Inside Today: A guide to Easter worship services • 9-10A
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No plans to widen 43rd, despite traffic spike By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com
West 43rd St. was among the most prominent corridors discussed during the City of Houston’s Northwest Mobility Study meeting on April 2 at the Candlelight Community Center. The city’s Planning & Development Department began the Northwest study last year and released most of its findings last week. They’ll take public comments and recommendations from residents through May 2. The entire study and the public comment section are available online at houston-northwest.org The Northwest study was the city’s first suburban Mobility Study. The study’s vast
During public hearings, representatives of the city have suggested a bike lane may be added to the highly-trafficked street. area has 54,000 residents and extends northsouth from Loop 610 to Beltway 8 and eastwest between U.S. Hwy. 290 and I-45. To put that population into perspective, the Heights is 11 square miles with the same number of residents. W. 43rd Street is a 38-mile long road that, under other names, extends into Waller County. But its distance in the study is 6.5 See Traffic, P. 5A
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Despite concerns about W. 43rd Street traffic, the only changes being suggested are adding a bike lane. (Photo by Myra Schelling)
Another indecent exposer sought
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THE BRIEF.
By Jonathan McElvy jonathan@theleadernews.com
Re-dedication of Woodland Park set
The Friends of Woodland Park will celebrate the reforestation of the park from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 19. Mayor Annise Parker will speak at the event. The park was damaged by City Homes last spring, but the company reached a monetary settlement with the city to repair the damaged portion of the park. “We want to thank those who had a hand in resolving the matter and in the reconstruction effort,” said Pat Rutledge, director and treasurer of Friends of Woodland Park Inc.
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FIND IT. REAL GARAGE SALE: Cleared away mess and have real good stuff left to sell. Tools, hardware, camping, gardening. Also teen clothing, household furniture. April 19, 2407 Del Norte. PART-TIME CHURCH SECRETARY: Work alone, good computer skills. Usual office duties. No benefits. Three days/15 hours. Call for details. Heights Christian Church. 713962-8174. GENERAL CARPENTRY AND PAINTING: Small jobs welcome. Excellent references. 832-5230360, 281-743-8467. 2003 CADILLAC DEVILLE: 83,100 miles, four-door, white. Excellent condition, $7,000. 832-606-2504.
THE INDEX. Church
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Senior Living precursor to April 23 event
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n less than two weeks, The Leader, along with presenting sponsor Memorial Hermann, and major sponsors Kroger, Houston Highway Credit Union and Kelsey Care, will host the inaugural 2014 Senior Expo. The event, slated for April 23 at SPJST Lodge #88, is a first-of-itskind day of activities for seniors who live in and around our neighborhoods. But before that happens, we’re bringing you a special publication geared toward seniors about
issues that impact their lives every day. From volunteer opportunities to health and financial tips, today’s edition of The Leader includes a new section called Senior Living. Inside the pages of that section, you’ll also find a complete program to the April 23 Senior Expo. From a list of all the businesses participating to a map of the exhibition hall, we’ve designed a publication that gets you ready for the big event. Enjoy.
Houston law enforcement officials are on the lookout for a man who indecently exposed himself to a woman in the Heights earlier this week. According to Constable Alan Rosen’s office, a woman left her home around 7 p.m. on Monday, April 7, walking near the intersection of Cornell Street and Aurora Street. She The suspect noticed a gray in this latest pick-up truck case was seen driving slowly in a gray GMC or Chevrolet in the area, and truck, and as she prepared Constable to cross an inAlan Rosen tersection, the believes it’s truck stopped only a matter next to her. of time before The driver of he appears again. the gray GMC or Chevrolet truck asked the woman for directions, and as she approached the man, she noticed he was naked from the waist down. “In shock, the resident stepped back from the vehicle and the driver lunged at her as in attempt to grab her,” said a release from Rosen’s office. The woman was able to escape and the vehicle left the scene. The victim described the driver as an Hispanic male between the ages of 30-40. She also told law enforcement the suspect was heavy set. While there is no suspect in the case yet, Rosen said cases like this are usually just a matter of time. “Something like this usually escalates,” Rosen said. “Pretty See Exposed, P. 5A
High mark for Durham as IB World status earned By Michael Sudhalter michael@theleadernews.com
Durham Elementary School received its International Baccalaureate (IB) authorization on Monday and now is officially an IB World School. “This authorization is the culmination of four years of work by our teachers, parents and community members,” Durham first-year principal Angie Sugarek said. “I want to specifically recognize Ms. Regina Williams, the IB Coordinator, who managed to keep Durham on track through multiple principals and difficult times.” There are IB programs in 51 countries, including 1,489 in the United States (409 of those are in elemen-
tary schools). “I know the school will continue to build a curriculum around research and project-based learning,” said Tonia Whitney, Durham PTA President and Shepherd Park Plaza resident. “My daughter will experience a world view in everything she learns.” Sugarek is the school’s fourth principal in as many years, and she has the overall support of the parents, teachers and students. Elizabeth Humbert said Williams was able to steer the ship toward IB status, while leadership at the top was regularly changing. “We’re thrilled. It has been a long, hard-fought battle,” Humbert said. “Our IB coordinator stepped up and See Durham, P. 5A
What is IB?
Obtaining IB World status is just part of the success at Durham. There is now a waiting list for students trying to enter the schools leadership magnet program. (Submitted Photo)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. The IB works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programs of international education and rigorous assessment. The IB focuses on development of curriculum, assessment of students, training and professional development of teachers and authorization and evaluation of schools. The Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 12 started in 1997 and is now offered by 1,135 IB World Schools. – From www.IBO.org
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