Dickie Colburn
Joe Kazmar
Chuck Uzzle
Sabine Lake Fishing
Sports And More
Fishing and Outdoors
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FOOTBALL
Bridge City and Orangefield Regroup For Week 2 See Section B
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H H H H H YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER SINCE 1960 H H H H H
The Record TheRecordLive.com
Vol. 52 No. 23 Week of Wednesday, September 5, 2012
The Penny Record of Bridge City and Orangefield • Founded 1960
Council denies rezoning request Debby Schamber
Andrews receives maximum sentence
ANDREWS
Debby Schamber For The Record
Daniel Ray Andrews, 24, was recently sentenced to 20 years in prison by Judge Dennis Powell, of the 163rd District Court on second degree felony charges of injury to a child. He received the maximum sentence for the charge. The charges stem from an incident in February when he was left alone with his girlfriend’s 14-month-old son. The baby had soiled his diaper and spit-up on his clothes when Andrews decided to give him a bath. As a result, the baby received second degree burns on 65 percent of his body. His mother took him to a local hospital where law enforcement was called. Andews was on felony probation for possession of marijuana when the incident occurred. He was indicted in July 2012 on the child abuse charges. Custody of the boy was given to his father.
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For The Record
After numerous comments from concerned citizens, council members with the Bridge City city council voted Tuesday evening against the proposed zone changes. During an August 27 Planning and Zoning meeting, commissioners voted to recommend to the council a request from Roundbunch Enterprises, David Olson, for a zone change from a R-1, single family residential and R-2, low density residential district, to a C-3 third commercial district located on the property located on the corner of Ferry Drive and Meadowlawn. A large portion of the property is currently zoned commercial, C-3, and the request was to change the remaining to a C-3
to allow for a commercial venture. Before the vote, Mayor Kirk Roccaforte informed the citizens in the ROCCAFORTE room, the council was under a lot of pressure but, “this council always thinks things out.” “They have all the citizens of Bridge City on their minds,” he said. Roccaforte added the city has limited C-3 property. “Anytime we have a zone change, we are up against the same thing,” he said. “No matter where it is.” Council members have to look at the options and what is best for the city, he added. “The council is well under pressure and it should not re-
flect on how they vote on this issue,” he said. In the end, it was two votes for the proposal and four against the zone change. Council member, Robert Simonton, addressed the crowd before they left council chambers. “When you come down to it, it weighs heavy on our hearts,” Simonton said. “But, when you start making phone calls and making threats—that’s gone too far.” Dr. David Olson was the first to speak on the zone changes prior to the vote. He told the council and citizens he had received a letter of intent and last summer was approached by a Houston real estate broker firm. They wanted to put a “big box” store at the location. It would be a 100,000 square foot building
and a $28 million project. He had also requested a 200 foot “buffer” adjacent to the Hunter’s Run subdivision. He said he intended to build a road on the buffer property. Olson’s comments were followed with remarks from the citizens at the meeting. Joh Hernandez was the first to speak. “Me and my wife are 100 percent against this,” he said. “It will be basically in our
backyard.” He added, he would like to see the property used to build another residential area. Other residents voiced their opinions as well with comments against the changes because of loss of property values, drainage issues, increased traffic and health hazards such as garbage and rodents. Janice Leonard told listeners BC REZONING PAGE 3A
BCHS Strutters win top honors
Faith leads to confession in Herman murder Debby Schamber For The Record
Life is often full of lessons learned such as the longest journey starts with a single step. During his lifetime, Thomas Teal,56, started on his journey several times and along the way took many missteps before finding the right path. It is 10 years ago this week, Teal confessed to an Orange County Deputy, he had participated in the crime of murder in Sept. 1977. Investigators for more than 25 years believed the Teal brothers had committed the murder of Ronnie Herman, but did not have sufficient evidence to make the arrests. Thomas Teal had gone to the sheriff’s office in Sept. 2002, to make a report against his younger brother, Donald Teal, who had stolen his lawn mower and sold it for money to buy drugs. He met with the deputy and like many times before, he handed him a copy of his testimony which is what he did when he came in contact with people. Thomas’ testimony is a statement of the events in his life which has led him to his strong faith in God. He passes
The BCHS Strutters recently returned from competition in San Antonio with All American dance and drill team honors.
Staff Report For The Record
Thomas Teal sits with his Bible which he starts each day reading and living by the word of God. RECORD PHOTO: Debby Schamber
out copies in hopes of helping others. The deputy, who was familiar with the murder case, told Thomas, “I have a sign in my office which says underneath it, ‘“I shall not kill,’” according to Record Archives. The depu-
ty added, “I work for the Lord too and my job is the truth seeker.” The deputy then asked who had killed Herman. Thomas says he thought about what the deputy said FAITH FREES PAGE 3A
The Bridge City Strutters attended American Dance Drill Team Camp recently at Crowne Plaza Hotel Riverwalk at San Antonio. They were awarded Super Sweepstakes, Outstanding Home Routine, Best Overall Precision, Best Overall Technique, Gussie Nell Davis Team of the Day, All American Team of the Day and Week by the American Dance staff. All American Kick Company members are Sydney Shepherd, Katie Nation, Ciara Cooper, Aubrey Hale, Maura Terrell, and Cheska Podnewich. American staff judges named two Miss High Kick winners, and they are Ciara Cooper and Aubrey Hale. Junior All American Kick Company members are Sydney Billington and Raven Cormier. Sydney Billington was named Junior Miss High Kick. All American members are Sydney Shepherd, Madison Woodruff, Katie Nation, Aubrey Hale, Ciara Cooper, Samantha Morphew, Victoria Gauthier, Madison Lyons, Cheska Podnewich, Rachel Hecker, Kristen Young, Chassadi Decker, and Jessica Green. All American Honorable Mention members are Sarah Norville and Maura Terrell. Junior All American members are Chelsea Savoy, Sarah Kidder, and Kylie Castaneda. All American Dance Company members (elite dancers at camp and awarded a competition solo scholarship) are Sydney Shepherd, Madison Woodruff, Katie Nation, Aubrey Hale, Ciara Cooper, and Rachel Hecker. Outstanding Performer is Captain Sydney Shepherd. All Strutters were nominated for All American tryouts.
Obama extends benefits for Gulf War veterans Penny LeLeux For The Record
New laws passed for veterans that served in the Gulf War. These veterans have five years to file from the date of discharge. According to Orange County Veterans Service Officer Gene Smith, President Obama just extended that deadline, so all Gulf War veterans should file now. Smith said Gulf War Syndrome is linked to veterans that served in the Persian Gulf. They may have an illness which a doctor hasn’t been
able to pinpoint the cause. “The veterans’ office has a list of illnesses recognized by the Department of Veterans AfSMITH fairs as part of the Gulf War Syndrome ruling,” said Smith “Gulf War veterans are encouraged to utilize the office, if only to file for medical benefits.” He said all veterans should certify their discharges (DD214) at the county clerk’s office.
Veterans receiving 70-100 percent service connected disabilities can receive discounts on taxes and car tags. Those at 100 percent disability receive tax relief and as of last year, widows of those vets also receive tax relief. Spouses can also receive medical insurance and qualify for Department of Veterans’ Affairs discounts. Smith encourages all retired veterans to file for benefits. The office, located on Farm Road 1442, about one mile south of Interstate 10, is supported by the county and services are offered to veterans
for free. Smith said he still gets veterans coming in that said they didn’t know the office was there. There are two benefits coordinators, Michael Powell and Angela Johnson. Charlotte Burrell, the administrative assistant is also certified in Veterans disability claims and can answer questions over the phone. Smith also assists with filing widow or veterans’ disability benefits or pensions. The coordinators are trained each year with all the new laws to assist vets in filling out the paperwork required to file a
claim. The VSO offers extended hours to assist veterans that work and cannot get off early. The office is open 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. If appointments need to be made earlier or later, they must be approved by Smith. To make an appointment, call 409-745-1535. During the week of Sept. 1721, the office will be operating with a limited staff of one part-time coordinator and the office clerk. Powell, Johnson and Smith will be out of the office for mandatory training.
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