2012 is here!

Cypress nurses file complaint

Cypress-area registered nurses filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against the Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center on Dec. 21, protesting the hospital's sick leave policy.

The nurses publicly accused hospital administrators of adopting a policy that encourages nurses to work while they are sick at a conference last Wednesday. The nurses are asking the hospital to suspend its sick-leave policy during flu season.
The hospital's official sick-leave policy prohibits nurses from taking off more than six sick days within a 12 month period. However, the hospital also allows nurses to take additional days without penalty, if they are able to find a replacement.

To reduce its employees chances of becoming sick, the hospital offers its employees opportunities to receive free flu shots and, according to reports, nurses are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at the hospital, if they have not received a flu shot.

"...We have never asked our nurses to report to work with an illness," said hospital spokesperson Nadia Saqr. "As professionals who work in the healthcare industry, we choose to lead by example and do all we can to protect our patients, colleagues, families and friends from preventable illnesses such as the flu."

The nurses at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center, who became the first Texas members of the National Nurses Organizing Committee-Texas/National Nurses United in 2008, have been publicly protesting the policy since October, but have not received any concessions, resulting in the nurses filing the complaint.
So far, the NLRB has listed the case as pending and has not released any additional information.

Nurses to speak out against flu policy

Registered nurses at the Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center will speak out against the hospital’s flu policy at a conference at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, claiming they are forced to work while sick.

The nurses, members of the National Nurses Organizing Committee-Texas/National Nurses United, will also file a complaint on Wednesday against the hospital with the National Labor Relations Board
The nurses complain they are threatened with termination if they stay home while sick, and are forced to come to work and expose their patients to their illness, according to a statement.

As a proposed solution, the nurses are asking the hospital to suspend their sick policy during flu season.

There are 307 Registered Nurses on staff at Cypress Fairbanks Medical Center’s two facilities.
The nurses are currently in negotiations over the sick policy with the hospital, which is owned by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare Corp.

CF-ISD names police chief

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD named Alan Bragg its first chief of police during the regularly scheduled Board meeting on Monday, Dec. 12.

Bragg comes to CFISD from Spring ISD, where he served 21 years as the chief of police after implementing the full-service, 24-hour department in 1990.

"We're delighted to welcome Chief Bragg to the Cy-Fair family," said Dr. Mark Henry, superintendent of schools. "His wealth of experience in public education law enforcement-especially the first-hand knowledge of forming a department from the ground up-will be invaluable in building a CFISD Police Department."

His experience includes serving as a lieutenant for the Houston ISD police department from 1981-1990; a police officer for Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, from 1978-1981; and a police officer for the City of Wichita Falls from 1972-1978.

Bragg studied criminal justice at Midwestern State. He is a graduate of the Wichita Falls Police Academy, the FBI National Academy and the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Series (LEEDS). He is licensed as a Master Peace Officer through the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Education (TCLEOSE), a state agency created by the 59th Texas Legislature.

Offices held in professional organizations include past president of the Houston Area Police Chiefs Association, and he currently is serving as vice president of the Texas School District Police Chiefs Association.
"I am honored to serve as chief of police for the new department in Cy-Fair ISD," Bragg said. "I look forward to assuming this important leadership role and creating a model law enforcement agency within the district."

Cypress pastor accused of child rape

by KHOU.com staff
khou.com

CYPRESS, Texas – A 32-year-old youth pastor at a Houston-area church was behind bars Friday, accused of raping a 16-year-old girl.

Chad Foster is charged with sexual assault of a child.
According to court documents, Foster met the girl over the summer, while working as a high school youth pastor at the Community of Faith Church on Becker Road in Cypress.

The victim told investigators that she and Foster immediately became friends, and at some point, they exchanged phone numbers. She said they would communicate regularly via text messages.

Then, in late July, the victim told investigators that their relationship became sexual at Foster’s home.
The victim said she and Foster continued to have a sexual relationship through mid-October.

The victim told investigators that Foster told her multiple times how important it was that they keep their relationship a secret, because of their age difference. She said Foster told her if anyone found out, he would be in legal trouble.

But in late October, the girl said she started feeling bad about her relationship with Foster, so she made outcry to her Spanish teacher and another pastor at the church. They notified the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

The victim said Foster has sent her multiple texts and emails, asking her to deny their sexual relationship to anyone who might ask about it.
Charges were filed against Foster on November 3, and he was arrested the same day

Quake shakes South Texas ...

Click to enlarge:



A shallow, moderate earthquake struck southern Texas (TX) on Thursday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS). It was the strongest earthquakes to hit the U.S. state in 45 years.

The 4.8 magnitude quake, upgraded from 4.6mb, occured at 07:25 AM local time (13:25 PM GMT) and was recorded at an extremely shallow depth of 3km (1.9 miles). It struck below Fashing, but was felt as far as Corpus Christi, San Antonio and Austin.

The epicentre of the quake was located 22 km (14 miles) NW (321°) from Pawnee, TX; 23 km (14 miles) SSW (213°) from Falls City, TX; 26 km (16 miles) WSW (249°) from Karnes City, TX; 60 km (37 miles) NW of Beeville, TX; 76 km (47 miles) SSE (154°) from San Antonio, TX; 92 km (57 miles) E of Pearsall, TX; 166 km (103 miles) SSW of AUSTIN, TX; and 463 km (288 miles) SSW (197°) from Dallas, TX.

The last time Texas experienced a tremor similar in intensity to Thursday’s quake was on July 20, 1966. The magnitude 4.8 earthquake was centred in the Panhandle, near Borger and Amarillo.

The most recent earthquake to strike the region hit on 25 April, 2010. The 4.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded 56 km west of Corpus Christi.

Boy Scout saves choking friend

KPRC - A 12-year-old boy saved a friend from choking at school by using skills he learned as a Boy Scout.

During lunch one day in the Smith Middle School cafeteria in Cypress, Texas, Chase Greer said his friend started choking on his food.

He said learning the Heimlich maneuver and practicing it with the Boy Scouts helped save his friend's life.

"It was different because I had somebody's life in my hands," Chase said. "I knew if I didn't do it correctly or fast enough it could turn for the worst."

Chase said he didn't think he would ever need to use the life-saving skill, but was glad he had it.

"I started patting him on the back to see if that would give him some relief... it did not, so I started doing the Heimlich gently," Chase said.

He said it took 28 tries, and finally, his friend started breathing.

"It took me a few seconds then it hit me... this was huge," Chase said.

The Scout of four years recommends that everyone take a first aid training course and learn the Heimlich maneuver because you never know when you're going to need it.

KPRC

Guard your credit cards - even from your family!

FOX BUSINESS":

In the classic 1989 movie "Parenthood," Keanu Reeve's character makes the point that "you need a license to buy a dog, to drive a car--hell, you even need a license to fish. But they'll let anyone be a father."
That was slightly edited, for anyone who doesn't like salty language. Anyhoo…truer words were never spoken, as you'll see in our first story in this week's look at odd credit card crimes.

In Houston, three women have been charged with using a young boy to help them steal an elderly couple's credit cards. According to Click2Houston.com on Sep. 15, police accuse Ginger Frank, 29, of using her five-year-old son as a prop to help her in her life of crime.

If all went down as they and the victims say, Frank and her son knocked on the elderly couple's front door and said that they needed help finding the boy's lost cat, and that they needed to look in their back yard for it.

So probably being kind and helpful sorts of people, the elderly couple gave them the go-ahead, and of course, they went along with them to the backyard to look.

Shortly after, the mom told the couple that the boy needed to use the restroom. The couple said that that was fine, and then the boy soon after reported that he saw a spider in the bathroom and that he needed to use another bathroom.

The couple agreed, which meant the mother and son were able to penetrate the house more deeply.

About this time, another woman reportedly appeared at the front door and claimed to be offering cleaning services, which kept the couple occupied while the mom--and a third partner-in-crime, according to KHOU 11 News on Sep. 15--searched the home and stole jewelry and credit cards.

It isn't clear what the boy was doing during the theft. Probably wondering how, of all the mothers out there, he got stuck with this one.

The elderly couple apparently declined the cleaning services and bid the woman farewell, about the same time the mom and son said goodbye to the couple, never finding the kitten, of course. Meanwhile, the elderly couple--KHOU reports that the husband is 87--at first didn't realize anything was amiss.

The women then allegedly used the stolen credit card to buy two Versace purses and a $900 Nordstrom gift card, according to KHOU. They also filled up their SUV with $100 worth of gas.

But there is a happy ending. While the "missing" kitten was never found, Frank and her alleged accomplices were. KHOU reports that the credit card company noticed that the transactions seemed unusual and called the U.S. Secret Service (!). The police found Frank and her accomplices, Roseanna Marks, 36, and Rhina Mitchell, 31, with the help of the Secret Service and a store's surveillance video, which caught them using the cards.

Meanwhile, with any luck, the little boy is safe with a relative or social services.

Another interesting credit card crime in the Houston area, involving another senior citizen, and again from the KHOU news team. A 70-year-old woman in Cypress, Texas, recently found a bill on her Kohl's credit card with a purchase that she hadn't made.
She called the police.

The police looked into it and found the culprit.
The identity of the accused? None other than the woman's 32-year-old daughter.
Yikes. Well, could it have been a mixup? Maybe the two were shopping together and got their cards confused? Maybe they were having a visit, and the purses were on a table, and the credit cards were all spread out, and the daughter picked the wrong one up?
Nope. At the time of the purchase in July, the accused was visiting her sick mother in the hospital. And allegedly found the time to take her card and go shopping at Kohl's. Nice.

Don't see much of a future for these two


Read more: http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/09/27/5-year-old-helps-mom-steal-credit-cards/#ixzz1ZH5tf7NY

Cypress woman steals mom's credit- up on charges.

CYPRESS, Texas KHOU – A 32-year-old Cypress woman is facing charges after deputies say she stole her mother’s Kohl’s credit card and rang up fraudulent charges.

The victim, 70, told Harris County investigators that she was in the hospital in July of 2011 when her daughter came to visit her.

After she was released, she found a bill from Kohl’s with charges she said she didn’t make.
When she looked for her card, she realized it was missing from her purse.
Deputies obtained surveillance video from the fraudulent purchases.

They sent stills of the person making the charges to the victim, who identified the suspect as her daughter.


The victim said she never gave Garza permission to use her card.
Garza is charged with credit/debit card abuse.

Dog kills newborn in Cypress

KENS: CYPRESS, Texas – A newborn baby was killed after it was attacked by a dog in Cypress.
It happened at a home just before 8 p.m. Saturday.

Deputies said the mother placed the 13-day-old boy in a carrier inside one of the rooms in the house.

She went outside and was watching the child through a window when a dog inside the house sniffed the infant before mauling it.

The newborn was airlifted to the hospital, where the boy died Sunday morning.
Neighbor Terri Ayala was stunned by the news.

“We just saw the baby and the mama outside and then later we saw the commotion out there,” Ayala said. “The last thing we thought was the baby.”

The dog, described as a lab mix weighing more than 100 pounds, was taken by Harris County Animal Control and put in quarantine.

The case will be referred to a grand jury, which will decide if charges should be filed.

Bastrop is burning ...

BASTROP

- The most destructive wildfire on record in Texas showed no signs of slowing down Monday, destroying 25,000 acres in Bastrop County and 476 homes, more houses than any single wildfire before and more than all other fires this year combined, according to the Texas Forest Service.

With more than 60 new wildfires raging across the state, Gov. Rick Perry left the campaign trail Monday in South Carolina to address the public and organize requests for more federal aid.

Closer to Houston, a fire in Magnolia burned 20 homes and more than 1,600 acres, and was threatening subdivisions in Montgomery and Grimes counties late Monday. It had moved southwest into Waller County last Monday.

It was one of several fires to hit the area, straining state and local resources as officials focused on the most dangerous blazes. One firefighter was injured and one fire engine burned in blazes in the Magnolia area, said Lt. Dan Norris, spokesman for the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Authorities did not yet know how much of the most dangerous fire had been contained Monday, but planned to continue fighting it "as long as necessary," Norris said.

Strong winds and dry conditions fanned the flames and aided the blaze's rapid growth, forcing the evacuation of more than 150 homes. Montgomery County officials were encouraging evacuations from the intersection of FM 1774 and FM 1488, about 42 miles northwest of Houston, up to the Grimes County line, an official said.

Magnolia fire

The Magnolia fire, located off FM 1774 and FM 1488, jumped FM 1488 late Monday and forced further evacuations, although some families were being allowed back to their homes. The Magnolia Independent School District canceled classes today because of the fires. Evacuation shelters were being set up throughout the area, including at Magnolia High School.

Another fire in the area had burned 100 acres and was 80 percent contained, Norris said. It had destroyed one structure and caused no injuries after 50 homes were evacuated.

A fire covering about 100 acres was burning in Oak Ridge North late Monday.

A fire near Nacogdoches that started Sunday night raged to 300 acres Monday and forced 60 families to evacuate their homes, said Ralph Cullom, a spokesman for the Texas Forrest Service. That fires grew with strong gusts of winds and fed off of dry conditions on the ground.

"This drought we're having is just unprecedented," Cullom said.

No injuries have been reported in Bastrop, but two people were reported killed in a North Texas fire Monday. A woman and her 18-month-old child died when a fast-moving fire near Gladewater, east of Dallas, set their mobile home on fire and they were unable to escape.

The Bastrop County Complex Fire, pushed by strong winds and fed by plenty of dry grasses, shrubs and trees, steadily moved south Monday and expanded throughout the day. It jumped the Colorado River twice.

"We will be working days on end," said Mike Fisher, the Bastrop County Emergency Management Coordinator. "The fire is so dynamic we really have no idea where it is."

'Lives at stake'

Perry said the wildfire burning in the central part of the state is "as mean looking" as he's ever seen.

Cypress soldier killed in Afghanistan honored ...

FORT CARSON, Colo. — Fort Carson, Colo., gave a final salute on Thursday to 14 soldiers killed in a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan including one from Cypress.

About 500 members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team, part of the 4th Infantry Division, and about three dozen friends and relatives attended the ceremony at the post.

The brigade's commander, Col. Jeffrey Martindale, and command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Kinloch placed a wreath before photos of the 14 soldiers.

"I am truly sorry that I could not bring all of this brigade home," Martindale told the mourners.

Later, a comrade of each of the 14 walked slowly to the wreath, paused, and gave a slow, graceful salute before walking away as a bagpiper played "Going Home." Spc. Joshuwa Clare was picked to salute his former boss, Chaplain Dale A. Goetz Jr., a 43-year-old captain from White, S.D.

"Rendering that final salute is an honor and brings a little bit of peace, but there's still some pain," Clare said after the service.

Goetz is believed to be the first chaplain killed in the line of duty since the Vietnam War. He and four others were killed on Aug. 30, 2010, when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle.

Other members of the 1st Brigade killed alongside Goetz were Staff Sgt. Jesse Infante, 30, Cypress, Texas; Staff Sgt. Kevin James Kessler, 32, Canton, Ohio; and Pfc. Chad D. Clements, 26, Huntington, Ind.

The fifth person killed that day was Staff Sgt. Matthew J. West, 36, Conover, Wis. He was a member of Fort Carson's 71st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group, which is not part of the 1st Brigade.

The other 1st Brigade soldiers honored Thursday: 1st Lt. Mark A. Noziska, 24, Papillion, Neb.; Staff Sgt. Casey J. Grochowiak, 34, Lompoc, Calif.; Staff Sgt. Carlos A. Benitez, 24, Carrollton, Texas; Spc. Rafael Martinez Jr., 36, Spring Valley, Calif.; Pfc. Tramaine J. Billingsley, 20, Portsmouth, Va.; Sgt. Robert C. Sisson Jr., 29, Aliquippa, Pa.; Sgt. Ken K. Hermogino, 30, Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.; Spc. Timothy L. Johnson, 24, Randolph, N.Y.; Spc. Pedro A. Millet Meletiche, 20, Elizabeth, N.J.; and Pfc. Eric Soufrine, 20, Woodbridge, Conn.

Fort Carson officials said 325 soldiers from the post have been killed in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Driest year on record plagues Texas ...

VOA: Weather forecasters and agriculture experts in the southwestern U.S. state of Texas say there is no relief in sight for what already is the worst drought year on record. The searing heat and dry conditions have caused devastating wildfires in the western part of the large state and led to crop losses, cattle deaths and water rationing in areas of east Texas that are normally wet at this time of year.

Driving through the countryside northwest of Houston, one sees dried up fields, dying trees and livestock ponds that are not much more than a puddles of fetid, algae-covered water. In some towns, farmers' markets have been cancelled because local growers have little to offer. Those with wells for irrigation are struggling with the high cost of fuel to run their pumps.

Debbie Cross, who operates a farmers' market near Cypress, Texas, says people are becoming discouraged by the lack of rain and the high temperatures, which are around 40 degrees most days.

“The drought is hurting everything. It is hurting all the crops, the cattle, the hay. There is no grass. The chickens are miserable. I mean everybody is just miserable. We need water,” Cross said.

Cross says local farmers are unable to supply much fruit and vegetables and that she is getting by with produce trucked in from other states where conditions are better.

“We are getting it from the local southern states and southwestern states are kicking in -- Arizona, New Mexico, Louisiana, Oklahoma. Everybody knows that the Texas market is a great consumer market, so they are helping out a lot here,” Cross said.
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One of the hardest hit agricultural sectors is livestock. Texas is the biggest cattle producer in the United States and ships beef to many foreign markets. Earlier this year, ranchers endured one of the worst winters on record, with several days of subzero temperatures in a region where freezes are rare. The drought has made it even harder, driving up the cost of hay and leaving some areas so dry that cattle have died of thirst in their pastures.

One rancher who has managed to get through this crisis with most of her stock in fairly good condition is Dorie Damuth, owner of the Flying D ranch near Magnolia, Texas.

Damuth raises prize-winning Texas Longhorns for breeding and she has managed to find hay and enough water to keep them alive. She says she has seen dry spells before, but nothing that compares to this year.

“The drought is something I, as a cattle woman, and all of my fellow cattlemen and cattlewomen have never experienced before. This is probably the 100-year drought, just like you can have a 100-year flood. It is very devastating for all of us ranchers who work so hard to provide beef for our country as well as for around the world,” Damuth said.

In a dried up lake on her property, there is a Longhorn skull sitting on top of cracked earth that is muddy and soft underneath.

“We have had lakes and stock ponds on the ranch that have dried up because of no rain, no rainfall. They will dry down to a little mucky place in the middle that is still wet and the cattle will sometimes go down and try to get water and they can't. And they step into that mucky mud and it is kind of like quicksand, and they can't get out.”

Lately, there have been beautiful fluffy clouds floating over the area. But ranch hand Chris Quinters is not encouraged by them.

“Those are some nice clouds, but it don't look like they are going to bring any rain,” Quinters said.

Howl O Ween set for Cypress

CYPRESS, TX –Tails are already wagging as Bridgeland embarks on a Fido favorite event — Howl-O-Ween Fest, set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29, in Bridgeland’s Oak Meadow Park.

The annual pup party, which drew more than 3,000 dog lovers last year, offers plenty of fun for two- and four-legged family members. Top dog on this year’s stage schedule is Johnny Peers and the Muttville Comix, which performs at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. With appearances on David Letterman, Primetime Live and the Ringling Brothers & Barnum and Bailey Circus, the comedy act stars mostly rescue dogs. Returning this year after successful shows in 2010 are Guennadi and his world-famous dog act, who performs at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the gravity-defying canine antics of the Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Club, which performs at noon. And especially for young audiences is a magic show by Houston’s Lanny Kibbey, who performs at 2 p.m.

As in previous years, Howl-O-Ween Fest is a pit stop for the “Splash Dogs” dock-diving competition, which takes place both Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 29 and 30. High-ranking dogs for 2011 have leaped more than 25 feet into the water. Learn more and register at www.splashdogs.com or at the event. There will be a registration fee, with a portion going toward Howl-O-Ween fundraising efforts.

Other Howl-O-Ween Fest treats include a 1 p.m. pooch fashion show and costume contest, with prizes going to the top three winners, a farmers’ market with pumpkin patch, several rounds of bingo with prizes awarded, pet vendors and street performers. As in years past, Foundry Church will hold its annual fall event during Howl-O-Ween Fest, with carnival games, bounce houses, a miniature train, laser tag and more.

Most activities will be free; however a few will fetch a small donation, which will go to participating animal rescue groups, including Cocker Spaniel Rescue of East Texas — Houston, Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue, Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas and Weimaraner Rescue of Texas. Other rescue groups will be added as the event date nears.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

The forecast?

Fundraisers held for injured children orphaned in crash

CYPRESS, TX (KTRK) -- Three children who lost their parents in a car crash are receiving an outpouring of support from friends and complete strangers.

Friends of Robin and Joshua Berry organized a lemonade and bake sale in Cypress on Saturday to help pay for the children's medical expenses.
There was also a dog wash held Saturday in West University with proceeds benefiting the children.

The Berrys died over the Fourth of July weekend while driving home from a family vacation in Colorado.

Their nine- and eight-year-old sons and six-year-old daughter were seriously injured.

Both boys are being transferred to a hospital in Chicago that specializes in spinal injuries.

The Berry children are being cared for by their aunt and uncle.

To donate to the Joshua and Robin Berry Children's Trust, visit www.theberrychildren.org or send to the trust in care of the Bank of Texas, 510 Bering Drive, 5th floor; Houston 77057.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Houston Area 4th of July Celebrations ...

by Stacy Morrow / khou.com staff
khou.com

The Houston area is buzzing with activities for the celebration of our nation's independence. You can find events from fireworks displays to parades, in just about every city and community. Here's a list we've compiled of the things we have heard about so far. If you see we have missed anything, or if you want to add something, let us know in the comments below!

HOUSTON
Freedom Over Texas
Houston will set the stage for an extraordinary patriotic celebration at Mayor Annise Parker’s official Fourth of July event, Freedom Over Texas. The annual event is held at Eleanor Tinsley Park from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and culminates with a fireworks extravaganza set to a perfectly timed bed of patriot and current musical selections. Free with a can of food benefiting the Houston Food Bank or $8 per person (children under 2 free) Information from: http://www.freedomovertexas.org

ExxonMobil Star-Spangled Salute, Miller Outdoor Theatre
Enjoy an evening with Michael Krajewski and the Houston Symphony. Astronaut and vocalist Chris Hadfield will also sing Big Smoke, a song inspired by his first shuttle mission.

Make sure to stay until the end for the 1812 Overture—complete with booming cannons! This celebration concludes with a magnificent display of fireworks provided by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board. Hours: 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. at 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030, Phone: 281-FREE-FUN or 281-373-3386 Information from: http://milleroutdoortheatre.com/events/133/

Bayou Bend Family Days Independence Day Celebration
Start your Fourth of July at Bayou Bend, where America's Colonial era is celebrated in patriotic style. Ring in the holiday with an extravaganza of Americana—performers, crafts, activities, refreshments, and more—and don't forget to sign the Texas-sized Declaration of Independence before you leave! With its unique blend of the arts and American history, Bayou Bend is the perfect place to spend Independence Day. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. FREE! Information from:
http://www.mfah.org/visit/bayou-bend-family-days/

Kidpendence Celebration | Children's Museum of Houston
Friday, Jul 1 2011 6:00 AM to Monday, Jul 4 2011 10:00 PM CDT
We’re seeing stars and stripes at this special Independence Day celebration! Join us for a patriotic 21-soda geyser burst salute on the 4th of July and plenty of fun-filled activities that will cover you in red, white and blue! Claim Your Independence Discount: We know rising gas prices are making you see stars and stripes, so it is time to claim your independence from them! Receive up to $12 off/ 6 people on July 1 - 4. Special Activity - 21 - Soda Geyser Burst Salute: Celebrate America with a CMH tradition - 21 patriotic bursts of soda that will help you get excited for the rest of the day's activities. 1500 Binz, Houston TX 77004. Phone: (713) 522-1138 Informaton from: http://www.cmhouston.org/en/cev/2570

BELLAIRE
July 4th Parade and Festival
The parade begins at 9:30 am and the festival runs from 10 am to 1 pm. The parade route begins at the Bellaire Triangle and travels down Bellaire Blvd. and S. Rice Ave. A children's parade leads the big parade. Kids are encouraged to decorate trikes, bikes and wagons and meet by Community National Bank at Bellaire Blvd. & Fifth Street. No need to enter the children's parade ahead of time, just show up at 9 a.m. in the CNB parking lot. The festival begins in Bellaire Town Square immediately after the parade. Enjoy live entertainment, carnival games, food, a mini ferris wheel, petting zoo, moon jumps, dunk tank and much, much more! Admission into the festival is free, but games take tickets and the food is an additional cost. Join us for some home town fun! Information from: http://www.ci.bellaire.tx.us/index.aspx?nid=879.

CITY OF EL LAGO
July 4th Picnic
For this year’s July 4th Picnic, we are going to take it down home with a parade and then bar-b-que at the pool. Join us at 10:00 a.m. at McNair Park for the annual non-motorized parade around the park. Prizes will be awarded in the following three categories: Most Sparkling, Most Creative and Most Patriotic. After the parade, we will retire to the El Lago Swim and Racquet Club to visit with friends, listen to some music and enjoy a burger together. The City will provide the drinks, burger, bun and burger fixings; we are asking residents to bring a side dish and/or desert. You will also want to bring your lawn chair or blanket for relaxing around the pool and spray ground in the afternoon. Information from: http://www.ellago-tx.com/events.html#july4

CONROE
July 4th Walden and Bentwater Fireworks Show
Fireworks will be shot off at Dusk from the Marina near the Walden Yacht Club, 13101 Melville Dr, Montgomery. Parking at the Yacht club is reserved for dinner guests. There is limited parking on the streets. Suggested viewing is from the water. Information from: http://www.conroetoday.com/evps/evitem.cfm?evid=4548

FORT BEND
Freedom Rings Concert featuring the Fort Bend Symphony Orchestra
Program includes Star Spangled Banner Finale with soloist, Armed Forces Salute, America the Beautiful – Dragon, God Bless the USA, Liberty Fanfare -Williams/Aguero, Joplin Rag, You're a Grand Old Flag, Variations on a Shaker Melody – Copland, Strike Up the Band, Sousa Marches, Gems of Stephen Foster and 1812 Overture. Event will be at the Stafford Centre from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. and a fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m. Location:10505 Cash Road, Stafford, TX 77477. Information from: http://www.fbso.org/
KATY
Annual Freedom Celebration at Katy Mills Mall
The 22nd Annual Katy Freedom Celebration fireworks display will be held at Katy Mills Mall on Monday, July 4. The fireworks are launched between the east side of the mall and Katy Fort Bend Road. The display begins at dark (approximately 9:00 p.m.) and can be viewed from several miles around the mall area. Information from: cityofkaty.com/katy-freedom-celebration-july-4/
KEMAH
Kemah’s Independence Day Parade
Kicking off the Independence Day Celebration activities is the Kemah 4th of July Parade, Monday, at 11:00 a.m. with the Children’s Parade starting at 10:30 a.m. The parade line up is behind the Kemah Visitor Center at 9:00 a.m. with the parade route travelling along the Kemah Lighthouse District. The theme for the patriotic parade this year is “The Spirit of Volunteerism.” The parade is open to all and easy to enter with no registration fee. Monday evening is the July 4th Kemah Boardwalk Fireworks, “Star Spangled Skies” extravaganza. From the Kemah Boardwalk and surrounding areas all will be able to see the fantastic light show over Galveston Bay. The annual fireworks display scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. For more information on these activities or lodging needs contact the Kemah Visitor Center at 281-334-3181. Information from: http://www.kemah.net/July_4_2011_Kemah_press_release.pdf

LEAGUE CITY
July 4th Citizen Appreciation Day
Mayor, City Council, Parks Board and staff will be serving free refreshments in appreciation of the citizens of the City of League City at League Park from 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There will be live music and other entertainment. FREE. Information from: http://www.leaguecity.com/calendar.aspx?EID=1348

NASSAU BAY
July 4th Parade and Fireworks Show
Decorate your bikes, floats, baby strollers, cars, or just yourself! Various prizes will be awarded. Join your friends and neighbors for a fun-filled evening. Bring a picnic dinner and a blanket for the fireworks show. Parade begins at 6:30 p.m. from Gloria Dei and ends at Lake Park Nassau. Activities at the park including bounce houses, food vendors, face painting, and live music. Fireworks Display begins at 9 p.m. Information from: http://www.nassaubay.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=48

PASADENA
Pasadena's Annual 4th Fest Event will take place Monday, July 4th, 2011
from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center.
There will be a 20-minute long fireworks show, live music by “The Slags,” a car show, kidzone, USMC Toys for Tots BBQ Cook-off, games, prizes, vendors, water balloon war zone, sports and other entertainment. Information from: http://www.ci.pasadena.tx.us/default.aspx?name=prk.event-4thfest

PEARLAND
Celebration of Freedom
This year's program will begin with an explosion of patriotic excitement! A full-size carnival will be on site at noon on Monday. Stadium and Field seating will be available at no charge beginning at 6 PM on Monday. A VFW military salute will begin the evening's entertainment, followed by the National Anthem. The stadium will be filled with the tunes of Texas country recording artist, Hamilton Loomis. At sundown, enjoy a spectacular 20-minute fireworks display from your seat inside the stadium.. For more information, call 281-412-8900. Information from: http://www.pearlandparks.com/celebration_of_freedom.html
SUGAR LAND
Celebration of Freedom
The City of Sugar Land’s 26th annual Red White and Bluefest will set the skies ablaze over Oyster Creek Park. Celebrate America’s 235th birthday with family, friends and fellow residents while enjoying new main stage performances, delicious county fair-type goodies and numerous children’s activities. A free shuttle service will be provided from Mercer Stadium, 16403 Lexington Blvd., to Oyster Creek Park, 4033 State Highway 6 South, from 4:30-11 p.m. Information from: www.sugarlandtx.gov
THE WOODLANDS
South County Fourth of July Parade “Celebrating the American Dream”
On Sunday, July 3, stroll through Market Street - The Woodlands for its Fourth of July parade, “Celebrating the American Dream” starting at 9 a.m. The festivities continue later that evening when the Houston Symphony performs its Star Spangled Salute, a free concert at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion starting at 8 pm. Information from: http://www.4thofjuly.org/

Houston Symphony presents Star-Spangled Salute
The Pavilion dons red, white and blue July 3 for the return of the Star-Spangled Salute. This free Independence Eve spectacular features the Houston Symphony in a selection of patriotic favorites under the direction of Michael Krajewski. Don’t miss commemorating the birth of our nation by joining the Symphony in this grandiose celebration. It’s an evening of good, old-fashioned family fun complete with cannons blasting from the top of the hill during Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture." Pre-concert activities begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Fidelity Investments Plaza.FREE event. Information from: http://www.woodlandscenter.org/tourarchive.html?n_id=346

Red, Hot & Blue Festival
The Woodlands will celebrate July 4 weekend with one of the largest firework displays in the greater Houston area, hot dog and watermelon eating contests, live entertainment, and more! Now in its 14th year, the annual Red, Hot & Blue Festival will be held Monday, July 4, 2011 from 6 - 10 pm at Town Green Park and Waterway Square, both located along The Woodlands Waterway. Admission to the event is free and tickets for food concessions and games may be purchased on-site. Information from: http://www.thewoodlandscvb.com/redhotblue/

Alvin woman jumps on hood of beer thieves ...

Child disappears down manhole ...

CYPRESS, Texas - Police are trying to find a child who went down a manhole but never came back out Monday afternoon.

Stafford Police and more than 2 dozen Houston Fire Department personnel are searching in the Newport by the Lakes neighborhood in the 18900 block of Barker Cypress Road.
An officer saw the child, presumed to be 12-14 years of age, go down that manhole a little before 3 p.m. Monday, according to HFD.

It’s not known why he went down the manhole.
At around 4:26 p.m., the scene was clear.

READ MORE AT KHOU

Texas Local Web Site Blooms into a Flower for the Community

New exciting things are developing in the Summer of 2011 for ExploreHouston.com

Best Publications wants to welcome the public to this new web business directory and informational mecca for ExploreHouston.com that will continue to be filled with. . . Community Links and Events, Guide Pages for Restaurants, Weddings, Florist, Services, Auto Sales, Entertainment, Real Estate, Eye Care, Dental, Medical, Employment, Shopping! Read a variety of Articles | Forums Topics | Daily Deals | Coupons | Directory Hot Links | Interact Page to Join the Community Fun!

Register with ExploreHouston.com site so you can gain the benefits. User can post Social and Public Events.

Take the opportunity for High School and University Students to announce Sports and School Events, Professional Sports Links and Ticket Information | Post a photo or comment on other people’s Photos, Comment of Articles or Forum Topics | Post a Scan of your Child’s Artwork | Free Classified Postings & Add Your Own

The staff of ExploreHouston wants the community to benefit from the information we can share... as well as encourage you to participate. Send us a comment.

Post your event or Your Organization Benefit in ExploreHouston.com Event section. We want our information to accurate, so we depend on our community to help us stay in touch.

Are you a writer that wants to be published? Got an article? Send it in a word document to info@ExploreHouston.com

Engage! Enjoy! Grow with us!

~ ExploreHouston.com Staff

Cypress woman sues over sexual harassment ...

A former Life Time Fitness trainer is suing the Chanhassen, MN-based company on the grounds of sexual harassment and retaliation.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Lisa Ryan Flores of Cypress, TX, on May 19 in Harris County (TX) District Court against Life Time and Todd Buckland, a Life Time employee who was Flores’s team leader. Flores accuses Buckland of inappropriate and unwanted sexual behavior.

In July 2009, Flores was transferred from Life Time’s Cinco Ranch location to its Houston City Centre location, where the alleged behavior took place, according to the complaint. Among other accusations, Flores claims Buckland put his hand down her pants and would send her unwanted text messages outside of work late at night.

After reporting the alleged sexual advances around Sept. 1, 2009, Flores claims Life Time led a campaign of retaliation against her, and that led to her wrongful termination. The tactics, Flores claims, included demoting her, which reduced her income. She claims Life Time’s corporate human resources department scolded her because she asked club managers about Buckland’s status at the club.

On Oct. 21, 2009, Flores filed claims of harassment and subsequent retaliation with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Civil Rights Division of the Texas Workforce Commission. During mediation, Flores was fired by Leslie Simoneau, general counsel for Life Time Fitness, according to the complaint.

In addition to sexual harassment and retaliation, Flores is suing on the grounds of assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress. She is seeking damages that include back pay, punitive damages and attorneys’ fees.

Life Time says it does not comment on legal matters.

Cy-fair tragedy spurs anti-bullying legislation ..

Eight months after Cy-Fair middle school student Asher Brown's suicide, the Texas Senate unanimously approved "anti-bullying" legislation aimed at giving school administrators authority to prevent ongoing harassment of students.

The bill returns to the House, which is expected to concur with Senate amendments and send it to Gov. Rick Perry for his signature.

Amy and David Truong, Asher's mother and stepfather, watched from the Senate gallery as the legislation was adopted unanimously.

The Truongs say they complained to school officials for months before 13-year-old Asher's suicide that he was being bullied, but received no help from Hamilton Middle School administrators. He died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at home last September.

State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, said the legislation will allow school officials to reassign bullies or their victims to other campuses or classes.
Added Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, "The real goal is prevention. We've got to hold public school officials accountable when they know about these acts."
'More proactive stance'

Van de Putte, who tearfully hugged the Truongs after the bill's passage, thanked "the courage of many families" who advocated for the legislation.

"This bill … represents the consensus statement by the Legislature we will no longer tolerate doing nothing," about bullying in Texas public schools, she said.


READ THE FULL STORY AT THE CHRON

Shell plant back on line today ...

Royal Dutch Shell Plc planned to restart an olefins unit today at its Deer Park, Texas, facility.

Olefins Plant 2 was to resume operations at 5 a.m. local time today, The Hague-based company said in a filing to state regulators. The unit had been shut because of an equipment malfunction, Shell said. Olefins are used to make synthetic fibers.

Missing Cypress man's body found ...

The body of a Cypress, Texas man, missing since he disappeared while on an outing Sunday at Lake Somerville, has been found.

The body of Walter Castillo, 38, was discovered about 10:20 a.m. Wednesday by a searcher near Yegua Creek Park.

Castillo was missing since he fell from a jet ski near Rock Island Sunday. Rock Island is located between Yegua Creek Park and Overlook Park.

Both of those parks are on the Washington County side of Lake Somerville.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office responded to the missing person call about 5:45 p.m. Sunday.

Searchers included personnel from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Emergency Medical Services, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens, a Texas Department of Public Safety aircraft from Houston and a DPS dive team from Austin.

This is the second lake drowning in just over two weeks.

Maria Guadalupe Hernandez, 49, of Tomball, drowned April 23 while on an outing at Welch Park.

READ MORE HERE

Texan heads Bin Laden raiders

The commander of the U.S. military unit responsible for killing elusive al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden — Vice Adm. William H. McRaven — is a San Antonio native and graduate of the University of Texas in Austin.

McRaven, 55, earned a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1977, although a campus dean said a computer listing didn't indicate whether the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps member had an interest in the print side of news coverage, broadcast or public relations.
A fellow ROTC member recalled McRaven as eager for military service.

"He was extremely focused on preparing for special forces details," said Curtis Raetz, of McKinney, who majored in engineering at UT, served in the Marine Corps and now works in private business.
'He had drive.'

Raetz, who graduated a year before McRaven, said the ROTC program included required courses such as naval science.

James Gruetzner, who served in the same Navy ROTC batallion as McRaven, told Cox Newspapers, "He had drive. He went on extraordinarily long runs to stay in shape. He was very dedicated."
McRaven's Navy biography states he attended the Naval Postgraduate School and was its first graduate in Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict. In 1995, he wrote a book called Spec Ops: Case Studies in Special Operations Warfare Theory and Practice.

McRaven became commander of the U.S. military's Joint Special Operations Command in 2008.
In that role, he reportedly led the planning and execution of bin Laden's death Sunday at the hand of Navy SEALs, an acronym that stands for Sea, Air and Land.

UFO sighted of Cypress?

A Cypress, TX, witness reports a white or silver "thin object" hovering 1,000 feet over US 290 that quickly disappeared from view on April 5, 2011, according to April 9, 2011, testimony from the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) witness reporting database.

This is the second cigar-shaped report from Texas in a two-day period. We recently covered a similar shape UFO in the story: Illuminated cigar UFO reported over Texas - a sighting that occurred one day later, on April 6, 2011. In the first case, the witness was able to provide an image of the object, although no town name was mentioned in the public portion of the MUFON report.

"It seemed to be moving to moving parallel to the highway, and as I turned left onto Spring Cypress Road," the witness stated. "The object stopped, then hovered over the freeway, sort of in the upper horizon behind it."

The witness lost sight of the object while driving under the freeway.

"It was gone and nowhere to be found."

Cypress is an unincorporated area in Harris County, located inside the city of Houston, along US 290.The area ranks 50th in the top 100-income areas in the U.S. No images or videos were included with the MUFON report

Cypress ISD looking for new superintendent

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Texas' third-largest school system, could name its new superintendent as early as May 23.

Dozens of community members met with consultants leading the search Thursday to detail the qualities they'd like to see in the next leader of the 106,000-student northwest Harris County district.

Some said they want a career educator with success in an increasingly diverse and fast-growing district.

"This district wants, needs and deserves someone who has that proven track record," said Mike Moses, former Texas education commissioner and former Dallas ISD superintendent.

Moses and attorney David Thompson's firm, School Executive Consulting, are leading the search for Cy-Fair's next superintendent.
The new leader will be faced with the daunting task of balancing the district's budget in the face of state funding cuts while keeping pace with exploding enrollment, Thompson said.

School Executive Consulting is the same group that plucked current Cy-Fair Superintendent David Anthony from a Dallas-area district in 2004.
After seven years on the job, Anthony announced earlier this year that he will leave the district in June to become chief executive officer of Raise Your Hand Texas, an education nonprofit.

Thompson and Moses have conducted about 40 superintendent searches in the past decade. Cy-Fair hired the firm for about $22,000 — one-fifth of what the Houston ISD paid a different consulting firm in 2009 to hire Terry Grier from San Diego.
According to a tentative timeline, applications for the post are due April 21. The firm is expecting 25 or 30 candidates.

Five to seven applicants will be interviewed the first week of May, and two or three finalists could be interviewed the second week of May.
"This is not etched in stone," Moses said.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY AT THE CHRON

Alleged Chicago murderer arrested in Conroe

TUCUMCARI, N.M. — A 33-year-old Chicago man has been arrested in the killings of two men at a Tucumcari, N.M., hotel.

New Mexico state police spokesman Eric Garcia said Monday that Muziwokuthula "Muzie" Madonda was arrested without incident in Conroe, Texas outside of Houston on two counts of murder and tampering with evidence.

It's unclear whether he has a lawyer.
Madonda is awaiting extradition back to New Mexico to face the charges, which stem from the deaths of 37-year-old Gabriel Baca and 57-year-old Bobby Gonzales, both of Tucumcari.

A family member who looked through a window at the Tucumcari Inn found the men's bodies Thursday.


READ MORE AT THE CHRON

Got veggies?

The Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District is accepting bids until April 14 for a steady supply of frozen and canned fruits, vegetables and legumes.

The one-year contract begins July 1. Regular deliveries are expected at the Cy-Fair ISD Food Production Center, 11355 Perry Road.

All items must have zero trans fat content and abide by the Texas Public School Nutrition Policy, available for review at squaremeals.org. By law governing district funding, Cy-Fair ISD must buy items that are at least 51 percent U.S.-made.

For more information, contact buyer Trisha Jensen at 281-517-6552.

Cypress boy killed in wreck in Florida

A 13-year-old boy was killed and three other people injured when their vehicle overturned on I-10 less than a mile east of the Sneads exit on Saturday afternoon.

The Florida Highway Patrol said all four people in the 2001 GMC Yukon were from Cypress, Texas, but did not release the names.

The driver, a 15-year-old boy, was seriously injured and two 45-year-olds, a man and a woman, were critically injured. All three were taken to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. The boy who was killed was taken to Jackson Hospital in Marianna where he was pronounced dead.

The accident report said the vehicle was traveling westbound on I-10 in the left lane about 1:45 p.m. when it drifted onto the grass shoulder of the median. The vehicle was steered back to the right but overcorrected, causing the vehicle to go out of control and overturn several times. Three of the occupants were ejected from the vehicle.

No charges have been filed but the investigation is ongoing, the report said.

NORAD exercise tomorrow over Houston

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) will conduct exercise flights tomorrow morning as they practice intercept and identification procedures. Exercise flights will take place over Southeastern Texas. Although they are scheduled for mid-morning, the exercise flights could be delayed due to weather concerns.

Those living southeast of Houston, specifically near Ellington Airport, may hear and/or see NORAD-controlled fighter jets in close proximity to a military or military contracted aircraft, which will be taking on the role of a Track of Interest (TOI).

In order to test responses, systems and equipment, NORAD continuously conducts exercises with a variety of scenarios, including airspace restriction violations, hijackings and responding to unknown aircraft. All NORAD exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled.

NORAD has conducted exercise flights of this nature throughout Canada and the U.S. since the start of Operation Noble Eagle, the command’s response to the terrorist attacks that occurred on Sept. 11, 2001.

18 charged in rape of 11 year old girl.

(CNN) -- Thirteen adults and five juveniles have been arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged rape of a Texas girl, police said.

Darrell Broussard, assistant police chief for the Cleveland, Texas, police department, said Monday that the investigation into the incident "is continuous," with more significant developments possible. Cleveland is about 50 miles northeast of Houston.

"There have been leads during our investigation that have alerted us to other possible persons of interest," Broussard told CNN. "The investigation is ongoing."
The 18 individuals charged thus far are between 14 and 27 years old, he said.

On Friday, the Cleveland police department announced that four students in the Cleveland independent school district had been arrested on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14.

They appeared Monday in a Liberty County court, in the town of Liberty, to face the charges.
Police noted that some but not all suspects are students at Cleveland High School, though all those named thus far are from the town.

Mike Little, the district attorney in Liberty County, said police would likely decide whether more people would be charged. He offered few other details, saying, "We are very careful about pretrial publicity."

The incident allegedly happened late last year in Cleveland. The case has sharply divided the community, according to CNN affiliate KHOU.

"It just seems like a dream," said Sherry Fletcher, whose 20-year-old son Devo Shaun Green is among those charged according to Cleveland police. "I just hope everything comes out well, because some of these kids are innocent."

Those adults arrested and charged with sexual abuse of a child, a first-degree felony in Texas, could face 25 year to life in prison if convicted, according to the police department.

Off duty cop kills man in Harris County

Harris County sheriff's deputies said the shooting happened in the 13000 block of Rosetta Drive in Cypress at about 12:40 a.m.

A family asked the officer, who is their next-door neighbor, for help with a family disturbance, detectives said.

The officer, identified as Raul Abdala, went to the family's home and found 30-year-old Chad Nash armed with a knife in the front yard, investigators said.
Deputies said Nash started to walk toward the officer, and Abdala told him to drop the knife. Nash did not drop the knife and continued to move toward the officer, causing the officer to shoot out of fear for his safety, investigators said.

Nash was taken to Northwest Cypress Hospital, where he died.
"We would like to make it clear that there was no home invasion," Nash's family wrote in a statement. "There was a family altercation that ended tragically for everyone involved. It is a difficult time for both families, and we ask that you allow us to grieve privately and in the company of our loved ones."

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

Horses die in fire

CYPRESS, Texas - Six horses died Sunday morning in a fire at a northwest Harris County subdivision stables.

Flames broke out before daybreak at the Ravensway stables.

Cypress Creek firefighters managed to rescue two of the trapped horses but heat and flames kept them from saving the others.

One of the horse owners, Brandon Warren, 17, says he worked at the stables to earn money to buy the animal six years ago.

6 Horses Killed in Stables Fire: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

Breaking: Explosions rock Belvieu plant!

Multiple explosions, fire at Mont Belvieu plant

Credit: AIR 11
A fire at Enterprise Products in Mont Belvieu was burning out of control more than an hour after witnesses heard multiple explosions.

by Michelle Homer / khou.com
khou.com
Posted on February 8, 2011 at 1:05 PM
Updated today at 1:39 PM


MONT BELVIEU, Texas – Several explosions at a Mont Belvieu plant were followed by flames that could be seen from miles around.
The explosions happened at Enterprise Products at 135 Sun Oil Road around 12:25 p.m.


Witnesses reported seeing workers fleeing from the Chambers County plant. Other workers were being told to stay inside.
The company hasn't released any details about injuries. An employee, who didn't want to be identified, said at least one contractor has not been accounted for.


The employee said the explosion happened in a subsection of the plant.
Chambers County officials say there's no known threat to the public at this time.

They have not called for evacuations.
State Highway 146 is closed near the plant.

The fire was still burning out of control nearly an hour after it began. The flames could be seen 25 miles away in Houston.

A Houston caller named Pat said she was talking by phone to a relative inside the plant when the first set of explosions happened. There were three more explosions while they were still on the phone. "Anywhere from eight to 11 explosions," according to Pat.

READ MORE AT KHOU

Controversy surrounds teen beating by Houston police

(CNN) -- Houston's mayor and police department were on the defensive Friday, two days after graphic video came out showing several police repeatedly kicking and beating a 15-year-old burglary suspect as he lay on the ground.
An internal police investigation of the incident last March led to the firing of seven police officers, said spokesman John Cannon of the Houston police department.

Two successfully appealed and returned to their jobs, said Houston NAACP President D.Z. Cofield.

Five other officers were disciplined in other ways, Cannon said. And a Harris County grand jury indicted four of the officers this summer, based in part on the video.
Harris County District Attorney Patricia Lykos opposed the video becoming public and felt doing so might prejudice potential jurors and force the indicted officers' trials to be moved out of the county.

Quanell X, a local activist, got hold of the surveillance tape showing the scene outside a storage facility and gave it to the media.
He said he had every right to obtain the footage and make it public.

"I will show my people what they deserve to see, and let the public see what you don't want them to see," Quanell X said.
Mayor Annise Parker said the police leadership and city acted properly.

"I resent any implication that we were trying to hide the tape," she said.
After viewing the footage, Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland Jr. fired the seven officers and a grand jury called for misdemeanor charges against four of them in June.

Lykos told reporters Thursday there was not sufficient evidence to pursue more serious charges, such as aggravated assault.
"Without revealing what was presented to the grand jury, in order to have aggravated assault you have to have serious bodily injury or impairment or use of a deadly weapon," she said. "None of that was apparent in this case."

The tape, first shown Wednesday on CNN affiliate WTRK, shows the 15-year-old boy -- being chased by police and falling to the ground after being upended by a moving police car. He then falls face first and places his hands on the ground.

A disciplinary letter from McClelland, dated June 23 and posted online less than two weeks later by CNN affiliate HTRK, says that the boy had his hands behind his head and neck area, in an obvious position of surrender.

Then, the letter adds and the tape shows, Officer Raad Hassan "then ran toward (the boy) and kicked him a total of 15 times," then later kicked him more times in the groin area even after he "was handcuffed and no longer a threat."

READ THE FULL STORY ON CNN

Substitute teacher arrested in connection with Bay City ISD death threats

Credit: Matagorda County Sheriff's Office
Paul Nolen May

by khou.com staff
khou.com
Posted on January 27, 2011 at 11:23 AM
Updated today at 11:23 AM


BAY CITY, Texas – A substitute teacher has been arrested and charged in connection with death threats made to students in Bay City ISD, the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

Paul Nolen May, 41, was arrested on Wednesday.
He’s charged with 12 counts of making a terroristic threat – all of which are third-degree felonies.

The threats began on December 28 when the district received a hand-written, profanity-laced letter, purportedly from the parent of a student.

In the letter, the sender expressed anger over their child being disciplined at school. The letter detailed new "rules" for the school to follow regarding discipline and threatened to "kill a random student" if the demands were not met.
About a week later, a second threat was sent via text message.

The message, sent from an anonymous source and forwarded among Bay City ISD students, said this: "Hey! Forward this to everyone…1 rule broken, two girls dies at the jr. high and 2 from high school, dnt go! The school will be on lockdown."

It was not clear if May was suspected in both threats. Investigators declined to release any additional information Thursday.

May was being held in the Matagorda County Jail on bonds totaling $240,000.

Tomball man gets 10 years for fatal DWI

A Tomball man who said he’s turned his life around after a drunk-driving wreck that has left one man in a vegetative state will spend 10 years in prison.
Judge K. Michael Mayes, of the 410th state District Court, sentenced Stephen Burks, 39, to 10 years in prison Friday for one count of intoxication assault. The accident injured Carlo Lujan, 21, also of Conroe.

Burks also received 10 years’ probation for injuring Aurelio Iglesias, 47, of Conroe, during an August 2009 accident at the intersection of Texas 105 East and Millmac Road.
Burks will have to serve at least five years in prison before being eligible for parole.

“I am happy (about the sentence),” Assistant District Attorney Tyler Dunman said. “This has been a case that has really impacted me because sometimes it may be easy if someone is killed by a drunk driver (because) the family can move on. But in this case, the good Lord left Carlo Lujan to really show the impact of drunk driving in our county.”
Lujan, a 2007 graduate of Caney Creek High School, played football for the Panthers.
DPS troopers who responded to the Aug. 15, 2009, accident testified during Burks’ sentencing hearing.

Burks was driving a pickup truck that ran into the back of Lujan’s passenger vehicle, which rear-ended a second vehicle that Iglesias was driving.

Lujan was airlifted to Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston, where doctors determined his head had dislocated from its spine during the accident, leaving him in a minimally-responsive state.

Iglesias, a preschool teacher with the Conroe Independent School District, testified how he was trapped inside his car for at least 30 minutes and suffered injuries to his knee, groin and ribs.

“At first, I was really scared ... I thought my car would explode,” Iglesias said. “Now, I’m like an old man; I’m still scared when I’m driving.”
Armida Lujan, the mother of Carlo Lujan, told Mayes about her son’s life before the crash.

“Carlo loved to be in church. ... He was a youth minister,” Armida Lujan said. “He had preached that night (of the accident) about faith.”
Carlo Lujan’s caretakers wheeled him into the courtroom on a stretcher during the hearing to let Mayes see his vegetative state.
“The doctors never gave us any hope,” Armida Lujan said. “I thought he just had injuries like broken ribs and he’d recover. But time passed, and he didn’t look good.

READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE

Body found inside burned-out home in Tomball

11 News REPORT


TOMBALL , Texas – Investigators in Tomball found a body inside a burned out home Tuesday and are searching for a second victim.

A husband and wife have been missing since the Sunday night blaze on Orchard Grove Drive in the Spring Creek Estates subdivision.

Emergency crews responded to reports of several explosions and found the home and a separate guesthouse fully engulfed in flames. The body found Tuesday was in the guesthouse.

The home is owned by Darren and Shirley Hockenberry.
Tomball Police say they believe both were inside the home at the time of the fires.
Investigators believe the fires are suspicious. They tell 11 News reporter Kevin

Reece there are several points of origin for the blazes and gas cans are strewn throughout the property.
The explosions may have been caused by numerous rounds of ammunition found inside the main home.

Tomball Police would not comment on a potential motive for arson.