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2008: Year in Review
Editor’s note: The following is a month-by-month recap of some of the top newsmaking events of 2008.
January
Sawmill house: Shenandoah’s sawmill house will be moved to a new site soon, after the City Council approved up to $10,000 to cover the job contracted out to Charry House Moving. The sawmill house was gifted to the city by R.J. Webster, a resident of The Woodlands, in 2006. Dating back to the 1920s, the house is one that is similar to those once lived in by loggers in the area.
Molotov cocktails: Investigators discovered multiple homemade explosive devices Christmas Eve while responding to a reported explosion in a neighborhood under construction in the area of Branch Crossing Drive and Terramont Drive on the west side of The Woodlands.
Nobel Peace winner visits: The recipient of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh visits The WoodlandsYunus to speak.
Pope blessing: After attending a general audience with Pope Benedict XVI alongside 17,000 other pilgrims, Kenna Seiler and her daughter Rachael, of The Woodlands, are blessed when they find themselves face-to-face with the Holy father.
Home invasions: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office releases information about two home invasions in The Woodlands’ Village of Alden Bridge that occurred within a few days, under similar circumstances and a few streets apart.
Bird count: The Spring Creek Bird Count survey at Jones State Forest tallies 43 species in a six-hour period. Among the species spotted were the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, brown-headed nuthatch, red-breasted nuthatch and pine siskin. The red-cockaded woodpecker is a rare breed that draws worldwide attention.
Wreck claims TWHS graduate: A one-vehicle crash on Rayford Road in the early hours Dec. 29 claims the life of 19-year-old Michelle Angela McConnell, a 2006 Woodlands High School graduate, who was eastbound on Rayford Road when her car went off the left side of the road and struck a concrete bridge abutment.
Fire death: An autopsy performed on a man found burned to death in a campfire at a friend’s house in Tamina New Year’s Day yields nothing to indicate signs of foul play, according to Lt. Dan Norris of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
New Year’s baby: A Spring couple welcomes baby Ivan Trujillo, born two weeks early, weighing 7 pounds, at 12:16 a.m. Jan. 1, claiming himself the title of the first baby born in Montgomery County in 2008.
Latin American destination: Local officials and community leaders are continuing efforts to make The Woodlands a destination for Latin American travelers. The effort, which has been going on for the past two years, continued recently as representatives with The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Woodlands Resort and others local host a group of travel writers and tour operators visiting the area from Mexico.
Parking study: Parking issues in and around The Woodlands Town Center will be the subject of an extensive 13-week study being overseen by The Woodlands Township officials as an executive committee accepts a $39,000 bid for the study.
Waterway robbery: Authorities investigate the robbery of a man who was accosted as he walked along The Woodlands Waterway. The incident occurred as the man walked with friends in the 1200 block of Timberloch Place. The victim reported being approached by two teenaged males, one white, one black. Cash in the amount of $110 was stolen.
Fire injury: The Woodlands Fire Department battles a fire at a home on Yewleaf Road off of Panther Creek Drive that sent a firefighter to an emergency room. A spokesman for TWFD said the firefighter was not burned and the issue did not appear to be smoke inhalation, but pain.
Compass Bank break-in:The four-story Compass Bank building on the 25200 block of Grogan’s Mill is broken into as a suspect or suspects break into about 12 businesses resulting in about $15,520 in stolen goods.
ORN utilities:Clearwater Utilities, Inc. is been awarded a $458,136 construction contract to begin the first phase of construction on sanitary and drainage facilities to serve Oak Ridge North’s Commerce Park.
Swearingen stay lifted: The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denies an appeal by convicted murderer Larry Ray Swearingen to present new evidence in his case, lifting a stay of execution that has been in place for almost exactly one year. Court. Swearingen was originally scheduled to die by lethal injection Jan. 23, 2007 and a stay was issued just over 24 hours before the execution time.
Shenandoah mayor race:Mayor Becky Altemus announcesshe will not seek re-election when her term expires. Altemus has been mayor since she was appointed to fill the position of retiring Mayor David Vetter in 2005. Voters re-elected her to the position in 2007.
Pavilion ranks worldwide: Pollstar magazine ranks The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion fifth among the top 100 amphitheaters in the world based on the number of tickets sold in 2007. Cindy DuBois, director of marketing and education for the pavilion , said the success is the result of a combination of factors, including location.
February
WSO celebrates 15 years: The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 15th anniversary with an “Exhibition in Music” concert titled “Hero’s Life.”
Watts seeks Shenandoah mayorship: Shenandoah City Councilman Garry Watts announces he will be running for mayor. Watts, who is finishing up his first term on the board, will be seeking the seat that will be vacated by Becky Altemus.
Joint emergency center: Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital joins forces with Tomball Regional Medical Center to open a 24-hour, full-service emergency center in southwest Montgomery County. The 11,000-square-foot facility, part of the multi-use development of The Shops at Terramont II, is to be on Woodlands Parkway at FM 2978.
Drug arrests net $40k: Eight people are arrested in drug busts, including one near Montgomery College that yielded hydroponic marijuana and a $40,000 money order, according to officials. Two arrests came Friday at the Pine Creek Ranch Apartments, located near Montgomery College on Texas 242. Justin Gibson, 22, and 19-year-old Michelle Fitch were charged with second-degree felony possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance (ecstasy).
Community associations: Putting their stamp of approval on a voter-approved form of governance, The Woodlands Township and CATW approve a transition agreement that will combine neighborhood associations and services and put them under the township’s direction. In November 2007, voters approved The Woodlands Township, which is governed by seven at-large members, as the entity to provide municipal-type services. The Woodlands Community Association and The Woodlands Association, which govern residents in the older and newer villages, respectively, will be phased out after 2010.
Mistreated horses: Law enforcement officials rescue four horses found near the Tamina area. One of the stallions had bite marks on its face and all of the animals were underfed and standing in rain water, said Oak Ridge North Police Chief Andy Walters. Precinct 5 livestock officers examined the horses.
Student robbed: The recent robbery of an Oak Ridge High School student is the latest incident prompting Oak Ridge North authorities to say they are stepping up enforcement efforts in the area. Two Oak Ridge High School students recently were stopped by five others while on their way home from school. The victim, who was robbed of $12, was confronted and feared being assaulted. The incident occurred north of Woodson Road and south of Oak Ridge High School.
Tourism policing: Business, law enforcement and tourism officials attend a conference on tourism-oriented policing. The Shenandoah Police Department, in partnership with the City of Shenandoah Convention and Visitors Bureau, partnered with The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau to host the two-day seminar at Shenandoah’s Municipal Complex. About 250 emergency services providers, government officials, business owners and media representatives were invited.
Economic outlook: U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, gives the results of his recent health care surveys at the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce's upcoming Economic Outlook Conference. Brady said the surveys polled 50,000 households on how U.S. health care can be improved. In addition, about 600 people took online polls.
Scotland Yard vandalism: School officials investigating a vandalism incident at Scotland Yard, The Woodlands High School’s baseball field on the McCullough Junior High campus. Two banners on the outfield fence were marked with the letters “CP” in what appeared to be blue spray paint, TWHS principal Gregg Colschen said. Also, some sort of chemical was used to inscribe the “CP” moniker on the infield grass.
Late-night wreck kills TWHS graduate: Kendall Marie Chopek, 21, of Magnolia becomes the county’s sixth automobile fatality this year after a crash that occurred around 12:15 a.m. on Woodlands Parkway.
Federal indictment: A former Woodlands resident is facing federal charges of wire fraud for allegedly trying to drum up investors in FEMA trailers that didn't exist. Christopher Brian McPherson, 30, is indicted in the U.S. Southern District Court of Texas of for using newspaper advertising between December 2006 and November 2007 to persuade people to invest in a counterfeit FEMA trailer renovation project. He allegedly told investors he was "using the money to purchase used Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers that he would then refurbish and sell back to the government for a profit," according to court documents.
College district $420M bond: Lone Star College System trustees are contemplating putting a $420 million bond referendum before voters after college staff lowered the initial price tag nearly by $41,000.
Burned vehicle: The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office investigates the arson of a vehicle that was destroyed when a homemade explosive device was tossed inside it. The explosive was thrown into a BMW, valued between $60,000 and $65,000, on West Greywing Circle in the Village of Alden Bridge.
Where’s the beef? Beef. It’s what wasn’t for school lunch as the Conroe Independent School District pulls more than 5,750 pounds of beef from its school lunch supplies, after a nation-wide recall of beef processed by Hallmark/Westland Meat Company in a move the agriculture department is classifying as the largest beef recall in U.S. history.
Ethics complaints: A pair of complaints to the Texas Ethics Commission are filed against two Montgomery County officials seeking re-election in the March 4 Republican Primary. A complaint against 9th state District Judge Fred Edwards, filed by Thomas Curry, of The Woodlands, alleges Edwards “failed to properly report political contributions and political expenditures” on three semiannual campaign finance reports. In Bagley’s complaint, he states Williams failed to disclose a special purpose committee named “Texans for Tommy Williams.” However, “Texans for Tommy Williams” is listed in TEC online files. The specific reports referred to in the complaint are listed as a “corrected report” in the TEC online files. The corrections were made prior to the complaint.
District Attorney forfeiture spending: Montgomery County District Attorney Michael McDougal, in the middle of a heated political race to retain his office, now is fending off accusations that he irresponsibly spent drug seizure funds allotted to his office. McDougal, however, claims the money was spent in accordance with state law. The DA has been scrutinized for spending the funds on donations to charities, salary supplements and birthday checks to staff and catering expenses for a summer barbecue or a holiday party.
March
Congregation Beth Shalom: Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands is making plans to celebrate a quarter-century presence in the community. As part of the celebration, a 25th anniversary fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 1 at the temple. Past and present members were sent invitations to the event. Davis said there are still a few spaces available for those interested in attending. Davis said the gala will raise funds for furthering future education and will go towards the upkeep of the temple. Davis said the congregation began with 13 founding families and has now grown to about 165.
Authorities crack down in Tamina: Oak Ridge North police are teaming with Montgomery County officials to target criminal activity, oversee animal control and combat residential squatting in Tamina, located in the extra-territorial jurisdictions of Oak Ridge North and Shenandoah, but not in the city limits of either.
MySpace sting: A 21-year-old Spring man is arrested for sending inappropriate photographs and attempting to solicit children under the age of 14 by using the popular networking site MySpace .com, text messaging and cell phones. Jody James Malone Jr. was charged with two counts of online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.
$40M museum project: Officials in The Woodlands are working with representatives from the Houston Museum of Natural Science in an effort to bring a $40 million, 200,000-square-foot museum to Town Center. The idea took shape after a market feasibility study was conducted in line with The Woodlands Township’s “visioning” document.
Teens nabbed: One teenager is arrested and three more identified in connection with the destruction of a vehicle last month by using a Molotov cocktail, according to officials with the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office. All four teens are students at either The Woodlands or College Park high schools, officials said, and all four face multiple charges, include one for allegedly hiding an unused explosive on the grounds of a Woodlands elementary school. Investigators say the teens , three males and one female, are responsible for the destruction of a $65,000 BMW sedan on West Graywing Circle, in the Village of Alden Bridge, by using a Molotov cocktail on Feb. 22. Two gasoline bombs were allegedly built in the garage of one of the teens , but they only used one when it was lit and thrown to destroy the car, Assistant Fire Marshall Scott Burlin said. The other was placed in a wooded area on the grounds of Bush Elementary School for later use.
Husband’s poison attempt: A Woodlands woman is suing her husband for divorce and damages, alleging he poisoned her, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the allegations as part of recently-commenced divorce trial in Montgomery County Court-at-Law 3. Cristy Lynn Kaiser, 42, accuses her husband, of poisoning her by placing various metals in her food, pills and perfume, causing her to suffer numerous ailments from 2003-05.
Doctor shoots colleague, kills himself:Dr. Brian Turley, 41, a radiologist at Conroe Regional Medical Center, dies of a self-inflicted gunshot wound when he shot himself at a Woodlands home shortly after he allegedly shot numerous bullets into a vehicle driven by another CRMC radiologist, 41-year-old Dr. Matthew John Glaser, according to police. Brian Turley allegedly shot Glaser’s vehicle in front of the Bentwater home of Ellen Turley, a registered nurse and Brian Turley’s estranged wife.
College board approves $420 million bond election: The Lone Star College System Board of Trustees approves a bond election for $420 million. The bond package will go to new construction and rehabilitation of existing buildings and services throughout the system.
Fellowship pastor, wife pen bestseller book: Kerry and Chris Shook, pastors of Fellowship of The Woodlands, have published “One Month to Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life” which hits the New York Time’s bestseller list, peaking at No. 3 on the “Advice, How-To and Miscellaneous” category. It is No. 13 on a USA Today’s list and Amazon.com ranks the book as No. 18 in the “Christian Living” category.
Fourteen file for township board: Fourteen candidates will vie for a spot on The Woodlands Township’s eight-seat board of directors. The May 10 election is a first step in phasing out all appointed board members by 2010. Candidates include Karen Booren, Tom Campbell, Bev Earl, Claude Hunter, Jeff Long, Paul Martin, Joe Merrill, Kenny Speight, Ted Stanley, Bruce Tough, Renata Tyree and George Van Horn. Current board members Peggy Hausman and Nelda Luce Blair also have filed. Hausman is an appointee of The Woodlands Community Association and Blair represents Montgomery County Precinct 3.
Needham Fire Department: Shenandoah officials are mulling the city’s options for fire service, but not fast enough for Emergency Service District No. 4 officials. ESD 4 Board of Commissioners President Stephen Dicker hand delivered a letter to the Shenandoah council members Feb. 27 asking them to let the ESD and Needham Fire Department know by April 1 whether or not the city still planned to construct a new fire station. The city council voted March 12 to send a letter stating Shenandoah isn’t ready to commit to the station.
Late-night fishing: Anglers no longer need to cut bait at dusk, as The Woodlands Community Association decides to allow fishing until 11 p.m. at Northshore Park. Northshore Park is located near Lake Woodlands Drive and Windward Cove. According to written information from the association, residents' primary concerns have been anglers blocking roadways when they park and littering during late-night fishing.
WCA annual meeting: About 100 people attend The Woodlands Community Association’s annual meeting to hear the state of the Conroe Independent School District and honor volunteers. Keynote speaker was Dr. Don Stockton, CISD superintendent. He gave a review on the state of the district, said Tom Campbell, association first vice president. The association also honored its six volunteers of the year.
New fire stations: Two new fire stations in The Woodlands are being proposed to accommodate growth. The population of The Woodlands almost doubled in a period of 10 years from 29,205 in 1990 to 55,649 in 2000, according to the United States census. The Woodlands Township estimates population has since grown to about 88,000 people, according to its website. One station being proposed is for Creekside, The Woodlands’ new village in Harris County. Another one would be in Indian Springs, said The Woodlands Fire Department Chief Alan Benson. The department is still scouting possible locations for the stations, which would be Stations 7 and 8. Both stations should be constructed by late 2010.
April
Natatorium upgrade: Conroe Independent School District’s natatorium in Shenandoah isn’t even open, but it might already be getting an upgrade. Members of The Woodlands Swim Team are in discussions with CISD and Shenandoah officials about a possible partnership to add two additional pools to the site. Under the proposal, the facility would be the largest of its kind in Texas. Being discussed is an outdoor, 50-foot pool and a heated indoor pool that would be used for children and TWST rehabilitation programs.
Sales tax increase: A 2 percent sales increase for most of The Woodlands goes into effect. The tax rate increase is part of the transition in governance structure approved by voters in November. The increase brings all of The Woodlands in line with the sales tax rates of surrounding cities such as Houston, Conroe, Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North at 8.25 percent. The Town Center area, including The Woodlands Mall and Market Street, and the College Park area, already had the 8.25 percent rate in effect. The tax rate in those areas will remain the same.
Traffic lights: Motorists on Lake Woodlands Drive will face five new stoplights now being installed between Panther Creek Drive and Gosling Road. The area has outgrown the four-way stop signs previously controlling traffic at the intersections, according to Precinct 3 Commissioner Ed Chance. Total project cost is $5 million, including 20 intersections in the community.
Tamina residents discuss police: A group of about 60 residents meet at Tamina Community Park the evening of April 3 to discuss the Oak Ridge North Police Department’s increased presence in Tamina .
Creekside Park elementary school: Construction on Tomball Independent School District’s new elementary school in The Woodlands is expected to begin this summer. The school, which will be on a 12.9-acre site in the Village of Creekside Park, is expected to open for the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year. The school site is located near the Creekside Park entrance off Gosling Road, south of Rob Fleming Park. The school’s design, by PBK Architects, is similar to the lodge at the Rob Fleming Park. At 112,170 square feet, the school will accommodate about 730 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
‘Pièce de résistance’: Officials, employees of The Woodlands Development Company and the who’s who of The Woodlands attended the private grand opening of The Waterway Square.
Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival success: The two-day festival features more than 200 national and regional artists of various mediums selling original creations along The Woodlands Waterway from The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel alongside The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and culminating at Town Green Park. Booths featured everything from clay, wood, metal and glass to jewelry, leather, photography and everything in between.
Woodlands couple’s divorce settled; poison allegations under investigation: A divorce case where a Woodlands wife accused her husband of poisoning her is being settled, but her allegations are still being investigated. The case, heard before a jury, began the first week of March in County Court-at-Law 3 with Judge Patrice McDonald. The case was recessed March 7 and resumed March 31 Cristy Lynn Kaiser, 42, was suing her husband, Louis Kaiser, 43, for divorce and an unspecified amount of damages. She accused him of poisoning her by placing various metals in her food, pills and perfume, causing her to suffer numerous ailments from 2003-05. Cristy Kaiser and Louis Kaiser reached a settlement April 2 and the jury was dismissed.
University Center celebrates 10 years: A decade has come and gone, and the Lone Star College- University Center is still going strong. LSC- University Center, located at 3232 College Park Drive in The Woodlands, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a ceremony and open house. The facility has seen 52,413 students walk through its doors in the last decade, said LSCS Chancellor Richard Carpenter. It started with just 374 students enrolled the first semester and has grown to 2,400 enrolled this spring.
ORHS student, 17, killed in wreck: Jaclyn Landrum, 17, who is killed in an auto accident. Landrum was driving a 1989 Chevrolet Blazer northbound on the feeder road, south of FM 1488, when her vehicle crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler turning into a driveway shortly after 7 a.m. The truck was turning into Bison Building Materials LTD.
Police seek information on stabbing: A family gathering at Sawmill Park in The Woodlands turns ugly when a Tomball man was stabbed. The victim was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, treated for his wounds and released a short time later, said Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Detective John Sanchez. The man, who is in his 40s, told authorities that at about 8:30 p.m. he stepped onto Millpark Drive. The attackers stabbed the victim in the chest and head, then knocked him to the ground and kicked him repeatedly.
Waterway expanding:The Woodlands Waterway , lined with restaurants, hotels, shops, condominiums and parks, has come a long way since the mid-1990s, when it was a drainage ditch. About 500 feet of sidewalk and landscaping are being installed in what marks the first construction along the waterway west of the Grogan’s Mill Road bridge. Once developed, the waterway will stretch for about 1 ¾ miles, from a point where it begins near The Woodlands Mall all the way to Lake Woodlands.
Town Center signage: A total of 57 new signs have been installed as part of The Woodlands Township’s wayfinding system in the commercial area of The Woodlands. The blue signs, most of which are supported by one post to decrease visibility interference for drivers and pedestrians, point out businesses and attractions in Town Center.
Survey results released: Montgomery County residents want public transportation and affordable rental housing, according to a countywide survey administered by the Community Development Department. The survey polled 1,254 residents on topics such as affordable housing, transportation, special needs, economic opportunity and quality of life. The department also organized 22 focus groups on the topics. The groups were spread throughout the county’s four commissioner precincts. The groups had 10-18 participants, and two groups were conducted in Spanish.
May
Christian school leader faces heat: A leader at a Christian school in Spring is taking heat after an undercover investigation by KTRK-TV Channel 13 caught him allegedly propositioning the mother of a prospective student. KTRK aired the investigative report April 16. The report included audio of LaVern Jordan, who founded Parkway Christian School, Inc. with his wife Barbara, allegedly offering to waive the school’s enrollment fee in exchange for sex.
Tamina resident wins national service award: Shirley Grimes bright eyes flicker to the of Tamina is named a recipient of the national Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Local Community. Only five nominees are chosen each year for the award.
Woodlands Township candidates: Early voting begins for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors election, in which 14 candidates are vying for five open seats. Voters will select their top five choices out of the group.
Well opposition: As state officials propose permitting a county wastewater well site, opposition initiatives in The Woodlands include town hall meetings and a protest trip to Austin. The injection well site off Creighton Road in northeast Montgomery County would be an underground repository for industrial nonhazardous wastes. Local grassroots group Citizens/Residents Oppose Wells is planning a trip to the state’s capitol, said CROW member Jennifer Real. The contingent will visit the offices of Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Conroe man dies in triathlon: A Conroe resident died while competing in the swimming portion of the 2008 CB&I Triathlon at Northshore Park in The Woodlands. Randolph Parnell, 51, an experienced triathlete, competed among 1,000 participants in the race.
Gunman robs hotels: An armed bandit robbed a Shenandoah hotel before making his way to another robbery at a Conroe hotel and ending his trek by robbing clerks at a fast-food restaurant in Walker County, according to law enforcement officials.
Thieves steal $600K in jewels After robbing and beating their victim, three to four assailants take loose precious jewels valued at around $600,000 and a wallet from a 55-year-old outside a South County hotel, according to officials with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The attackers were believed to be Hispanics driving a late model Honda Accord, according to Bucks. No weapon was displayed, he said, but the crime was violent and bloody.
Arsonist sought in movie theater fire: Authorities seek information on someone who set a fire at the Tinseltown Movie Theater in the men’s restroom, according to officials. Damages from the fire totaled about $5,000.
Township to randomly drug test: The Woodlands Township will soon perform random drug tests on employees who are in safety sensitive positions as members of the township board’s executive committee changes its drug and alcohol policy.
Former polygamist wife Jessop advises local care providers: A local ministry continues preparations to shelter 75 children from a polygamist sect near Eldorado, despite a Texas appeals court ruling that says the state overstepped its authority removing the children in April. Spring-based Arrow Child & Family Ministries has completed licensing proceedings and is ready, if called on, to provide long-term foster care. As news of the ruling was breaking, Arrow officials hosted former sect member Carolyn Jessop at the ministry’s facilities, located at 2929 FM 2920. Jessop, who fled the sect in 2003 with her eight children, briefed representatives of agencies such as CPS and Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, as well as representatives from area churches. Jessop outlined types of reactions care providers could expect from sect children.
Commerce Park ORN’s first new commercial development since 1979: Construction is set to begin on the first new commercial development in Oak Ridge North since the city was chartered in 1979. The city council recently approved the plat for the Oak Ridge North Commerce Park project. The National Realty Group hopes to break ground within the next two months on eight new commercial buildings, ranging in size from 4,000-10,000 square feet.
County woman first 2008 West Nile case in Texas: A Montgomery County woman is the first diagnosed human case of West Nile fever in Texas this year, officials have confirmed. Officials did not confirm her age or residence. Pat Buzbee, director of Montgomery County Environmental Health Services, confirmed the woman’s diagnosis, and officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed she is the state’s first human West Nile fever case.
Conroe Independent School District acts on bond projects The Conroe Independent School District is hitting the ground running after voters approved a $526.7 million bond referendum May 10. The CISD board approved the design development for Conroe High School renovations as well as the guaranteed maximum price for two site clearings, which are all part of the bond.
June
Woodlands Township adopts new logo: The Woodlands Township unveils a new logo , which was chosen from nearly 200 resident-submitted designs.
Arrests , crime up this year Even though crime has increased in The Woodlands area over the past few years, it’s still considered a safe place to live and work. A report on crime and police visibility presented to the township shows that while the number of crimes committed and arrests made have increased throughout the past four years, the CAP Index was low at 53 for the Town Center in 2007. It decreased 4 percent from the previous year’s score of 55. The score for the rest of the community is 43.
Robinson’s shoes to be filled by trio: The Woodlands Township executive board decides to fill resigning president Frank Robinson’s position with not one but three-person interim management team consisting of three co-managers: Steve Sumner, the vice president of operations and public safety; Nick Wolda, the vice-president of marketing and public affairs; and Brian Pate, the acting person in place of the vice-president of finance and administration.
Emergency Service District 8 to hire new fire chief: Emergency Service District 8 officials decide to hire a fire chief. The decision came at the June 2 ESD 8 board meeting. The new fire chief will be charged with overseeing the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, which will continue to work with ESD No. 8 to respond to fire emergencies. There will be no change of personnel, aside from the hiring of the new fire chief, according to Andy Walters, fire commissioner for ESD No. 8.
Lost at Sea: The Cynthia Woods sailboat capsizes in the Gulf of Mexico on it’s way from Galveston to Vera Cruz, stranding four Texas A&M college students and one instructor in the middle of open seas. As it sank, the boat claimed the life of Roger Stone, the second instructor on the boat, who spent his last moments ensuring all the other passengers got out of the boat safely. The five sailors floated in the gulf for 26 hours before finally being rescued by an Air Station Houston helicopter.
WAC to close: The Woodlands Development Company opts to keep the Woodlands Athletic Center open through December instead of closing it in September as originally planned. The company is closing the facility, appraised at nearly $1.4 million by the Montgomery County Appraisal District, because it has been losing money “for quite some time,” said Bill Langley, vice president of the company and managing director of The Club at Carlton Woods. Future plans for the building and land are uncertain.
Oak Ridge North police to join radio network The Oak Ridge North Police Department will be joining in on a new public safety radio system that will be coming online in the county this fall. The ORN council approved the purchase of about $116,000 worth of new radio equipment.
Vietnam vet receives service medal 40 years later: Veteran Norman Carrio receives a medal he earned while serving in Vietnam. Carrio, a resident of The Woodlands, was presented the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam’s Veterans Day. The medal, according to the website www.pentagon.mil, was given by South Vietnam to soldiers who “accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct” on the battlefield. The award is the result of Carrio’s actions during a stand made by the U.S. Marine Corps 15th Engineer Company in November 1967 during an attack near Dak To, in South Vietnam.
Residents warned after woman is robbed in her Woodlands garage: The Community Associations of The Woodlands Neighborhood Services Department is warning residents to be extra vigilant following a recent purse snatching that occurred inside a woman’s garage. The victim was parked inside her garage with the door open when she was approached by a man who took her purse from her and fled into the darkness. The bandit was described as a bald black male, between 5 feet, 9 inches and 6 feet tall, weighing 160 to 170 pounds. The woman was not injured.
Nature trails: The Woodlands Association board will submit a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife for $200,000 to create new nature trails in the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. Director Bob Bruce said the grant will create an additional 1.5-mile trail that will close a loop of trails about three miles long in the preserve. The trail will provide access to the Spring Creek corridor west of Kuykendahl Road.
July
Creekside emergency services: Public safety was on the minds of Creekside Park residents at a neighborhood watch meeting. Twelve residents from The Woodlands’ newest village met with Lt. Ronnie Glaze of the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office and Peggy Krysiak of The Community Associations of The Woodlands. One key topic of the two hour meeting involved concerns about emergency response to Creekside Park, The Woodlands’ only village in Harris County. In addition to emergency service response times, residents talked about the proper channels for getting information about agencies or entities that provide services to the area.
Authorities hunt for SUV after motorcyclist seriously hurt: Authorities are searching for the driver of a dark-colored sports utility vehicle after an accident on the Lake Woodlands bridge over Interstate 45 left a motorcyclist seriously injured. Justin Guy, 24, of Spring, was LifeFlighted to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Hospital in Houston as a result of the accident that occurred when a dark-colored SUV possibly made an illegal turn and began traveling in the wrong lane against westbound traffic on the bridge, causing a Suzuki GX SR 1000 motorcycle to strike a retaining wall and tree.
Kinnear appointed to township board: Board members of The Woodlands Township are widely split in the choice of a former Town Center Improvement District board member to fill a vacant township board seat. But Robert Kinnear , who served on the TCID board from 1996 to 2007, was named to fill the slot, despite “nay” votes from board members Peggy Hausman, Tom Campbell and Claude Hunter. Kinnear will fill the seat vacated by Les Tarrance Sr. in November 2007.
Station 6 opens with dedication:The Woodlands Fire Department’s Station 6, located at 1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd., is dedicated the morning of June 30 at a ceremony attended by more than 200 people.
Market Street ownership changes: Market Street sees a switch in ownership as a partnership led by Trademark Property Company, which developed the 560,000 square-feet of space in Town Center and was a half-owner, purchased the remaining 50 percent share of Market Street from Kimco Developers.
Planned Parenthood considers Woodlands clinic: Planned Parenthood’s mission to make sure all women have access to affordable health care may soon be spreading to The Woodlands. The agency is considering putting a small clinic in The Woodlands, one of several suburban areas under consideration. once it completes the relocation of its flagship location in Houston.
Grace Community Church to erect giant crosses: The Rev. Steve Riggle, senior pastor of Grace Community Church, announces plans plans to build 150-foot crosses on the church’s north and south campuses, located at 24400 Interstate 45 in Spring and 14505 I-45 in Houston. The 150-foot structures will line the north and south entrances to Houston along I-45. The Christian symbol will jet out of an elevated prayer tower topped with a globe.
Three hotels robbed in 24-hour period: Authorities are investigating several armed robberies after a gunman robbed a South Montgomery County hotel less than 24 hours after robberies at hotels in Conroe and Shenandoah. Officials say they do not believe the third robbery was related to the two the day before.
LSCS lawsuit asks for new election: A lawsuit filed against the Lone Star College District alleges the recent bond and trustee election was compromised when several ballot boxes were left unattended. Conroe resident James Doyle filed the lawsuit in the 333rd state District Court in Harris County June 16 requesting election results be declared void and a new election be scheduled for Nov. 4.
Trio of robbers snatch $96,000 in bank heist: Authorities search for three men involved in a robbery of an Amegy Bank inside a Kroger grocery store off Sawdust Road in The Woodlands who remain at large after a well planned and executed crime, according to police officials. Three African-American men arrived at the bank in a stolen sport utility vehicle and eventually made away with approximately $96,000 from the the vault of the bank at 295 Sawdust Road. There were no injuries.
Sales tax revenue in Shenandoah decreases: If sales tax revenue is any indication, the economic slowdown is creeping into Shenandoah. After several years of double-digit increases in sales tax revenue, Shenandoah is seeing this year’s increase lag behind past years’ performances.
Robbers hit three Sawdust Road businesses: A robbery at the CiCi’s Pizza located at 315 Sawdust Road makes it at least the third business in the area to be robbed in the last several days. CiCi’s Pizza was robbed by an African-American man brandishing a revolver. Super Cuts and Amegy Bank, located in nearby buildings, were robbed earlier.
Three arrested for armed robbery at 24-Hour Fitness: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrest three men charged with robbing a 23-year-old woman in the 24-Hour Fitness parking lot at 1800 Lake Woodlands Drive. A purse and a gym bag was taken from the woman, who told responding authorities she was approached by three black males brandishing guns.
WoodlandsAlert to be used for hurricanes: The Woodlands didn’t say hello to Dolly, but if hurricane activity threatens this season, a new notification system will relay relevant information. The WoodlandsAlert system (www.woodlandsalert.org) uses a combination of telephone, e-mail, fax and text telephone (TTY) systems to notify residents.
Authorities Imperial Oaks fires: Authorities are enlisting the public’s help to solve two recent fires in Imperial Oaks. The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office and Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating two blazes about a week apart they suspect could have been set by arsonists. Damages were estimated at about $15,000.
Sunmart stations cheat customers on gas: Gas pumps at nearly 1,000 Texas Sunmart gas stations – owned by Petroleum Wholesale L.P. of The Woodlands – have been cheating customers out of fuel, according to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.
August
Montgomery County among tops in country in job growth:
Montgomery County was among the top 20 counties in the United States in highest percentage of job growth between 2000 and 2007. The county ranked 16th during that time period with job growth of 38.53 percent, according to information released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Two other Texas counties appeared on the list ahead of Montgomery County.
Spring man arrested in Woodlands bank robbery
The suspect in a robbery at a Woodforest Bank is found in Harris County and arrested. Precinct 3 Constable Tim Holifield’s office ended the week on a high note, with an arrest in the robbery of the Woodforest National Bank in the Kroger Signature Store in the 2300 block of Rayford Road. Jamal Anthony Miller, 25, of Spring , was arrested for the robbery by Montgomery County Precinct 3 constable’s deputies and detectives.
County library book budget cut by 60 percent
The Montgomery County Memorial Library System is receiving its lowest amount of book funding in 10 years, and library officials worry they may not be able to serve residents’ needs. Of the $998,158 library officials requested this year for books, vehicles and equipment, only $392,238 was granted by Montgomery County commissioners during budget hearings. Books took the biggest hit, Library Director Jerilynn Williams said.
Fire damages park equipment A fire at Forestgate Park in the Village of Indian Springs destroys playground equipment, causing more than $60,000 in damage. Over the past 2-1/2 years, the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office has investigated four arsons at the park, located on South Forestgate Drive off of Woodlands Parkway and to the west of the Indian Springs shopping center. Assistant Fire Marshal Scott Burlin said no one was caught in any of the past fires at Forestgate Park dating back to 2006, which have caused around $70,000 worth of damage.
South County recycling on par with national average, Houston low The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Recycling and Reuse Facility make helping the environment their jobs. In 2007, the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Recycling and Reuse Facility, located at 1122 Pruitt Road., had over 21,000 vehicles visit it’s recycling facilities. In total, the collection center brought in just under 980,000 pounds worth of solid recyclables in addition to over 7,000 gallons of liquids and over 3,000 television/computer monitors from citizens and businesses wanting to recycle.
2 - year - old drowns in South County bathtubA 2 -1/ 2 - year - old twin boy drowns in the bathtub of his South County apartment while in the care of a teenage babysitter, according to law enforcement officials.
Kinnear to serve as TWT’s interim president
The Woodlands Township board appoints board member Bob Kinnear as an interim president on Aug. 6, filling the position vacated by Frank Robinson. Kinnear, who was appointed to the township board at the end of July, will will recuse himself from the board while he serves as interim president.
Suburban market focus of Urban Land Institute conference
Smart, progressive suburban planning and development is the focus of an Urban Land Institute Conference in The Woodlands sponsored by ULI’s Houston District Council. Among the attendees are members of the public and private sectors, city officials and representatives of management districts or economic development corporations.
Scaled back Shenandoah Valley project to proceed
Work is set to begin soon on the first phase of the Shenandoah Valley infrastructure improvements. The Shenandoah City Council awarded a $5 million construction contract for the road and water improvements on the project. Sewer improvements in the project were bid separately.
Woman dead after blaze
A two-alarm house fire in The Woodlands claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman and leaves her boyfriend in critical condition with burns over 60 percent of his body, according to officials.
Shuttle service to link SHSU, The Woodlands
Soaring gas prices have prompted local education and government officials to press forward with a bus service linking Sam Houston State University and locations in Montgomery County
School, parks marred by recent vandalism Vandals strike The Woodlands in a string of recent incidents, including fires at parks and grafitti. Park rangers may have prevented another park from fire damage last weekend when they interrupted what officials believe were arsonists in Sundance Park, located at 2700 Alden Bridge Drive. Between Friday night and Saturday morning, a new building at The John Cooper School and some area signs were spray painted with graffiti. The school’s new performing arts center, located at 1 John Cooper Drive had one of its external walls spray painted with graffiti, said Headmaster Mike Maher. Graffiti was also painted on street and neighborhood signs, mailboxes and on roads in the nearby Chandler Creek, Heritage Hill and Stellar Point neighborhoods. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has estimated the damage at $2,500.
‘Save the WAC’ shirts banned When a group of self-described “WACkies” get together at the Woodlands Athletic Club to take pictures of themselves in their new “Save the WAC” T-shirts, which is slated nfor closure, they get a message from WAC staff: they were not allowed to wear their shirts while they were at the facility.
Chamber honors Earl, Strong: Hundreds of Montgomery County dignitaries and community supporters collected at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel Saturday night to attend the 30th annual South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Ball. Attendees dressed in their finest fusion of formal wear and Hawaiian-theme apparel to praise the services of 2007-08 Chairwoman Beverly Earl and celebrate incoming 2008-09 Chairman Bret Strong.
September
Township meeting time:Despite mounting resident support for an evening meeting, The Woodlands Township board voted Aug. 27 to continue convening in the morning. However, in a seven-to-two vote, the board changed the Wednesday meeting time from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Governance and Nominations Committee, headed by board member Ed Robb, made the recommendation to the board. Robb was absent at Wednesday’s meeting. “The meeting time of 9 a.m. would improve access to young families - people who are getting their kids off to school and also have things they have to do at night,’ said Alex Sutton, board and committee member.
Drivers , Eagles fly with fans: Driving to the first football game at the Conroe Independent School District’s new Woodforest Stadium proved to be an easy ride, most football fans said. The stadium, located at David Memorial Drive and Tamina Road, one block east of the Interstate 45 North feeder, opened this year. The CISD had devised a traffic flow strategy in anticipation of snarls before and after the games, which some parents said was easy to follow.
Spring man arrested in South County arsons: Law enforcement officials arrested a Spring man in connection with two arson fires in South Montgomery County and believe he is responsible for damages totaling more than $400,000 to a home under construction, police said. Curtis Alan McGee , 25, was charged with criminal mischief in connection with a Dumpster fire at Vogel Intermediate School and with a second-degree felony for in connection with the burning of a storage building in the woods. Both fires were in the vicinity of Ford Elementary School in South County, which had been plagued by arson incidents.
DEA agent from The Woodlands abducted, killed: Supervisory Special Agent Thomas J. Byrne, 40, of The Woodlands, was abducted on the streets of New Orleans, where he was attending the annual Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Conference. DEA officials said Byrne was abducted, robbed, beaten and left for dead 40 blocks from his last known location, which was within walking distance to his hotel. According to information released in an e-mail written by Michele M. Leonhart, acting DEA administrator at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., a passerby found Byrne barely alive. Byrne was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent numerous surgeries. He died Aug. 30, two days after the attack.
Hurricane Ike: Hurricane Ike brings widespread wind and rain damage, littering the area with debris and causing utility service issues, business losses and damage to several hundred homes.
Hurricane aftermath: Timber Lakes/Timber Ridge residents flooded: The home of one family who fled Hurricane Katrina is among about 50 that flooded from the rains brought by Hurricane Ike in Timber Lakes/Timber Ridge, a small unincorporated neighborhood south of The Woodlands.
Major damage to 297 homes: Two homes in the community were completely destroyed by Hurricane Ike and 297 sustained major damage, said Chief Alan Benson of The Woodlands Fire Department.
Parks in The Woodlands still closed: Not all of The Woodlands 110 parks escaped Hurricane Ike unscathed. Many of the parks suffered tree damage, and Community Association of The Woodlands Parks and Recreation Department officials have already assessed the damage and begun the cleanup process. Several parks in the area are still closed as a result of the hurricane.
October
Pavilion hit: Hurricane Ike has brought the curtain down on the remainder of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s entertainment season. Cancellations include all shows that were scheduled to take place at the Pavilion through Nov. 16. Ike-driven winds caused extensive damage to the Pavilion’s fabric roof over the stage and reserved seating area, as well as problems with the network of cables and columns that support the tent-like cover. Initial estimates peg Ike’s damage at about $2 million, said Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of the Pavilion.
Township taps Norrell for its president post: Don Norrell , general manager of the Community Associations of The Woodlands, has been chosen as The Woodlands Township’s new president, filing the spot vacated by Frank Robinson in June and temporarily filled by board member Bob Kinnear.
Cold Case Squad arrests 3 in rape, robbery cases: Three suspects in two unrelated sexual assault cases and a bank robbery case that date back several years have been arrested after they were linked to unsolved cases using DNA testing. The investigations were conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Squad and were funded under an October 2007 federal grant from the National Institute of Justice, said Capt. Bruce Zenor. The Cold Case Squad investigates unsolved homicides and select violent crimes where DNA evidence may exist.
Fatal crash: Two die as news helicopter slams into forest A Channel 13 ABC news helicopter crashes into a wooded area east of the W.E. Jones State Forest, killing the pilot and photojournalist on board. Residents about 400 yards away said they heard an explosion as the SkyEye 13 news chopper struck the ground, erupting into flames. It landed on property owned by The Woodlands Development Company, but it was at least 400 yards away from any homes, officials said.
Residents honor community heroes: Montgomery County dignitaries and community supporters come together Saturday evening at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center to honor and celebrate the efforts of four individuals and one local business instrumental to community prosperity at the annual Hometown Heroes celebration. Precinct 3 Commissioner Ed Chance, Montgomery County Women’s Center board member and volunteer Jacque Everson, Christ United Methodist Church Founder Dr. Daniel T. Hannon, Lone Star College - Montgomery Founder Barbara Holland and Co-Presidents of The Woodlands Development Company Tim Welbes and Alex Sutton were recognized.
CenterPoint forum sparks dialogue: CenterPoint Energy will work closely with The Woodlands officials to find ways to improve electrical service in Sterling Ridge and other areas of the community it serves. CenterPoint officials addressed questions from residents at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, during a public forum where residents outlined concerns and CenterPoint officials explained the company’s Hurricane Ike response efforts.
Wild life: An encounter with nature A Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot and killed a deer that barreled into an office through a glass window. The deer, an eight-point buck, crashed into the office of Trans Ionics Corporation at 2408 Timberloch Place.
Cox Intermediate school dedicated: Conroe Independent School District honors Tom Cox , Sr., dedicating the new school named after him. Tom Cox Intermediate School, which is located at 3333 Waterbend Cove in Spring, opened its doors this fall.
Court settles visitation rights case over parrot: Who knows if Shiloh the parrot’s vocabulary includes lawsuit, but the bird is at the center of a recent court case concerning visitation rights. Edie Connelly, Montgomery County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace, dismisses the small claims court case after a short hearing, settling a year-long flap. The suit, filed by Nicole Sliepcevic of Montgomery against Esta Miller of The Woodlands, demanded unlimited visitation rights to the parrot, according to court documents. The bird, a Dusky Conure parrot, changed hands last October.
November
Fire fights: The Woodlands Fire Department dedicates its new Emergency Training Center, with officials promoting plans to use the 20,000-square-foot facility for regional training. The building, located at 16135 Interstate 45 just north of Texas 242, features a six-story tower on one end that can be used for tower and confined space training exercises.
Fatal accident: The Conroe Independent School District places an Oak Ridge High School employee on administrative leave without pay after law enforcement charges the woman with intoxication manslaughter following a hit-and-run accident. Catherine Lynn Roberts, an ORHS grade-level secretary, allegedly struck and killed Meghann Marie Smith, 18, along Texas 105 West.
St. Luke’s facility:Community leaders, elected officials and representatives of the local medical community gather to mark the expansion of health care facilities in The Woodlands. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies mark the opening of St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital Patient Care Tower II, located at 17200 St. Lukes’ Way in The Woodlands. The 82,500-square-foot building adds 57 medical, surgical and intensive-care beds to the facility.
Abduction attempt: The Conroe Independent School District asks parents to review safety tips with children after a 16-year-old student from The Woodlands High School reports he was walking to school around 7:20 a.m. when he was approached near Cochran’s Crossing and Pachyderm Park by a black man, in his late 20’s or early 30’s, driving a black four-door car, who tried to get the student into his car using conversation.
Signatures series: Anthony Bourdain headlines The John Cooper School’s Signatures Authors Series. The event at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, the fourth put on by the school, also features a number of Texas authors whose works range from cookbooks to mystery novels.
Quintuplets born: The stork might have had to recruit some help with the recent delivery of five babies – three girls and two boys – to the Phillips family. Kelly and Bill Phillips of The Woodlands felt both “excited and awed” when they welcomed their quintuplets into the world on Oct. 25. John Daniel, Rebecca Jenne, Alison Marie, David James and Katelyn Elizabeth Phillips were delivered via cesaerean section in less than two minutes at Texas Woman’s Hospital in Houston.
MCSO pay raise: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputies are granted raises based on a step-scale salary program.
General Growth Properties:The possibility of bankruptcy is announced by General Growth Properties, which co-owns The Woodlands Development Company and owns The Woodlands Mall. Officials believe, however, it won’t have much of an impact on the mall or on sales tax revenues in The Woodlands Township. General Growth Properties Inc. shares plummeted 40 percent Nov. 11 after the company warned it faces solvency trouble and may be forced to file for bankruptcy if it can’t refinance or extend nearly $1 billion in debt due next month.
Body in pond:The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office releases the identity of a man whose body was found in Indian Springs’ Deer Rush Pond. Authorities identified the man, discovered in the 4600 block of Rushhaven, as Ryan S. Hillman, 21, who had been staying in The Woodlands area. Awaiting final autopsy results, officials say the cause of death is probable drowning, with no foul play suspected.
Bus driver DUI: CISD police arrest a bus driver on suspicion of driving while intoxicated as she prepares to pick up students for her afternoon route. The CISD South County Transportation Center received a call around 1:45 p.m. reporting that bus No. 3030 was driving “erratically.” CISD police arrest the driver, Denolda “Dee” Talley, of The Woodlands, in Conroe. No students were on the bus.
Home invasion:
The MCSO arrests five South County men on charges of aggravated robbery for allegedly forcing their way into a South County residence while armed and demanding money and property. No one was injured and nothing is stolen in the incident. Arrested are Nicholas Boone, 19; Zachary Williamson, 18; Adam Bordelan, 18; Bradley Franklin, 26; and Erasmos Rojero, 21, with all listing south Montgomery County addressess.
Wreck kills TWHS grad: A Woodlands High School graduate dies from injuries suffered in a wreck just outside Montgomery County. Melissa Ellen Blackbird, 18, of The Woodlands, was eastbound on Hufsmith Road around 1:30 p.m. in a 2003 Honda CRV when she lost control of her vehicle and it went into a side skid.
Hefty water bill: A Shenandoah restaurant owner is getting a refund and a letter of apology from the city after being overcharged thousands of dollars on water bills. Chris Henderson, the owner of Raising Cane’s restaurant, 1501 Research Forest Drive in Shenandoah, will be reimbursed to the tune of $27,727.05 due to overbilling linked to a faulty water meter.
Man sentenced: A Woodlands man, who has a history with the law in Montgomery County, is sentenced to 30 months in prison for threatening the life of President George W. Bush. Gordon Lee Chadwick, 27, pleaded guilty to the charges against him in January and was sentenced in Houston Nov. 12 by U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison. Chadwick is to serve his sentence following the completion of his current four-year confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system. Chadwick previously was convicted on a charge of retaliation against a Montgomery County Jail official.
CISD salutes vets: Rain altered CISD’s annual Salute To Veterans, but the show went on anyway. The event is forced indoors for the first time, moving from the Woodforest Bank Stadium field to The Woodlands High School gym.
FOTW name
Fellowship of The Woodlands officials are phasing in a name change for the church, a switch designed to reflect expansion into other areas. Fellowship of The Woodlands is now part of Woodlands Church, an overarching designation inclusive of the current three locations. Woodlands Church encompasses the original Fellowship campus in The Woodlands, the East Campus in Humble and the Northwest campus in Tomball. Other satellite locations are being planned.
TexCom well:The TCEQ refuses to grant a permit sought by TexCom Gulf Disposal to inject nonhazardous wastewater into an existing well in the old Conroe Oilfield. The TCEQ commissioners ordered TexCom during an afternoon hearing in Austin to retest its well to determine whether or not faults in the ground could be leaky. The results of the testing will be brought in six months before the State Office of Administrative Hearing judges, who will issue an opinion that will send the issue before the TCEQ commissioners again for consideration.
Tough rezoning: A group of Woodlands parents are upset with the CISD’s decision to rezone their children without looking at additional information provided. The parents are against rezoning that will move their children from Tough Elementary, a kindergarten through sixth-grade campus, to Galatas Elementary, a kindergarten to fourth grade campus, and Mitchell Intermediate, a fifth- and sixth-grade campus.
Couple robbed:A robber accosts a couple leaving Main Event, 19400 Interstate 45 South, and demands and takes money before fleeing. The suspect is the incident is a Caucasian male, 30-40 years old, six-feet tall with dark hair, according to authorities, who also say the man has three “very distinct indentations in his forehead.”
Knife-wielding woman: Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’ s Office officials are looking for help in identifying or locating a Caucasian woman who, armed with a large knife, robbed a convenience store attendant in South Montgomery County. The incident occurred at the In & Out Food Store, located at 2021 Rayford Road.
Oak Ridge school: CISD is reviewing the feasibility of building a new junior high campus on 24 acres in the Oak Ridge feeder zone. The future Oak Ridge junior high site is located south of Robinson Road just west of the Imperial Oaks subdivision.
Target reopens: The Target store on Lake Woodlands Drive has reopened with a new look. The store, which suffered a total product loss as a result of a roof collapse during Hurricane Ike after water pooled on the roof for a while before causing it to collapse. The collapse pushes the store’s Food Avenue section into the south-west corner of the building and leaves about 12 inches of standing water in the store.
December
YMCA volunteer of year: Rita Wiltz is selected as the Volunteer of the Year for the South Montgomery County YMCA. A YMCA board member, Wiltz is lauded for her involvment with many programs, especially in the Tamina area.
Township consolidation: The Woodlands Township moves to accelerate consolidation of staff from the township and Community Associations of The Woodlands. Township president Don Norrell presented a detailed plan whereby 16 of 18 key objectives toward that end will be completed by the end of 2009, with all tasks finished by June 2010. Tasks included keeping the public and employees informed on the transition, phasing out the community association boards and uniting both entities’ financial departments.
Gulf War report: A study released in November by the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses confirms a reality area resident Johnny Phillips already knew. The 39-year-old, who is senior vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12024 in Oak Ridge North, was diagnosed in 1994, long before the extent of the disease’s prevalence was known. Today, Gulf War Illness affects at least 25 percent of the 697,000 U.S. soldiers who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
ORN biodiesel expansion: Oak Ridge North announces it is expanding its biodiesel services. An area near Humble will be part of a first phase. Another location is in the works at H.O. Clarke Electric Generating Station, a facility built by Reliant Power in the 1940’s in Houston. As part of the energy-producing process, biodiesel can be converted using a variety of raw materials, from chicken fat to green waste. Oak Ridge North first began using biodiesel in 2007.
Infection kills doctor: A coroner’s report says Dr. Leslie Parks, a well-known obstetrician/gynecologist, died the month before from an infection related to a gastric banding procedure. Parks, who worked at Woodlands OB/Gyn Associates, was vacationing with her family, including Parks’ 2-year-old twins Virginia and Lucas, in Telluride, Colo. when she fell ill
Arson indictment: A Montgomery County grand jury indicts Alan McGee, 25, of Conroe, on two counts of arson, stemming from two South County fires earlier in the year. According to court documents, McGee allegedly started a fire or caused an explosion Aug. 31 in the 30000 block of Forestry Drive in Spring. He also allegedly ignited combustible materials in or on a building Sept. 5 in the 400 block of Woodline Drive, also in Spring.
Traffic cameras: Montgomery County is considering adding more red-light cameras in the Woodlands to as many as eight intersections, based on the success of the two already in place. Studies show the cameras reduced the number of red-light runners at intersections they were placed by 20 percent, with more than 2,500 citations issued i
January
Sawmill house: Shenandoah’s sawmill house will be moved to a new site soon, after the City Council approved up to $10,000 to cover the job contracted out to Charry House Moving. The sawmill house was gifted to the city by R.J. Webster, a resident of The Woodlands, in 2006. Dating back to the 1920s, the house is one that is similar to those once lived in by loggers in the area.
Molotov cocktails: Investigators discovered multiple homemade explosive devices Christmas Eve while responding to a reported explosion in a neighborhood under construction in the area of Branch Crossing Drive and Terramont Drive on the west side of The Woodlands.
Nobel Peace winner visits: The recipient of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh visits The WoodlandsYunus to speak.
Pope blessing: After attending a general audience with Pope Benedict XVI alongside 17,000 other pilgrims, Kenna Seiler and her daughter Rachael, of The Woodlands, are blessed when they find themselves face-to-face with the Holy father.
Home invasions: The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office releases information about two home invasions in The Woodlands’ Village of Alden Bridge that occurred within a few days, under similar circumstances and a few streets apart.
Bird count: The Spring Creek Bird Count survey at Jones State Forest tallies 43 species in a six-hour period. Among the species spotted were the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, brown-headed nuthatch, red-breasted nuthatch and pine siskin. The red-cockaded woodpecker is a rare breed that draws worldwide attention.
Wreck claims TWHS graduate: A one-vehicle crash on Rayford Road in the early hours Dec. 29 claims the life of 19-year-old Michelle Angela McConnell, a 2006 Woodlands High School graduate, who was eastbound on Rayford Road when her car went off the left side of the road and struck a concrete bridge abutment.
Fire death: An autopsy performed on a man found burned to death in a campfire at a friend’s house in Tamina New Year’s Day yields nothing to indicate signs of foul play, according to Lt. Dan Norris of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
New Year’s baby: A Spring couple welcomes baby Ivan Trujillo, born two weeks early, weighing 7 pounds, at 12:16 a.m. Jan. 1, claiming himself the title of the first baby born in Montgomery County in 2008.
Latin American destination: Local officials and community leaders are continuing efforts to make The Woodlands a destination for Latin American travelers. The effort, which has been going on for the past two years, continued recently as representatives with The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau, The Woodlands Resort and others local host a group of travel writers and tour operators visiting the area from Mexico.
Parking study: Parking issues in and around The Woodlands Town Center will be the subject of an extensive 13-week study being overseen by The Woodlands Township officials as an executive committee accepts a $39,000 bid for the study.
Waterway robbery: Authorities investigate the robbery of a man who was accosted as he walked along The Woodlands Waterway. The incident occurred as the man walked with friends in the 1200 block of Timberloch Place. The victim reported being approached by two teenaged males, one white, one black. Cash in the amount of $110 was stolen.
Fire injury: The Woodlands Fire Department battles a fire at a home on Yewleaf Road off of Panther Creek Drive that sent a firefighter to an emergency room. A spokesman for TWFD said the firefighter was not burned and the issue did not appear to be smoke inhalation, but pain.
Compass Bank break-in:The four-story Compass Bank building on the 25200 block of Grogan’s Mill is broken into as a suspect or suspects break into about 12 businesses resulting in about $15,520 in stolen goods.
ORN utilities:Clearwater Utilities, Inc. is been awarded a $458,136 construction contract to begin the first phase of construction on sanitary and drainage facilities to serve Oak Ridge North’s Commerce Park.
Swearingen stay lifted: The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denies an appeal by convicted murderer Larry Ray Swearingen to present new evidence in his case, lifting a stay of execution that has been in place for almost exactly one year. Court. Swearingen was originally scheduled to die by lethal injection Jan. 23, 2007 and a stay was issued just over 24 hours before the execution time.
Shenandoah mayor race:Mayor Becky Altemus announcesshe will not seek re-election when her term expires. Altemus has been mayor since she was appointed to fill the position of retiring Mayor David Vetter in 2005. Voters re-elected her to the position in 2007.
Pavilion ranks worldwide: Pollstar magazine ranks The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion fifth among the top 100 amphitheaters in the world based on the number of tickets sold in 2007. Cindy DuBois, director of marketing and education for the pavilion , said the success is the result of a combination of factors, including location.
February
WSO celebrates 15 years: The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 15th anniversary with an “Exhibition in Music” concert titled “Hero’s Life.”
Watts seeks Shenandoah mayorship: Shenandoah City Councilman Garry Watts announces he will be running for mayor. Watts, who is finishing up his first term on the board, will be seeking the seat that will be vacated by Becky Altemus.
Joint emergency center: Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital joins forces with Tomball Regional Medical Center to open a 24-hour, full-service emergency center in southwest Montgomery County. The 11,000-square-foot facility, part of the multi-use development of The Shops at Terramont II, is to be on Woodlands Parkway at FM 2978.
Drug arrests net $40k: Eight people are arrested in drug busts, including one near Montgomery College that yielded hydroponic marijuana and a $40,000 money order, according to officials. Two arrests came Friday at the Pine Creek Ranch Apartments, located near Montgomery College on Texas 242. Justin Gibson, 22, and 19-year-old Michelle Fitch were charged with second-degree felony possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and third-degree felony possession of a controlled substance (ecstasy).
Community associations: Putting their stamp of approval on a voter-approved form of governance, The Woodlands Township and CATW approve a transition agreement that will combine neighborhood associations and services and put them under the township’s direction. In November 2007, voters approved The Woodlands Township, which is governed by seven at-large members, as the entity to provide municipal-type services. The Woodlands Community Association and The Woodlands Association, which govern residents in the older and newer villages, respectively, will be phased out after 2010.
Mistreated horses: Law enforcement officials rescue four horses found near the Tamina area. One of the stallions had bite marks on its face and all of the animals were underfed and standing in rain water, said Oak Ridge North Police Chief Andy Walters. Precinct 5 livestock officers examined the horses.
Student robbed: The recent robbery of an Oak Ridge High School student is the latest incident prompting Oak Ridge North authorities to say they are stepping up enforcement efforts in the area. Two Oak Ridge High School students recently were stopped by five others while on their way home from school. The victim, who was robbed of $12, was confronted and feared being assaulted. The incident occurred north of Woodson Road and south of Oak Ridge High School.
Tourism policing: Business, law enforcement and tourism officials attend a conference on tourism-oriented policing. The Shenandoah Police Department, in partnership with the City of Shenandoah Convention and Visitors Bureau, partnered with The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau to host the two-day seminar at Shenandoah’s Municipal Complex. About 250 emergency services providers, government officials, business owners and media representatives were invited.
Economic outlook: U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, gives the results of his recent health care surveys at the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce's upcoming Economic Outlook Conference. Brady said the surveys polled 50,000 households on how U.S. health care can be improved. In addition, about 600 people took online polls.
Scotland Yard vandalism: School officials investigating a vandalism incident at Scotland Yard, The Woodlands High School’s baseball field on the McCullough Junior High campus. Two banners on the outfield fence were marked with the letters “CP” in what appeared to be blue spray paint, TWHS principal Gregg Colschen said. Also, some sort of chemical was used to inscribe the “CP” moniker on the infield grass.
Late-night wreck kills TWHS graduate: Kendall Marie Chopek, 21, of Magnolia becomes the county’s sixth automobile fatality this year after a crash that occurred around 12:15 a.m. on Woodlands Parkway.
Federal indictment: A former Woodlands resident is facing federal charges of wire fraud for allegedly trying to drum up investors in FEMA trailers that didn't exist. Christopher Brian McPherson, 30, is indicted in the U.S. Southern District Court of Texas of for using newspaper advertising between December 2006 and November 2007 to persuade people to invest in a counterfeit FEMA trailer renovation project. He allegedly told investors he was "using the money to purchase used Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) trailers that he would then refurbish and sell back to the government for a profit," according to court documents.
College district $420M bond: Lone Star College System trustees are contemplating putting a $420 million bond referendum before voters after college staff lowered the initial price tag nearly by $41,000.
Burned vehicle: The Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office investigates the arson of a vehicle that was destroyed when a homemade explosive device was tossed inside it. The explosive was thrown into a BMW, valued between $60,000 and $65,000, on West Greywing Circle in the Village of Alden Bridge.
Where’s the beef? Beef. It’s what wasn’t for school lunch as the Conroe Independent School District pulls more than 5,750 pounds of beef from its school lunch supplies, after a nation-wide recall of beef processed by Hallmark/Westland Meat Company in a move the agriculture department is classifying as the largest beef recall in U.S. history.
Ethics complaints: A pair of complaints to the Texas Ethics Commission are filed against two Montgomery County officials seeking re-election in the March 4 Republican Primary. A complaint against 9th state District Judge Fred Edwards, filed by Thomas Curry, of The Woodlands, alleges Edwards “failed to properly report political contributions and political expenditures” on three semiannual campaign finance reports. In Bagley’s complaint, he states Williams failed to disclose a special purpose committee named “Texans for Tommy Williams.” However, “Texans for Tommy Williams” is listed in TEC online files. The specific reports referred to in the complaint are listed as a “corrected report” in the TEC online files. The corrections were made prior to the complaint.
District Attorney forfeiture spending: Montgomery County District Attorney Michael McDougal, in the middle of a heated political race to retain his office, now is fending off accusations that he irresponsibly spent drug seizure funds allotted to his office. McDougal, however, claims the money was spent in accordance with state law. The DA has been scrutinized for spending the funds on donations to charities, salary supplements and birthday checks to staff and catering expenses for a summer barbecue or a holiday party.
March
Congregation Beth Shalom: Congregation Beth Shalom of The Woodlands is making plans to celebrate a quarter-century presence in the community. As part of the celebration, a 25th anniversary fundraiser will be held on Saturday, March 1 at the temple. Past and present members were sent invitations to the event. Davis said there are still a few spaces available for those interested in attending. Davis said the gala will raise funds for furthering future education and will go towards the upkeep of the temple. Davis said the congregation began with 13 founding families and has now grown to about 165.
Authorities crack down in Tamina: Oak Ridge North police are teaming with Montgomery County officials to target criminal activity, oversee animal control and combat residential squatting in Tamina, located in the extra-territorial jurisdictions of Oak Ridge North and Shenandoah, but not in the city limits of either.
MySpace sting: A 21-year-old Spring man is arrested for sending inappropriate photographs and attempting to solicit children under the age of 14 by using the popular networking site MySpace .com, text messaging and cell phones. Jody James Malone Jr. was charged with two counts of online solicitation of a minor, a second-degree felony.
$40M museum project: Officials in The Woodlands are working with representatives from the Houston Museum of Natural Science in an effort to bring a $40 million, 200,000-square-foot museum to Town Center. The idea took shape after a market feasibility study was conducted in line with The Woodlands Township’s “visioning” document.
Teens nabbed: One teenager is arrested and three more identified in connection with the destruction of a vehicle last month by using a Molotov cocktail, according to officials with the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office. All four teens are students at either The Woodlands or College Park high schools, officials said, and all four face multiple charges, include one for allegedly hiding an unused explosive on the grounds of a Woodlands elementary school. Investigators say the teens , three males and one female, are responsible for the destruction of a $65,000 BMW sedan on West Graywing Circle, in the Village of Alden Bridge, by using a Molotov cocktail on Feb. 22. Two gasoline bombs were allegedly built in the garage of one of the teens , but they only used one when it was lit and thrown to destroy the car, Assistant Fire Marshall Scott Burlin said. The other was placed in a wooded area on the grounds of Bush Elementary School for later use.
Husband’s poison attempt: A Woodlands woman is suing her husband for divorce and damages, alleging he poisoned her, and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office is investigating the allegations as part of recently-commenced divorce trial in Montgomery County Court-at-Law 3. Cristy Lynn Kaiser, 42, accuses her husband, of poisoning her by placing various metals in her food, pills and perfume, causing her to suffer numerous ailments from 2003-05.
Doctor shoots colleague, kills himself:Dr. Brian Turley, 41, a radiologist at Conroe Regional Medical Center, dies of a self-inflicted gunshot wound when he shot himself at a Woodlands home shortly after he allegedly shot numerous bullets into a vehicle driven by another CRMC radiologist, 41-year-old Dr. Matthew John Glaser, according to police. Brian Turley allegedly shot Glaser’s vehicle in front of the Bentwater home of Ellen Turley, a registered nurse and Brian Turley’s estranged wife.
College board approves $420 million bond election: The Lone Star College System Board of Trustees approves a bond election for $420 million. The bond package will go to new construction and rehabilitation of existing buildings and services throughout the system.
Fellowship pastor, wife pen bestseller book: Kerry and Chris Shook, pastors of Fellowship of The Woodlands, have published “One Month to Live: Thirty Days to a No-Regrets Life” which hits the New York Time’s bestseller list, peaking at No. 3 on the “Advice, How-To and Miscellaneous” category. It is No. 13 on a USA Today’s list and Amazon.com ranks the book as No. 18 in the “Christian Living” category.
Fourteen file for township board: Fourteen candidates will vie for a spot on The Woodlands Township’s eight-seat board of directors. The May 10 election is a first step in phasing out all appointed board members by 2010. Candidates include Karen Booren, Tom Campbell, Bev Earl, Claude Hunter, Jeff Long, Paul Martin, Joe Merrill, Kenny Speight, Ted Stanley, Bruce Tough, Renata Tyree and George Van Horn. Current board members Peggy Hausman and Nelda Luce Blair also have filed. Hausman is an appointee of The Woodlands Community Association and Blair represents Montgomery County Precinct 3.
Needham Fire Department: Shenandoah officials are mulling the city’s options for fire service, but not fast enough for Emergency Service District No. 4 officials. ESD 4 Board of Commissioners President Stephen Dicker hand delivered a letter to the Shenandoah council members Feb. 27 asking them to let the ESD and Needham Fire Department know by April 1 whether or not the city still planned to construct a new fire station. The city council voted March 12 to send a letter stating Shenandoah isn’t ready to commit to the station.
Late-night fishing: Anglers no longer need to cut bait at dusk, as The Woodlands Community Association decides to allow fishing until 11 p.m. at Northshore Park. Northshore Park is located near Lake Woodlands Drive and Windward Cove. According to written information from the association, residents' primary concerns have been anglers blocking roadways when they park and littering during late-night fishing.
WCA annual meeting: About 100 people attend The Woodlands Community Association’s annual meeting to hear the state of the Conroe Independent School District and honor volunteers. Keynote speaker was Dr. Don Stockton, CISD superintendent. He gave a review on the state of the district, said Tom Campbell, association first vice president. The association also honored its six volunteers of the year.
New fire stations: Two new fire stations in The Woodlands are being proposed to accommodate growth. The population of The Woodlands almost doubled in a period of 10 years from 29,205 in 1990 to 55,649 in 2000, according to the United States census. The Woodlands Township estimates population has since grown to about 88,000 people, according to its website. One station being proposed is for Creekside, The Woodlands’ new village in Harris County. Another one would be in Indian Springs, said The Woodlands Fire Department Chief Alan Benson. The department is still scouting possible locations for the stations, which would be Stations 7 and 8. Both stations should be constructed by late 2010.
April
Natatorium upgrade: Conroe Independent School District’s natatorium in Shenandoah isn’t even open, but it might already be getting an upgrade. Members of The Woodlands Swim Team are in discussions with CISD and Shenandoah officials about a possible partnership to add two additional pools to the site. Under the proposal, the facility would be the largest of its kind in Texas. Being discussed is an outdoor, 50-foot pool and a heated indoor pool that would be used for children and TWST rehabilitation programs.
Sales tax increase: A 2 percent sales increase for most of The Woodlands goes into effect. The tax rate increase is part of the transition in governance structure approved by voters in November. The increase brings all of The Woodlands in line with the sales tax rates of surrounding cities such as Houston, Conroe, Shenandoah and Oak Ridge North at 8.25 percent. The Town Center area, including The Woodlands Mall and Market Street, and the College Park area, already had the 8.25 percent rate in effect. The tax rate in those areas will remain the same.
Traffic lights: Motorists on Lake Woodlands Drive will face five new stoplights now being installed between Panther Creek Drive and Gosling Road. The area has outgrown the four-way stop signs previously controlling traffic at the intersections, according to Precinct 3 Commissioner Ed Chance. Total project cost is $5 million, including 20 intersections in the community.
Tamina residents discuss police: A group of about 60 residents meet at Tamina Community Park the evening of April 3 to discuss the Oak Ridge North Police Department’s increased presence in Tamina .
Creekside Park elementary school: Construction on Tomball Independent School District’s new elementary school in The Woodlands is expected to begin this summer. The school, which will be on a 12.9-acre site in the Village of Creekside Park, is expected to open for the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year. The school site is located near the Creekside Park entrance off Gosling Road, south of Rob Fleming Park. The school’s design, by PBK Architects, is similar to the lodge at the Rob Fleming Park. At 112,170 square feet, the school will accommodate about 730 students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
‘Pièce de résistance’: Officials, employees of The Woodlands Development Company and the who’s who of The Woodlands attended the private grand opening of The Waterway Square.
Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival success: The two-day festival features more than 200 national and regional artists of various mediums selling original creations along The Woodlands Waterway from The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel alongside The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion and culminating at Town Green Park. Booths featured everything from clay, wood, metal and glass to jewelry, leather, photography and everything in between.
Woodlands couple’s divorce settled; poison allegations under investigation: A divorce case where a Woodlands wife accused her husband of poisoning her is being settled, but her allegations are still being investigated. The case, heard before a jury, began the first week of March in County Court-at-Law 3 with Judge Patrice McDonald. The case was recessed March 7 and resumed March 31 Cristy Lynn Kaiser, 42, was suing her husband, Louis Kaiser, 43, for divorce and an unspecified amount of damages. She accused him of poisoning her by placing various metals in her food, pills and perfume, causing her to suffer numerous ailments from 2003-05. Cristy Kaiser and Louis Kaiser reached a settlement April 2 and the jury was dismissed.
University Center celebrates 10 years: A decade has come and gone, and the Lone Star College- University Center is still going strong. LSC- University Center, located at 3232 College Park Drive in The Woodlands, celebrates its 10th anniversary with a ceremony and open house. The facility has seen 52,413 students walk through its doors in the last decade, said LSCS Chancellor Richard Carpenter. It started with just 374 students enrolled the first semester and has grown to 2,400 enrolled this spring.
ORHS student, 17, killed in wreck: Jaclyn Landrum, 17, who is killed in an auto accident. Landrum was driving a 1989 Chevrolet Blazer northbound on the feeder road, south of FM 1488, when her vehicle crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler turning into a driveway shortly after 7 a.m. The truck was turning into Bison Building Materials LTD.
Police seek information on stabbing: A family gathering at Sawmill Park in The Woodlands turns ugly when a Tomball man was stabbed. The victim was taken to Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, treated for his wounds and released a short time later, said Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Detective John Sanchez. The man, who is in his 40s, told authorities that at about 8:30 p.m. he stepped onto Millpark Drive. The attackers stabbed the victim in the chest and head, then knocked him to the ground and kicked him repeatedly.
Waterway expanding:The Woodlands Waterway , lined with restaurants, hotels, shops, condominiums and parks, has come a long way since the mid-1990s, when it was a drainage ditch. About 500 feet of sidewalk and landscaping are being installed in what marks the first construction along the waterway west of the Grogan’s Mill Road bridge. Once developed, the waterway will stretch for about 1 ¾ miles, from a point where it begins near The Woodlands Mall all the way to Lake Woodlands.
Town Center signage: A total of 57 new signs have been installed as part of The Woodlands Township’s wayfinding system in the commercial area of The Woodlands. The blue signs, most of which are supported by one post to decrease visibility interference for drivers and pedestrians, point out businesses and attractions in Town Center.
Survey results released: Montgomery County residents want public transportation and affordable rental housing, according to a countywide survey administered by the Community Development Department. The survey polled 1,254 residents on topics such as affordable housing, transportation, special needs, economic opportunity and quality of life. The department also organized 22 focus groups on the topics. The groups were spread throughout the county’s four commissioner precincts. The groups had 10-18 participants, and two groups were conducted in Spanish.
May
Christian school leader faces heat: A leader at a Christian school in Spring is taking heat after an undercover investigation by KTRK-TV Channel 13 caught him allegedly propositioning the mother of a prospective student. KTRK aired the investigative report April 16. The report included audio of LaVern Jordan, who founded Parkway Christian School, Inc. with his wife Barbara, allegedly offering to waive the school’s enrollment fee in exchange for sex.
Tamina resident wins national service award: Shirley Grimes bright eyes flicker to the of Tamina is named a recipient of the national Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Local Community. Only five nominees are chosen each year for the award.
Woodlands Township candidates: Early voting begins for The Woodlands Township Board of Directors election, in which 14 candidates are vying for five open seats. Voters will select their top five choices out of the group.
Well opposition: As state officials propose permitting a county wastewater well site, opposition initiatives in The Woodlands include town hall meetings and a protest trip to Austin. The injection well site off Creighton Road in northeast Montgomery County would be an underground repository for industrial nonhazardous wastes. Local grassroots group Citizens/Residents Oppose Wells is planning a trip to the state’s capitol, said CROW member Jennifer Real. The contingent will visit the offices of Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Conroe man dies in triathlon: A Conroe resident died while competing in the swimming portion of the 2008 CB&I Triathlon at Northshore Park in The Woodlands. Randolph Parnell, 51, an experienced triathlete, competed among 1,000 participants in the race.
Gunman robs hotels: An armed bandit robbed a Shenandoah hotel before making his way to another robbery at a Conroe hotel and ending his trek by robbing clerks at a fast-food restaurant in Walker County, according to law enforcement officials.
Thieves steal $600K in jewels After robbing and beating their victim, three to four assailants take loose precious jewels valued at around $600,000 and a wallet from a 55-year-old outside a South County hotel, according to officials with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The attackers were believed to be Hispanics driving a late model Honda Accord, according to Bucks. No weapon was displayed, he said, but the crime was violent and bloody.
Arsonist sought in movie theater fire: Authorities seek information on someone who set a fire at the Tinseltown Movie Theater in the men’s restroom, according to officials. Damages from the fire totaled about $5,000.
Township to randomly drug test: The Woodlands Township will soon perform random drug tests on employees who are in safety sensitive positions as members of the township board’s executive committee changes its drug and alcohol policy.
Former polygamist wife Jessop advises local care providers: A local ministry continues preparations to shelter 75 children from a polygamist sect near Eldorado, despite a Texas appeals court ruling that says the state overstepped its authority removing the children in April. Spring-based Arrow Child & Family Ministries has completed licensing proceedings and is ready, if called on, to provide long-term foster care. As news of the ruling was breaking, Arrow officials hosted former sect member Carolyn Jessop at the ministry’s facilities, located at 2929 FM 2920. Jessop, who fled the sect in 2003 with her eight children, briefed representatives of agencies such as CPS and Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA, as well as representatives from area churches. Jessop outlined types of reactions care providers could expect from sect children.
Commerce Park ORN’s first new commercial development since 1979: Construction is set to begin on the first new commercial development in Oak Ridge North since the city was chartered in 1979. The city council recently approved the plat for the Oak Ridge North Commerce Park project. The National Realty Group hopes to break ground within the next two months on eight new commercial buildings, ranging in size from 4,000-10,000 square feet.
County woman first 2008 West Nile case in Texas: A Montgomery County woman is the first diagnosed human case of West Nile fever in Texas this year, officials have confirmed. Officials did not confirm her age or residence. Pat Buzbee, director of Montgomery County Environmental Health Services, confirmed the woman’s diagnosis, and officials with the Texas Department of State Health Services confirmed she is the state’s first human West Nile fever case.
Conroe Independent School District acts on bond projects The Conroe Independent School District is hitting the ground running after voters approved a $526.7 million bond referendum May 10. The CISD board approved the design development for Conroe High School renovations as well as the guaranteed maximum price for two site clearings, which are all part of the bond.
June
Woodlands Township adopts new logo: The Woodlands Township unveils a new logo , which was chosen from nearly 200 resident-submitted designs.
Arrests , crime up this year Even though crime has increased in The Woodlands area over the past few years, it’s still considered a safe place to live and work. A report on crime and police visibility presented to the township shows that while the number of crimes committed and arrests made have increased throughout the past four years, the CAP Index was low at 53 for the Town Center in 2007. It decreased 4 percent from the previous year’s score of 55. The score for the rest of the community is 43.
Robinson’s shoes to be filled by trio: The Woodlands Township executive board decides to fill resigning president Frank Robinson’s position with not one but three-person interim management team consisting of three co-managers: Steve Sumner, the vice president of operations and public safety; Nick Wolda, the vice-president of marketing and public affairs; and Brian Pate, the acting person in place of the vice-president of finance and administration.
Emergency Service District 8 to hire new fire chief: Emergency Service District 8 officials decide to hire a fire chief. The decision came at the June 2 ESD 8 board meeting. The new fire chief will be charged with overseeing the Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, which will continue to work with ESD No. 8 to respond to fire emergencies. There will be no change of personnel, aside from the hiring of the new fire chief, according to Andy Walters, fire commissioner for ESD No. 8.
Lost at Sea: The Cynthia Woods sailboat capsizes in the Gulf of Mexico on it’s way from Galveston to Vera Cruz, stranding four Texas A&M college students and one instructor in the middle of open seas. As it sank, the boat claimed the life of Roger Stone, the second instructor on the boat, who spent his last moments ensuring all the other passengers got out of the boat safely. The five sailors floated in the gulf for 26 hours before finally being rescued by an Air Station Houston helicopter.
WAC to close: The Woodlands Development Company opts to keep the Woodlands Athletic Center open through December instead of closing it in September as originally planned. The company is closing the facility, appraised at nearly $1.4 million by the Montgomery County Appraisal District, because it has been losing money “for quite some time,” said Bill Langley, vice president of the company and managing director of The Club at Carlton Woods. Future plans for the building and land are uncertain.
Oak Ridge North police to join radio network The Oak Ridge North Police Department will be joining in on a new public safety radio system that will be coming online in the county this fall. The ORN council approved the purchase of about $116,000 worth of new radio equipment.
Vietnam vet receives service medal 40 years later: Veteran Norman Carrio receives a medal he earned while serving in Vietnam. Carrio, a resident of The Woodlands, was presented the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Vietnam’s Veterans Day. The medal, according to the website www.pentagon.mil, was given by South Vietnam to soldiers who “accomplished deeds of valor or displayed heroic conduct” on the battlefield. The award is the result of Carrio’s actions during a stand made by the U.S. Marine Corps 15th Engineer Company in November 1967 during an attack near Dak To, in South Vietnam.
Residents warned after woman is robbed in her Woodlands garage: The Community Associations of The Woodlands Neighborhood Services Department is warning residents to be extra vigilant following a recent purse snatching that occurred inside a woman’s garage. The victim was parked inside her garage with the door open when she was approached by a man who took her purse from her and fled into the darkness. The bandit was described as a bald black male, between 5 feet, 9 inches and 6 feet tall, weighing 160 to 170 pounds. The woman was not injured.
Nature trails: The Woodlands Association board will submit a grant application to Texas Parks and Wildlife for $200,000 to create new nature trails in the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. Director Bob Bruce said the grant will create an additional 1.5-mile trail that will close a loop of trails about three miles long in the preserve. The trail will provide access to the Spring Creek corridor west of Kuykendahl Road.
July
Creekside emergency services: Public safety was on the minds of Creekside Park residents at a neighborhood watch meeting. Twelve residents from The Woodlands’ newest village met with Lt. Ronnie Glaze of the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office and Peggy Krysiak of The Community Associations of The Woodlands. One key topic of the two hour meeting involved concerns about emergency response to Creekside Park, The Woodlands’ only village in Harris County. In addition to emergency service response times, residents talked about the proper channels for getting information about agencies or entities that provide services to the area.
Authorities hunt for SUV after motorcyclist seriously hurt: Authorities are searching for the driver of a dark-colored sports utility vehicle after an accident on the Lake Woodlands bridge over Interstate 45 left a motorcyclist seriously injured. Justin Guy, 24, of Spring, was LifeFlighted to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center Hospital in Houston as a result of the accident that occurred when a dark-colored SUV possibly made an illegal turn and began traveling in the wrong lane against westbound traffic on the bridge, causing a Suzuki GX SR 1000 motorcycle to strike a retaining wall and tree.
Kinnear appointed to township board: Board members of The Woodlands Township are widely split in the choice of a former Town Center Improvement District board member to fill a vacant township board seat. But Robert Kinnear , who served on the TCID board from 1996 to 2007, was named to fill the slot, despite “nay” votes from board members Peggy Hausman, Tom Campbell and Claude Hunter. Kinnear will fill the seat vacated by Les Tarrance Sr. in November 2007.
Station 6 opens with dedication:The Woodlands Fire Department’s Station 6, located at 1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd., is dedicated the morning of June 30 at a ceremony attended by more than 200 people.
Market Street ownership changes: Market Street sees a switch in ownership as a partnership led by Trademark Property Company, which developed the 560,000 square-feet of space in Town Center and was a half-owner, purchased the remaining 50 percent share of Market Street from Kimco Developers.
Planned Parenthood considers Woodlands clinic: Planned Parenthood’s mission to make sure all women have access to affordable health care may soon be spreading to The Woodlands. The agency is considering putting a small clinic in The Woodlands, one of several suburban areas under consideration. once it completes the relocation of its flagship location in Houston.
Grace Community Church to erect giant crosses: The Rev. Steve Riggle, senior pastor of Grace Community Church, announces plans plans to build 150-foot crosses on the church’s north and south campuses, located at 24400 Interstate 45 in Spring and 14505 I-45 in Houston. The 150-foot structures will line the north and south entrances to Houston along I-45. The Christian symbol will jet out of an elevated prayer tower topped with a globe.
Three hotels robbed in 24-hour period: Authorities are investigating several armed robberies after a gunman robbed a South Montgomery County hotel less than 24 hours after robberies at hotels in Conroe and Shenandoah. Officials say they do not believe the third robbery was related to the two the day before.
LSCS lawsuit asks for new election: A lawsuit filed against the Lone Star College District alleges the recent bond and trustee election was compromised when several ballot boxes were left unattended. Conroe resident James Doyle filed the lawsuit in the 333rd state District Court in Harris County June 16 requesting election results be declared void and a new election be scheduled for Nov. 4.
Trio of robbers snatch $96,000 in bank heist: Authorities search for three men involved in a robbery of an Amegy Bank inside a Kroger grocery store off Sawdust Road in The Woodlands who remain at large after a well planned and executed crime, according to police officials. Three African-American men arrived at the bank in a stolen sport utility vehicle and eventually made away with approximately $96,000 from the the vault of the bank at 295 Sawdust Road. There were no injuries.
Sales tax revenue in Shenandoah decreases: If sales tax revenue is any indication, the economic slowdown is creeping into Shenandoah. After several years of double-digit increases in sales tax revenue, Shenandoah is seeing this year’s increase lag behind past years’ performances.
Robbers hit three Sawdust Road businesses: A robbery at the CiCi’s Pizza located at 315 Sawdust Road makes it at least the third business in the area to be robbed in the last several days. CiCi’s Pizza was robbed by an African-American man brandishing a revolver. Super Cuts and Amegy Bank, located in nearby buildings, were robbed earlier.
Three arrested for armed robbery at 24-Hour Fitness: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrest three men charged with robbing a 23-year-old woman in the 24-Hour Fitness parking lot at 1800 Lake Woodlands Drive. A purse and a gym bag was taken from the woman, who told responding authorities she was approached by three black males brandishing guns.
WoodlandsAlert to be used for hurricanes: The Woodlands didn’t say hello to Dolly, but if hurricane activity threatens this season, a new notification system will relay relevant information. The WoodlandsAlert system (www.woodlandsalert.org) uses a combination of telephone, e-mail, fax and text telephone (TTY) systems to notify residents.
Authorities Imperial Oaks fires: Authorities are enlisting the public’s help to solve two recent fires in Imperial Oaks. The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office and Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office are investigating two blazes about a week apart they suspect could have been set by arsonists. Damages were estimated at about $15,000.
Sunmart stations cheat customers on gas: Gas pumps at nearly 1,000 Texas Sunmart gas stations – owned by Petroleum Wholesale L.P. of The Woodlands – have been cheating customers out of fuel, according to Texas Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples.
August
Montgomery County among tops in country in job growth:
Montgomery County was among the top 20 counties in the United States in highest percentage of job growth between 2000 and 2007. The county ranked 16th during that time period with job growth of 38.53 percent, according to information released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Two other Texas counties appeared on the list ahead of Montgomery County.
Spring man arrested in Woodlands bank robbery
The suspect in a robbery at a Woodforest Bank is found in Harris County and arrested. Precinct 3 Constable Tim Holifield’s office ended the week on a high note, with an arrest in the robbery of the Woodforest National Bank in the Kroger Signature Store in the 2300 block of Rayford Road. Jamal Anthony Miller, 25, of Spring , was arrested for the robbery by Montgomery County Precinct 3 constable’s deputies and detectives.
County library book budget cut by 60 percent
The Montgomery County Memorial Library System is receiving its lowest amount of book funding in 10 years, and library officials worry they may not be able to serve residents’ needs. Of the $998,158 library officials requested this year for books, vehicles and equipment, only $392,238 was granted by Montgomery County commissioners during budget hearings. Books took the biggest hit, Library Director Jerilynn Williams said.
Fire damages park equipment A fire at Forestgate Park in the Village of Indian Springs destroys playground equipment, causing more than $60,000 in damage. Over the past 2-1/2 years, the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office has investigated four arsons at the park, located on South Forestgate Drive off of Woodlands Parkway and to the west of the Indian Springs shopping center. Assistant Fire Marshal Scott Burlin said no one was caught in any of the past fires at Forestgate Park dating back to 2006, which have caused around $70,000 worth of damage.
South County recycling on par with national average, Houston low The Montgomery County Precinct 3 Recycling and Reuse Facility make helping the environment their jobs. In 2007, the Montgomery County Precinct 3 Recycling and Reuse Facility, located at 1122 Pruitt Road., had over 21,000 vehicles visit it’s recycling facilities. In total, the collection center brought in just under 980,000 pounds worth of solid recyclables in addition to over 7,000 gallons of liquids and over 3,000 television/computer monitors from citizens and businesses wanting to recycle.
2 - year - old drowns in South County bathtubA 2 -1/ 2 - year - old twin boy drowns in the bathtub of his South County apartment while in the care of a teenage babysitter, according to law enforcement officials.
Kinnear to serve as TWT’s interim president
The Woodlands Township board appoints board member Bob Kinnear as an interim president on Aug. 6, filling the position vacated by Frank Robinson. Kinnear, who was appointed to the township board at the end of July, will will recuse himself from the board while he serves as interim president.
Suburban market focus of Urban Land Institute conference
Smart, progressive suburban planning and development is the focus of an Urban Land Institute Conference in The Woodlands sponsored by ULI’s Houston District Council. Among the attendees are members of the public and private sectors, city officials and representatives of management districts or economic development corporations.
Scaled back Shenandoah Valley project to proceed
Work is set to begin soon on the first phase of the Shenandoah Valley infrastructure improvements. The Shenandoah City Council awarded a $5 million construction contract for the road and water improvements on the project. Sewer improvements in the project were bid separately.
Woman dead after blaze
A two-alarm house fire in The Woodlands claimed the life of a 23-year-old woman and leaves her boyfriend in critical condition with burns over 60 percent of his body, according to officials.
Shuttle service to link SHSU, The Woodlands
Soaring gas prices have prompted local education and government officials to press forward with a bus service linking Sam Houston State University and locations in Montgomery County
School, parks marred by recent vandalism Vandals strike The Woodlands in a string of recent incidents, including fires at parks and grafitti. Park rangers may have prevented another park from fire damage last weekend when they interrupted what officials believe were arsonists in Sundance Park, located at 2700 Alden Bridge Drive. Between Friday night and Saturday morning, a new building at The John Cooper School and some area signs were spray painted with graffiti. The school’s new performing arts center, located at 1 John Cooper Drive had one of its external walls spray painted with graffiti, said Headmaster Mike Maher. Graffiti was also painted on street and neighborhood signs, mailboxes and on roads in the nearby Chandler Creek, Heritage Hill and Stellar Point neighborhoods. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office has estimated the damage at $2,500.
‘Save the WAC’ shirts banned When a group of self-described “WACkies” get together at the Woodlands Athletic Club to take pictures of themselves in their new “Save the WAC” T-shirts, which is slated nfor closure, they get a message from WAC staff: they were not allowed to wear their shirts while they were at the facility.
Chamber honors Earl, Strong: Hundreds of Montgomery County dignitaries and community supporters collected at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel Saturday night to attend the 30th annual South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce Chairman’s Ball. Attendees dressed in their finest fusion of formal wear and Hawaiian-theme apparel to praise the services of 2007-08 Chairwoman Beverly Earl and celebrate incoming 2008-09 Chairman Bret Strong.
September
Township meeting time:Despite mounting resident support for an evening meeting, The Woodlands Township board voted Aug. 27 to continue convening in the morning. However, in a seven-to-two vote, the board changed the Wednesday meeting time from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. The Governance and Nominations Committee, headed by board member Ed Robb, made the recommendation to the board. Robb was absent at Wednesday’s meeting. “The meeting time of 9 a.m. would improve access to young families - people who are getting their kids off to school and also have things they have to do at night,’ said Alex Sutton, board and committee member.
Drivers , Eagles fly with fans: Driving to the first football game at the Conroe Independent School District’s new Woodforest Stadium proved to be an easy ride, most football fans said. The stadium, located at David Memorial Drive and Tamina Road, one block east of the Interstate 45 North feeder, opened this year. The CISD had devised a traffic flow strategy in anticipation of snarls before and after the games, which some parents said was easy to follow.
Spring man arrested in South County arsons: Law enforcement officials arrested a Spring man in connection with two arson fires in South Montgomery County and believe he is responsible for damages totaling more than $400,000 to a home under construction, police said. Curtis Alan McGee , 25, was charged with criminal mischief in connection with a Dumpster fire at Vogel Intermediate School and with a second-degree felony for in connection with the burning of a storage building in the woods. Both fires were in the vicinity of Ford Elementary School in South County, which had been plagued by arson incidents.
DEA agent from The Woodlands abducted, killed: Supervisory Special Agent Thomas J. Byrne, 40, of The Woodlands, was abducted on the streets of New Orleans, where he was attending the annual Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Conference. DEA officials said Byrne was abducted, robbed, beaten and left for dead 40 blocks from his last known location, which was within walking distance to his hotel. According to information released in an e-mail written by Michele M. Leonhart, acting DEA administrator at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., a passerby found Byrne barely alive. Byrne was rushed to a hospital, where he underwent numerous surgeries. He died Aug. 30, two days after the attack.
Hurricane Ike: Hurricane Ike brings widespread wind and rain damage, littering the area with debris and causing utility service issues, business losses and damage to several hundred homes.
Hurricane aftermath: Timber Lakes/Timber Ridge residents flooded: The home of one family who fled Hurricane Katrina is among about 50 that flooded from the rains brought by Hurricane Ike in Timber Lakes/Timber Ridge, a small unincorporated neighborhood south of The Woodlands.
Major damage to 297 homes: Two homes in the community were completely destroyed by Hurricane Ike and 297 sustained major damage, said Chief Alan Benson of The Woodlands Fire Department.
Parks in The Woodlands still closed: Not all of The Woodlands 110 parks escaped Hurricane Ike unscathed. Many of the parks suffered tree damage, and Community Association of The Woodlands Parks and Recreation Department officials have already assessed the damage and begun the cleanup process. Several parks in the area are still closed as a result of the hurricane.
October
Pavilion hit: Hurricane Ike has brought the curtain down on the remainder of the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion’s entertainment season. Cancellations include all shows that were scheduled to take place at the Pavilion through Nov. 16. Ike-driven winds caused extensive damage to the Pavilion’s fabric roof over the stage and reserved seating area, as well as problems with the network of cables and columns that support the tent-like cover. Initial estimates peg Ike’s damage at about $2 million, said Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of the Pavilion.
Township taps Norrell for its president post: Don Norrell , general manager of the Community Associations of The Woodlands, has been chosen as The Woodlands Township’s new president, filing the spot vacated by Frank Robinson in June and temporarily filled by board member Bob Kinnear.
Cold Case Squad arrests 3 in rape, robbery cases: Three suspects in two unrelated sexual assault cases and a bank robbery case that date back several years have been arrested after they were linked to unsolved cases using DNA testing. The investigations were conducted by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Squad and were funded under an October 2007 federal grant from the National Institute of Justice, said Capt. Bruce Zenor. The Cold Case Squad investigates unsolved homicides and select violent crimes where DNA evidence may exist.
Fatal crash: Two die as news helicopter slams into forest A Channel 13 ABC news helicopter crashes into a wooded area east of the W.E. Jones State Forest, killing the pilot and photojournalist on board. Residents about 400 yards away said they heard an explosion as the SkyEye 13 news chopper struck the ground, erupting into flames. It landed on property owned by The Woodlands Development Company, but it was at least 400 yards away from any homes, officials said.
Residents honor community heroes: Montgomery County dignitaries and community supporters come together Saturday evening at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center to honor and celebrate the efforts of four individuals and one local business instrumental to community prosperity at the annual Hometown Heroes celebration. Precinct 3 Commissioner Ed Chance, Montgomery County Women’s Center board member and volunteer Jacque Everson, Christ United Methodist Church Founder Dr. Daniel T. Hannon, Lone Star College - Montgomery Founder Barbara Holland and Co-Presidents of The Woodlands Development Company Tim Welbes and Alex Sutton were recognized.
CenterPoint forum sparks dialogue: CenterPoint Energy will work closely with The Woodlands officials to find ways to improve electrical service in Sterling Ridge and other areas of the community it serves. CenterPoint officials addressed questions from residents at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, during a public forum where residents outlined concerns and CenterPoint officials explained the company’s Hurricane Ike response efforts.
Wild life: An encounter with nature A Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputy shot and killed a deer that barreled into an office through a glass window. The deer, an eight-point buck, crashed into the office of Trans Ionics Corporation at 2408 Timberloch Place.
Cox Intermediate school dedicated: Conroe Independent School District honors Tom Cox , Sr., dedicating the new school named after him. Tom Cox Intermediate School, which is located at 3333 Waterbend Cove in Spring, opened its doors this fall.
Court settles visitation rights case over parrot: Who knows if Shiloh the parrot’s vocabulary includes lawsuit, but the bird is at the center of a recent court case concerning visitation rights. Edie Connelly, Montgomery County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace, dismisses the small claims court case after a short hearing, settling a year-long flap. The suit, filed by Nicole Sliepcevic of Montgomery against Esta Miller of The Woodlands, demanded unlimited visitation rights to the parrot, according to court documents. The bird, a Dusky Conure parrot, changed hands last October.
November
Fire fights: The Woodlands Fire Department dedicates its new Emergency Training Center, with officials promoting plans to use the 20,000-square-foot facility for regional training. The building, located at 16135 Interstate 45 just north of Texas 242, features a six-story tower on one end that can be used for tower and confined space training exercises.
Fatal accident: The Conroe Independent School District places an Oak Ridge High School employee on administrative leave without pay after law enforcement charges the woman with intoxication manslaughter following a hit-and-run accident. Catherine Lynn Roberts, an ORHS grade-level secretary, allegedly struck and killed Meghann Marie Smith, 18, along Texas 105 West.
St. Luke’s facility:Community leaders, elected officials and representatives of the local medical community gather to mark the expansion of health care facilities in The Woodlands. The ribbon-cutting ceremonies mark the opening of St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital Patient Care Tower II, located at 17200 St. Lukes’ Way in The Woodlands. The 82,500-square-foot building adds 57 medical, surgical and intensive-care beds to the facility.
Abduction attempt: The Conroe Independent School District asks parents to review safety tips with children after a 16-year-old student from The Woodlands High School reports he was walking to school around 7:20 a.m. when he was approached near Cochran’s Crossing and Pachyderm Park by a black man, in his late 20’s or early 30’s, driving a black four-door car, who tried to get the student into his car using conversation.
Signatures series: Anthony Bourdain headlines The John Cooper School’s Signatures Authors Series. The event at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, the fourth put on by the school, also features a number of Texas authors whose works range from cookbooks to mystery novels.
Quintuplets born: The stork might have had to recruit some help with the recent delivery of five babies – three girls and two boys – to the Phillips family. Kelly and Bill Phillips of The Woodlands felt both “excited and awed” when they welcomed their quintuplets into the world on Oct. 25. John Daniel, Rebecca Jenne, Alison Marie, David James and Katelyn Elizabeth Phillips were delivered via cesaerean section in less than two minutes at Texas Woman’s Hospital in Houston.
MCSO pay raise: Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office deputies are granted raises based on a step-scale salary program.
General Growth Properties:The possibility of bankruptcy is announced by General Growth Properties, which co-owns The Woodlands Development Company and owns The Woodlands Mall. Officials believe, however, it won’t have much of an impact on the mall or on sales tax revenues in The Woodlands Township. General Growth Properties Inc. shares plummeted 40 percent Nov. 11 after the company warned it faces solvency trouble and may be forced to file for bankruptcy if it can’t refinance or extend nearly $1 billion in debt due next month.
Body in pond:The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office releases the identity of a man whose body was found in Indian Springs’ Deer Rush Pond. Authorities identified the man, discovered in the 4600 block of Rushhaven, as Ryan S. Hillman, 21, who had been staying in The Woodlands area. Awaiting final autopsy results, officials say the cause of death is probable drowning, with no foul play suspected.
Bus driver DUI: CISD police arrest a bus driver on suspicion of driving while intoxicated as she prepares to pick up students for her afternoon route. The CISD South County Transportation Center received a call around 1:45 p.m. reporting that bus No. 3030 was driving “erratically.” CISD police arrest the driver, Denolda “Dee” Talley, of The Woodlands, in Conroe. No students were on the bus.
Home invasion:
The MCSO arrests five South County men on charges of aggravated robbery for allegedly forcing their way into a South County residence while armed and demanding money and property. No one was injured and nothing is stolen in the incident. Arrested are Nicholas Boone, 19; Zachary Williamson, 18; Adam Bordelan, 18; Bradley Franklin, 26; and Erasmos Rojero, 21, with all listing south Montgomery County addressess.
Wreck kills TWHS grad: A Woodlands High School graduate dies from injuries suffered in a wreck just outside Montgomery County. Melissa Ellen Blackbird, 18, of The Woodlands, was eastbound on Hufsmith Road around 1:30 p.m. in a 2003 Honda CRV when she lost control of her vehicle and it went into a side skid.
Hefty water bill: A Shenandoah restaurant owner is getting a refund and a letter of apology from the city after being overcharged thousands of dollars on water bills. Chris Henderson, the owner of Raising Cane’s restaurant, 1501 Research Forest Drive in Shenandoah, will be reimbursed to the tune of $27,727.05 due to overbilling linked to a faulty water meter.
Man sentenced: A Woodlands man, who has a history with the law in Montgomery County, is sentenced to 30 months in prison for threatening the life of President George W. Bush. Gordon Lee Chadwick, 27, pleaded guilty to the charges against him in January and was sentenced in Houston Nov. 12 by U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison. Chadwick is to serve his sentence following the completion of his current four-year confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice system. Chadwick previously was convicted on a charge of retaliation against a Montgomery County Jail official.
CISD salutes vets: Rain altered CISD’s annual Salute To Veterans, but the show went on anyway. The event is forced indoors for the first time, moving from the Woodforest Bank Stadium field to The Woodlands High School gym.
FOTW name
Fellowship of The Woodlands officials are phasing in a name change for the church, a switch designed to reflect expansion into other areas. Fellowship of The Woodlands is now part of Woodlands Church, an overarching designation inclusive of the current three locations. Woodlands Church encompasses the original Fellowship campus in The Woodlands, the East Campus in Humble and the Northwest campus in Tomball. Other satellite locations are being planned.
TexCom well:The TCEQ refuses to grant a permit sought by TexCom Gulf Disposal to inject nonhazardous wastewater into an existing well in the old Conroe Oilfield. The TCEQ commissioners ordered TexCom during an afternoon hearing in Austin to retest its well to determine whether or not faults in the ground could be leaky. The results of the testing will be brought in six months before the State Office of Administrative Hearing judges, who will issue an opinion that will send the issue before the TCEQ commissioners again for consideration.
Tough rezoning: A group of Woodlands parents are upset with the CISD’s decision to rezone their children without looking at additional information provided. The parents are against rezoning that will move their children from Tough Elementary, a kindergarten through sixth-grade campus, to Galatas Elementary, a kindergarten to fourth grade campus, and Mitchell Intermediate, a fifth- and sixth-grade campus.
Couple robbed:A robber accosts a couple leaving Main Event, 19400 Interstate 45 South, and demands and takes money before fleeing. The suspect is the incident is a Caucasian male, 30-40 years old, six-feet tall with dark hair, according to authorities, who also say the man has three “very distinct indentations in his forehead.”
Knife-wielding woman: Montgomery County Precinct 3 Constable’ s Office officials are looking for help in identifying or locating a Caucasian woman who, armed with a large knife, robbed a convenience store attendant in South Montgomery County. The incident occurred at the In & Out Food Store, located at 2021 Rayford Road.
Oak Ridge school: CISD is reviewing the feasibility of building a new junior high campus on 24 acres in the Oak Ridge feeder zone. The future Oak Ridge junior high site is located south of Robinson Road just west of the Imperial Oaks subdivision.
Target reopens: The Target store on Lake Woodlands Drive has reopened with a new look. The store, which suffered a total product loss as a result of a roof collapse during Hurricane Ike after water pooled on the roof for a while before causing it to collapse. The collapse pushes the store’s Food Avenue section into the south-west corner of the building and leaves about 12 inches of standing water in the store.
December
YMCA volunteer of year: Rita Wiltz is selected as the Volunteer of the Year for the South Montgomery County YMCA. A YMCA board member, Wiltz is lauded for her involvment with many programs, especially in the Tamina area.
Township consolidation: The Woodlands Township moves to accelerate consolidation of staff from the township and Community Associations of The Woodlands. Township president Don Norrell presented a detailed plan whereby 16 of 18 key objectives toward that end will be completed by the end of 2009, with all tasks finished by June 2010. Tasks included keeping the public and employees informed on the transition, phasing out the community association boards and uniting both entities’ financial departments.
Gulf War report: A study released in November by the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses confirms a reality area resident Johnny Phillips already knew. The 39-year-old, who is senior vice commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12024 in Oak Ridge North, was diagnosed in 1994, long before the extent of the disease’s prevalence was known. Today, Gulf War Illness affects at least 25 percent of the 697,000 U.S. soldiers who served in the 1990-1991 Gulf War.
ORN biodiesel expansion: Oak Ridge North announces it is expanding its biodiesel services. An area near Humble will be part of a first phase. Another location is in the works at H.O. Clarke Electric Generating Station, a facility built by Reliant Power in the 1940’s in Houston. As part of the energy-producing process, biodiesel can be converted using a variety of raw materials, from chicken fat to green waste. Oak Ridge North first began using biodiesel in 2007.
Infection kills doctor: A coroner’s report says Dr. Leslie Parks, a well-known obstetrician/gynecologist, died the month before from an infection related to a gastric banding procedure. Parks, who worked at Woodlands OB/Gyn Associates, was vacationing with her family, including Parks’ 2-year-old twins Virginia and Lucas, in Telluride, Colo. when she fell ill
Arson indictment: A Montgomery County grand jury indicts Alan McGee, 25, of Conroe, on two counts of arson, stemming from two South County fires earlier in the year. According to court documents, McGee allegedly started a fire or caused an explosion Aug. 31 in the 30000 block of Forestry Drive in Spring. He also allegedly ignited combustible materials in or on a building Sept. 5 in the 400 block of Woodline Drive, also in Spring.
Traffic cameras: Montgomery County is considering adding more red-light cameras in the Woodlands to as many as eight intersections, based on the success of the two already in place. Studies show the cameras reduced the number of red-light runners at intersections they were placed by 20 percent, with more than 2,500 citations issued i
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