Captured escapee says prison staff helped him

by KHOU.com Staff

Posted on December 9, 2009 at 6:50 AM

CONROE, Texas—The escaped prisoner who was the focus of a week-long manhunt told a local activist that he had help from the inside. Convicted child rapist Arcade Comeaux said the weapon he used to hijack guards was in his cell for at least three weeks.

Questions still surround the prison system that allowed Comeaux to dupe authorities for years. The supposedly partially-paralyzed man managed to walk away from the guards and right into controversy.
Authorities are asking two questions; why didn’t prison officials realize Comeaux was faking his medical condition, and where did he get the gun?
Local activist Quanell X said Comeaux told him he had help from the inside.

“He named that guard and he also named someone who is involved in medical who had been giving him medical assistance,” Quanell X said.

But prison officials said Comeaux has not shared that information with investigators so there are no arrests at this time.
“This feels like the inmate is running the asylum,” said a former TDCJ staff member who remembers Comeaux clearly.
“He would sit in the food. Of course it would dry and start smelling. He refused to shower, refused to clean himself, basically saying ‘I’m immobile, I need someone to do this for me.’”

The former staff member said Comeaux orchestrated a deliberate campaign of extortion, despite medical reports that he was able to care for himself. He said Comeaux manipulated the system to get health assistance and better housing.
A grand jury on Thursday will hear the case against the convicted sex offender who was captured in northeast Houston Monday morning.
Comeaux is now facing aggravated kidnapping and felony escape charges. He was in custody in the Montgomery County Jail Tuesday, awaiting his hearing. Comeaux, who is currently serving three life sentences, was found when a salesman saw him trying to hitchhike in front of a business on East Little York.

The salesman called HPD, who came and took Comeaux into custody without incident.
Investigators said Comeaux escaped during transport from a prison unit in Huntsville to one in Beaumont.
As the prison van passed through Conroe, investigators said Comeaux pulled out a gun, held two transport guards hostage, handcuffed them in the back of the van, drove the van to Baytown, took the guards’ weapons, put on one of their uniforms and escaped.

Officials launched an extensive manhunt, but Comeaux managed to elude them for seven days before he was captured.
He had been confined to a wheelchair since 1997 when a stroke purportedly left him partially paralyzed, but when he was taken into custody, Comeaux was walking.

He has been in and out of the Texas prison system for 30 years.
Comeaux was first sent to prison in 1979 on three 10-year sentences for rape of a child, aggravated rape of a child and burglary of a building—all out of Harris County. He was paroled four years later.

His parole was revoked and he returned to prison in 1984 to serve a 20-year sentence on a new charge of indecency with a child out of Harris County. He was paroled in 1991 but was in and out of prison for parole violations until 1996.
In June 1998, he was given a life sentence for aggravated sexual assault in Brazos County.
Comeaux was given two extra life sentences after he was convicted of stabbing his wife and another person in 1999. That attack occurred in the Jester III Unit in Fort Bend County when his wife came to visit him. The other person stabbed was a man who tried to stop the attack.

Still, those at the top want to correct the miscommunication between the workers inside prison walls.

“If you are in charge of a prison, and you see there is a disputes between medical’s and correction’s, come to us and ask for laws that would eliminate the controversy, ”said John Whitmire, chairman of the senate criminal justice committee. He is calling for a full investigation of prison and medical staff.

WATCH KHOU VIDEO REPORT HERE

News Alert: Comeaux now on most wanted list

(CNN) -- A Texas inmate in a wheelchair, who escaped on foot from two armed guards as he was being transferred between prisons, is now on the U.S. Marshals' list of the 15 most-wanted fugitives.
Arcade Comeaux Jr., 49, "produced a weapon and fired upon two correctional officers, took them hostage and forced them to drive to Baytown, Texas," the U.S. Marshals Service said in a statement.
He then put the officers in the back of the van and took their weapons and one of their uniforms, the statement said.

Comeaux was serving three life sentences for aggravated sexual assault and two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He escaped Monday during transport from Huntsville, Texas, to Stiles, Texas.
The 6-foot, 200-pound man was shackled and in a wheelchair, "which he had claimed was needed for mobility," Michelle Lyons, director of public information for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Huntsville, said in a statement.

About 45 minutes into the trip, as they were driving through Conroe, 40 minutes north of Houston, the prisoner pulled out a pistol and ordered the guards to drive south to Baytown, east of Houston.
He fired once, but hit no one during the escape about 9 a.m., officials said.
Law enforcement officers found the unharmed officers an hour later.

Comeaux was being transferred so he could be near John Sealy Hospital in Galveston for treatment of the supposed paralysis he had suffered during a reported stroke, officials said.

At least $16,000 in reward money has been offered for information leading to Comeaux's rearrest and a task force of more than 100 investigators is searching for him, focusing on the Houston area, where he grew up and has family.
His escape has led the man who oversees Texas' criminal justice system to call for a shakeup of the prison system.
"I just think enough's enough," said Sen. John Whitmire, the Texas Democrat from Houston who is chairman of the state Senate's Criminal Justice Committee.

"We need a complete shakeup of the leadership of our prison system and/or an outside review by third parties," he told CNN by phone Wednesday. "We just can't have security breaches of this nature."
Whitmire said the guards had failed to pat down Comeaux while he was in his wheelchair and before they began the trip.
"Sure enough, he has a firearm," he said. "The question is, are there others (in the prison system)? I think you have to assume that there are until you find out differently."

So far this year, more than 900 cell phones have been confiscated from the 112 locations that house the state's 158,000 prisoners. "It's pretty rampant," he said.

"I want the director to come forward and tell us what it's going to take" to solve the problem, he said.
John Moriarty, inspector general of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, said such lapses are highly unusual in the state's penal system. "We have no open gun investigations other than this one," he said. "The last one was several years ago."
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Executive Director Brad Livingston, who has been in the job since 2005, did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment.

Snow forecast in Houston area !

On average, once every four years even Houston gets visited by the Snow Gods. Although, this could be the second year-in-a-row for Houston snow. And if snow does indeed fall this Friday as forecasted, it would be the earliest snowfall on record.

Fred Schmud of ImpactWeather said to the Houston Chronicle, “Most of our forecasting data is caught right in the middle, meaning any subtle change in the position of the upper level disturbance will have huge consequences on how much, if any, snow falls across the Greater Houston area."

Right now NOAA is predicting a 70% chance of snow on Friday.

Michael Jackson's doctor returns to work in Houston

Michael Jackson's doctor Conrad Murray, who is the subject of an investigation into the death of the singer, has returned to work.

The cardiologist has resumed work at his medical clinic in Houston for the first time since the late singer's death on June 25.

"He has not been able to earn a living since the death of Michael Jackson," his lawyer Ed Chernoff told the Associated Press. "His legal fees are enormous and his debts have mounted to the point where it is unclear whether he will be able to keep his house or support his family.

"His intentions are to attend to these patients who have continued to support him, despite the attention and despite the threats."

Downtown alcohol ban lifted

By Laura Elder
The Daily News
Published November 4, 2009

FRIENDSWOOD — Breaking a 46-year dry spell, voters Tuesday overwhelmingly approved the sale of alcohol at restaurants and grocery stores in the city’s downtown.

Proposition 1, which would allow convenience stores and wine shops to sell beer and wine for off-premise consumption, passed with 2,505 votes — 68 percent — for, compared to 1,163 — 32 percent — against, according to complete, unofficial returns.

Proposition 2, which would allow restaurants to sell mixed beverages, passed with 2,648 votes — 72 percent — for, compared to 1,021 — 28 percent — against.

Both propositions allow alcohol sales in a corridor along FM 518 between FM 528 and FM 2351.

The city, founded by Quakers, banned alcohol sales in April 1963, the year Friendswood was incorporated.

Businessman and developer Tony Buzbee, who led a group that argued lifting the ban would lure new business, said the overwhelming victory proved residents were ready for change.

Opponents had argued lifting the ban would undermine the city’s heritage.

“The issue is dear to many people in town; they care deeply about it and I am one of them,” said Janis Lowe, a resident who opposed both propositions.

“Now, all interested parties have spoken. Friendswood will still be here in the morning, but will just be a bit different than it was yesterday.”

Alcohol sales downtown would not drastically change the character of Friendswood, Mayor David Smith said.

“We will still be a family-based, faith-based, education-based community,” Smith said.

READ MORE HERE

Rising jobless rate not as severe here

By JIM MOLONY
Updated: 10.21.09
Just as it did in the rest of the country, unemployment rose locally during September, but the good news for Pearland, Friendswood and greater Houston is that the job market here isn't as tight as elsewhere.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission the Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 8.2 percent in September, up from 8.0 percent a month ago, and continued to trend well below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 9.8 percent.

The Texas Civilian Labor Force continued to increase, remaining above the mark of 12 million workers for the third consecutive month. Total non-agricultural employment in Texas fell by 44,700 positions during September.

"The Texas job market continued to tighten as most industries experienced job losses in September," Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken said. "While unemployment in Texas remains well below the national rate of 9.8 percent, this serious national recession continues to affect us adversely in Texas."

In Friendswood the unemployment rate rose to 6.7, the highest monthly reading in at least eight years, and yet the number may be misleading since a detailed breakdown is unavailable and Friendswood's major employers -- the two school districts and the city -- as well as other key local businesses did not report any significant layoffs.

"I have not seen high unemployment or even business relocations from Friendswood, it's been just the opposite," said Karen Capps, Friendswood's Economic Development Coordinator. "The number is high for us, but when you look at the rest of the country we're doing fine."

Overall in the United States economic growth has slowed, and in Galveston County, in which part of Friendswood lies, unemployment has nearly doubled (from 4.3 to 8.5 percent) during the last 12 months, according to the TWC.

"Galveston is different because of the storm," Capps said, referring to Hurricane Ike which closed scores of businesses and displaced a substantial segment of the work force.

READ THE FULL STORY

Friendswood to Decide Whether to Lift Downtown Alcohol Ban

Friendswood, TX - A forty-six-year-old law banning the sale of alcohol in certain part of Friendswood could soon change.

The downtown area of Friendswood has been "dry" since the 1960's. Unless the business obtains a private club registration, they can't sell alcohol. It could all change if residents vote to ban the old law.

Two propositions are already on the ballot for early voting. Proposition 1 would allow the sale of beer and wine for off-premise consumption. Proposition 2 would allow restaurants to sell mixed drinks. Most people in town agree its time for a change.

"We have many customer who walk in the door asking where is the beer and we have to send them somewhere else," Deanna Law, Kroger Manager.

The Kroger on FM-518 lies in the dry part of town. If the law passes it would allow them to sell alcohol to their customers. Right now, most residents have to buy their beer or wine at other competitor stores down the street in the "wet" parts of town.

"Most of us recognize to jump start and help the development in the downtown area and this is really the last piece to make this happen," David Smith, Friendswood mayor

WATCH VIDEO REPORT HERE

Suspects arrested in Friendswood Burglaries

The Police News
October 11, 2009
FRIENDSWOOD -Three suspects were arrested for burglary Friday afternoon.

A resident of the 15400 block of Wandering Trail called police when she saw two men on her upper deck landing. She notified Friendswood Police of the suspicious activity and officers were immediately dispatched in to the area in marked and unmarked units. Officers observed a vehicle that matched a description provided to police by the caller in the 5100 block of Shady Oaks.

Myra Martinez, 27, of Houston, Jesse Pena, 25, of Houston and a 16-year old boy from Houston were charged with Attempted Burglary. Pena and Martinez were later transferred to the Harris County jail with no bond. The juvenile was released to a parent, pending further juvenile court action.

Man charged with sexual assault

FRIENDSWOOD, Texas -- A 37-year-old Harris County man is facing charges of sexual assault of a child after police say they found him having sex with a 16-year-old girl.

Friendswood police said an officer was on patrol around 9:30 p.m. Wednesday when he noticed Charles Michael Simmons’ vehicle at the rear of the Oasis Car Wash on FM 528.

Since the business was closed, the officer decided to investigate.

When he approached the vehicle, the officer said he saw Simmons and a teen engaged in sexual activity.

Simmons was taken into custody and later transferred to the Harris County Jail with no bond.

He’s also wanted in Florida for violation of a court order.

Police said Simmons and the teen were acquaintances and they did not meet on the Internet.

Layoffs at NASA begin.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. -- Layoffs have begun at the Kennedy Space Center.
United Space Alliance, a private company that employs many shuttle workers, will lay off 277 people in the coming weeks.
All but 19 voluntarily accepted the loss of their jobs by taking early retirement.
The space shuttle program is scheduled to retire next year.

Bad boys- bad boys whatcha gonna do?

The Police News

September 22, 2009

FRIENDSWOOD - A 16-year old juvenile was charged with class A misdemeanor Criminal Mischief after he was field interviewed by Friendswood Police at approximately 3:35 p.m. Monday September 21.

The youth was observed walking in the 16700 block of Blackhawk Avenue. He matched the description of a suspect caught on video attempting to break into a pool building at Forest Bend Park, 4303 Laura Leigh. The burglary attempt was discovered at approximately 6:45 a.m. Monday by a member of the homeowner's association.

When police stopped to speak with the boy, he admitted to being in the area of the Forest Bend Park and he also admitted that he was staying in the park. He was advised by police officers that there was video of the attempted break in and he admitted he was looking for a place to stay.

After being taken into custody, he was identified as a runaway from Brazoria County reported on July 2, 2009. He was being held at the Friendswood Police Department pending transfer to Harris County juvenile authorities.

Actor Patrick Swayze Dies; Houston Native Had Battled Cancer

LOS ANGELES (September 14, 2009)—“Dirty Dancing” actor Patrick Swayze, 57, has lost his yearlong battle with pancreatic cancer.

Swayze died Monday with his family at his side, his publicist Annett Wolf said.

In March 2008, it was disclosed that the Houston native had been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Despite the grim prognosis, Swayze continued to work on the A&E series “The Beast,” in which he starred, although he said the cancer put him “through hell.”

Swayze became a star in 1987 with his performance in the coming-of-age classic “Dirty Dancing.”

Three years later, his role in “Ghost” made him a big screen favorite.

Patrick Swayze was born on August 18, 1952 in Houston, Texas, the eldest child of Patsy Yvonne Helen (née Karnes; b. 1927), a choreographer, dance instructor, and dancer, and Jessie Wayne Swayze (1925-1982), an engineering draftsman.[6][7] He had two younger brothers, actor Don (born 1958) and Sean Kyle (born 1962), and two sisters, Vicky Lynn (1949-1994) and Bambi, who were adopted into the family.[8] His surname originated with an English immigrant ancestor named "Swasey".[7]
Until the age of 20,

Swayze lived in the Oak Forest neighborhood of Houston, where he attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Oak Forest Elementary School,[9] Black Middle School,[9][10] and Waltrip High School.[9] During this time, he also pursued multiple artistic and athletic skills, such as ice skating, classical ballet, and acting in school plays. He studied gymnastics at nearby San Jacinto College for two years.

Patrick Swayze on Wkipedia.

Waterspout comes ashore in Galveston

By Chris Paschenko & Rhiannon Meyers / The Daily News & Kevin Reece / 11 News
GALVESTON, Texas — The National Weather Service confirmed a waterspout came ashore in Galveston on Sunday damaging buildings, knocking out power and injuring at least three people.

It happened soon after a strong line of storms moved into the county, and the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning. A waterspout is a tornado that forms over water.

Dolphin World, a souvenir shop in the 2900 block of Seawall Boulevard, was damaged about 9:45 p.m. Debris covered the streets.

Ironically, Dolphin World survived Hurricane Ike with very little damage. But after this storm, things were different.

“It’s very, very bad. Very difficult. Basically everything inside is gone. Brings back memory of Ike,” Schlomo Hamo of Dolphin World said.

Witnesses told The Daily News that a piece of the roof from Dolphin World struck a man who was pushing his bicycle down the seawall. They said he was taken away by ambulance.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

CNN) -- Three boaters who were stranded at sea for more than a week were being reunited with their families Sunday.

Three missing boaters were returned safely to Port Aransas, Texas, after their rescue on Saturday.

A day after the U.S. Coast Guard said it was suspending its weeklong search for the boaters, the men were found alive Saturday night.

The crew of a Good Samaritan vessel found Curtis Hall, 28, James Phillips, 30, and Tressel Hawkins, 43, sitting on top of their capsized 23-foot fishing vessel about 180 miles from Port Aransas, Texas, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

The men had been missing at sea since they failed to return from a fishing trip on August 22.

The Coast Guard had called off their search Friday after it said it had looked over more than 86,000 square miles.

Hall went to a hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas, but left after he waited too long in the emergency room, his mother told CNN. He returned to his home in Palacio, Texas, to rest and will see a doctor later on Sunday for what he thinks are second-degree burns on his legs from sun exposure, she said.

After the rescue, Phillips was on his way home to reunite with his family, his wife, Shane, told CNN. He did not seek medical attention, she said.

Hawkins suffered open sores on his legs after floating in the water for eight days, he told CNN from the emergency room of a Corpus Christi hospital. He plans to leave the hospital soon and head to Fort Worth, Texas, to reunite with his family, he said. E-mail to a friend | Mixx it | Share

Houston hair glue bandit victim videos prankster with cell phone

HOUSTON -- Another woman has come forward saying she too, was a victim of the so-called hair glue bandit. The woman says it happened in a Marshalls in Southwest Houston. She was looking at cookbooks when she felt something in her hair.

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"There was this man standing about a foot and a half beside me. He said, ‘Excuse me,’ and I said, ‘It's ok.’ But then I felt something warm on the back of my head," said the hair glue bandit’s latest victim, who wishes to remain anonymous. "There was this white substance on my hand. It dried instantly."

The victim says she was able to pull out her cell phone and capture video of the man who poured the glue on her.

Plus, because she didn't want him to disappear into a busy parking lot, she followed him out and took down the license plate of the car he was in. She then passed the information over to the police.

Over the past few weeks, glue victims have been studying a surveillance video taken from another attack. The latest victim claims the same man poured the glue in her hair.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Plane Crashes in La Porte

By Nakia Cooper / KHOU.com
La Porte, Texas -- La Porte residents are surprised when a plane falls out of the air and lands on their lawn.

La Porte police were called to the 10,600 block of North H Street for reports of a plane that crash landed in a backyard.

Investigators say the experimental single engine aircraft had just taken off from the La Porte Municipal Airport when it dropped out of the sky.

The pilot said he lost control of the aircraft after the plane failed to gain altitude.

The left wing clipped some trees and the plane went down, crashing into a nearby backyard.

Residents ran over to over to help the pilot who had broken his leg.

The pilot was airlifted to Memorial Hermann by PHI helicopter for emergency treatment.

Rescuers said the pilot also appeared to suffer head trauma.

FAA and DPS are investigating.

No one on the ground was injured.

Senior Citizen Program Hosting Casino Extravaganza and Plans Trip to Paragon Casino

Friendswood, TX – July 9, 2009 – The Friendswood Senior Citizen Program will be traveling to the Paragon Casino in Marksville Louisiana on Wednesday and Thursday, August 12 and 13, 2009 and will later be hosting a Casino Extravaganza on Friday, August 28, 2009 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For those seniors interested in taking a trip to the Paragon Casino, the bus will depart from the Friendswood Activity Building located at 416 Morningside Dr. at 8 a.m. on August 12 and return at approximately 8 p.m. the next day. The cost for the trip is $50 per person (based on a double occupancy room). The package includes transportation, room, a $10 food coupon to use at the Casino restaurant, and a $20 cash perk for gambling.

The Casino Extravaganza, held at the Friendswood Activity Building on August 28 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., is a free event and all area seniors are welcome to attend. This three hour party will feature casino games, dancing, and music by musician Peter Hoth. Blackjack, Roulette, Craps and Poker will be available, all manned by professional dealers. Refreshments will also be provided.

Those with questions or who wish to RSVP for either of these events are asked to call Genie Balderaz with the Friendswood Senior Program at 281-482-8441.

Friendswood Man Arrested On Heroin Charges

FRIENDSWOOD - Friendswood Police, serving a probation violation warrant, found a quantity of narcotics and steroids in the violator's home.

Police served the warrant Tuesday at a residence in the 1500 block of Windsor Drive in Regency Estates. The violator, Joseph David Bender, 23, was searched incident to arrest and found to be in possession of a vial of liquid heroin and a dozen Vicodin pills.

During a safety sweep of the house, officers observed in plain view, another vial, which later tested positive for heroin.

The homeowner signed a consent to search allowing officers to perform a more thorough search of the residence. The subsequent search turned up approximately $3,000 in cash, several vials of liquid steroids and six grams of black tar heroin.

Bender was jailed on a charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver. The charge is a second degree felony with a $150,000 bond. The probation violation warrant carried no bond.

Bender was convicted in Harris County District Court in January 2009 for Possession of a Controlled Substance. Friendswood Police arrested him May 6, 2009 when he was found to be in possession of more than 77 grams of black tar heroin. The probation violation warrant was linked to his May 6 arrest.

Pearland Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure

Pearland man charged with indecent exposure at Friendswood Public Library
10:44 AM CDT on Friday, July 10, 2009
KHOU.com staff report
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas—A Pearland man was in custody Friday after police said he was caught masturbating at the Friendswood Public Library.


Friendswood PD

Thomas Whitmarsh
Police were called to the library, located at 416 S. Friendswood, around 7:20 p.m. Thursday.

A library employee reported seeing Thomas Whitmarsh, 68, exposing himself and masturbating in an open area of the library.

Whitmarsh told police he’d recently been caught doing the same thing by officers in Pearland.

He said he was not cited in that incident.

Friendswood police have not yet confirmed that with Pearland authorities.

Friendswood library personnel had consulted with police twice before in June, expressing conern about Whitmarsh’s suspicious behavior.

Whitmarsh was charged with indecent exposure and issued a criminal trespass warming.

He’s currently being held in the Friendswood Municipal Jail on $1,000 bond.

Updated: Houston Area 4th of July Fireworks Events

HOUSTON—The 4th of July means fireworks across the U.S. and Houston is no exception.

There are dozens of celebrations in our area, but the largest is the Freedom over Texas festival this weekend. It is presented by Shell.

The free event is at Eleanor Tinsley Park. This year, organizers are honoring Houston’s military heroes and the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 lunar landing. Country singer, Texas native Clay Walker will be the main act. He will take the stage at 8 p.m. Right after that at 9:30, fireworks will light the sky.

If you’re thinking about heading there you should know about some road that will be closed.

On Thursday, a couple of lanes along Allen Parkway were closed. They include roads between Taft Street and downtown.

Also, starting at 7 p.m. Thursday, Allen Parkway will be completely closed to traffic.

If you’re in The Woodlands, there are several events where you can celebrate.

First there is the Star-Spangled Salute which is being held Friday night at the Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion.

You’ll hear patriotic music presented by the Houston Symphony.

Friday at 9 a.m. you can see the South Montgomery Parade which runs through The Woodlands Town Center and Market Street.

Finally, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. you can head to the Red, Hot and Blue Festival and Fireworks Extravaganza at Town Green Park and Waterway Square.

There’s also a lot to celebrate in Fort Bend County Saturday, July 4 th.

In Sugar Land, the festivities include The Red White and Blue Fest at Oyster Creek Park. Those events begin Saturday and run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The city of Stafford and the Fort Bend Symphony will celebrate by treating the public to a free patriotic concert.

Freedom Rings 2009 will be held at the Stafford Centre and starts at 5 p.m.

In Missouri City, the public is being treated to a July 4 celebration at Buffalo Run Park.

The fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and the fireworks blare into the night sky at 9.

Chevy Freedom Over Texas Fireworks
Location: Eleanor Tinsley Park
website: www.chevysfreedomovertexas.com
This is by far the largest celebration in the city of Houston, and the fireworks display is one of the biggest in the state. Montgomery Gentry will headline. The festival starts at 4 p.m. with performances by local acts. If you don't feel like braving the crowds, you don't have to miss our on the fun; just tune in to ABC13 from the solitude of your couch.

The Houston Symphony 4th of July Celebration
Location: Miller Outdoor Theatre, Herman Park
Led by principal pops conductor Michael Krajewski. Enjoy an All-American salute to commemorate Independence Day, and end the evening with fireworks presented by the Miller Theatre Advisory Board.

Sam Houston Race Park
website: www.shrp.com
The park celebrates Independence Day with special family-friendly activities and a spectacular fireworks display.

Firecracker Hotbox
Location: Gulf Greyhound Park
website: www.gulfgreyhound.com
Come see some of the nation's hottest greyhounds compete.

Kemah Boardwalk
website: www.kemahboardwalk.com
The 4th of July fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m.

SplashTown Fireworks Spectacular
website: www.splashtownpark.com
The park sends up the explosives after dusk.

How our area is growing

According to a story in Wednesday, June 17th's Houston Chronicle,
East Montgomery County is doing well in housing growth and in fact exceeds virtually all of the greater Houston region. The East Montgomery County, area 40 or Southeast area on their map, ranked third overall in the geographic areas covered by their story.

Leading the way in home sales percentage change from May, 2008 to May, 2009 was Grimes County with a 25.0% increase, followed by Bellaire West with 14.3% increase. Our area shows a 10.8% increase for this time period. The only other positive areas were the South Katy Area at 9.5% and the Central downtown Houston area at 3.1%. All other areas showed negative results with the highest being Central downtown West at negative 54.7%. Other areas in Montgomery County, all with negative numbers, were Northeast -30.5%, Southwest -23.1% (which includes The Woodlands), and Northwest -12.9%. The area defined as Far Northeast (which covers Kingwood) showed a negative 23.6% change. The area referred to as Northeast (which would include Humble and areas south of there) showed a negative 26.5% change.

Our area shows a 18.2% positive increase in the price of homes with a median home price in May, 2009 of $152,500. These are indeed good indicators of the many positive things happening in our area.

Fire destroys Galveston seawall condos

By Chris Paschenko
The Daily News

Published June 4, 2009
GALVESTON — At least 60 units of a Galveston resort were gutted Wednesday by fire, which was started accidentally by welding contractors who were renovating the complex damaged by Hurricane Ike, fire officials said.

Firefighters were called at 2:19 p.m. to Maravilla Resort Condominiums, 9520 Seawall Blvd., and found fire spreading between the second and third floor.

“It was the workers out there doing welding and cutting,” Fire Chief Mike Varela Sr. said of Fire Marshal Gilbert Robinson’s determination. The contractors had a city permit for renovations and were employing a fire watch, Varela said.

Galveston firefighter Gary Vasquez suffered from heat exhaustion and was taken by ground ambulance to Mainland Medical Center in Texas City and released, Varela said.

A medical crew treated some of the contractors at the scene, but they weren’t taken to a hospital, Varela said.

The blaze began in the rear of the complex, working its way toward the seawall side of the structure. About 120 firefighters, including those from Jamaica Beach, Santa Fe, Hitchcock, La Marque and Texas City were called to the island and helped evacuate about 30 or 40 people from the building. They also fought the blaze and manned fire stations here. There were no further injuries, Varela said.

Firefighters focused their attack at the center of the complex, where Varela said a fire break helped them control the blaze about 5:30 p.m.

Much of the upper units of the three-story complex were gutted, and many more sustained smoke and water damage, Varela said.

Lloyd W. Rinderer, an assistant city manager for Galveston, said he lost his condo of six years to the blaze. Rinderer, who is also treasurer of the condo’s homeowner’s association, said he would reside on his boat at The Galveston Yacht Club, just as he did not long after the storm.

“We were a month from completing Hurricane Ike repairs,” Rinderer said of the Sept. 13 storm’s damaging effects. “There were 164 units and there were about 10 people who were actually living there.”

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Breaking News: Galveston Condo Fire

Massive fire destroys dozens of beachfront condos in Galveston
06:50 PM CDT on Wednesday, June 3, 2009

By Michelle Homer / 11 News
GALVESTON -- Every firefighter in Galveston battled a huge 5-alarm fire on the island's West End Wednesday afternoon. The blaze at the beachfront Miravilla Resort Condominiums burned out of control for several hours.

The fire broke out around 2:15 p.m. and Galveston fire crews were on the scene minutes later.

Even off-duty Galveston firefighters were called in to help battle the blaze.

They also brought in help from surrounding communities including Jamaica Beach, Texas City, La Marque and Santa Fe.

When Air 11 first arrived, the flames were confined to one corner of the complex.

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Within minutes, the fire had spread to dozens of other units. There are 164 units in the complex.

"We went from an offensive to a defensive fire real quick to not put the firefighters in harm's way because the fire was spreading so quickly," said Galveston Fire Chief Mike Varela.

The wind shifted in the middle of the fire, adding to their challenge.

Everyone inside was evacuated safely, according to Galveston officials.

The flames spread quickly through dozens of units at the Miravilla condos.
One firefighter was transported to an area hospital after suffering heat exhaustion.

"His blood pressure was down real low and they were trying to get it stable again," said Varela.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

RH Donnelley goes for Bankruptcy

RH Donnelley, the publisher of nearly 600 directories, including the several phone directories in the Houston area, filed for bankruptcy protection. The company sited losses from operations due to declines in advertising because of economy, new competition from local directories, and the competition from the web.

READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE.

Police offering self-defense course

Friendswood Police Department along with R.A.D. Texas will be hosting a 4-day Basic Physical Defense class from June 16th thru June 19th. The 4-day class will began each day at 6:00 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m. each evening. This course is only open to women who are over the age of 12 (mother/daughter teams greatly encouraged). The class will be held at Friendswood Community Church (2821 W. Parkwood, Friendswood TX 77546). A small fee of $25.00 will be charged for each student to help offset the costs of printing material and food.
R.A.D. Basic Physical Defense for Women, The Rape Aggression Defense System, is a program of realistic self-defense tactics and techniques for women. The R.A.D. System is a comprehensive, fifteen (15) hour, women-only course that begins with awareness, prevention, risk reduction and risk avoidance, while progressing on to the basics of hands-on defense training. R.A.D. is not a Martial Arts program. Our courses are taught by nationally certified R.A.D. Instructors and provide each student with a workbook/reference manual. This manual outlines the entire Physical Defense Program for reference and continuous personal growth, and is the key to our free lifetime return and practice policy for R.A.D. graduates.

To enroll in this course please call Officer K. Crouch at 281-996-3316; if he is away from his office please leave a message along with a phone number, he will get back with you.

Wellness Center Fitness Boot Camp Beginning June 2009

If you've ever considered kicking your workout into high gear, the Memorial Hermann Wellness Center Boot Camp is an ideal option for you. This results-driven conditioning program is conducted in an indoor/outdoor environment, utilizing a military-style format and the most progressive, innovative and creative fitness exercises.
This class features fast and furious workouts to condition your body into optimum condition. Dynamic and different every day, this program will keep you interested and motivated.

Boot Camp workouts include cardiovascular exercise, speed and endurance training, strength training, partner resistance exercises and agility work. Fitness games, group challenges, wheelbarrow races, medicine ball drills, plyometrics, box drills, fartleks and obstacle courses add a competitive and fun dimension to the sessions.
Session Info:
• Date: Monday-Friday, June 8 to July 3
• Time: 6 a.m. to 6:50 a.m.
• Location: All classes meet in the Wellness Center gymnasium, unless otherwise noted
• Cost (includes Pre-Program screening and Bod-Pod body fat measurement): $99 for Wellness Center Members and $149 for non-members

All Boot Camp participants must attend a pre-program screening and informational meeting on Saturday, May 30, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. in the Wellness Center gym. You will register at this time.
For more information contact the Wellness Center at 713.448.WELL or via e-mail at wellness.center@memorialhermann.org

Fake pee lands four in jail in Friendswood

By Chris Paschenko / The Daily News
FRIENDSWOOD, Texas — Kits containing synthetic urine, which are sold legally at smoke shops across the state, led to the April arrests of four men accused of using the kits to beat employment drug screens, authorities said.

Friendswood police stopped three of the four men on traffic violations and searched their cars. The fourth was allegedly loitering before police searched his car. Officers asked the men why they had synthetic urine kits.

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One similar kit purchased for $30 by The Daily News contains a 2-ounce bottle of yellow, odorless liquid with a strip thermometer attached, a hand warmer, rubber band and directions on how to give a “sample.”

Had the men admitted the fake urine was for medicinal purposes or intended as some kind of joke or twisted fetish, they might have been spared the indignity of handcuffs, a jail cell and scrounging up $1,000 bail.

But these four men, police allege, willingly offered the one explanation that violates the Texas health and safety code, constituting a Class B misdemeanor charge.

“Folks taken into custody told us they had to falsify a drug test based, most cases, on their places of employment,” Friendswood Police Chief Bob Wieners said.

Although one box bought recently on the island clearly states the items are not intended for unlawful use, Wieners and Galveston defense attorney Kevin Rekoff can’t imagine a legal use for the kits.

“I had a client that was on his way to a parole office and was caught with a bladder on him,” Rekoff said. “He had women’s pee, and it tested for some type of pregnancy medication.”

Unless someone can come up with a legal reason for keeping synthetic urine in a bottle with a built-in thermometer and a hand warmer, it’s almost presumed intent to violate the law, Rekoff said.

One manager of an island drug testing clinic said clients must empty their pockets before heading to the restroom with a plastic cup, and employees test the temperature of submitted specimens.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

First reported US swine-flu death occurs in Houston

The first reported death in the United States from the swine flu outbreak was that of a 23-month-old Mexican toddler who fell ill in Brownsville and was transported for treatment in Houston, where the child died Monday, city officials said.
Kathy Barton, spokeswoman for the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, did not say which hospital treated the child or give any other details about the toddler.

There still have been no reported Houston-area cases of the disease, which is thought to have begun in Mexico but is being detected around the world. However, Barton said Houston should expect to see cases originate here.
She added that hospitals that handle any flu cases, swine or otherwise, take precautions to prevent its spread, such as masks, frequent handwashing and other sanitation measures.

"Even though we've been expecting this, it is very, very sad," said Dr. Richard Besser, acting chief of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who made the initial announcement of a Texas death on several nationally televised morning shows today. "As a pediatrician and a parent, my heart goes out to the family."

Germany today reported its first three cases of swine flu. The number of confirmed swine flu cases in the United States before today rose to 66 in six states, with 45 in New York, 11 in California, six in Texas, two in Kansas and one each in Indiana and Ohio, but cities and states suspected more. In New York, the city's health commissioner said "many hundreds" of schoolchildren were ill at a school where some students had confirmed cases.

The world has no vaccine to prevent infection but U.S. health officials aim to have a key ingredient for one ready in early May, the big step that vaccine manufacturers are awaiting. But even if the World Health Organization ordered up emergency vaccine supplies — and that decision hasn't been made yet — it would take at least two more months to produce the initial shots needed for human safety testing.
"We're working together at 100 miles an hour to get material that will be useful," Dr. Jesse Goodman, who oversees the Food and Drug Administration's swine flu work, told The Associated Press.
The U.S. is shipping to states not only enough anti-flu medication for 11 million people, but also masks, hospital supplies and flu test kits. President Barack Obama asked Congress for $1.5 billion in emergency funds to help build more drug stockpiles and monitor future cases, as well as help international efforts to avoid a full-fledged pandemic.

"It's a very serious possibility, but it is still too early to say that this is inevitable," the WHO's flu chief, Dr. Keiji Fukuda, told a telephone news conference.
Cuba and Argentina banned flights to Mexico, where swine flu is suspected of killing more than 150 people and sickening well over 2,000. In a bit of good news, Mexico's health secretary, Jose Cordova, late Tuesday called the death toll there "more or less stable."

Mexico City, one of the world's largest cities, has taken drastic steps to curb the virus' spread, starting with shutting down schools and on Tuesday expanding closures to gyms and swimming pools and even telling restaurants to limit service to takeout. People who venture out tend to wear masks in hopes of protection.
New Zealand, Australia, Israel, Britain, Canada and now Germany have also reported cases. But the only deaths so far have been Mexican citizens, baffling experts.
The WHO argues against closing borders to stem the spread, and the U.S. — although checking arriving travelers for the ill who may need care — agrees it's too late for that tactic.

"Sealing a border as an approach to containment is something that has been discussed and it was our planning assumption should an outbreak of a new strain of influenza occur overseas. We had plans for trying to swoop in and knockout or quench an outbreak if it were occurring far from our borders. That's not the case here," Besser told a telephone briefing of Nevada-based health providers and reporters. "The idea of trying to limit the spread to Mexico is not realistic or at all possible."
"Border controls do not work. Travel restrictions do not work," WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl said in Geneva, recalling the SARS epidemic earlier in the decade that killed 774 people, mostly in Asia, and slowed the global economy.

Authorities sought to keep the crisis in context: Flu deaths are common around the world. In the U.S. alone, the CDC says about 36,000 people a year die of flu-related causes. Still, the CDC calls the new strain a combination of pig, bird and human.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE.

Friendswood dentist practices despite criminal drug charge

By Jeremy Rogalski / 11 News Defenders
HOUSTON -- Walk into the Austin offices of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners, and the motto on the wall sounds reassuring: “Safeguarding the Dental Health of Texans.”

But in Texas, a dentist can write himself prescriptions for narcotics, plead guilty to felony drug charges and not be disciplined by those entrusted with protecting the public.

Such is the case for Dr. Russell R. Boone, who practices in Friendswood, and who used his officer manager’s identity and insurance to commit fraud.

“It made me look like I was a drug addict,” said Becky Murphy, who worked for Dr. Boone for seven years.

Murphy said without her knowledge, prescriptions for the highly addictive painkiller hydrocodone were showing up on her husband’s company’s insurance. Insurance records show from July 2007 and May 2008, more than 1,000 pills were prescribed on her account.

“Well I knew right off the bat it was fraud,” Murphy said.




But what she didn’t know at the time was who was behind that alleged fraud.

“I don’t even know how to put it into words because it was, it was so, it was such a shock,” Murphy said. “Dr. Boone had broken every rule in the book.”

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Friendswood man on trial for endangering Shuttle.

A Friendswood man pleaded guilty Monday to selling NASA a space shuttle part that prosecutors allege could have endangered astronauts’ lives.

Richard J. Harmon, 60, the former owner of Cornerstone Machining Inc. in Alvin, pleaded guilty to a federal felony charge of fraud involving a space vehicle part. U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes scheduled Harmon’s sentencing for June when he could face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lewis presented the judge with a written summary of Harmon’s crime. It stated that Harmon, who had worked in the aerospace industry for decades, subcontracted to build two fasteners for $18,795 each and agreed to meet all precise specifications or let authorities know about any changes.
The fasteners would hold cargo to the space shuttle and prosecutors allege if a defect had caused the cargo to come lose in ascent into orbit, “it would almost certainly have resulted in the destruction of the shuttle.”
Harmon’s shop was making one of the fasteners when a cutting machine made a gash in the aluminum, and Harmon agreed to have it welded over.

He did not tell the contractor that hired him, Spacehab Inc., about that mistake, Lewis’ written fact scenario stated. Harmon also failed to inform the lead contractor, Lockheed, and NASA.
The weld caused the fastener to lose 40 percent of its strength, the government claimed. “Ultimately Lockheed scrapped the (part) because the gash and weld created too great a risk that it would fail in flight and destroy the space shuttle,” Lewis’ fact scenario concluded.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE.

Friendswood shuts out La Marque, 22-0

From staff reports
The Daily News
Published March 28, 2009

Baseball

Friendswood 22, La Marque 0

Alex Anastas hit two home runs to lead Friendswood (12-5, 5-0) to the blowout victory.

Kevin Thornton got the win on the mound for the Mustangs.

Vincent Huerta took the loss for La Marque (5-9, 0-5).

+++

Alvin 7, Ball 0

Aaron Stewart struck out 18 to lead the first-place Yellowjackets.

Stef Hernandez was hit with the loss for Ball (8-7, 1-3).

MORE SPORT SCORES HERE.

2009 KIDFISH Event on Sunday, March 29

2009 KIDFISH Event on Sunday, March 29

Friendswood, TX - The 7th Annual KIDFISH Event has been scheduled in Friendswood on Sunday, March 29, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Centennial Park pond. Sponsors for the KIDFISH event include The Goddard School, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, Hometown Bank of Friendswood, Cornerstone Maintenance, Edward Jones, JSC Federal Credit Union, Korner Klub 4 Kids and the City of Friendswood Community Services Department.

The KIDFISH Foundation will stock over 750 pounds of adult fish in the Centennial Park Pond for participants to catch. There is no pre-registration required. Bait, tackle, and loaner rods will be provided to children who do not have their own equipment. Starting March 23, participants can pick up their registration forms at local schools, the Friendswood Community Services Department, Friendswood Library, Friendswood Activity Building, Friendswood Chamber of Commerce, and on the day of the KIDFISH Event.

KIDFISH is a non-profit outreach program designed to give children 16 and under the chance to experience the sport of fishing and the outdoors. A minimum donation of $10 will allow participants to receive awards such as t-shirts, hats and trophies, and the funds go towards expanding the KIDFISH Program. It is not necessary to bring a donation to participate. All children will receive a goodie bag, KIDFISH ribbon, and diploma. Longest fish winners, first and second place in each age group, will receive a large trophy.

This event will qualify event participants for the 2009 KIDFISH Classic. Qualifiers for the classic will be the top fundraisers over $50, the children catching the longest fish in their age group and any child fundraising $100 or more. The Classic will feature unforgettable fishing for trophy catfish up to 30 pounds. First prize will be a $1000 savings bond for the child and $1000 cash for the child’s school.

For registration information or to volunteer at the event, contact KIDFISH toll free at 877-733-5646 or 254-982-4887 or go to www.kidfish.com.

Tragedy leaves Lady Stings ‘emotionally exhausted’

By Joshua Buckley
The Daily News
Published March 25, 2009

TEXAS CITY — After what many of the Texas City softball players have been dealing with the past few days, it was hard to fault the Lady Stings for not being completely focused for their district game Tuesday.

Seventeen-year-old Samantha Romero, a junior at Texas City High School, was killed when the car she was riding in was hit from behind on FM 1765 in La Marque on Saturday. Texas City coach Amber Maier said the tragedy was on the softball team’s mind when it was defeated by Angleton, 4-0.

“I’m not sure we would have won this game anyway, but I think it definitely hurt us,” Maier said. “We had several girls that were good friends with her, and they are mentally and emotionally exhausted. Softball is one of those sports that is 80-percent mental and 20-percent physical. If you are not mentally into a game, it can really spiral on you.”

Texas City (9-13 overall, 2-3 district) hung tough with district-leader Angleton through the first three innings, with ace pitcher Crystal Alaniz on the mound. But things began to come unraveled in the fourth.

Two Texas City errors opened the door for Kim Damien to drive in Angleton’s first run on an RBI-triple. Damien later scored on a fielder’s choice, giving the Lady Wildcats a 2-0 lead.

Angleton (16-5, 5-0) added another run in the fifth and sixth innings, both coming off errors. In all, the Lady Stings committed five errors.

“We started off strong, but (Angleton) is a very good hitting team,” Maier said. “We made a couple of mistakes and they made us pay for them.”

Read the full story HERE.

Friendswood Planning Movies in the Park Program

With a $6,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Friendswood, the city of Friendswood could start showing movies in its parks this summer.

City Council already has approved spending $3,500 to buy an inflatable screen measuring 15 feet by 20 feet, a projector, and other equipment needed to show the films.
The city owns a sound system that can be used for the showings, said James Toney, the city’s director of community services.
“This is awesome,” said Mayor David Smith, a rotary club member, who is the organization’s current treasurer. “I’m loving the possibilities.”

Funding for the venture originally was presented as part of the city’s current 2008-09 budget, Toney said. But City Council ended up cutting the money prior to its approval of the budget.
“It’s always been something on the back burner that council supported,” Toney said. “We just didn’t have the funds to add it into this year’s budget.”

Read the full story HERE.

Area Sports Scores

Santa Fe girls advance in soccer playoffs

From staff reports
The Daily News
Published March 21, 2009

H.S. Baseball

Creek 6, Ball 0

Ryan Gunhouse pitched a one-hit shutout with five strikeouts and three walks.

Greg Olson hit a solo home run in the third inning.

Creek is 8-5 (2-0). Ball is 6-6 (0-2).

+++

Brook 13, Dickinson 3

Cody Whitley, Sencion Barajaz and Josh Honc each scored for the Gators (4-9, 0-2).

Zac Enger was tagged with the loss on the mound.

+++

Lake 10, Springs 2

J.R. Bethell and Matt Corbell each had home runs for the Falcons (9-5, 2-0).

Matt Brister took the loss for Springs (6-10, 0-2).

+++

Friendswood 12, Manvel 2

Alex Anastas hit a home run for the first-place Mustangs.

Jordan Johnson got the win for Friendswood (10-5-1, 3-0).

+++

Santa Fe 10, La Marque 0

Ryan Ewald struck out 12 and Taylor Terrasas hit a home run for Santa Fe (5-9, 1-2).

+++

Texas City 7, Angleton 2

Curry Sattig hit a 3-run homer for the Stings, who defeated the first-place Wildcats.

Steven Mott, Kyle Bulpitt and Renee Filoteo each drove in a run, while Tyler Iguess had two hits.

Matt Plitt got the win for Texas City (7-8-1, 2-1), allowing seven hits with five strikeouts.

+++

H.S. Softball

Creek 4, Springs 0

Katlyn Moulder allowed just one hit while striking out 13 for Creek (16-7, 3-1).

Springs drops to 8-6 on the season (2-2 district).

+++

Friendswoood 1, Dawson 0

Kelly Smith earned the win. She gave up three hits and struck out 14.

Friendswood (14-6-1, 2-2) scored in the first inning. Carrie Flores walked and moved to second on Aimee Konet’s single. Flores scored on a two-out error by the third baseman.

Caitlin Bennett had a double for the Lady Mustangs.

+++

Texas City 6, La Marque 0

Crystal Alaniz struck out 16 while recording the shutout for the Lady Stings (9-12, 2-2). Alaniz also had three hits and two RBIs, Cheyenne Cash drove in two, and Casey Oliver and Chelsea Huggins each had an RBI.

Jennifer May struck out seven but took the loss for La Marque (11-7, 1-3).

+++

H.S. Girls Soccer

Santa Fe 4, C.E. King 0

Visiting Santa Fe won its first playoff game since 2005.

Kat Hamric scored two goals and Kourtnee Leflet had two assists.

Mary Hunt and Ashley Kovacevich each scored one goal.

Goal keeper Tyler Steinbach made four saves.

The Lady Indians will play Houston Reagan at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Houston ISD’s Dyer Stadium.

+++

College Baseball

Galveston College 15, Blinn College 11 (10 innings)

On Wednesday in Brenham, Tyler Fiebrich hit two home runs and had five RBIs for Galveston.

Dan Lazarou was the winning pitch

May 9 Election Candidates File

Area cities and school districts will be holding elections May 9. Potential candidates had until Monday at 5 p.m. to file the proper paperwork to get themselves on the ballot.
Following is a list of who filed by the deadline. Incumbents are listed with an (i).


Alvin
District B
• Eileen Cross, 54, co-coordinator, office and disability services
• Charles Buckelew, 65, retired
• Gene Lyng, 81, retired
District C
• Jim Landriault, 47, sales manager (i)
At-large Position 1
• Charles Batty III, 30, funeral director (i)
• Ramiro Mondragon, 45, electrician
• Armando Cespedes III, 35, Realtor
Charter changes
• Permit city to establish economic development programs including grants and loans that are not inconsistent with authority granted to the city by state law.
• Require petitions for recall of an elected official to state a reason for the recall and to require the presenter of the petition to sign at the bottom of each page.
• Allow city council to re-appropriate budgeted revenues and expenses during emergencies resulting from natural or manmade disasters.
• Require an independent board of ethics and compliance and an ethics ordinance that is not required to duplicate and restate state law.


Alvin ISD
Position 1
• Pete Vincent, 70, retired from NASA (i)
Position 2
• Earl Humbird, 49, chemical plant operator (i)
Position 3
• Mark Patterson, 51, banking investor
• Tiffany Wennerstrom, 39, retired teacher


Brookside Village
Three at-large seats
• Don Jordan, 53, safety professional (i)
• Joe Milstead, 70, retired (i)
• Craig Bailey, 40, police officer (i)


Friendswood
Mayor
• David J. H. Smith, 48, real estate broker (i)
Position 1
• Michael E. Barker, 57, self-employed/sales (i)
Position 3
• Jim Hill, 66, self-employed (i)
Charter changes
• A measure to no longer require the city manager to reside within the city limits of Friendswood.
Bond election
• First proposition is for $3.1 million and would pay for improvements to city parks.
• Second proposition is for $6.5 million, of which $6 million would be spent for a new library at a yet-to-be-determined location. The remaining $500,000 would be used for turning the city’s existing library at 416 S. Friendswood Drive into a community center.


Hillcrest Village
Three at-large seats
• James Nash, 42, trade development (i)
• Adam Flores 38, accountant (i)
• Terrell Franzen, 68, retired


Manvel
Mayor
• Delores Martin, 74, (i)
Position 3
• Gary Garnett, 62, self employed (i)
Position 5
• Buddy Williams, 75, retired (i)


Pearland
Position 2
• Scott Sherman, 33, attorney
• Ben Carranza, 36, regulatory manager
• Tammy Dexter, 38, substitute teacher
• Manuel Gonzales, 36, attorney
Position 4
• Felicia Kyle, 39, attorney (i)
• Richard Oliver, 56, disabled
• Terence C. Norman, 43, attorney


Pearland ISD
Position 3
• Virgil Gant, 61, financial adviser
Position 4
• Ethan Crowell, 31, teacher
• Andrew Solomon, 43, law professor

STS-119 to Launch No Earlier Than Sunday

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:36:03 PM CDT

Space shuttle Discovery’s launch to the International Space Station now is targeted for no earlier than March 15. NASA managers postponed Wednesday’s planned liftoff due to a leak associated with the gaseous hydrogen venting system outside the external fuel tank. The system is used to carry excess hydrogen safely away from the launch pad.

Liftoff on March 15 would be at 7:43 p.m. EDT. The exact launch date is dependent on the work necessary to repair the problem. Managers will meet Thursday at 4 p.m. to further assess the troubleshooting plan.

Area Sports Scores

Chide, Robinson lead Lady Bucs to victory

From staff reports
The Daily News
Published March 4, 2009

Softball

Pasadena 5, La Marque 3

Jennifer May went 2-for-3 with two RBIs for La Marque (5-3). Alexis Guillen had one RBI, and Mikiesha Henson had a double.

+++

Clear Brook 10, Friendswood 0

Friendswood mustered two hits against its crosstown Class 5A rival.

Kelly Smith took the loss by allowing eight earned runs in seven innings.

Kelsey Eubanks and Caitlyn Garivey each had singles for the Lady Mustangs (8-3-1).

+++

O’Connell 19, Brazosport Christian 0 (3 inn.)

Cameron Chide and Lanie Robinson combined for a no-hitter in the Lady Bucs’ district opener.

Kaitlyn King was 4-for-4 with three RBIs and scored three runs. Katie Delgado was 3-for-4 with three RBIs and scored three runs. Katherine Hogan was 3-for-4 with two RBIs and scored two runs.

Abbey Laclede and Ally Delgado each scored two runs. Lacey Hayward had one RBI and scored two runs. O’Connell is 6-2.

+++

Baseball

Dickinson 5, Pasadena Dobie 1

The Gators scored four runs in the third inning to get the win.

Cody Whitley was the winning pitcher for Dickinson. He allowed two hits.

City moving forward with bond election,

By Rhiannon Meyers
The Daily News
Published February 28, 2009

FRIENDSWOOD — The city of Friendswood is moving forward with plans to fund $20 million in projects with a bond election and certificates of obligation.

While bonds require voter approval, certificates of obligation do not.

Voters will get the chance in May to decide whether to issue $9.6 million of bonds to build a new library, to convert the existing library into a community center and to improve parks. The city had planned to issue another $11 million in certificates of obligation to fund roads, parks, an animal shelter and a records building. But not all council members agree with that plan.

Councilman Jim Hill, who was one of two dissenting votes this week against a May bond election, said he thought all of the projects should be decided by voters. Certificates of obligation should not be issued, he said.

The city charter was amended by voters in 1997 to prohibit the city from issuing debt without voter approval that it could not finance from its own revenue streams, except in cases of emergency or “urgent public need.”

Mayor David Smith said there is a strong possibility the city could finance certificates of obligation without raising taxes, which would be allowable under the charter. Also, state law allows cities to issue certificates of obligation, City Attorney Bobby Gervais said. Despite what the charter says, the city could legally issue certificates of obligation per state law, Gervais said.

If voters approved the bond package and the city issued certificates of obligation, Friendswood taxpayers would see a tax increase, at most, of 6 cents per $100 valuation. That increase in the tax rate — which Smith called a “worst-case scenario” based on a prediction that the city would not grow at all — would push the tax rate to 63 cents per $100 valuation.

Read the full story HERE

Phones go silent at Friendswood City Hall

Phones go silent at Friendswood City Hall
By TJ Aulds

Update: City spokesman Nick Haby said the phone system was working late Monday afternoon, but was "sporadic." Crews from AT&T were still working to make the system stable. It's expected that phones would be back to normal by the time City Hall opens on Tuesday.

Phone service in and out of City Hall and the Public Works Building in Friendswood was cut off this afternoon. AT&T is working to get the phones working again by the end of the day.

Those needing to contact City Hall e-mail the city by clicking here.

Phone service was not disrupted at the police station, fire department, the 911 system, Friendswood library or the Friendswood activity building.

This is the third time in a year that phone service has been cut to a major part of the city government. The two previous times, construction crews cut through phone lines serving the Friendswood Police Department.