2005 Archives

2004 Archives

2003 Archives

Monday               March 7, 2005

Galveston County Commissioners Court

Galveston County Commissioners Court today heard comments concerning a proposed three percent cap on property appraisals, but voted 4-0 to table action until next week, at the request of Commissioner Patrick Doyle, who was absent.

"There is a move by several (people) across the state to cap appraisal increases because appraisal increases have gone up much more than the reported government inflation rates," said Commissioner Ken Clark.  "When appraisals go up, people's tax bills go up."

Clark and Commissioner Eddie Janek said they are in favor of the cap, but agreed to defer action on the resolution as a courtesy to Doyle.

County Judge Jim Yarbrough said he could support the cap if it applies only to homesteads, but asked Tax Assessor-Collector Cheryl Johnson for a report on the fiscal impact of the proposal.

Some people at the hearing, including several who had driven in rain from Friendswood, were upset that the resolution was deferred and vowed to not vote for any member of the commissioners court who votes against it next week.

The commissioners court voted to defer a proposed contract for legislative representation in the 79th Texas State Legislature. 

The commissioners court voted to deny two requests for waiver of penalty and interest on the payment of delinquent property taxes.

All other agenda items were approved with unanimous votes.

Print Version
Photos and Audio

Jefferson County Commissioners Court

Russell Melancon of the Southeast Texas Plant Managers Forum presented a check of $175,000 to Jefferson County Commissioners Court today, in fulfillment of the group's commitment to fund the Jefferson County Management Study.

A proposal by Commissioner Eddie Arnold, which would have provided a common consent form for departments participating in the management study was removed from the agenda, at Arnold's request.

The commissioners court approved a $157,000 contract with N&T Construction for renovation of Courthouse Annex I.  County Engineer Jose Pastrana said work should begin on the project next week.

The commissioners court approved specifications for depository bank contracts.

The commissioners court proclaimed the month of March as Purchasing Month in Jefferson County and joined the Purchasing Department "as it informs the citizens about the important role played by the purchasing profession in government, business and industry."

The commissioners court voted to appoint Wayne Dunham to the Jefferson County Historical Commission.

All other agenda items were approved.

Print Version

Galveston Livable Communities Initiative

John Cararra of the Goodman Corporation reported to the Galveston Livable Communities Steering Committee this morning on recent successes in getting funding for downtown infrastructure projects.

"Thanks to a lot of efforts by Mr. Deyo, Mr. Murphy, Mr. Ross, Mr. Worthy and the mayor, H-GAC has put the terminal back on their contingency list for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funding." Cararra said.

"It made a big difference to have Judge Yarbrough there," said Ted Deyo, executive director of the Historic Downtown Strand Partnership.  "He went around the room beforehand and talked to all of the judges.  The mayor made the proposal and it was unanimous."

Cararra also noted that funding for Galveston projects was included in the Transportation Authorization Bill that was approved by the House of Representatives last week.

"Thank God for Congress, sometimes," said Allen LeCornu.

"Thanks to Representative Paul," Cararra added.

"I was pleased to see his support," said David Murphy.  "He was very positive."

Print Version
Photos and Audio

University of Texas Medical Branch

Three faculty members at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston have been appointed to endowed positions for their outstanding work in geriatric research.  

Drs. Daniel H. Freeman Jr., Jean L. Freeman and Diane M. Heliker were honored as the inaugural holders of the Edgar Gnitzinger Distinguished Professorship in Aging, Grace Bucksch Gnitzinger Distinguished Professorship in Aging, and Edgar and Grace Gnitzinger Chair in Geriatric Nursing, respectively.  The endowments were created by the estate of Edgar and Grace Gnitzinger, an elderly couple who had retired to Galveston from Chicago and were grateful for the care they received at UTMB over the years.  

"Geriatric research will play an increasingly vital role as health care professionals nationwide strive to accommodate an aging population," said a news release.  "U.S. Department of Commerce statistics indicate that, between 2000 and 2010, more than 500,000 people over 65 will be added to Texas’ population, and the number of those 85 and older living in the United States is predicted to increase from 12 million in 2000 to 19 million in 2030."

Daniel Freeman, director of the UTMB Office of Biostatistics, was named to the Edgar Gnitzinger Distinguished Professorship for his role in promoting and developing aging-related research throughout the university.  He has served as the biostatistician of a federally funded study that examined the disability rate among older Mexican Americans.  He also participated in a collaborative project that identified the state of elderly health care in the Galveston community.  

Jean Freeman, Daniel Freeman's wife, has been studying the outcomes of breast cancer screening practices in older women.  The Grace Bucksch Gnitzinger Distinguished Professor is investigating a link between infrequent breast cancer screenings and the mortality rates of women in economically disadvantaged and older minority populations.  She is involved in another study that examines how neighborhood environments affect access to high-quality health care for older adults.  

“Drs. Daniel and Jean Freeman are extraordinary resources in the UTMB research community, and their appointments to these prestigious endowments are fitting recognition of their contributions to UTMB’s renowned program in geriatric research,” said Dr. Valerie M. Parisi, UTMB School of Medicine dean. 

Heliker, the School of Nursing’s interim associate dean for research and an associate professor, was named to the Edgar and Grace Gnitzinger Chair in Geriatric Nursing for her research on strategies to improve the quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities.  She is the principal investigator of a four-year National Institute of Nursing Research grant to study the effects of story sharing among a population of nurse aides and residents in several nursing home facilities. 

Dr. Pamela G. Watson, School of Nursing dean, said Heliker will distinguish herself as the Gnitzinger Chair. 

“This endowment will allow Dr. Heliker to greatly advance her research, which promises to lead to improved quality of life for our senior population,” Watson said.  “I am most grateful for the extraordinary generosity of the Gnitzingers in establishing this chair.”  

The three endowment appointees will collaborate with other researchers in UTMB’s Sealy Center on Aging, a nationally recognized multidisciplinary geriatrics program. 

Print Version

Houston-Galveston Area Council

Jack Steele, Houston-Galveston Area Council executive director, recently addressed officials from 150 local governments during the Annual Meeting of the organization, held in Houston.

"There is nothing that we can't do when we work together and, through H-GAC, we are building this region together," Steele said.

He cited several achievements of 2004 including providing services that enable 130 local governments to save money on electrical energy by pooling purchasing power through H-GAC, providing a means for local agencies to purchase supplies through the H-GAC Cooperative Purchasing System, and the placement of more than 130,000 workers at 34 WorkSource centers through the Workforce Development program.

H-GAC will continue to help local governments take advantage of opportunities in the future by updating the region's water quality management plan, looking at solid waste needs and updating the multi-modal transportation plan, Steele added.

H-GAC is a region-wide volunteer association of 132 local governments and local elected officials in the 13 county Gulf Coast Planning region.

A full report is available in a free brochure, "H-GAC, Building Our Region Together."  For information call H-GAC communications manager Jim White at (713) 993-4598 or email jim.white@h-gac.com.

Print Version

Port of Houston Authority

Port of Houston Authority Chairman Jim Edmonds, PHA commissioners and staff  hosted a welcome reception for His Majesty King Harald V of Norway aboard the Star Gazer as the vessel toured the Houston Ship Channel on Wednesday, March 2.  Photos and Release 

Edmonds congratulated Norway on the centennial celebration of its independence and on the country's reputation in maritime shipping.

“Even here on the Houston Ship Channel, Norwegian names are everywhere conducting business, such as Stolt-Nielsen, Odfjell, Aker Marine, Barwil Agencies, Skaugen and many others,” Edmonds said.  “They have played a great part in making Norway the Port of Houston’s seventh largest trading partner.”

According to the U.S. Maritime Administration, nearly three million tons of Norwegian cargo worth more than $759 million is shipped through the Port of Houston every year. Cargoes include machinery, paper, wood, wire, cable, fish products and petroleum, which accounts for the highest tonnage.

“The visit to the Port of Houston by His Majesty King Harald V is a great opportunity to focus on the port and simultaneously to demonstrate the strength and extent of the Norwegian Maritime presence in Houston," said Bernt A. Netland, President Odfjell US Inc.  "Houston was visited by approximately 450 ships with a Norwegian flag last year.  For those of us who are in the petrochemical business, Houston is by far - with no comparison – the most important port on the American continent.”

"The United States has a leading role in the International Maritime Organization, where regulation for global shipping is made," said Marianne Lie, Director General of the Norwegian Shipowner’s Association.  "The United States today is the most important single market for Norwegian shipping.  We are confident that our combined efforts will help strengthen the position of secure quality shipping in the global markets.”

The reception also was attended by several shipping industry executives and local elected officials.

Print Version

Coastal Connection

Coastal Connection, the email newsletter published by Washington lobbyist Howard Marlowe, reports that last week Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco sent a letter to Senate Environment and Public Works Chair James Inhofe requesting that he support the authorization of $1.9 billion over the next ten years for coastal restoration in Louisiana.

"The Governor’s request is more than $800 million over what the Army Corps of Engineers recommended for authorization for this restoration project," the newsletter reported.  "The Louisiana coastal restoration project is among many that are waiting to be authorized in the Water Resources Development Act."

Coastal Connection reports that it appears there are two separate WRDA bills currently being developed.

"Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee Chairman Kit Bond and House Water Resources and Environment Subcommittee Chairman John Duncan are both said to be working on separate WRDA bills," the newsletter reported.  "It is expected that the House version of WRDA will be very similar to the bill passed by the House in 2003 that called for an independent review of most Corps projects."

Print Version

American Shore and Beach Preservation

The American Shore And Beach Preservation Association Summit 2005, "Defending America's Embattled Coastal Resources," will be held in Washington D.C. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week.

Scheduled speakers include Brigadier General Don T. Riley, director of Civil Works, United States Army Corps of Engineers; Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu and lobbyist Howard Marlowe.

Elected and appointed officials of coastal states and communities, representatives of community organizations and individuals will attend the conference. 

"The conference is designed to provide an in-depth look at critical issues affecting beach preservation and management, enhance media relations and lobbying skills, develop an understanding of federal budgeting and appropriations, and provide networking opportunities with Members of Congress, federal officials and beach lovers," said a news release.

Guidry News Service will cover the summit.  Photos and audio recordings from the conference will be posted on The Online News Station and daily reports will be published in Gulf Coast E-news. 

Print Version

Galveston College

Galveston College will host its annual Career Fair on Wednesday, April 20, in the college gymnasium on the main campus at 4015 Avenue Q from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

The Career Fair will host more than 70 regional employers and exhibits.  Galveston College students and members of the general public are encouraged to attend.  For information call Jocelyn Ealim at (409) 944 1221.

Print Version

Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority

The Houston Metropolitan Transit Authority has begun testing an automated stop annunciation system on its bus fleet.

The system, which announces the location of the next bus stop to passengers on the bus, is expected to improve customer service, particularly for those with visual impairments.  

The automated bus annunciation system is part of METRO’s $26 million Integrated Vehicle Operations Management System, which is expected to be fully operational by the summer.

Other components of the IVOMS project include automated vehicle location and tracking, which allows dispatchers to determine and monitor the exact location of any bus; and automatic passenger counters, which utilize infrared beams at bus entrances/exits to produce more accurate ridership data.

The technology improvements are expected to yield increased safety, enhanced on-time performance, better ridership information and compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.

Print Version

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will dedicate tonight's performance to Hal Hillman, "a native Houstonian, a devoted leader of the show, a former lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, a pilot, a business man and a family man".  

“Hal Hillman was a giant among the volunteers of the show. He had a long-time affiliation with the livestock industry and was a favorite among show volunteers,” said John O. Smith, chair of the board of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. 

Hillman, who served more than 50 years as a volunteer and a life member of the show, passed away on November 1, 2004. 

On February 24, 2005, the Texas Senate unanimously adopted a resolution honoring and commemorating Hillman's life. 

“It was a fitting moment for Mr. Hillman, his wife Betty, and daughter Trisha,” said P. Michael Wells, president of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Sunday's performance featuring championship rodeo action and a concert by Hilary Duff broke the show’s all-time rodeo attendance record with a paid attendance of 72,843.  Release and Photo

Print Version

On The Webio

Several items of interest to the Gulf Coast Region are posted on The Online News Station.

Sir Stirling Moss, known as "one of the greatest race car drivers of all time", will visit from “across the pond” to serve as grand marshal of the 10th Anniversary of The Houston Classic “Keels & Wheels” Concours d’ Elegance and Auction at Lakewood Yacht Club.  Photos and Release

Harris County Judge Robert Eckels and Harris County Hospital District Board Chair J. Evans Attwell have publised a column on the Forum Page entitied Healthcare Crisis On The Horizon - Harris County Taxpayers Will Feel Crunch.  Message

League City Council Member Rusty Tidwell has published his comments on the controversy over infrastructure improvements for a new Clear Creek Independent School District school on the Forum Page.  Message

Print Version

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

Today, March 7
6:00 Jamaica Beach City Council Workshop 
7:00 Friendswood City Council 
7:00 Dickinson Independent School District Board of Trustees

Tuesday, March 8
10:00 Harris County Commissioners Court 
10:00 Pasadena City Council 
12:00 Rotary Club of Galveston Island, San Luis Resort and Conference Center, Morton Voller, chair of the Galveston Island Nature Tourism Council will speak on FeatherFest 2005
1:30 Beaumont City Council
1:30 Houston City Council
Cancelled 6:00 Hitchcock City Commission and Hitchcock Industrial Development Corporation Special Joint Meeting
6:30 League City City Council  
6:30 Friendswood Independent School District Board of Trustees
6:30 League of Women Voters of the Galveston Area General Meeting, Rosenberg Library
7:00 Dickinson City Council
7:00 Seabrook City Council Special Town Meeting
7:00 Morgan's Point City Council
7:00 Lamar University Lamarissimo! Concert Series  presents the Lamar University Jazz Band, Julie Rogers Theatre, Beaumont

Wednesday, March 9
9:00 Houston City Council
9:00 American Shore and Beach Preservation Association 2005 Coastal Summit, Washington Court Hotel, Washington, DC
10:00 Harris-Galveston Coastal Subsidence District, 1660 West Bay Area Boulevard, Friendswood Agenda
4:00 Galveston Zoning Board of Adjustment

Thursday, March 10 
9:00 American Shore and Beach Preservation Association 2005 Coastal Summit, Washington Court Hotel, Washington, DC
12:00 Galveston City Council Workshop
12:00 Houston Downtown Management District, 909 Fannin, Ste 1650.
5:30 Galveston City Council
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 Highway 3, Dickinson

Friday, March 11
9:00 American Shore and Beach Preservation Association 2005 Coastal Summit, Washington Court Hotel, Washington, DC 
8:00 Daddy's Dying, Who's Got the Will, Strand Theatre, Galveston
8:00 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston
8:00 Don't Drink The Water, Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay 
8:00 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Highway 3, Dickinson 

Saturday, March 12
8:30 2005 River, Lakes, Bays N' Bayous Trash Bash, various locations. Locations  
8:00 Daddy's Dying, Who's Got the Will, Strand Theatre, Galveston
8:00 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston
8:00 Don't Drink The Water, Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay 
8:00 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Highway 3, Dickinson

Sunday, March 13
2:00 The New Zealand Experience, featuring Travel Lecturer Grant Foster.  The Grand 1894 Opera House
2:30 Daddy's Dying, Who's Got the Will, Strand Theatre, Galveston
2:30 Nunsense, The east-end theatre company, etc., Galveston
2:30 Don't Drink The Water, Clear Creek Country Theatre, 18091 Upper Bay Road, Nassau Bay 
2:30 Same Time, Next Year, Bay Area Harbour Playhouse, 3803 Highway 3, Dickinson

Print Version

back to the top

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.  

Patty Mayeux is editor of Gulf Coast E-news.

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
(409) 763-NEWS (6397), or email us at News@guidrynews.com

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.