptical of the development’s ability to make good on the rooftops, despite the professional advice and assurances of attorneys, bond counsel, and finance representatives.

“Something is going to stop the houses from going up,” he said. “Whether that be a suppressed market, financing or construction delays, it will ultimately end up being the municipality’s responsibility to resolve.”

Sutherland’s hesitation stems from professional advice taken by previous administrations that resulted in financial loss for the city.

He cited the gas system as a “fiasco,” Magnolia Industrial Park as an unreturned investment, and the city hall building, which was done with professional architects and engineers, but “turned out bad as well.”

“The LGC was established (to issue the bonds) based upon a professional’s recommendation (Park Patterson Consultants) and now they (the LGC) can’t do that either, according to the attorney general’s opinion,” he said.

Thornton disagreed with Sutherland, saying the original development plan for Magnolia Ridge was based upon “wild promises” made by the previous development company owner.

However, Sutherland stayed his ground.

“If there is no improvement to levy an assessment against,” said Sutherland, “where will the money come from to pay the bonds?”

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

Fields Store Elementary students were recently treated to a science experiment. Students in Ms. Eckerman’s and Ms. French’s fourth grade classes created their own ice cream treats while observing how matter changes from the liquid state to a solid state. Students learned that changes in temperature sometimes cause liquids to solidify and solids to melt.
Submitted Photo

Sutherland claims council members are targets of vandalism

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

For the third time this year, a city employee has filed a complaint with the Magnolia Police Department alleging that their personal vehicle was vandalized in the city hall parking lot.

Councilman Sammie Scott filed a report that his truck was vandalized in the city hall parking lot on the evening of Nov. 26 during a council meeting, according to Magnolia PD Capt. Mike Smith.

Scott reported the vandalism to police the next morning, saying that the side of his vehicle was keyed very deeply during the council meeting, but he did not notice it until that morning.

Smith said it was difficult to pinpoint the time or place the vandalism actually occurred.

“There’s no evidence that the incident occurred at the council meeting,” said Smith. “It could have happened anywhere in those 12 hours.”

This is the third report by a council or city staff member of vandalism in the city hall parking lot.

Councilman John Bramlett reported that his truck was keyed during a council meeting shortly after taking office in June. Later that month, Cpl. Mike Alexander reported that the air had been let out of the tires on his personal vehicle.

Councilman Dave Sutherland expressed his concern over the vandalism that he said pointed to a lack of maturity.

“There is an element there of a low-class person, which is very disturbing,” he said. “It is a playground mentality that is disgusting.”

More importantly, he said, the fact that council members and city employees continue to be targets may affect the community’s level of participation in city administration.

“People do care, but no one wants to throw their hat in the ring and be drug down into this, and Sammy is a perfect example,” Sutherland said.

Due to a lack of personnel and funding, Smith said the department couldn’t increase patrols or station an officer at the city hall parking lot during late night meetings.

New DA Intake program suffering from ‘lack of consistency’

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

A Magnolia man was arrested Nov. 21 for interfering with an emergency call in a dispute with his daughter, but charges were later dismissed by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s (MCDA) office and the man was released.

The inconsistency is a result of MCDA’s Intake Program implemented on July 16. There are 33 attorneys in the DA’s office, all of which participate in the program by shift.

The program is based upon the success of a similar program in El Paso, which experienced a 10 percent reduction in the number of cases filed over 12 months.

From July 16 to Oct. 20 the Montgomery County Jail processed 3,365 misdemeanor arrests in comparison to 5,575 during the same period for 2006, said MCDA Michael McDougal. “That’s a 20 percent decrease.”

As part of the DA intake process, lawyers are instructed to communicate information between shifts, according to McDougal. “There seems to be a lack of consistency between shifts that end at midnight and those that begin at midnight.”

The program provides officers in the field with the option of calling the jail to speak with an attorney who will tell them if evidence collected is enough to accept charges for a conviction.

However, officers are not required to comply with the DA’s opinion, McDougal said. “We can’t tell them they can’t arrest someone. That’s the officer’s call to make.”

In this case, when officers Greg Valdez and Brian Clack from the Magnolia Police Department responded to the 911 interference call, they arrived on the scene while a domestic dispute was in progress.

Officers and neighbors are familiar with the comings and goings of the 56-year-old father, his wife, and his 39-year-old daughter who live on Connie St. in Magnolia.

When Clack and Valdez arrived at the residence on Nov. 21, they determined the father had interrupted a 911 call made by his daughter. The father was taken into custody and the DA’s office was called.

The DA intake lawyer originally accepted charges and the father was arrested and transported to the county jail.

However, upon attempting to verify the charges with the DA’s office at the jail, officers spoke with a different lawyer at DA intake who refused the previous charge. The father was eventually released. McDougal said the refusal was based in part on a written statement made by the daughter who claimed she had been handed the phone by her father and was instructed to call 911.

“In the opinion of the lawyer that made the refusal there was no immediate emergency,” said McDougal.

The DA intake program was implemented to reduce the number of people crowding up the jail on any given day, because the sheriff’s office was experiencing severe overcrowding, McDougal said.

Similar cases of inconsistency in the program are being reviewed, according to McDougal. In this case the DA Intake Program did not fail, he said, because one lawyer did not have the information that the second lawyer had.

The Malcolm Purvis library, located at 510 Melton, will hold Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 5 at 10 a.m. Pictured, Beverly Taylor hosts a Christmas story time for area children in the library meeting room.
Photo by Cari Herr

2007-08 high school hoops season in full swing

By Brian Walzel
Editor

The 2007-08 high school basketball season is well underway and several area teams are making early impressions. Last week, six squads from three area high schools were in action, looking to round into shape before the district season begins later this year.

Boys
The Tomball Cougars moved to 4-3 on the early season with a 55-44 victory over Cy-Woods Nov. 27 for their second straight win. Tomball led the entire time after jumping out to a 14-9 first quarter lead. By halftime, the five-point lead held at 26-21. But the Cougars opened it up in the second half, outscoring Cy-Woods 14-9 in the third quarter and 15-14 in the fourth. Mitch Powell led the Cougars with 13 points. Reed Wallace added 10. Cy-Woods fell to 0-4 on the season with the loss.

Meanwhile, after falling behind early Nov. 27 to the Klein Collins Tigers, the Magnolia Bulldogs never recovered on their way to a 57-44 loss which dropped their season record to 2-3. The Tigers built a 16-6 first quarter lead, but the Bulldogs managed to keep the game close by halftime, trailing 31-21. Klein Collins pulled away in the third, outscoring the Bulldogs 14-6 and widening the gap to 45-27. A fourth quarter rally by the Bulldogs wasn’t quite enough as the Tigers sent the Bulldogs to their second straight loss.

The Concordia Lutheran Crusaders struggled mightily in their season opener Nov. 27, falling to Northeast Christian 109-67. The Crusaders were never really in this one, trailing 57-33 by halftime. It was more of the same in the second half, as Northeast Christian outscored the Crusaders 29-19 in the third and 23-15 in the fourth on their way to the 42-point victory. Bobby Reynosa led the Crusaders in scoring with 27 points.

Girls
The Tomball Lady Cougars lost a heartbreaker to former district rival Jersey Village 46-35 Nov. 27 despite leading at halftime. In the first quarter, both defenses held their opposition in check, with Tomball taking an early 8-4 lead. By halftime, Tomball led 19-16. But the Lady Cougar offense went cold in the fourth quarter, making only two field goals and allowing the Lady Falcon offense to erupt for 17 points. Tomball fell to 2-3 with the loss. Taylor Frank led the Lady Cougars with 12 points.

The Magnolia Lady Bulldogs dropped to 3-7 on the young season with a 58-44 loss to A&M Consolidated. Despite trailing by only three at halftime, the Lady Tigers’ offense kicked into high gear, outscoring the Lady Bulldogs 36-26 in the second half on their way to the win. The loss was the Lady Bulldogs’ second straight.

The Concordia Lutheran Lady ’Saders continued their winning tradition Nov. 27 with a 66-40 victory over John Cooper. The Concordia defense stifled the Lady Dragons all night, never allowing more than 13 points in a quarter. By halftime, the Lady ’Saders were in front 29-18, a lead they would not relinquish. Jessi Cowden led Concordia in scoring with 20 points. The Lady ’Saders improved to 7-2 on the season.

The Magnolia Independent School District Transportation Department recently visited all of the elementary schools as part of a bus safety educational program. The program consisted of teaching students and staff bus rules, proper radio usage in the event the driver is incapacitated, setting the parking brake, exit locations, practicing a rear door evacuation, proper loading and unloading, crossing streets, blind spots and danger zones. Pictured above, students practice bus safety during an exercise. Submitted Photo

Bulldogs upset Yates Lions, advance to third round

The Waller Bulldogs completed the Thanksgiving weekend with a 28-14 win over the Jack Yates Lions in the second round of the 4A playoffs. The undefeated Lions brought a squad laden with Division I talent to Jack Rhoades stadium in Katy. However, the Bulldogs proved up to the task sending the Lions home for the holidays.

The first offensive play of the game for the Bulldogs went 54 yards for a touchdown. Stephen Williams and company ran a reverse to perfection, as they took advantage of an overly aggressive Lion defense. Joplo Bartu and Eddie Brown added touchdowns in the first half to give the Bulldogs a commanding 21-7 halftime lead.

Defensively, the Bulldogs had been allowing 220 yards per game, while Yates has averaged more than 400 yards per game. In the classic “something had to give” scenario, it was the Bulldog defense that bent, but the Lion offense that broke. The Bulldogs held the Lions to 190 yards of total offense and just 14 points, both of which were season lows for the Lions.

Led by Eddie Brown, Jerrad Jefferson, Josh Poyer, Robert Nicholson, Trevor Barry, Jacob Dodd, Byron Abbs, and Joplo Bartu, the Bulldogs’ front seven swarmed the football, punishing the Yates running backs.

With the victory, the Bulldogs moved into the regional semifinals and faced a tough Lumberton Raiders opponent last week. Results of the game were unavailable at press time.

State official to address chamber committee

Members of the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce’s Government and Legislative Affairs Committee will be hosting Bill Hammond, president and chief executive officer of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), at their next meeting, scheduled for Dec. 6.

Bill Hammond

Hammond is a former state representative who joined the TAB in 1998 after serving for three years prior to that time as chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission. The TAB, which was formally the Texas Association of Business and Chambers of Commerce, is a Texas entity that serves as a voice for chambers of commerce and business, similar to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Hammond will be giving chamber committee members a personal report on the current Texas Legislative agenda for business.

The public is invited to this committee meeting that is set for 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. and will be held in the executive conference room of at the Chamber offices, located at 14011 Park Dr. Call 281-351-7222 for more information.

From the Book of Clifford

By Clifford Parker
Contributing Writer

I am taking an extended walk down memory lane to remember how things used to be here in Tomball during the 50s, 60s and 70s. They are my personal memories, so corrections may be in order, but everything is still correct. (I’ll bet that threw you, didn’t it?!)

In other words, my memories are my own. Right or wrong, they are my memories so in my mind they are correct, even though, factually, I may be in error. Oh, well. Read on.

I’m going to finish the area of FM 2920 and Tomball Parkway and then I’m going to carry my trip east on FM 2920, a.k.a. Main Street, a.k.a. Tomball Waller Road, a.k.a. The way out to Eddie Waller’s. (Only the old timers will understand that one!)

Luby’s Cafeteria and all the businesses in that area didn’t exist, but Delbert Springer did own a gas station across the street from Luby’s on old FM 149. It was just about where the new Taco Cabana sits. Delbert passed away a few years ago, but he has shared many stories with me.

Delbert told me one story that makes my hair stand on end about something he saw from his station one day.

A lady made a left hand turn from the road in front of the old elementary school on Keefer Street, turning south on FM 149 (now SH 249 or Tomball Parkway). As she made her turn and was passing Delbert’s station, he noticed a plastic object scooting across the highway following her car, which was traveling 20 or 30 miles per hour.

As he looked, he realized it was a plastic baby carrier! Panic struck the lady in the car at about the same time Delbert saw the carrier and she finally stopped her car. It seems this poor lady had accidentally left her baby on top of her car, and as she turned onto the highway it slid off the car onto the road, staying upright the whole way! An eventful story that turned out okay!

Sandwiched in between Delbert’s station and Mr. Coe’s real estate office was a local watering hole called Ms. Alice’s. Mrs. Alice Jones owned the place and as high schoolers, we would go into her business to play a game of pool. It was located at about the spot where O’Reilly’s Auto Parts now stands.

Heading east on Main meant open cow pasture on the north side of the road. Eventually, Klein’s built a beautiful complex to house their funeral home and grocery store. I must admit I cannot remember anything on the north side of Main until you reached Neidigk Lumber Company. I remember that the original building was positioned on a small concrete slab in front of the current building at just about the same location where they store their concrete products.

I don’t remember anything being located on the property of Gloyer’s Pharmacy and my memory tells me the Dairy Queen has been there for many, many years. The stone house owned by Mr. Roper has been there forever, but from there to Tomball Muffler and Brake at Baker Drive, I have no memory. I’m sure someone in the community knows who built the stone house.

I do remember when Holderrieth was cut across Main Street to accommodate the new fancy post office and I do remember when the bank was built.

The Regions Bank building used to be called First Bank and Trust, along with a list of other banking names. When this building was first built, it brought many comments from the old timers. I do believe this was one of the first tilt up concrete buildings in town.

It was that new fandangled “contemporary design.” It was one of the few buildings without an overhang, too. The old-timers (my dad included) felt this design was silly.

“That thing will fall like a stack of cards.”

“That place is gonna leak all the time. And it’s gonna be plum hot inside, all that concrete and steel.”

“Look, no overhang!”

“What do we need another bank for in town? We already got one!”

These are all comments I can remember hearing from my dad and his friends.

The building at Main and Baker housed a garage owned by Mr. Ferhle. My friend, Douglas Heinze, a.k.a. “Dumplin,” told me Mr. Tressler actually built the original building. Tomball Muffler now occupies the building. I know Dr. Tony’s Vet Clinic has been around for a long time. I think a bus station used to be in this location.

Maybe, maybe not.

As you pass Baker, the house occupied by Bolton and Bolton, as well as the house occupied by Mr. Dan Hill’s insurance agency, have both been there for a long time. I have no idea who built them, but I’m sure somebody will tell me.

Many memories exist in the next few buildings headed east, so I will wait ’til next time.

-- Clifford

Drug charges dismissed due to lack of evidence after arrest

By Cari Herr
Tribune Staff

The Tomball Police Department reported Nov. 9 the arrest of two suspects for possession of cocaine, only one of which was convicted, while charges were dismissed against the other for lack of evidence.

John Collard, 42, of The Woodlands recently pled guilty and was convicted of possession of cocaine and evading arrest. As a result, charges against his co-defendant, Randall Walters, 50, of Tomball were dismissed.

While delivering old bread to a friend to feed his chickens, Walters said he was approached by Collard asking for a ride to Mel’s Diner. The two were only mildly acquainted through work, but Walters gave Collard the lift anyway.

“Collard hoped to meet with his boss and pick up his paycheck,” Walters said. “I’m a Christian person and I do nice things for people.”

TPD Officer Freeman reported stopping Walters in the 700 block of E. Hufsmith during a routine traffic stop for failing to make a complete stop. When Freeman approached the vehicle, Walters got out.

“When the officer requested to search my vehicle, I was completely compliant,” said Walters. “The fellow that was with me gave out false identifying information.”

As Walters and Freeman exchanged information, Collard, who was still inside the vehicle, “jumped into the driver’s seat and stole my vehicle,” said Walters. At that point, Freeman forced Walters to the ground in handcuffs and called for assistance.

Collard abandoned Walter’s vehicle within a few minutes, but continued his attempt to evade officers on foot. However, they caught up with him and charged him with possession of a controlled substance and evading arrest.

The police report indicated that cocaine was found on both suspects, but that was not the case, said Walters. An empty pill bottle under the driver’s seat of Walter’s car tested positive for cocaine. Subsequently, police also charged Walters with possession of cocaine.

“No drugs were found on my person,” Walters claims. “They were found in my vehicle after it was stolen by Collard.”

Collard did admit the pill bottle was his, according to assistant district attorney Tina Ansari. Therefore, on Nov. 13 she requested the charges against Walters be dismissed.

NAM, Meals on Wheels benefit from civic service

The Rotary Club of Willowbrook and the Klein Forest High School Interact Club recently joined forces to help renovate the Northwest Assistance Ministries’ (NAM) playground and aide the Meals on Wheels program.

Rotary Club of Willowbrook members Tom Jackson (left) and Wayne Roush (right) spread wood chips to create a new play surface for the Northwest Assistance Ministries playground.

Seventeen Rotarians, along with 10 Interact Club members, worked throughout the morning and early afternoon on Nov. 17, spreading wood chips and removing graffiti from playground equipment used by NAM clients and neighborhood families.

The much-needed facelift was made possible by a $2,500 grant from the Rotary Club and Rotary International, with funds for a new fence coming from the Rotary, as well.

NAM is a non-profit, community-based, multi-program social service agency consisting of 48 congregations, 17 service partner organizations and more than 130 business community partners. NAM has served north and northwest Harris County for 24 years.

To volunteer at or donate to NAM, call 281-885-4555 or visit www.namonline.org. NAM is located at 15555 Kuykendahl Road, just south of FM 1960.

Police: Auto burglars shop unattended vehicles this holiday season

This holiday season, auto burglars will shop the easy way – by stealing gifts, purses, wallets, packages or other valuables people may leave in plain sight inside their vehicles. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, every 2 ½ minutes, a vehicle is burglarized in Texas with its contents stolen.

These crimes escalate during this time of year when people increase shopping and don’t take the necessary precautions to protect personal items left in a vehicle. Police report that auto burglars scout mall and other large parking lots, waiting for the opportunity to break into a vehicle.

“Texas drivers need to understand careless actions with vehicles and items left inside actually help auto burglars and thieves do their job better,” the Sheriff’s Office reported in a release.

Sheriff Tommy Thomas, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Task Force and the Texas Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority offer three basic safety tips to motorists to prevent these crimes during the holidays, and all year round: hide belongings from eyesight, lock car doors and take the keys.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, last year, thieves stole nearly 100,000 vehicles in Texas. More than half of those had the vehicle’s keys left inside.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday season and not experience the horror and frustration of having their vehicle burglarized or stolen when they can help prevent such crimes from happening, ” said Susan Sampson, TxDOT’s director for the Auto Burglary and Theft Prevention Authority.

For a free booklet on auto burglary and theft prevention safety tips, call 800-CAR-WATCH or go to www.txwatchyourcar.com. For more information, call Dep. Sandy Johnson at 281-446-4399.

Backyard Oasis, located at 16340 FM 2920, is one of several area businesses that are registered drop spots for the Marine Corp Reserves’ Toys for Tots program. Pictured (left to right), Backyard Oasis employees Gary Nalor, Jackie Hallada, Schamel Musfy, Jennifer George, and co-owners Cheryl Masters and Faye Williamson deliver toys to USMC Reserve Staff Sgt. Jose Morin.
Photo by Cari Herr