2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               January 10, 2005

Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court voted unanimously today to approve a $25,000 contract with Shiner Moseley and Associates to provide professional services related to the removal of derelict shrimp boats from Dickinson Bayou, including the preparation of specifications for the project.

"The abandoned boats were scuttled over the past 25 years along a meandering stretch of Dickinson Bayou approximately 1.5 miles from the mouth of Dickinson Bay,"  said Project Manager Gerald J. Hauske.  "The hulls of the sunken boats are mostly underwater at high tide, but portions of the rusting decking, rigging and masts are visible most of the time."

The commissioners court approved a grant application to the Houston-Galveston Area Council and the Urban Area Security Initiative for funding under the 2005 Homeland Security Grant Program.  County Emergency Management Coordinator Tesa Duffey Wrobleski said that $1.1 million to $1.3 million is available under the grant.

The commissioners court voted to defer a request for funds for additional maintenance and repairs of equipment or road and bridge projects until after a workshop next week.

The commissioners court approved resolutions in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. day on January 17, honoring Herbie Maurer on his retirement from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, honoring Jack and Greta Cross on their 50th wedding anniversary and recognizing the passing of Santa Fe resident Donald "Donnie" Halstead, Sr.

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

The commissioners court held a workshop discussion of a proposed "pass thru" toll program that is being considered by the Texas Department of Transportation for improvements to FM 646 from I-45 to Highway 6. Listen    Download

F. Paul Celauro of Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation told the commissioners court that the project would require that the county pay for the initial cost of the project, but that TxDOT would reimburse much of the cost based on the number of vehicles that use the road.

"Pardon the pun, but has anybody been down this road before?" asked Legal Director Harvey Bazaman. 

Celauro and David Hamilton of Pate Engineers reported that several communities are negotiating with TxDOT, but that no projects have yet begun.

"We ought to go ahead and start this thing," said Commissioner Eddie Janek, urging that the county move forward with negotiations.

"We don't have anything to lose," agreed County Engineer Mike Fitzgerald.

Commissioner Ken Clark agreed that the project is worth considering, but suggested that the commissioners court wait until a scheduled meeting with TxDOT officials before commiting any funds.

The commissioners court held a workshop discussion on a proposal to freeze taxes of senior citizens. Listen    Download

"Notice I am not asking for a decrease in revenue, but for insulation from further increases on a tax bill which is already too high for senior citizens who can least afford it," said Jack Blankenship, who brought the issue to the commissioners court.  "I do not think any of you would want to feel  you contributed to a senior citizen losing, or having to sell, their home.  Let me also remind you that most senior citizens vote."

County Tax Assessor/Collector Cheryl Johnson said that she would perform an analysis of what the freeze might cost the county and report back to the commissioners court at a future meeting.

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Jefferson County Commissioners Court

County Clerk Carolyn Guidry proposed to Jefferson County Commissioners Court today that three deputy clerk positions that were eliminated in the FY 2005 Budget be reinstated, in part so that she could staff her office in the Port Arthur Sub-Courthouse five days a week.  However, First Assistant District Attorney Tom Rugg said that the action must wait for next year's budget, unless it is an emergency.

The commissioners court selected MGT of America as the company to do a comprehensive management review of Jefferson County.

The commissioners court named Beaumont Chamber of Commerce President Jim Rich and Sina Nejad of Sigma Engineering as new members of the Citizens Steering Committee for Management Review.

The commissioners court voted to proclaim January as School Board Recognition Month.

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

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League City City Council

League City Mayor Jeff Harrison has retained attorney Mark Stevens who has written a letter threatening a lawsuit against other council members.  Letter

"This letter will serve as a notice of contemplated litigation for declaratory relief regarding actions purportedly taken at the meeting of the League City Council on December 14, 2004," Stevens said, referring to a proposal to declare the mayor “incapable,” because he would not make appointments to city boards and committees.  Harrison and two other members of the city council walked out of the meeting at that time.

"The action of the city council in purporting to disenfranchise the mayor based upon the disability clause in the City Charter was contrary to that charter and entirely without precedent," Stevens said.  "It is the executive prerogative of the mayor to make appointments."

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Port of Houston Authority

The Port of Houston Authority hosted a port security grants briefing and question and answer session on Friday for managers of private sector port facilities located along the Houston Ship Channel. 

Congressman Gene Green and Department of Homeland Security Grant Program Manager Ken Concepcion led the discussion with U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port Richard Kaser, PHA Chair Jim Edmonds, PHA Executive Director Tom Kornegay and other PHA executives, and about 100 representatives from private companies that operate private port facilities along the ship channel. Photos

“A smart national defense effort helps protect critical private sector facilities that face greatly increased security costs as a result of the War on Terrorism,” said Green.  “Many of my constituents live near and work at the many petrochemical plants that are essential to the energy and economic security of the entire nation.” 

The meeting focused on guiding the attendees through the history and future of the federal port security funding programs and the grant application process.  In a draft report to be issued this month, a former DHS inspector general questioned the prioritization of port security grant funding and procedures related to post-award grant administration.

Seaport security grant money is used to reimburse marine facilities only after they have spent money on an approved project.  To date, the Port of Houston Authority, which operates the public facilities of the port, has been awarded a total of $16.7 million in federal port security grants. 

These grants are awarded as reimbursements to PHA for expenditures on port security-related equipment and services including closed-circuit television cameras, gate access controls, fencing, and high-tech communication and monitoring devices.

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Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership

The Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership has named University of Texas Medical Branch President, Dr. John D. Stobo as the recipient of the 2005 Quasar Award for Economic Development Excellence.  Release

“Dr. John Stobo’s leadership of UTMB-Galveston since 1997 is truly exemplary in that he has increased the national and international profile of UTMB, while simultaneously building partnerships which have enhanced the economic development of the Bay Area region,” said outgoing BAHEP Chairman and UHCL President Dr. William A. Staples.  

The award will be presented during the BAHEP annual banquet on Friday, January 28 at South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center.

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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has announced the lineup of entertainers for the 2005 Show. Release  

"We are extremely excited about this lineup for several reasons, said Leroy Shafer, chief presentation and operations officer.  "Number one, it is a star-studded lineup.  The entertainers, all 24 of them together, have won 116 Grammy or Country Music Association awards.   Listen   Download

The entertainers are Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Neal McCoy, Charlie Daniels Band, Lee Greenwood, Alicia Keys, Gretchen Wilson, Hilary Duff, Jeff Foxworthy, Big & Rich, Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Pat Green, Martina McBride, Jimmy G y El Grupo Mazz, Steve Miller Band, Brad Paisley, Maroon5, Montgomery Gentry, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Clint Black and Clay Walker.

The Livestock Show and Rodeo opens at Reliant Park with the "World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest" on February 24. The Rodeo Parade and ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run will be held in downtown Houston on Saturday, February 26.

Rodeo ticket prices range from $16 to $77, plus a Ticketmaster convenience charge, and include entrance into Reliant Stadium, Reliant Center, Reliant Arena, The Hideout (for those 21 years and older), outdoor activities and booths, and the carnival. Tickets can be purchased through all Ticketmaster locations, on the Internet at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (713) 629-3700.  

Shafer said a new feature this year is Chute Seats, located directly behind the rodeo bucking chutes on the north end of Reliant Stadium.  

"Once the stage is set for the star entertainer, Chute Seat ticket holders will have the option of watching from their seats, or walking in front of the chutes to stand in a special area on the Reliant Stadium Rodeo arena floor," Shafer said. 

"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a 501 (c)(3) charitable event, committed to benefiting youth and supporting education throughout the state," Shafer added. "Since presenting its first scholarship in 1957, the Show has committed more than $100 million in educational support to the youth of Texas."

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Mardi Gras Galveston

The USS Winston Churchill DDG 81 will visit Galveston in February. 

"The visit is being hosted and coordinated by the Galveston Naval Foundation," said Ernie Connor, chair of the foundation.  "During their visit members of the crew will march in the Momus Mardi Gras Parade."

On Tuesday, the Park Board of Trustees will host a news conference and a ceremony to unveil the official poster for the celebration.  The event, in the lobby of the Tremont House Hotel at 6 p.m., is open to the public.

Galveston's Z Krewe Ball will be held on January 15.  Costumer Danny Morgan is preparing costumes for the event.  Photos and Audio 

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La Marque Independent School District

Several La Marque High School students who make up more than half of the students enrolled in the College of the Mainland's Collegiate High School have made the COM's Dean's List. 

La Marque student Cody Robinson qualified for the Dean's Highest Honors List. The LMHS junior band member earned a 4.0 GPA during his first semester at COM.  Three of his fellow students also qualified for the Dean's List.  All of them scored at least a 3.6 GPA. 

La Marque ISD has seven students enrolled in the elite program that enables students to graduate high school with associate degrees. All of them passed every class they studied. Each LMISD student is eligible to return to the program this semester.

A Tsunami Relief Drive will be held at LMISD between January 11 and January 28.

"Inter-City Elementary cheerleaders are conducting a drive to raise relief funds for the victims of the Asian Tsunami," said Public Information Officer Lora-Marie Bernard. "The cheerleaders and their sponsors are asking the community to donate pennies and funds at the Inter-City Elementary campus, Early Childhood Learning Center and the Lake Road Campus."

Collected funds will be held in a designated school district account until donations are made to relief agencies. Donation receipts at each campus will be given upon request.

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Galveston Independent School District

Galveston Independent School District is coordinating a district-wide fundraising drive for Tsunami survivors.  

"Every GISD campus is collecting donations from students, staff and parents in their front office and classrooms and will continue this drive through Friday, January 21," said Public Information Officer Christine Hopkins.  "The district is also accepting monies at the Administration Building , 3904 Avenue T."

The funds will be donated to the American Red Cross.  Checks can be made out to the American Red Cross with Tsunami Relief noted on the check.

Superintendent Lynn Hale and student representatives will present the donations to the American Red Cross during the Galveston City Council meeting scheduled on Thursday, January 27. 

“We felt that it was important that the district participate in the relief effort,” said Hale. “It is rewarding for our students and staff to know that they are doing their part to help the survivors of this tragedy.”   

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

This year’s annual salute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and presentation of the annual MLK Essay awards at the Old Central Cultural Center will include a celebration of the 100^th anniversary of the building of Texas’ first and America’s only remaining library built for African-Americans.  Photo and Release  

The “Colored Branch of Rosenberg Library” was built as an addition to Central High School, the birthplace of secondary education in Texas for African Americans.  After desegregation, “Old Central” was razed, but the library building remains and now serves as the Old Central Cultural Center.  

An open house and reception will be held at the Center, located at 2627 Avenue M in Galveston, from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, January 16.  

The event is a collaboration of the Cultural Center, the Galveston County Historical Museum, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Education and African-American Heritage Committees, and Rosenberg Library.  It will include an address by Ennis Williams, Old Central board president, on the history and significance of the library; a proclamation by Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas; greetings from Lynn Hale, superintendent of GISD and John Augelli, executive director of Rosenberg Library.   

The MLK Awards will be presented by Marsh Davis and Bob Brown, executive director and board president, respectively, of Galveston Historical Foundation.  Kennisha Allen will begin the occasion by singing The Negro National Anthem, followed by a meditation and grace by Robert Hoskins, Esq.  

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On The Webio

Several items of interest to Southeast Texas are posted on The Online News Station

Many people have commented on the photos of the Christmas snowfall in Galveston County that were published on The Online News Station, thus they have been posted again, with some new pictures added.  Click Here

Training classes for the Community of Hope Lay Chaplains will be offered at the William Temple Center, beginning on Thursday, February 17.  Release and Photo

Historical romance author Cheryl Bolen will speak on "Finding the Time to Write" at the February 3 meeting of the Bay Area Writers League. Click

Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors real estate professional, Stacy Jenkins, with the company's Bay Area office, has been awarded the annual Golden Rule Award in recognition of her volunteer work with service organizations outside the real estate profession. Photo and Details

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

Today, January 10
6:00 Jamaica Beach City Council Workshop
6:00 La Marque City Council
6:00 Hitchcock City Commission Joint Public Hearing With the Planning and Zoning Board
6:10 Hitchcock Planning and Zoning Board Regular Meeting
6:25 Hitchcock City Commission Special Meeting
7:00 Nassau Bay City Council
7:00 Shoreacres City Council
7:00 High Island Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:00 Galveston County Water Control and Improvement District 12
7:00 Seabrook Eco-Tourism/Sister City Committee 

Tuesday, January 11
8:00 Texas Legislature Opening Session
10:00 Harris County Commissioners Court
10:00 Pasadena City Council 
11:30 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Tax Allocations Assessment Committee
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort and Conference Center.  Galveston County Judge Jim Yarbrough will speak on the State of the County.
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Houston City Council
1:30 Galveston Park Board of Trustees
3:30 Galveston Central Appraisal District, 600 Gulf Freeway, Texas City
6:00 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Mardi Gras News Conference and Poster Unveiling, Tremont House Hotel 
6:30 Seabrook City Council joint meeting with Seabrook EDC II And Park Board, Ed White Youth Center/Seabrook Methodist Church complex at 1513 Third Street
6:30 Friendswood Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 League City City Council
7:30 Seabrook City Council, Council Chambers
7:30 Texas City Independent School District Board of Trustees

Wednesday, January 12
9:00 Houston City Council
10:00 Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District, 1660 West Bay Area Boulevard, Friendswood 
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston, Fisherman's Wharf, Harborside at 22nd Street.  The program is the national biolab program.
3:00 Galveston West End Land Use Policy Committee, City Hall Room 204
4:00 Galveston College Ribbon Cutting and Reception for New Learning Resource Center and Health Sciences Center, Main Campus, 4015 Avenue Q.
5:00 Galveston College Board of Regents
6:30 Galveston County Mayors and Councilmembers Association, Moody Gardens Hotel Viewfinders Terrace

Thursday, January 13
12:00 Galveston City Council Workshop
11:15 City of Galveston News Conference, City Hall Steps
5:30 Galveston City Council
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Morgan's Point City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council
7:00 La Marque Independent School District Board of Trustees
7:00 Clear Creek Independent School District Public Hearing on School Boundary Changes, Clear Brook High School Auditorium
7:00 Seabrook Charter Review Committee

Friday, January 14
6:30 North Galveston County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, Landry's, Kemah Boardwalk
7:00 Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration and Awards Program, Old Central Cultural Center
7:30 Oak Ridge Boys, The Grand 1894 Opera Houses

Saturday, January 15
9:00 West Galveston Island Property Owners Association, Galveston Country Club 
7:30 Oak Ridge Boys, The Grand 1894 Opera Houses

Sunday, January 16
3:00 - 5:00 Colored Branch of Rosenberg Library Centennial Celebration, Old Central Cultural Center
3:00 Oak Ridge Boys, The Grand 1894 Opera Houses

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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 of Gulf Coast E-news and The Online News Station.

Jim Young is senior 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.  

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

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

Guidry News Service offices at 1818 Church Street, Suite 4, Galveston, TX. 77550 / P.O. Box 2130, Galveston, TX 77553
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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.