2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday                    August 9 , 2004

Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court on Monday met in a workshop session to discuss the future of the Galveston Causeway Railroad Bridge with several partners that have a vested interest or in some way use the bridge.   

"The county owns that bridge and back in 2000 we were notified by the coast guard that their assessment was that this is the most dangerous bridge on the Intracoastal Waterway," said County Judge Jim Yarbrough.  "It's only 109 feet wide, so we've been on a mission to widen that gap, so to speak.

"We've been in the process of trying to negotiate with an engineering firm to do the design work.  This project is 95 percent funded federally funded and five percent locally funded.

"The county has put together a partnership with the railroad, the City of Galveston, the Gulf Coast Water Authority, the Port of  Galveston and Reliant Energy to come up with our five percent local match on this project.  We anticipate engineering to be $2.5 million and construction to be somewhere in the $40 million range."  Story, Photos and Audio

The commissioners during their regular meeting approved a change order to the Calder Road Paving and Drainage Improvements project, which is expected to be completed in January 2005.  

"This change order is necessary to add a concrete barrier wall along the roadway adjacent to a day care center," said County Engineer Mike Fitzgerald.  "Funds are available in the project budget."

The commissioners accepted a 2004 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant of $13,757 and authorized a cash match of $1,529.  

"The Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Advisory Committee will meet on Wednesday, August 18 to discuss spending proposals," said County Grant Coordinator John Simsen.  "A public hearing on the committee's recommendations will follow later this month."

All other agenda items were approved.  All votes were unanimous.

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United Sates Coast Guard

The tank ship Torm Mary, which was involved in an oil spill August 2, moved into the Gulf of Mexico without incident at 11:25 p.m. Sunday while clean up along the Neches River continues.

On  August 2, the Torm Mary was struck by Buffalo Barge 405 during a routine refueling operation, which resulted in a rupture of the ship’s fuel tank.  An estimated 25,200 gallons of heavy fuel oil was spilled.

“The coast guard is making every effort to open the Neches River to all traffic this week and to have the Port Neches Park re-opened as soon as safely possible,” said Captain Sharon Richey, commanding officer of the Marine Safety Office in Port Arthur.

"The United States Coast Guard, the Texas General Land Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife and other state and local agencies have closely examined a 44-mile stretch of the Neches River from north of the Sun anchorage to the entrance of Sabine Lake to determine environmental impact from the spill," said a press release.  "Of that 44 miles, 28 miles were deemed affected by the oil.  Approximately 13 miles had moderate oiling, nine miles had light oiling and six miles had very light oiling."

The coast guard has established a safety zone on the Neches River from just north of the DuPont plant to just south of Port Neches Park.  Recreational boaters are not yet allowed into the safety zone until more of the oil has been removed.  Both the coast guard and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will be patrolling the area to ensure that recreational boaters stay out of the safety zone.

The latest estimates from the unified command put the cleanup costs at approximately $4.5 million.  A claims number has been set up for anyone who has had their property damaged by the oil spill; the number is (888) 850-8486.

Anyone observing oiled wildlife is asked to not attempt capture but to immediately contact Texas Parks and Wildlife at (281) 842-8100.  

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Galveston County Health District

The Galveston County Health District’s 4C’s clinics will observe National Health Center Week with special community activities on Wednesday, August 11.  This year’s event focuses on diabetes and healthy lifestyles. 

“We are celebrating the 4C’s clinics success story of keeping our community well and disease-free,” said Medical Director of the 4C’s Clinics Dr. Abdul-Aziz Alhassan.  “The facts speak for themselves.  There are healthier newborns and people living longer in communities lucky enough to have a community health center.  Through preventive health care we are keeping people out of costly hospital emergency rooms in Galveston County.”

On August 11 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at the Galveston 4C's clinic at 4700 Broadway Boulevard and at the Texas City 4C’s clinic at 2000 Texas Avenue there will be activities geared toward people living with diabetes.  Screenings that will be available include hemoglobin A1c, microalbumin, vision, foot, and dental screenings.  There will also be health educators present to provide information on the successful management of diabetes.   

From 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. at the Galveston 4C’s clinic and at the Mainland Medical Center in Texas City there will be community gatherings where the public can receive information on making healthy lifestyle choices. 

For more information call (409) 938-2456.

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University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, the Galveston Housing Authority, The WorkSource (a human resources company) and Galveston College jointly sponsor the “Creating Pathways to Success.”  The goal of the program is to help unemployed and underemployed residents of subsidized housing start careers in the field of health care. 

The program helps clients find reliable transportation, qualified child and offers education, school supplies and individual stipends.  The program also provides self-assessment tools, mentoring, personal coaching and career counseling.

“The work force program’s budget averages $2,000 per participant,” said Katie M. Winslade, work force development director in UTMB’s Office of Community Outreach.  “For every dollar we spend on them, they increase their income by five dollars — we’re pretty excited.  We’re not only making a difference for them but for their families as well."

Since its inception in 2000, “Creating Pathways to Success” has helped more than 50 residents of subsidized housing.

Applications for the program’s fall session are available at the Galveston Housing Authority’s office at 4700 Broadway.  The deadline for submission is Aug. 13.  For more information, contact Katie Winslade at (409) 772-8265 or Cynthia Maddox at (409) 765-1954.

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Galveston Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert

The Galveston Symphony Orchestra will open its 25^th silver anniversary season with its annual "Pops" concert at 8 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 5 in the ballroom at the San Luis Hotel & Conference Center, 5222 Seawall Boulevard.

"The lengthy program features timeless favorites that appeal to young and old alike in an intimate setting.  The program highlights include soprano soloist Marion Vernette-Moore singing highlights from “Porgy & Bess” plus well-known theme music such “The Pink Panther” by Henry Mancini," said a press release.

The orchestra is lead by musical director and conductor Richard Pickar.  Pickar was principal clarinetist with the Houston Symphony Orchestra for 31 years.

The performance has general admission table seating for $15  ($12 for senior citizens and students) with special UTMB discounts available.  Season tickets for all six concerts in 2004-2005 are also currently on sale for $60 ($40 for seniors and students).

To purchase tickets, call (409) 765-1894, toll-free (800) 821-1894 or visit www.thegrand.com.

Tickets may also be purchased at the door and a cash bar will be available.

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City of Kemah Pan Jam Steel Drum Festival

The City of Kemah is hosting the 4th annual Pan Jam Steel Drum Festival October 16 on Sixth Street between Bradford and Kipp Streets from noon to 10:30 pm.  

"Calling all Parrot Heads.  Come relax, savor the music, food and variety of booths for all of the family to enjoy," said a press release.

The entertainment line-up includes Kelly McGuire and Tropical Daycare, Eric Stone and various Steel Drum Bands.  Special guest, Ellie Mannette, the "Father of the Steel Drum," will also be performing.  

The event will include a live auction that will benefit local colleges with steel drum band programs, and to kick-off the festivities, there will be a luau at T-Bone Tom's in Kemah Friday, October 15.  

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On The Webio

The Galveston County Commissioners Court Monday met in a workshop session following the regular meeting to discuss the future of the Galveston Causeway Railroad bridge with several partners that have a vested interest or in some way use the bridge.  Story, Photos and Audio 

The Park Board of Trustees Tourism and Development Committee and the Mardi Gras/Special Events Committee held budget hearing meetings back to back Monday.  
Story, Photos and Audio

Jim and Lynda Guidry are in Nova Scotia for the International Guidry Family Reunion as part of the Congres Mondial Acadian.  Photos and Audio

Jan V. Pozzi, Bailli, Confre’rie de la Chaine des Rotissuers, Baillage de Galveston  presented a check for $3,000 to Leslie Bartosh at Galveston College for culinary arts scholarships.  Photo and Details

Saturday, August 7 found ACES, American Car Enthusiasts' Society, members and their antique and classic American Vehicles in Central Mall in Port Arthur.  Photos and Audio

Staff and volunteers of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network are awaiting the long anticipated news…approval from National Marine Fisheries Service to release Emma, (the bottlenose dolphin who stranded last November) back to her home in the Gulf of Mexico.  
Story and Photo

The Pasadena Police Department is purchasing 70 Tasers.  Details

Dirt and mud in the roadways not only soil our vehicles, they can also flow into storm drains, eventually fouling neighboring waterways.  Details

Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport is ranked second in the United States for total number of nonstop destinations.  Details

The Picture People, a entertainment retailer focused on family portraits, has opened five stores in the Houston area.  Details

Scheduled Meetings
Meetings will be held in the regular meeting place of the city council or other governmental body, unless otherwise specified.

Today, August 9
5:00 Galveston Landmark Commission
5:00 Galveston Community College District Board of Regents, Galveston College Fine Arts Building Room FA-207
6:00 La Marque City Council,  City Council Chambers
6:30 League City City Council Workshop, Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center
7:00 Shoreacres City Council
7:00 Nassau Bay City Council 

Tuesday, August 10
9:00, TCEQ Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Workshop, Houston-Galveston Area Council, 3555 Timmons
10:00 Galveston Police Department Collective Bargaining Negotiations, City Hall 
10:00 Pasadena City Council
10:00 Galveston Police Collective Bargaining Negotiations, City Hall Room 204
10:30 Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Carousel," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay
12:00 Galveston Island Republican Party Headquarters Grand Opening, 4605-B Fort Crockett, Congressman Ron Paul will speak
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort and Conference Center 5222 Seawall Boulevard, Wayne Cook of Island Transit will speak
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Galveston Firefighters Collective Bargaining Negotiations, City Hall
2:00 Houston City Council
5:30 Port Arthur City Council
6:00 Hitchcock City Commission
6:30 League City City Council, Council Chambers
6:30 Friendswood Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 Hitchcock Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:00 Morgan's Point City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council
7:30 Summer Band Concert, Sealy Pavilion behind Ashton Villa 

Wednesday, August 11
9:00 Houston City Council
9:00 TCEQ Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Workshop, Galveston City Council chambers
10:30 Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Carousel," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Brothers Petronella Top Gallant Room.  Judy Frey will speak on Traveling With the Peace Corps
6:30 League City City Council Workshop, Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center
6:30 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:30 "Idols of THE KING" Galveston Island Musicals  at Moody Gardens Convention Center   

Thursday, August 12
9:00 TCEQ Texas Emissions Reduction Plan Workshop, Beaumont Civic Center 
10:30 Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Carousel," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay
8:30 Galveston City Council Workshop
11:00 Webster Business Alliance Luncheon, Webster Civic Center, 311 Pennsylvania Avenue.  Janelle H. Gbur, public information officer for the Houston District of the Texas Department of Transportation will speak
12:00 Houston Downtown Management District Board of Directors, 909 Fannin, Suite 1650
5:30 Galveston City Council Regular Meeting
6:00 Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District 12, 905 State Highway 146, Kemah
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council
7:00 Seabrook Economic Development Corporation II, City Hall
7:30 "Idols of THE KING" Galveston Island Musicals  at Moody Gardens Convention Center 
8:00 "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying," College of the Mainland Arena Theatre 

Friday, August 13
6:00 Innovative Alternatives Inc. "Legacy of Leadership Gala," South Shore Harbor Conference Center, 2500 South Shore Boulevard, League City
7:00 Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Carousel," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay
5:00 Hitchcock Good Ole Days Festival, Good Ole Days Grounds, 8300 State Highway 6
7:30 "Idols of THE KING" Galveston Island Musicals  at Moody Gardens Convention Center 
8:00 "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying," College of the Mainland Arena Theatre

Saturday, August 14
10:00 Hitchcock Good Ole Days Festival, Good Ole Days Grounds, 8300 State Highway 6
2:30 "Idols of THE KING" Galveston Island Musicals  at Moody Gardens Convention Center 
7:00 Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Carousel," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay
7:30 "Idols of THE KING" Galveston Island Musicals  at Moody Gardens Convention Center 
8:00 "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying," College of the Mainland Arena Theatre

Sunday, August 15
12:00 Hitchcock Good Ole Days Festival, Good Ole Days Grounds, 8300 State Highway 6
2:30 "Idols of THE KING" Galveston Island Musicals  at Moody Gardens Convention Center 
2:30 Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Carousel," Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay
7:30 "Idols of THE KING" Galveston Island Musicals  at Moody Gardens Convention Center 
2:30 "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying," College of the Mainland Arena Theatre

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Gulf Coast E-news, published by Guidry News Service, provides comprehensive coverage of posted public meetings in Galveston, Harris and Jefferson Counties as well as regional news impacting the Upper Texas Gulf Coast.

Jim and Lynda Guidry are publishers Gulf Coast E-news and The Online News Station.

Jenna Ware is editor of Gulf Coast E-news.

Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.  Anita Donatto covers the education beat in Galveston.   Michael Durisseau covers the Clear Lake area entities, in addition to special assignments elsewhere.

Robert John Mihovil is a special photographic correspondent for Guidry News Service

Ivan Arceneaux is a special correspondent.   

We are seeking to hire reporters & marketing agents to expand our coverage in Jefferson & Harris Counties. 

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Subscriptions to Gulf Coast E-news are $300 per year, or $75 per quarter, plus sales and use tax. 

This electronic  newsletter replaced, and expanded on, the mission of the Galveston Fax, established by Jim and Lynda Guidry on Galveston Island in  July 1996; and Clear Lake Area E-news, begun on January 2, 2002.