2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               February 21, 2005

International Seafarers Union

Work is beginning this week on the foundation for the International Seafarers Union Center which will be erected as a replica of the Kansas City Southern Depot that stood at the western end of Procter Street in Port Arthur until it was demolished in the 1960s. Artists Rendering

The property was donated to the International Seafarers Union by KCS, on the condition that a replica of the depot be placed there, but raising funds for the project has been very difficult.

"We are really excited about it," said Father Sinclair Oubre, director of the center.  "We ended up re-bidding the job.  We saw some savings in the construction process; and what we've done is broken it down into a phased structure." Listen  Download

Oubre said that the first phase, a $600,000 project, is to build the entire exterior of the building.  The next phase will complete the interior.  Funds for the second phase, to finish the interior of the center, will be raised during the first phase construction.

"And hopefully we will be able to do some things with the city," Oubre said.  "You know, they have had that whole EDC shakeup and that may bring some opportunities for some other relations again."

In March of 2004, the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation reversed a previous commitment to help fund the center.  Since then, the Port Arthur City Council has eliminated the position of former EDC executive director Ike Mills and replaced members of the board of directors.

Port Arthur officials hope that replication of the KCS terminal will act as an anchor to spur further redevelopment on Procter Street, which once thrived as a prosperous street in downtown Port Arthur, which was billed as "Dream City" by founder Arthur Stillwell.

Persons wishing to contribute honorary and memorial donations for the terminal may send them to the International Seafarers Union at P.O. Box 1646, Port Arthur, Texas 77641.

For additional information call Doreen Badeaux at (409) 985-4545 or Oubre at (409) 749-0171.

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West Galveston Island Property Owners

The West Galveston Island Property Owners Association Board of Directors on Saturday approved a resolution seeking support for coastal preservation projects by the United States Congress.  Resolution

"Together with coastal wetlands, bird refuges, estuaries, ports, intra-coastal waterways and other resources, our coastal regions are economic engines filled with recreational opportunities and environmental treasures that deserve to be preserved and protected," the resolution states.  "America’s beaches are major tourist destinations for millions of domestic and foreign visitors, providing jobs and business profits which, in turn, produce billions of dollars in tax revenue for the federal government, as well as state and local governments."

The resolution seeks assistance in the reprogramming of $400,000 of funding for the United States Army Corps of Engineers' Sabine Pass to Galveston Bay Feasibility Study, to secure $858,000 in general investigations funding and increased funding of beach restoration projects, among other issues important to coastal communities.

Galveston County Commissioners Court has previously approved a similar resolution and several city councils are expected to do the same.

The board of directors expanded its membership at Saturday's meeting.

"The new Board members are members of the property owners associations of Acapulco Village , Pointe San Luis, and Spanish Grant Beach," said Jerry Mohn, president of the association.  Other officers are Sidney McClendon, vice president; Al Birdwell, treasurer; and, Bill Moll, secretary.

The board discussed the threat being posed by Brazilian Pepper Trees, a species that has been introduced into the Texas Gulf Coast Region, which destroys some native plants.  New legislation identifies a list of trees, including the Brazilian Pepper Tree and Chinese Tallow Tree, as illegal to sell, distribute, or import.

The board also discussed the City of Galveston's "Give Trash The Boot" campaign.  Several West End Subdivisions will participate in the campaign.

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City of Houston

Houston Mayor Bill White on Friday accepted special recognition for the city's health and fitness campaign from the same magazine that bestowed on Houston the title of America's "Fattest City".  

Men's Fitness Editor-in-Chief Neal Boulton presented the recognition to the City of Houston as part of the V8/Men's Fitness magazine's "Fat to Fit" tour. 

"We have visited all of the cities that made this year's top ten list," said Boulton.  "No other city has shown the leadership that Houston has in expressing to its citizens the importance of exercise and staying fit."  

The magazine cited the "Get Moving Houston" campaign, and media coverage showing Mayor White leading by example.

"We have never agreed with the label of 'Fattest City', but we do recognize this as an opportunity to discuss how an active lifestyle can reduce illness and lead to a better quality of life," White responded.  "Houstonians have built pathways and linear parks to enjoy walking, running, biking, and wheelchair rolling.  Our Parks and Recreation Department provides equipment and athletic programs available to everyone.  And our weather allows us to be active outdoors all year long."

For more information on upcoming "Get Moving Houston" events visit www.getmovinghouston.org.

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La Marque Independent School District

The La Marque Independent School District Board of Trustees last week voted to call an election on May 7 to elect three members to the board. 

The school board designated Moody National Bank, Lone Star Investment Pool, Tex STAR Participant Services affiliate of First Southwest Asset Management, Inc., Funds Management Group, Inc. affiliate of Southwest Securities Inc, Coastal Securities LP and Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith as qualified brokers that are authorized to engage investment transactions with the district.

The school board declared 12 school buses and nine other vehicles as surplus and authorized their sale by sealed bid.

The school board acknowledged several donations.

Office Depot donated 28 spiral bound teacher planners and six Slinkies to the district, with the recommendation that they be used as door prizes at the recent education summit.

Martha Cantu donated $75 to the La Marque High School Girl's Soccer programs, with the recommendation that the funds be used for equipment.

Quest for Victory Program/Liberty School Services donated $230.54 to La Marque High School, with the recommendation that the funds be used to purchase sheet music, instruments and uniform repayment.

The Mystic Krewe of Aquarius donated $500 to the La Marque High School with the recommendation that the funds be used for transportation for the band to participate in the Krewe of Aquarius Parade.

The La Marque High School Band Booster Club donated a keyboard and drum set to the La Marque High School Jazz Band. Estimated value is $3,440.

Highlands Elementary School received the following donations with the recommendation that the funds be used for playground construction: L. Monych/La Marque Youth Aid Project donated $1,000, Lucille Reidelberger donated $1,000 and Highlands Elementary School PTA donated $14,096.39

Two local industries donated funds toward the district's elementary playground equipment.  International Specialty Products donated $1,500.  Valero Refinery Texas, LP donated $5,000.

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Galveston Independent School District

The Texas School Public Relations Association has awarded Galveston Independent School District a 2004 Silver Star Award for the GISD Back to School Wall Calendar.  

The 2004-2005 edition is the third year for this wall calendar.  The district produces 10,000 calendars and solicits underwriters to help offset the production and printing costs for the publication.  Underwriters for the calendar include Borden, Galveston Insurance Associates, Greer, Herz & Adams, L.L.P., Jamail Construction, Moody National Bank and UTMB.    This calendar is mailed to every GISD household, distributed to staff at district convocation and provided to the community. 

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Galveston Economic Development Partnership

The Galveston Economic Development Partnership will host a seminar on tax increment reinvestment zones in Galveston at 12 noon on Friday.

The meeting, billed as the First ED 101 Seminar for 2005, is being sponsored by Knudson and Associates.  Galveston Restaurant Group is underwriting the event which will be held at Mario’s Seawall Italian Restaurant, 7th Street and Seawall Boulevard.

Lunch will be provided. Members of the GEDP Board of Directors may attend free of cost.  

"Guests and non-members are welcome to attend for the cost of $20 per person," said GEDP President Jeff Sjostrom. "The GEDP would like to thank the sponsors for this ED 101 event."

Reservations are required by Wednesday, February 23.  Email lelikan@gedp.org or call (409) 770-0216.

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Houston Astros

The Houston Astros announced today that Galveston native Brandon Backe has agreed to a new one-year contract for $350,000.

Backe, a Ball High School graduate, who also played for the Galveston College Whitecaps, was 5-3 with a 4.30 earned run average in 33 games for Houston in 2004.  He was 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA in three postseason starts, including game 5 of the National League Championship Series against St. Louis, when he allowed one hit over eight shutout innings. 

In 70 career Major League games, Backe is 6-4 with a 4.98 ERA.

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San Jacinto College

The San Jacinto College North art gallery, Galeria Del Norte, is accepting proposals for art exhibitions from individuals and groups in the area and statewide.

The gallery has hosted the works of local artists such as Trish Klenow and Caroline Guevara since opening in 2004.

“Art is a very important part of any culture,” said Ken Luce, North Campus art director and the art exhibit’s curator.  “Here, we intend to exhibit the work of artist that enhance our cultural offering to the North Channel community. The gallery is a perfect forum for artists to display their work.”

Proposals may be sent to the San Jacinto College North art department, located at 5800 Uvalde, Houston, Texas  77049-4599 or by email to ken.luce@sjcd.edu.

All proposals should include a resume, labeled slides or images of the art work, and include a brief description of artist’s vision and/or statement.

For additional information call (281) 458-4050 extension 7285.

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On The Webio

Congressman Ron Paul recalls the words of Federal Reserve Chair Alan Greenspan, who supported the gold standard almost 40 years ago, in The Maestro Changes His Tune, in his weekly column.  Column

Former Galveston publisher Steven Long, who authored the book Death Without Dignity, has published a tribute to his 102-year old mother who passed away this morning.  His article, Death With Dignity, is posted on the Forum Page of The Online News Station.  Tribute

Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership President Jim Reinhartsen has published a message on the Forum Page in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the University of Houston-Clear Lake entitled, UHCL:  Extraordinary Education For A Unique Community. Message

There was a standing room only crowd at the 2005 My Texas Music Awards Program at the Big Texas Dancehall & Saloon in Webster on Sunday.  Photos and Winners

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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, February 21
5:30 University Area Association Roundtable, William Temple Center, 427 Market, Galveston. Neil Geary, director of public affairs for BP America, Inc. will discuss the proposed liquefied natural gas plant on Pelican Island
6:30 Dickinson Independent School District Board of Trustees Special Meeting 
7:00 Friendswood City Council 
7:30 El Lago City Council 

Tuesday, February 22
8:15 Galveston Commission for the Arts, The Grand 1894 Opera House Edna's Room
10:00 Harris County Commissioners Court
10:00 Pasadena City Council
10:00 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Tourism Development Advisory Committee
11:30 Galveston Park Board of Trustees Ad Hoc Hotel Tax Allocations Assessments Committee
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Houston City Council
1:30 Galveston Park Board of Trustees
4:00 Galveston County Emergency Communications District Board of Managers, 1718 Amburn Suite B, Texas City
5:00 Galveston Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting for Gideon Math and Reading Center, 6511 Stewart Road, Suite 5
6:00 Texas Department of Transportation Public Meeting on Priority Boarding of Bolivar Ferry, Ball High School, Galveston
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 League City City Council
7:30 Pasadena City Council 
7:00 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees  

Wednesday, February 23
9:00 Houston City Council
5:30 Galveston Visionaries in Preservation, City Hall Room 100 
6:30 Rotary Clubs of Galveston County Joint Meeting, Galveston Island Convention Center at the San Luis

Thursday, February 24
8:00 Galveston County Commissioners Court, Holbrook Building
11:30 Bay Area Transportation Partnership Long Range Planning Committee, Lakewood Yacht Club, 2425 NASA Parkway , Seabrook , Texas  
12:00 Galveston City Council Workshop
5:30 Galveston City Council
6:00 Texas Department of Transportation Public Meeting on Priority Boarding of Bolivar Ferry, Bolivar School, Port Bolivar
7:00 Kemah City Council
7:00 Santa Fe City Council
8:00 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston
8:00 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse,3803 Highway3, Dickinson

Friday, February 25
9:30 Houston-Galveston Area Council Transportation Policy Committee
7:30 Lamar University Homecoming Performance, Jimmy Simmons & Friends, McDonald Gym, Beaumont
8:00 "The Mind of a Prize Fighter - The Life of Jack Johnson," UTMB Levin Hall
8:00 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston 
8:00 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse,3803 Highway3, Dickinson

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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 Houston City Correspondent.  Dana Patricia Burke is the Bay Area Houston Correspondent. Chuck Lawrence is Galveston City Correspondent.  Carl Guidry covers events in Jefferson County.  Anita Donatto covers the education beat in Galveston.  

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