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SEALY NEWS THE

FFA students win at San Antonio show PAGE 18

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Mary Mieth

Volume 126 Number 9

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Fish fry The Sealy KC’s will hold a fish fry every Friday in Lent through Good Friday, March 29. Serving is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., dine in or drive-through, at the Sealy KC Hall.

Board to name Mary Hlozek acting superintendent

Garden club to meet

Read Across America Please join Selman Elementary celebrate Read Across America Day Friday, March 1. Guests are invited to read to students anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. They can bring an age appropriate book or choose one provided. The event is all day, but readers can schedule a time by calling (979) 885-6659. Please bring a form of ID.

Classic Car Stampede The 10th Annual Classic Car Stampede is set for Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the North Bell Park and mini parking lot in Bellville. The event is open to cars, trucks and motorcycles with free registration. There will be door prizes and the top 10 and motorcycle awards, along with event T-shirts for sale. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. with awards presented at 1 p.m. For more information, call Danny Jacob at (979) 865-3187, email ■ NEWSBITS, page 12

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Robert Bell ■ Ellen Brainard ■ Trudie Mae Forse

BIBLEQUOTE Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

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Kana on personal leave

NEWSBITS

The Garden Club of Sealy will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 28, at the Hill Community Center in Sealy. Stephen F. Austin State Park Interpreter/Resource Specialist Lisa Reznicek will be the guest speaker. Information on the Brazos Bottomlands will be included in her presentation, “Land of Unspoiled Riches: Natural History of the State Park.” The public is invited to attend.

Little Dribblers kick off season PAGE 10

By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES and COURTESY PHOTO

Hundreds attended Monday's meeting to learn more about the application to construct wells in Austin and Waller counties. Below, a diagram shows where the four different aquifers are and what areas of the county use which one. The circle at the bottom of Austin and Waller counties show the area suggested for drilling.

AC likely to see no benefits from plan to pump 7B gallons of water By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Austin and Waller County residents were told Monday there wouldn’t be any significant impact to the counties, or much benefit, from a project that plans to take 7.3 billion gallons of water annually from the area. The water would come from the Evangeline Aquifer, which runs below Austin County and is a source of water for its residents. Several hundred people showed up Monday night at the Austin County Fairgrounds for an informational meeting about a proposed project by Houston-based Electro Purifications that would take water out of the Bluebonnet Groundwater District to transport and sell to

Sealy ISD board of trustees planned to appoint assistant superintendent Mary Hlozek as acting superintendent in the absence of Sealy ISD Superintendent Scott Kana. The board was set to hold a special meeting Wednesday for the sole purpose of naming Hlozek to the position. No action was taken as of press time. Kana has been on voluntary personal leave since Feb. 8. The leave is indefinite. The district declined to comment on the reason for Kana’s leave and noted the reason for his leave is protected by employee privacy law. Sealy ISD Board President Robert Arnold ■ KANA, page 13

Richmond and Rosenberg. “The worst thing that could happen is lack of knowledge,” Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski said. The biggest question

from residents was how exactly they are going to be affected. “I thought as a whole people were able to ask most of the questions they had,” said Bilski. “Doesn’t mean

we all liked answers.”

the

Any money from fees would go directly to the district to help pay ■ WELLS, page 12

SHS to get new gutters at $59K By AMBER GONZALES

You've been Ambushed! SHS students fine-tune skills with technology class By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Going over their notes and figuring out how to pronounce types of cattle for the Sealy FFA announcement, seniors Erica Payne and Brittney Steinhauser get ready for The Pulse, Sealy High School’s daily televised announcements. “Can you ad lib a Sadie Hawkins?” asks coach and teacher Jay Viertel. The girls prep for their delivery and on 5-4-3-2click, they begin filming the show that will be aired about 45 minutes later in homeroom. “We have people who are editing, filming, working in the studio. It’s not your typical class,” said Viertel. ■ AMBUSH, page 13

Subway robbed at gunpoint

Staff Writer

A man and woman remained in Austin County Jail Tuesday after being arrested in the armed robbery of Subway in Sealy. Suvare Thomas, 24, and Amber Ross, 24, both transient individuals originally from Ohio, were arrested Monday morning by Sealy Police Department officers about an hour after the reported armed robbery at Subway, 2302 Hwy. 36 S. Thomas was found in a room at Super 8 motel along with Ross and narcotics and is suspected of taking about $100 at gunpoint from the Sealy Subway, according to Sealy Police Department Chief

Sealy ISD will have to pay nearly $20,000 to repair rain gutters at Sealy High School after battling consistent problems. Sealy ISD last week came to an agreement with the project architect and general contractor for each party to pay $19,575 to cover the $58,725 price tag to fix the problem. Since the high school was completed in 2005, issues about the gutters were brought to attention, though there was no documentation of that, Jim Obermeier, executive business director at Sealy ISD, told the board at its February meeting. D r y m a l l a Construction Company served as project architect and Remedy Roofing as general contractor in the project. By now the warranty has expired, and each party is claiming it doesn’t have sole responsibility to repair the problems. The gutters were attached to the roof when the campus was built, but are now

■ SUBWAY, page 13

■ GUTTERS, page 13

By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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PAGE 12 ■ THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

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WELLS continued from Page 1 for pipeline construction and studies. However, other districts in similar situations have used money for grants for people to fix or upgrade pipes and wells or conservation projects. Right now, there really isn’t a benefit to the county, she said at the meeting after a resident asked what was in it for Austin County. Rosenberg and Richmond are in need of another water resource after an unfunded mandate will make them reduce subsidence, the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land, and thus closing their ability to obtain groundwater in Fort Bend County. Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales told the audience Monday that they should not fear that the cities would take all the water.

“We really want to be responsible partners,” he said. “We’ve got to treat this as a regional solution.” Members from local governments, Bluebonnet and the Thornhill Group, which created a report for and attended the meeting for Electro, spoke at the meeting. The Proposal The applications by Electro ask to build 10 wells, seven in Brookshire city limits in Waller County and three in Sealy city limits in Austin County. Chambco Interests and Brazos Operating own the land in question. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported

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outside the district. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and would go be between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. They will be targeted at the Evangeline Aquifer, which most wells in southern Austin County and west Waller County don’t use. Those wells generally dip into the shallower Chicot Aquifer. However, the majority of mid and northern Austin County and most of Waller County is tapped into the Evangeline. The plan is to pump 20 million gallons a day, or 22,500 acre-feet per year, that will be transported via pipeline to Rosenberg and Richmond. That comes out to 7.3 billion gallons of water each year. Why here? The informational meeting on Monday began with a plea from Morales to look at the project as a regional water issue, not just one community’s problem. “All that we ask is that we all work together as neighboring communities,” he said. Morales told the crowd that an unfunded state mandate to reduce subsidence meant that the Fort Bend County Subsidence District will require a 30 percent reduction in groundwater usage by 2015 and 60 percent by 2025. The needed water will have to come from somewhere else to maintain and help the community grow. “If one city has limited economic growth, it will affect us all,” he said. Other potential water sources have been nixed. There is enough water available in northern Fort Bend County, but was not available to move south to serve Richmond and Rosenberg.

Water from the Brazos River Authority has already been subscribed, and Houston’s water sources don’t have interbasin transport. Phase I After submitting its applications, the next step following the Bluebonnet District’s guidelines is to submit a Phase I hydrogeological report that analyzes the effects of the wells on nearby users over a span of 30 days and at 365 days. “This project is completely in compliance with the Bluebonnet District,” said Mike Thornhill, who presented the report. The report states that the registered wells in the area in question are all shallow, at depths less than 500 feet below ground level and they tap the Chicot aquifer. Since the Electro wells would go deeper than 700 feet, any drawdown would not cause a significant effect, as it reaches into the lower Evangeline Aquifer. “Drawdown near the well field, pumping 20 million gallons per day for 365 days, is estimated to be approximately 200 feet,” according to the report. The drawdown would be limited to the sand zones deeper than 700 feet. The report does not say whether it would affect users who are tapping the Evangeline Aquifer, which is the majority of Austin and Waller Counties, according to information provided by Bill Hutchison, a third party consultant brought in by Bluebonnet. The report said there would be minimal subsidence and the area does not have a history of it, meaning there is no documented evidence.

And there might not be until they start constructing the wells, said Bilski. “I don’t for a minute think there is no subsidence issue,” she added. District Response The Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District, having received the application and initial report, will now review it. The district will review the impact on existing registered wells, evaluate the proposal in the context of Desired Future Condition and in context of subsidence. There are 250 permitted wells and 3,565 registered exempt wells in the district, which includes Austin, Grimes, Walker and Waller counties. About a thousand of the exempt wells are in Austin County. Which brings the district to ask for residents to register their wells. Those not registered are likely from before the district was created, but are important in reviewing “how many straws are in the cup” in decisions like this. An exempt well can be a domestic well on a single track of land, agricultural wells, one used solely for a rir actively drilling for an oil and gas well, as well as others. The district cannot restrict the production of any well that is exempt. The period for comment and request from the public ends 20 days after the publication of notice about the application. Notice is also mailed to landowners within a half-mile radius of the proposed wells. There are more than 300 landowners and 11 well owners, according to Zach Holland, general manager of Bluebonnet.

The 20 days are up March 6. Calls from the public, general manager and the applicant can lead to a contested hearing. The hearing would be conducted by the board or presiding officer, unless its held through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) – which it does not have to be, said Holland. The party that requests SOAH is responsible for the costs associated with it, according to Texas Water Code. At a contested hearing, the public can offer comment as testimony relevant to the project. Then there would be a summary report and a decision by the district board or presiding officer. March 18 would be the soonest date that a hearing could be held. If the application is approved for Phase II the next step would be to supplement the Phase I report with site-specific data from well construction and testing to prove the report's findings. The final part of Phase II would be to develop specific monitoring at the well locations for subsidence, threshold or trigger groundwater elevations as part of the permit. Bilski said the biggest things she took away from the meeting were to get unregistered wells registered to show impact of the project and to review the March 6 deadline for public requests. More information, including the entire 149 page applications from Electro, is available at www.bluebonnetgroundwater.org. Questions and concerns can be emailed from that website, faxed at 936-825-7331 or mailed in to P.O. Box 269, Navasota, Texas 77868.

Epicurean Event

be held at 7 p.m. on March 7 at Tony’s Restaurant in Sealy. Greg Steussel will show a video of KrisAnn Hall’s lecture “Genealogy of the Constitution.”

Bake sale

NEWSBITS continued from Page 1

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Sealy dance The Sealy Dance Club will host a dance on March 2 at the American Legion Hall in Sealy. This is the annual Valentine’s dance. Dance time is 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Music will be provided by The Old Rascals.” The theme is western. The dance is open to the public and doors open at 6:30 p.m. for more information, call CW Brandes at (979) 8853489.

The Sealy Rotary Club will host its fourth annual Epicurean Event on March 3, 2013 from 4-7 p.m. at the Liedertafel Hall. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. There will be food, wine, beer, music and fellowship. Tickets are available from any Sealy Rotarian or at the Sealy Chamber of Commerce offices, located at 309 Main St.

Republicans to meet The regular monthly meeting of the Republican Party of Austin County will

St. Paul AME Anniversary St. Paul AME is announcing its 124th anniversary Sunday, March 10. The church with host Rev. Emory Davis, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Old Washington, Texas. The theme will be “18892013 - A Torch to Carry, Where Worship is Glorified!” Contact Sis. Carolyn Scott for more information: (979) 8770534.

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Society No. 80 is offering scholarships to the most qualified insured Society No. 80 member applicants graduating this year from high school who enroll in an institution of higher learning or vocational trade school within six months from the date notified of the scholarship award. The application can be found on the Sealy KJT website, www.sealykjt. org, or obtained from secretary Bernice Stolarski, and is due to president Larry Kuciemba by Friday, March 15. A scholarship committee of three Catholic individuals will determine the winner or winners. Scholarships will be awarded upon written receipt of the first semester transcript from the attending college, university or trade school.

Citizens State Bank will host a bake sale to benefit the American Cancer Society – Relay for Life on Friday, March 22 beginning at 9 a.m. at the bank. Please stop by and enjoy a variety of homebaked items donated by employees and officers of the bank. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

SJH course selection There will be an informational meeting for fifth grade parents on Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sealy Junior High School cafeteria. The meeting will cover the 2013-2014 course selection process for the child’s sixth grade school year at about programs. Please plan on attending this very important meeting. Please call (979) 885-3292 with questions.

Memorial scholarship fundraiser The second annual Sam Hines Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser will be held on April 13 and will include a bike rub, barbecue cook-off, games and auction. The fundraiser will take place at the Sealy American Legion Hall, located at 1630 Meyer St. starting at noon. For more information on the auction and bike run, call Ted at (979) 398-9789 and for the barbecue cook-off, call Debi at (832) 722-9618.

SEALY NEWS THE

Girls brings awareness to Autism PAGE 20

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of David Novosad

Volume 126 Number 10

Girls soccer shoots for playoffs PAGE 6

THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

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Water well application process could last over a year By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Residents in Austin and Waller counties can expect the review process for a proposal to pump 7.3 billion gallons of water a year out of the area to last more than a year. That’s the word from the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District. “I don’t see how this process isn’t going to be drawn out in some capacity,” said Zach Holland, general manager at Bluebonnet. “I expect all the appeals process and all that will be exhausted.” As of now, the Bluebonnet District is reviewing the

NEWSBITS Fish fry The Sealy KC’s will hold a fish fry every Friday in Lent through Good Friday, March 29. Serving is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., dine in or drive-through, at the Sealy KC Hall.

Republicans to meet The regular monthly meeting of the Republican Party of Austin County will be held at 7 p.m. on March 7 at Tony’s Restaurant in Sealy. Greg Steussel will show a video of KrisAnn Hall’s lecture “Genealogy of the Constitution.”

St. Paul AME Anniversary St. Paul AME is announcing its 124th anniversary Sunday, March 10. The church with host Rev. Emory Davis, pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Old Washington, Texas. The theme will be “1889-2013 - A Torch to Carry, Where Worship is Glorified!” Contact Sis. Carolyn Scott for more informa■ NEWSBITS, page 13

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Marcus "Marc" Felcman ■ Charlie E. Pavlicek, Jr. ■ Patricia Wagner ■ Paul W. Ziegenbein, Sr. ■ Georgia Brandt Zurovec

BIBLEQUOTE Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers over all wrongs. Proverbs 10:12

Phase I report submitted by Houston-based Electro Purifications on whether the project would significantly affect existing wells. The report states there will not be any positive or negative significant affect, but the district will have an independent report to judge that evidence. The water would come from the Evangeline Aquifer, which runs below Austin County and is a source of water for some of its residents. The Thornhill Group, on behalf of Electro, presented its report March 4 to several hundred residents. The meeting was informal and

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

Sealy leaders say no to water wells By ASHLEY TOMPKINS Editor and Publisher

Sealy City Council is saying no to a Houston-based company’s application to pump 20 million gallons of water a day out of Austin and Waller counties to Fort Bend County. The council last week unanimously passed a resolution voicing opposition to the application filed by Electro Purification LLC with the Bluebonnet Groundwater District. The water Electro is looking to get would come from the Evangeline Aquifer, which runs below Austin County and is a source of water for some City of Sealy and county residents. The council said having 20 million gallons of water, totaling 7.3 billion gallons in a ■ STANCE, page 14

Reading across Sealy SES students learn importance of reading with help from local leaders By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Thing 1 and Thing 2, with spiky blue hair, jump rope and bounce a ball while paper red and white striped hats litter a crowd of mini Cats in the Hat as Selman Elementary honors Dr. Seuss's birthday. Members of the community were invited to read to students Friday, March 1, for the second big Read Across America Day for the school. The program, created by the National E d u c a t i o n Association, promotes community motivation for children to read. “I think the kids are more excited The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES when a visitor comes Students from Ms. Chaney's second grade class read to those in Ms. Lehde's kindergarten class in to read,” said as part of Read Across America Day at Selman Elementary Friday, March 1. The day also honSelman Elementary ors Dr. Seuss's birthday, March 2. Principal Nicole Poenitzsch. This year had about the same turnout as last year, she added, but was easier to organize because they had done it once before. Community members including Catholic Daughters, Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski and her husband Joe, school board trustee Janice Kana and other officials came to ■ READ, page 9

Scam targeting elderly women By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Sealy Police Department is warning residents about a scam where major home thefts have occurred while someone claiming to be from a power company distracts the resident. The crime has been reported twice in a month in Sealy with elderly women as the target. “Unless they have contacted a vendor to come to their house, do not open the door,” Sealy Police Chief John Tollett said of possible victims. “No one from a utility company will ever ask to come inside their residence.” Victims have reported that a female knocks on the door saying she is from a power company and starts talking about power lines. She then takes the resident who opened the door to the back of the house, where she uses a radio or cell phone, said Tollett. In a matter of minutes items will have been taken from the home. “During this whole time, it’s always a female, she’s got a radio ■ SCAM, page 9

Four file for three open Sealy residents to decide two contested races SISD trustee seats By ASHLEY TOMPKINS By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Thank a

not part of an official public hearing. Part of the report stated that the aquifer the project would pump out of recharges approximately half an inch each year. Holland clarified that this is for the entire Gulf Coast Aquifer, not a specific area. In Texas, the Gulf Coast Aquifer runs along the coast from Mexico to Louisiana and can extend up to a hundred miles in width. Holland couldn’t say how that half an inch translates into gallons when comparing how much the aquifer will replenish in relation to 7.3 billion gallons of water ■ WATER, page 14

In the race to lead Sealy Independent School District, four candidates have raised their hands to answer the call to fill the three seats up for election on the district board of trustees. Filing for school board are Brian Owen and Ryan Reichardt and incumbents Robert Arnold and Janice Kana. Dr. Bill Hermann did not

file for re-election. Arnold is the current school board president and is a retired educator who has lived in the district for 25 years. Kana is the vice president of the board and has lived in the district for a little more than nine and a half years. She works as an accountant. Owen is the regional manager in Sealy who has lived in the district for more than nine and a half years. Reichardt heads up Reichardt ■ SISD, page 9

Editor and Publisher

Sealy residents will soon have their say in who will fill two open spots on the Sealy City Council. Three citizens filed to fill Place 3 and two to fill Place 6 in the May 11 election. Facing off in the Place 3 race are Sandra Vrablec, a housewife who has lived in the city for more than 22 years, selfemployed and nine-year resident Dwayne Virnau and Duane Blaschke, a inspections,

preservation asset manager who has lived in Sealy for more than 11 years. Wyn McCready and John Hinze will face off for Place 6. McCready, a cost accountant, has lived in Sealy more than 23 years. Hinze, a store manager, has lived in the city for 27-plus years. Place 3 councilman Larry Koy and Place 6 councilman Steve Wilson are not running for re-election, making the seats up for grabs. April 11 is the last day to register to vote for the election. Early voting is April 29-May 7.

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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PAGE 14 ■ THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

THE SEALY NEWS

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STANCE continued from Page 1 year, will negatively impact Sealy and Austin County resi-

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dents. “If you want a visual, look at a football field, and then look up 22,500 feet. That’s how much water they want to take out annually,” Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman said. The process is still early, but now is the time to act. Coffman said the city needed to make it clear it does not support the project. The applications by Electro ask to build 10 wells, three in Sealy city limits and seven in Brookshire city limits in Waller County. Chambco Interests and Brazos Operating own the land in ques-

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is just below 16,000 acre-feet per year. “That’s all of the water consumed, no matter what it’s used for,” Coffman explained. “They want to pump out of the ground more than what the entire county pumps out now.” He said Electro would have to prove on paper that the Evangeline Aquifer could withhold that high of a drawdown. There is no real benefit to the county if the application is approved. Rosenberg and Richmond are in need of another water resource after an unfunded mandate will make them reduce subsidence, the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land, and thus closing their ability to obtain groundwater in Fort Bend County.

Coffman said he’s confident that the groundwater district will represent the county well, but said the City of Sealy needs to protect itself, as well. Still, he suggested the city hire its own geoscientist to look out for the city’s interests. “In the end, I think we need to be focused on how this is going to affect Sealy. We need to know what the impact will be instead of guessing,” Coffman said. “My concern is if (Electro) gets this permit and starts pumping, who’s next? We need to make sure this city has water for our growth for the next 50 years.” The groundwater district includes four representatives each from Austin and Waller counties, along with representation from

Grimes and Walker counties. The deadline to request an official hearing on the project ended Wednesday. It was unknown if any request had been made prior to press time. Sealy Mayor Nick Tirey said while it’s a long shot and still early to say, he’d hate to see water have to be rationed, not because there isn’t enough available, but because it’s being pumped to a neighboring county. More information, including the entire 149 page applications from Electro, is available at www.bluebonnetgroundwater.org. Questions and concerns can be emailed from that website, faxed at 936-825-7331 or mailed in to P.O. Box 269, Navasota, Texas 77868.

near Sealy and seven near Brookshire, in Waller County. The wells near the proposed project use the Chicot aquifer. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. The area has a serious need for water as the Fort Bend County Subsidence District is requiring a 30 percent reduction in groundwater usage by 2015, and 60 percent by 2025. Electro will be leasing the land from the owners and it has been alluded that the lease would include the water rights, however, Bluebonnet doesn’t have access to those documents, said Holland. “It’s not a piece that we’ve had access to,” he said. “We’re worrying about the actual use of water.” The deadline for pub-

lic comment on the application and to ask for a contested hearing ended Wednesday. As of press time Tuesday it was unknown if an official request for a contested hearing was made. Bluebonnet will now decide whether or not to go through with a hearing, and whether it would be officially requested by an individual, by a group of the public, by the district itself, a combination of those or the applicant. Bluebonnet has 60 days from that deadline to decide whether it will go through with a hearing and will publicize its actions to garner public involvement. “Everybody is walking in the same general direction,” said Holland. “We may not be holding hands, but we’re all going the same way.” He said that he didn’t know yet what the income would be for the district for a project like this, which would be set up to collect monthly on the actual production.

It would not have any affect on water taxes. As the project is reviewed by the district there will be chances for modifications. For example, if the district finds that the 20 million gallons a day creates too significant an impact on existing wells, it might instead look at just the 10 million a day needed for beneficial use in Rosenberg and Richmond. Holland emphasized that the purpose of the district is to protect the interest of future water users and to make sure that there is no unreasonable impact on existing ones. This is not a rubber stamp process, he said. The district includes Austin, Grimes, Walker and Waller counties. “If you didn’t have a groundwater district, you probably would never have known about this until the project was already underway,” he said. “With the district in place we get to balance the scales.”

WATER continued from Page 1

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tion. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. The pumps would target the Evangeline Aquifer. While some wells in southern Austin County and west Waller County use that aquifer, the majority of residents tap their water from the shallower Chicot Aquifer. However, the majority of mid and northern Austin County and most of Waller County is tapped into the Evangeline. Coffman said the total consumption of water in Austin County

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Electro proposes to pump out annually. The Gulf Coast Aquifer is made up of stacked layers that are distinguished by physical sediment and clay that divides them as well as chemical properties of the water they contain. At some point they all reach the surface for replenishment, and can interact at some points, though it’s very limited, said Holland. “Groundwater prefers to move laterally, and it moves toward pressure,” he added. The layers, from shallowest to deepest are Chicot, then Evangeline, Jasper, Catahoula and Jackson Group. The wells in the proposed field would be 20 inches in diameter and would go between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level into the Evangeline. The majority of Austin and Waller counties tap into the Evangeline. The application calls for constructing three wells

The Sealy News/COURTESY PHOTO

LCRA donates to fair Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) awarded the Austin County Fair Association a grant in the amount of $10,000 last year. Funds from this grant were used to replace old fluorescent light fixtures in the Livestock Barn with high efficiently halites. This lighting project has made a significantly great improvement for this facility by improving the light issue and saving on energy. Also, this grant helped fund a portion of the costs for the new fans that were installed in the Livestock Barn. Pictured above, from left, are LCRA representative Karen Hankin, Shawn Jackson with the City of Bellville, LCRA program coordinator Lori LeBlue and Austin County Fair Association grant chairman Kathy Mewis.

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OPINIONS

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, MARCH 7, 2013

SEALY NEWS

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR WATER NOT FOR SALE Dear editor, I attended the meeting in Bellville concerning water and came away convinced that we are in real trouble dealing with this problem not of our making. While Fort Bend County has a real water shortage pending, making us a part of it will not solve anything. They evidently have got some hired guns on the job, but I believe that our elected officials can handle it. I personally believe in them. Fort Bend County should form a regional water authority and build a desalting plant and use the water in the gulf. We have gas and sunlight to power those plants so why not get on it right now? Other countries do. There is nothing to gain

POLITICALCARTOON

by Austin County but grief in this proposal. The simple fact is that you cannot pump that much water out of this county without destroying it, regardless of what the expert said. I know from past experience in dealing with so-called experts you can only lose. Kenneth Currens San Felipe, Texas WATER'S VALUE TOO GREAT Dear Editor, During the public meeting led by Bluebonnet Groundwater District, Bluebonnet proposed to take 20 million gallons of water a day from Austin County aquifers to sell to Fort Bend and Waller counties. This concerns me greatly. 1. Our Austin County underground water should

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers this week: Do you plan to vote in the May 11 City of Sealy, Sealy ISD and Emergency Services District No. 2 elections? • Yes • No

Last week’s question was: Do you think the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District should hold an official public hearing on the proposed application to pump 20 million gallons of water out of Austin County each day? • Yes 88.7% • No 11.3% Total Votes 62 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

WHERETOWRITE U.S. Senator Ted Cruz B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5922 U.S. Senator John Cornyn 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2934 U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, Dist. 10 2000 S. Market St., Ste. 303 Brenham, Texas 77833 (979) 830-8497 Texas Governor Rick Perry P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 787112428 (512) 463-2000 State Senator Glenn Hegar, Dist. 18 P.O. Box 1008

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

Katy, Texas 77492 (281) 391-8883 State Representative Lois Kolkhorst, Dist. 13 P.O. Box 1867 Brenham, Texas 77834 (979) 251-7888 Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski 1 East Main Bellville, Texas 77418 (979) 865-5911 Sealy City Manager Christopher Coffman 415 Main Street Sealy, Texas 77474 (979) 885-3511 Sealy ISD Superintendent Scott Kana 939 Tiger Lane, Sealy, Texas 77474 (979) 885-3516 The Sealy News 193 Schmidt St. P.O. Box 480 Sealy, Texas 77474 (979) 885-3562

never be considered for sale. 2. Water is a commodity that should be preserved for our residents. It is our lifeline for agriculture, residential growth, as well as domestic and wild life. 3. Geologists at the meeting stated, “There is enough water for 50 years.” That is a very short time for our children and grandchildren to find out that we gave our water rights away irresponsibly. In 50 years water will cost twice as much as gasoline. 4. Austin County city councils and the commissioners court should pass a resolution, that our ground water is not for sale at any price. Eddie Marx Past President New Ulm Water Supply Corporation

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS Sequestration happens, effects to be felt Friday, March 1, was the deadline for Congress and the White House to agree on how much to tax and how much to spend to avoid “sequestration” — automatic across-the-board cuts to federal programs in the current federal fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, and beyond. No agreement came. Now, budget reductions totaling $85 billion will come, resulting in fewer federal dollars meted out to the 50 states for education, social programs, environmental funds, civilian jobs linked to defense functions, and more. According to Texas’ 10-member Legislative Budget Board, however, key safety-net programs are exempted from federal cuts, such as Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, National School Lunch Program, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Also, certain transportation programs are exempted, including those administered by the Federal H i g h w a y Administration and the Federal Transit Administration. The Airport Improvement Program is also exempted, the LBB said. On Feb. 25, F. Scott McCown, executive director of the Austinbased Center for Public Policy Priorities, said, “Sequestration will be extremely damaging to our economy and to

ED STERLING Texas Press Association American families.” McCown listed possible effects in Texas resulting from sequestration, such as: - Loss of $68 million in funding for primary and secondary education, putting around 930 teacher and aide jobs at risk. - Loss of $51 million in funding for about 620 teachers, aides, and staff who help children with disabilities. - Around 4,720 fewer low income students would receive aid to help them finance the costs of college and around 1,450 fewer students will get workstudy jobs that help them pay for college. - Head Start and Early Head Start services would be eliminated for about 4,800 children. - Loss of $8.5 million in environmental funding to ensure clean water and air quality, as well as prevent pollution from pesticides and hazardous waste. - Some 52,000 civilian Department of Defense employees would be furloughed, reducing gross pay by around $274.8 million in total. Lawmakers here march on Even with the prospect of no agreement in Washington to avoid sequestration, the

Texas Legislature pressed forward with its tasks in the weekdays leading up to March 1. On Feb. 27, the Senate Finance Committee tentatively approved SB 7, legislation funding education and health and human services. The House on Feb. 21 passed House Bill 10, a patch that funds Medicaid until Sept. 30 coupled with partial restoration of the $5 billion hit suffered by public education in 2011. The bill quickly moved through the Senate Finance Committee, where it was substituted and passed. CSHB 10 is on the Intent Calendar, awaiting consideration by the full Senate. SB 7, by Senate Health and Human Services Chair Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, redesigns the Medicaid long-term care system for individuals with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as Texans 60 and over, she said. “We cannot continue to fund the same inefficient, unsustainable Medicaid system and expect a different result, especially given the significant increases in our populations of seniors and individuals with developmental disabilities - who are living longer, healthier lives than ever before,” Nelson said, adding, “SB 7 ensures that those currently being

served continue to be served — but in a more efficient, coordinated manner. It also lays the groundwork to extend services to those currently waiting for them.” Military vote effort starts Texas Secretary of State John Steen on Feb. 25 launched an initiative, The Boots and Ballots Tour, by the Elections Division in the Office of the Texas Secretary of State, to prepare and provide military voters with additional resources to register to vote and participate in local, state and federal elections. As part of the effort, military and overseas voters are also being reminded the Federal Post Card Application they can fill out and return permanently registers them to vote and serves as a ballot request for a calendar year so they do not have to request a ballot each time an election is held. There are two Uniform Election dates in Texas this year: May 11, 2013 and Nov. 5, 2013. “No one does more to protect our freedom and right to vote than the men and women of our armed services,” Steen said. “So we must do everything we can to ensure they can participate in the very process they are serving and fighting to protect and defend.”

Submitting Letters to the editor The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to editor@sealynews.

com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be hand signed and include the writer’s full address and daytime

and evening phone numbers. Letters to the editor should be as close to 500 words as possible. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be published.

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 (USPS 487260) Entered at the post office at Sealy, Texas, under the Act of ■ DEADLINES TX 77474-0480. ■ EDITORIAL REQUIREMENTS Congress of June 2, 1897. Periodical Rate postage paid at The Sealy News has several deadlines for its Lifestyle announcements—weddings, anniversaries, Sealy, TX 77474. weekly editions. The deadline for editorial submis-

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the Fax (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Amber Gonzales Staff Writer daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $39 per year; Creighton Holub Sports Writer outside Austin County in Texas, $50; outside Texas, Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the $70 per year. Notices of change of address should right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be Patti Minter Office Manager/ Classified Sales be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less.

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

■ CONTENTS © 2012 by Sealy Publications Inc. Written consent is waived when permission is gained in advance and full credit is given to The Sealy News for material reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, electronically or otherwise. © 2012 Sealy Publications Inc. All Rights Reserved

SEALY NEWS THE

Lady Tigers beat El Campo, Bellville PAGE 6

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Carvel Hinze

Volume 126 Number 11

SES student raises $500 for AHA PAGE 2

THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

20 pages, $1

AC OKs resolution against wells Voting in Reader's County engineer also representing City of Rosenberg By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Austin County Commissioners Court this week officially opposed approval of an application to

NEWSBITS Fish fry The Sealy KC’s will hold a fish fry every Friday in Lent through Good Friday, March 29. Serving is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., dine in or drive-through, at the Sealy KC Hall.

pump 20 million gallons of water a day outside of Austin and Waller counties. The court passed a resolution on Monday contesting approval of an application to the Bluebonnet Groundwater District to build three new wells in Austin County and seven in Waller County and then pump 20 million gallons of water a day from the two counties to Richmond and Rosenberg. The resolution notes that

“there is no factual data to guarantee the benefit to those cities will not result in greater harm to Austin County.” The applications by Houstonbased Electro Purifications ask to build seven wells in Waller County and three in Austin County to provide water to Richmond and Rosenberg, who are struggling to find sources as the Fort Bend County Subsidence District mandates hefty cutbacks ■ WELLS, page 12

Rummage sale

The Daughters of the American Revolution – San Felipe de Austin chapter – will meet on Saturday, March 16, at 10 a.m. at the Gordon Memorial Library, 917 N. Circle St. in Sealy. For more information, call (979) 885-7469.

■ BALLOT, page 14

Chamber names AL&M, Citizens State Bank Businesses of the Year

Cat Spring Hermann Sons Lodge No. 44 will meet on Thursday, March 14, at 6:15 p.m. at the agricultural hall meeting room. A pizza supper will be served. For questions, call (979) 885-3695.

DAR to meet

Looking to share your opinion? It’s time once again for readers of The Sealy News to give their two cents on a variety of topics, from which restaurant has the best hamburger to the best teacher to the best financial advisor, youth group and the list goes on and on. All these questions – any many more – will soon be answered by readers of The Sealy News as they take part in the annual Reader’s Choice

Blinn College earns Pinnacle award

Hemann Sons Lodge to meet

First United Methodist Church, 200 Atchison, will hold its annual rummage sale on March 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and March 16 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

Choice underway

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

Above, Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski presents the Pinnacle Award to Blinn College President Dr. Harold Nolte and Sealy Campus Director Jeri Dulaney. At bottom left, 2012 Chamber President Lisa Schavdra presents the business of the year award to AL&M Building supplies, represented by Alison and Mark Korell. At bottom right, Schavdra presents the business of the year award to Citizens State Bank, represented by Bill Burttschell and Ryan Svoboda. For more award photos, see page 20.

Blinn College received the Sealy Chamber of Commerce’s highest honor Thursday, earning the 2012 Pinnacle Award as the organization that best promoted and supported Sealy and its businesses. “No part of the community benefits more from a well-educated workforce than we do,” said Chamber Director Peggy Spradley. “Whenever you’re looking to establish or expand your business, the availability of higher education is always high on the prospect list.” Blinn has connected with its newest community since establishing the Sealy campus in 2005. This summer, College instructors volunteered at the YMCA summer program and taught students ages 6-12 about art, biology, physics and history. The new Student Government Association at Blinn planted trees at Cryan Memorial Park and raised money for Meals on Wheels this fall. “I appreciate this award, and we are proud of our relationship with Sealy,” said Campus Director Jeri Dulaney, who also serves on Sealy’s Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club boards. “The community has been very supportive of the College.” Dulaney has been director of Blinn’s Sealy campus since 2008. Blinn – Sealy offers a variety of academic transfer, workforce training and continuing education classes to fit the need of any student. For information on course offerings and student registration, visit: www.blinn.edu/sealy or call 979-627-7997.

Barbecue chicken dinner The Sealy KC’s will host a barbecue chicken dinner on Sunday, ■ NEWSBITS, page 13

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Wayne Gann ■ Robert Eldon "Bob" Foster

BIBLEQUOTE From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

Thank a

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Here comes Peter Cottontail... Bill Moehl leaves posts at Gordon Memorial Library, RAP Eggstravaganza set for March 24 By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Rounding up mentors around the county and helping to create new assets for Sealy’s Gordon Memorial Library, Bill Moehl has been volunteering to make Austin County a better place for years. Moehl says he is just one of hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteers in the county who share their time and money to help others. “I think that is the true manifestation of The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES Bill Moehl with Emmanuel Sanders and Julie Browne at the being good, looking at Emmanuel Sanders golf tournament benefitting RAP. ■ MOEHL, page 14

By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Get the kiddos ready to hunt because there will be more than 10,000 Easter eggs hidden by a certain fuzzy-tailed character at Levine Park on Palm Sunday, March 24. The free Easter Eggstravaganza is coming back for a second year with more eggs and activities for residents in and around Sealy. “These kids loved streaking across there, it was so much fun,” said organizer Leslie Ellis of last year’s event. The fun will go from 1 to 4 p.m. and all kids 9 and under are invited to hunt for eggs and win candy and prizes. Guests will get to try for raffle prizes including bikes for all ages, a summer pool pass to the Sealy YMCA pool and Dynamo family tickets. Along with the eggs, face painting and pictures ■ EGGS, page 14

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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THE SEALY NEWS

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Blinn College's Sealy campus a growing asset Blinn College has been a growing and important asset to the Sealy community since the campus opened its doors locally in 2005. As the school prepares for a re-accreditation, Sealy was one of the stops for Joe Baumann, dean of Institutional Effectiveness and E n r o l l m e n t Management, to gather community input from the local Rotary Club and current students last week. One of the most asked questions by the community was about

whether or not Blinn planned to expand its Sealy campus. Although Baumann said he was not aware of any immediate plans to expand, it could be a possibility. “I think that we will grow as our community grow, but we just have to be patient, it’s hard being patient,” said Jeri Dulaney, director of the Sealy Campus. But the school has been growing. Since Dulaney came here in 2008, she says that for a while it was growing something like 20 per-

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cent a semester, though not it is more like 7 percent. “And the more students we have the more courses we can offer. We have to make it economic,” she added. Students at Blinn said they were most interested in getting more courses at the Sealy campus, more diverse classes, like microbiology, that they would have to go to Brenham for. Blinn Sealy offers as many courses as it thinks enough students will sign up for in as many diverse subjects as it can, said Dulaney. In the recent past, Blinn has added courses like the Czech language course that is taken through video conferencing. Dulaney said she’d like to see a nursing program at the campus, but that would be a ways down the road. The school does provide a program for students to become certified nurses assistants and to get a certificate in welding. Working closely with Sealy High School, Blinn offers dual credit and technical dual credit to students. The technical dual credit courses are all free ■ BLINN, page 13

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Car clubs come to town The three Texas regions of the Cadillac and LaSalle Car Club met at Sealy Tractor Friday afternoon as part of at 2013 Inter-regional meet in Columbus to show off cars and share a love of classic and modern Cadillacs. The groups chose Sealy Tractor as a spot to enjoy the car collection of Walter Virnau. Pictured above, left to right, are Rubye Musser, president of the North Texas Region, Virnau and Duane Medley, from the Gulf Coast Region.

WELLS continued from Page 1 to its groundwater consumption. During the court meeting on Monday, newly elected Precinct 1 Commissioner Reese Turner said he was upset because Charles Kalkomey, who works as an engineer for Austin County, is also the city engineer for Rosenberg. Kalkomey has worked with that city for about 18 years. Kalkomey said his role with Rosenberg is to help decide what to do with the water if it becomes available. “I am not working for the applicants of this permit nor am I doing the hydrology of the project,” he said. He does not believe there is a conflict of interest here. Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski told the court Kalkomey is mayor of Brazos Country and has a vested interest in the well being of Austin County. “My first charge is to the public. To represent and protect the public welfare regardless of who my client is,” he said. “I’m not going to do anything that will bring harm and damage,” he said. The Bluebonnet District has received several hundred responses from the community, and from the March 6 deadline to submit public comments it has 60 days to decide whether or not there will be a contested hearing to the applications. The time until that 60-day deadline is going to be spent going through all the messages, from email, fax and mail and organizing requests, questions and comments, said Bluebonnet Groundwater District General Manager Zach Holland. The district will also spend this time conducting its own analysis of the report submitted by the applicant. Once that is completed, it will be able to answer most of the questions from the public, the primary one being: will this project affect individual wells?

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“There’s lots of interest in this and we’re very aware of this,” said Holland. He also encourages those who want to submit comments and questions to continue doing so. “This is not a one and done process,” he said. There are multiple timelines the district’s actions can take, looking at hearing requests, requests for hearings from State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) – which would create its own timeline – and whether the applicant wants to hold a hearing. From the day the district says it plans to hold a hearing, if it does, it would have 35 days from then to initiate an actual hearing. “We will be able to answer questions (from the community) before any decision is made,” said Holland. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and would go be between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. They will be targeted at the Evangeline Aquifer, which most wells in southern Austin County and west Waller County don’t use. Those wells generally dip into the shallower Chicot Aquifer. However, the majority of mid and northern Austin County and most of Waller County is tapped into the Evangeline. Right now, Austin County doesn’t stand to reap any real benefit from the project. Rosenberg and Richmond are in need of another water resource after an unfunded mandate will make them reduce subsidence, the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land, and thus closing their ability to obtain groundwater in Fort Bend County.

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LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR COUNTY BOASTS EVENTS Dear Editor, Did you know our local state park is hosting a family camping event March 23 and 24? The activities include building a base camp, state park trail adventure, campfire building, outdoor cooking and lots of other fun. The fee is $65 per family up to six individuals for all this adventure! You can also visit the historical visitors site on FM 1458 to celebrate our local Texas history. For more information go to www.tpwd. state.tx.us/calendar/ texas-outdoor-familystephen-f.austin-statepark or call (512) 389

8903. I hear so often that there is nothing to do for our families and we just have to look around to find the attractions we as local residents take for granted. The historical jail museum in Bellville is open to the public on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Did you know that an Austin County citizen has a castle that opens for tours and private groups and that the Wallis Guardian Angel Catholic Church is one of our most visited places as a “painted church?” For other local attractions, call the Chambers of Commerce in our cit-

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers this week: Do you think the City of Sealy should light up the downtown area blue for the month of April to bring awareness to Autism? • Yes • No

Last week’s question was: Do you plan to vote in the May 11 City of Sealy, Sealy ISD and Emergency Services District No. 2 elections? • Yes 87% • No 13% Total Votes 23 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

OPINIONS

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SEALY NEWS

ies. They will be glad to assist you in entertaining your family and guests. Yours in public service, Carolyn Bilski Austin County Judge AC SHOULD PROTECT ITS WATER Dear Editor, In referring to the front page article of The Sealy News on Feb. 28 concerning the proposal to pump 20 millions gallons of water per day from the southern Austin and Waller counties by Electro Purifications, the Bluebonnet G r o u n d w a t e r Conservation District (BGCD) would be illadvised to proceed with the approval process timetable cited at the Austin County information meeting of

Feb. 25. The accelerated process was most likely established in consideration of single-well applications proposed within the BGCD for agriculture and municipal needs. The established rules possibly did not envision that greed would rear its ugly head and someone would attempt to profit from the sale of groundwater, of which ownership is questionable. Accordingly, the BGCD should strongly consider amending its rules to disallow the sale of groundwater, as was done in Robertson County. The cited timetable simply does not allow enough time to process the complex data presented which was presumably in the making for a period of 10 years. In as much as the state law is such

that water rights belong to the landowner, it is quite obvious that the water under consideration herein is not only confined to land owned by the Chambers Ranch but underlies in the Evangeline Aquifer in several counties. For Bend County’s plea for water needs seem unfounded in view of the fact that they recently approved tax abatements for Niagara Water Bottling Plant (the second largest of its kind). It appears it may have been negligent in the planning process to provide for the anticipated growth and should possibly consider desalination of ocean water to meet its water needs. Dow Chemical has been doing this for many years. Also, it is diffi-

cult to understand how withdrawal of groundwater in Austin and Waller counties supposedly would not affect subsidence whereas withdrawal of groundwater in Fort Bend County would cause subsidence. In view of many unknowns relative to subsidence, drawdown, recharge, prolonged drought and other possible adverse effects, I would urge the BGCD to move with great caution and consider adequate public input prior to any decision on the subject proposal. You may want to contact your BGCD Directors representing Austin County: Milton Beckendorff, Michael Blezinger, Sharon Brandes and Glen Huebner. Dennis Mlcak, PE Sealy, Texas

GUESTEDITORIAL Sunshine Week highlights importance of open government This is Sunshine Week. No, it has nothing to do with Spring Break; it’s an annual time to highlight the importance of maintaining open government. Our nation’s founders created a form of government in which those who make decisions are not only elected from the public at large, but they must answer to those who elected them. We constantly hear complaints about corruption, gridlock and political grandstanding, and it does occur, but compared to other nations around the world — particularly those under autocratic and dictatorial rule — the United States remains one of the freest nations on earth, and is still the envy of people worldwide. Unlike countries where despots or strong single-party rule restricts the flow of information, we often learn about corruption and malfeasance here and are able to address it by voting out and even prosecuting the bad guys. It is our ability to learn about officials’ misdeeds that keeps most of them honest, and helps protect our rights and freedoms. An informed public

CARLOS A. RODRIGUEZ The Brownsville Herald keeps the pressure on officials to maintain policies that will keep them in office — policies that the public will support or at least accept, rather than oppose. That’s why it’s so important for the American public to know what their elected officials are doing, and how they are spending taxpayers’ money. Many officials chafe at that pressure. As we have seen far too often in the Rio Grande Valley, some officials see their positions — and their access to taxpayers’ money — as an opportunity to benefit themselves, friends or relatives through with contracts, jobs and appointments at taxpayers’ expense. Obviously it’s easier to do such things when the public doesn’t know about them. As a result, many officials seek to weaken or even repeal laws that protect the public’s right to know their activities. Some of those efforts are being made right now in the Texas Legislature. Several bills already filed would remove the

requirement that requests for bids, notices of proposed tax increases and other important information be published in general-circulation newspapers. One bill would even remove lists of polling places from election notices. That’s an obvious hindrance to the democratic process and at least one public advocacy group already has threatened a lawsuit if the bill should pass. Several groups, ranging from media to consumer groups and traditional government watchdogs, are fighting efforts to close the window into government actions, and working to keep the public aware of them. SunshineWeek. org <http:// SunshineWeek.org/> , sponsored by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, American Society of Newspaper Editors and other groups, has much information on open government issues. In addition, the Texas Press Association, which represents most print media in the state, has built several databases on its website, TexasPress.com <http://TexasPress. com/> , for cities and counties to post public notices. It also features

a legislative “bill watch” list of proposed legislation relating to open government and public disclosure. Each bill includes the position that has been taken by a statewide advisory committee of newspapers and other media outlets. TPA and other groups also are working together to maintain another site, KeepTexasNotified. com <http:// KeepTexasNotified. com/> , to keep the public informed of open government issues, including bills that might affect public access and knowledge of officials’ actions. Supporters of that effort range from the traditionally liberal Public Citizen and League of United Latino American Citizens to the conservative Americans for Prosperity. These websites also offer links to other sites and efforts supporting open government. We applaud such efforts, and encourage everyone to take advantage of them and learn more about the importance of keeping the disinfectant light of public disclosure shining on all government bodies. Reprinted with permission.

com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be hand signed and include the writer’s full address and daytime

and evening phone numbers. Letters to the editor should be as close to 500 words as possible. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be published.

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Amber Gonzales Staff Writer daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $39 per year; Creighton Holub Sports Writer outside Austin County in Texas, $50; outside Texas, Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the Patti Minter Office Manager/ Classified Sales right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be $70 per year. Notices of change of address should Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less. be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard Fax Mailing address:

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association. ■ CONTENTS © 2012 by Sealy Publications Inc. Written consent is waived when permission is gained in advance and full credit is given to The Sealy News for material reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, electronically or otherwise. © 2012 Sealy Publications Inc. All Rights Reserved

SEALY NEWS THE

Auxiliary sends goodies to soldiers PAGE 16

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Carmel Hinze

Volume 126 Number 12

Voting in Reader's Choice underway Looking to share your opinion? It’s time once again for readers of The Sealy News to give their two cents on a variety of topics, from which restaurant has the best hamburger to who the best teacher is and the best financial advisor, youth group and the list goes on and on. All these questions – any many more – will soon be answered by readers of The Sealy News as they take part in the

THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

Tract 3 annexation OK'd, Tracts 1 and 2 still pending By ASHLEY TOMPKINS Editor and Publisher

Plans to annex two tracts of land into Sealy city limits

came to an abrupt halt last week after motions to approve the ordinances failed for lack of a quorum. Council members were set to take action on the second reading of three ordinances to annex roughly 1,140 acres of land into the city’s limits. Two tracts up for grabs, totaling about 967 acres,

failed to be annexed due to a lack of a council quorum. Motions were made on both items with councilwomen Melanie Willingham and Yvonne Johnson and Sealy Mayor Nick Tirey voting in favor of annexing the property. Councilmen Mark Stolarski and Larry Koy voted against

both annexations. On the reading for Tract 1, Tirey, who leads the meetings as mayor, moved forward to note the vote when Stolarski called for a point of order. Stolarski told Tirey and the council the city’s charter requires a quorum of the

Ringing in 100 in style Sealy man celebrates century mark with first birthday party

NEWSBITS

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS Editor and Publisher

Fish fry The Sealy KC’s will hold a fish fry every Friday in Lent through Good Friday, March 29. Serving is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., dine in or drive-through, at the Sealy KC Hall.

It was a long time coming, but Herman Kellner had his first-ever real birthday party last week. And, it was a big one. Surrounded with cake, ice cream and balloons, Kellner celebrated his 100th birthday in style. The Silver Lakes resident had never had a real birthday party, but Silver Lakes Manager Shirley Meadows made sure the Sealy man had plenty of fun this year. Kellner, who grew up in and lived in Orchard before moving to Sealy to live at Silver Lakes in 2001, blew out birthday candles and then enjoyed a big slice of cake with ice cream. Celebrating with the birthday boy was his son Herman D. Kellner and great-grandchildren Wyatt Kellner and Kelsey Leslie. His grandson William Kellner wasn’t able to attend. Kellner was born in Pearce, Alberta, Canada in a river valley about 200 miles from Edmonton on March 11, 1913. He later moved with his parents, six brothers and one sis-

Bake sale

Hermann Sons to meet Hermann Sons Lodge 239-2 will hold its quarterly meeting Thursday, March 28 at the home of Lodge President Melvin Klatt. All members are encouraged to attend. Please call (979) 8853623 to RSVP.

The Sealy News/ ASHLEY TOMPKINS

Above, Shirley Meadows visits with Herman Kellner on his 100th birthday. Meadows, family and friends threw the Silver Lakes resident his firstever birthday party. At right, Kellner poses with his son Herman D. Kellner and greatgrandson Wyatt Kellner.

■ NEWSBITS, page 14

■ 100, page 12

TODAY'SOBITUARY ■ Sylvia Marie Bobo

BIBLEQUOTE From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

20 pages, $1

Sealy hits roadblock on annexation plans

■ BALLOT, page 14

Citizens State Bank will host a bake sale to benefit the American Cancer Society – Relay for Life on Friday, March 22, beginning at 9 a.m. at the bank. Please stop by and enjoy a variety of home-baked items donated by employees and officers of the bank. All proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

Lady Tigers reign over Royal, Wharton PAGE 8

San Felipe welcomes new chief Easter By AMBER GONZALES event set for Sunday John W. McDonald was formally sworn in as the new police chief of Staff Writer

By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

John W. McDonald

San Felipe at the town’s meeting Tuesday, March 12. McDonald was officially sworn into office on Feb. 8 to begin working immediately. “I got a lot of plans to do some good for this town,” he said. “I have high hopes for this town.” McDonald has been a peace officer for the last 13 years and has worked for cities, counties and school districts in Harris County. He is a native of Houston. Supporting the new chief there were his wife and three children and a close family friend to be welcomed into the San Felipe family. “My goal is, just because you’re in a small town, it doesn’t mean you can’t have quality services,” said McDonald.

■ ANNEXATION, page 19

County gives workers pay raise By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Austin County employees will soon receive a 2 percent pay raise. The raise was promised by the Austin County Commissioners Court last year after the court gave employees a 3 percent pay raise, if funds were available this spring, said Precinct 1 Commissioner Reese Turner. Austin County Auditor Betty Jez said that even if all of the offices spent everything they were budgeted, the amount for the raise would still be available. The money will be allotted to each department, but ultimately the department head would figure out how to divvy it up based on job performance. Austin County is estimating $1.18 million in general fund revenues for the 2012-2013, up from an increase in ■ RAISE, page 12

Citizens to hold water well meeting Saturday By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Concerned citizens from Austin and Waller counties are organizing a meeting against the proposed well project that would pump 20 million gallons of water from the aquifer below the counties into neighboring Fort Bend County. The public and local and state officials have been invited to the open meeting, which will be held Saturday, March 23, at Fireman’s Park in New Ulm starting at 9 a.m. “This is about us getting up on our haunches and getting our voice heard,” said Tom Sherman, a citizen ■ WATER, page 14

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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PAGE 14 ■ THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

THE SEALY NEWS

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

Austin County tax EGGS collections on par with last year

continued from Page 1

By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Austin County is running about even with last year in delinquent tax collections, according to reports from Perdue Brandon Fielder Colling and Mott, LLP. Michael Darlow presented the report to the Austin County Commissioners Court this month, saying that in February notices were mailed out on personal property taxes and that April 1 is the deadline any penalties need to be paid by or a

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suit will be filed. But the firm is only really dealing with about 3 percent of the county’s tax levy, he said. As of March 5, the total delinquent accounts amounted to $419,689.12. The majority of that was pending action and 29 percent were in litigation, which comes after letters and phone calls are made to the individuals in questions. “We’re not trying to make it a surprise that we’re going to file suit,” said Darlow. Just 29 percent of the delinquent 3 percent is a fairly low number, he added. Last year, the same report showed total delinquent accounts amounting to $438,464.22. Most of that was pending action and 33 percent of it was actually in litigation. The 2011 percentage of collections were at 60.12 percent, virtually the same as last year, said Darlow. The firm has collected more than $219,900 and is working on the remaining $145,900 from that tax year.

(979) 885-3430 Toll Free:

(888) 885-0306 Email: sknight@farmersagent.com

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SE HABLA ESPANOL

see what

everyoneʼ s been talkingabout!

Spring Hustler Mower Sale Great discounts on 2012 Models

“These kids loved streaking across there, it was so much fun,” said organizer Leslie Ellis of last year’s event. The fun will go from 1 to 4 p.m. and all kids 9 and under are invited to hunt for eggs and win candy and prizes. Guests will get to try for raffle prizes including bikes for all ages, a summer pool pass to the Sealy YMCA pool and Dynamo family tickets. Along with the eggs, face painting and pictures with the Easter Bunny, the Eggstravaganza is going to have pony and train rides, bounce houses, a cookie walk, bunnies and chicks to pet and food available. With a ticket guests can get hot dogs, snow cones and popcorn – and everything is free thanks to volunteers and sponsors.

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

Pictured above is the organization committee for the second annual East Eggstravaganza, hosted by First United Methodist Church of Sealy, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Sealy YMCA. Front row, left to right, are Sue Kristynik, Patsy Tomasek, Sherri Santoro, Stacie Welch, Susie Zapalac; and back row, Stephanie Meyer, Jill Waters, Lesley Blanks, Melanie Willingham, Rev. Lani Rousseau, Leslie Ellis, Matt Salazar and Pam Filip. The event is being hosted by First United Methodist Church of Sealy, St. John’s Episcopal Church and Sealy YMCA. Along with a couple dozen sponsors, there will also be volunteers from local organizations and businesses to make the event happen. Last year, more than

600 kids came to play games and gather about 8,000 eggs. “They started with just a handful around that table,” said Susie Zapalac, one of the organizers. “By faith alone, these girls had a wonderful idea and I just thought, wow.” Thanks to support from groups and busi-

nesses around the community, the Easter Eggstravaganza will be able to grow and serve local children and families. “We’re definitely partners in faith,” said Ellis. For more information, call Ellis at (979) 885-2223 or Zapalac at (979) 885-6284.

WATER continued from Page 1 who’s helping to organize the meeting and get information out. The meeting will not be led by government officials, but they are invited to attend and can speak if they like, but it’s supposed to be a meeting where citizens get to speak, he noted. The applications by Houstonbased Electro Purifications ask to build seven wells in Waller County and three in Austin County to provide water to Richmond and Rosenberg, who are struggling to find sources as the Fort Bend County Subsidence District mandates hefty cutbacks to its groundwater consumption. Austin County and the City of Sealy have formally passed resolutions against the project. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes. The wells would be 20 inches

in diameter and would go between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. They will be targeted at the Evangeline Aquifer, which most wells in southern Austin County and west Waller County don’t use. Those wells generally dip into the shallower Chicot Aquifer. However, the majority of mid and northern Austin County and most of Waller County is tapped into the Evangeline. Right now, Austin County doesn’t stand to reap any real benefit from the project. Rosenberg and Richmond are in need of another water resource after an unfunded mandate will make them reduce subsidence, the gradual caving in or sinking of an area of land, and thus closing their ability to obtain groundwater in Fort Bend County. The Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District has received several hundred responses from the community. March 6 marked the deadline to

submit public comments. The district has 60 days from that date to decide whether or not there will be a contested hearing to the applications. The time until that 60-day deadline is going to be spent going through all the messages, from email, fax and mail and organizing requests, questions and comments, said Bluebonnet Groundwater District General Manager Zach Holland. Part of the meeting Saturday will be a group of citizens with backgrounds in engineering, geology and geophysics making a presentation of the ill effects of the proposed plan. The rest will be open to public comments and questions - if they are directed toward public officials present, they may answer at their own discretion. Fireman’s Park is located at 1924 Track Rd. For questions and more information, contact Sherman at (713) 444-5315 or email tsherman@dmigeo.com

NEWSBITS continued from Page 1

Easter services

Come by to see the new “Raptor” Model.

Monday · Friday 7:30 to 5:30 • Saturday 8:00 to 2:00

726 E. MILL STREET • BELLVILLE, TEXAS

979-865-1520

LifeBridge Community Church will hold a Maundy Thursday service on March 28 at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday services will be held on March 31 with fellowship at 9:15 a.m. and the service at 10 a.m. The church is located in the Sealy Junior High Auditorium, 939 Tiger Lane, in Sealy. Visit www. lifebridgesealy.org for more information.

Top Dance The Top Cat Dance Club is having a dance on Sunday, March 24, at the

Fireman’s Hall in Industry, Texas, from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Music will be provided by the Al Sulak Band, and the doors will open at 2 p.m. The Top Cat Dance Club is committed to providing first class bands that play country/western music, waltzes and polkas. We encourage those who love to dance to join our club. Walk-in guests are always welcome.

Peace Officers Banquet The Austin County Peace Officers Association is hosting its annual ban-

“Be Here…Be Home… Be Happy”

quet Friday, April 5, at the Sealy American Legion Hall. The non-profit group will hold a silent auction and announce its 2013 scholarship winners. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. Social hour begins at 6:30 and food will be served at 7 p.m. For questions or to make a donation, contact Randy at (979) 251-2625.

Chicken fried chicken dinner The American Legion Post No. 442 will host a chicken fried chicken dinner on April 7 at the back of the Sealy American Legion Hall. Plates are $9 and service will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For tickets, call Heather Smith at (979) 885-4802 or see

any auxiliary member. Tickets are required.

E-scrap planned Austin County will sponsor an E-scrap collection on Saturday, April 13 from 9 a.m. - noon at the Austin County Fairgrounds. This is your chance to dispose of electronic items from computers to small kitchen appliances, phone equipment, televisions (up to 27 inches), cameras and projectors. Additional items can be reviewed at www.austincounty.com. Please note this is not a hazardous chemical collection. For additional information call Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski’s office at (979) 865-5911 ext. 2223.

BALLOT

Edgewood Apartments 1601 Hwy 90 W • Sealy, TX • (979) 885-7173

continued from Page 1

•On-Site Laundry Facilities •Friendly Staff •Great Residents

annual Reader’s Choice contest, which is underway right now. This marks the third week of voting in the annual contest. With the ballot comes a chance for readers to vote for what they think tops the list of best eateries, businesses and hangouts in Austin County. All nominations are made by the readers. Ballots will run through the March 28 edition of The Sealy News. Only original ballots from the newspaper will be accepted and must be returned to the newspaper office no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, March 29. Only one ballot per person will be accepted. All ballots must be brought into the office at 193 Schmidt Road in Sealy or mailed to P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Texas, 77474. Results will be announced in a special section published in The Sealy News on April 25. For more information, contact The Sealy News at (979) 885-3562.

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PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR AG DAY Dear Editor, I speak for the people working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We all are proud to be partners with the men and women who farm and ranch in Texas. Agriculture is an honorable profession and we are honored to do our part to help. We salute you on Ag Day, March 19. “Generations N o u r i s h i n g Generations” is the theme for this year’s Ag Day. Our country’s farmers and ranchers work hard to provide food and clothing for our country and the world. Their dedication is an inspiration to us and to

the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Without them, we would not have the abundant food supply, the fiber and the fuel we depend on daily. Agriculture involves sacrifice. As a youngster on the farm, the most immediate sacrifice noticed is sleep. Getting up early and working hard until sundown is not something that always comes easy…it usually has to be learned…from your parents or your grandparents. That sacrifice continues as you grow. Or if you start to farm later in life, you encounter it immediately when you take charge of your operation–long, hard

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers this week: Do you think county officials should have given employees a 2 percent raise or kept the funds for unexpected expenses? • Pay raise • Save for unexpected expenses

Last week’s question was: Do you think the City of Sealy should light up the downtown area blue for the month of April to bring awareness to Autism? • Yes 53.2% • No 46.8% Total Votes 79 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

OPINIONS

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

SEALY NEWS

hours, dripping sweat in the soil and taking a risk when needed to doctor an animal, weld an implement or finance next year’s planting. According to recent USDA studies, the agricultural sector right now remains a bright spot in terms of economic stability and growth and there is a strong demand for U.S. agricultural products. Generation after generation of agricultural producers in Texas are getting up early every day to keep this sector of the economy healthy, providing jobs and income for rural and urban families and communities. In 1960 each U.S. farmer provided food for about 25 people. Today, each U.S. farmer feeds more than 144 people, an increase of more than 500 percent. Research and new technologies have boosted production, but someone still has to go outdoors and make things grow. Without regard for the wind, rain, snow, freeze, fire and drought the farmer and the ranchers can be found tending the crops, flock or herd, and doing it well. Even with last

season’s severe weather and natural disasters, American farmers and ranchers have still prevailed to get the food and fuel to market. Let’s thank these men and women for a job well done. Agriculture is America’s number one export and critical to sustaining a healthy economy. In our state alone, one out of every seven working Texans is employed in an agriculture-related job. During 2011, Texas ranked number one in the nation for cotton, hides and skins and beef and veal exports. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, Texas has more than 130 million acres dedicated to agricultural production. Frankly, it’s easy to take agriculture for granted in America. Our food is readily accessible and very safe. For this, we’re unbelievably fortunate . . . but that doesn’t mean we don’t have an obligation to recognize who makes it possible. This National Ag Day on March 19 is a good time to reflect - and be grateful for - American agriculture! To find more Ag Day informa-

tion and events, visit the sponsoring Agricultural Council of America at www.agday. org. Respectfully submitted, James B. Douglass Acting State Executive Director USDA – Farm Service Agency WHAT IMPACT WILL DRILLING HAVE? Dear editor, To the Bluebonnet Groundwater Control District: As you may know, late last year there was quite a bit of seismic surveying done in central Austin County. The purpose of those surveys was to locate possible deposits of oil and gas. If it is determined that there is recoverable oil or gas here, then the oil and gas (O&G) companies are going to be drilling and fracking wells in Austin County in the not too distant future. The drilling and fracking of an O&G well requires millions of gallons of water for each well. Since this activity is in middle Austin County, I am assuming that this water will

come from the Evangeline Aquifer. My understanding of Texas water law is that the O&G industry has very senior water rights and control of their activities is not within the purview of the groundwater control districts. The only way that this activity could be stopped is if there are sufficient landowners who still own unleased mineral rights on their property who get together and refuse to sign O&G leases. I, personally, do not think that will happen. Anyway, to my point, this has already become an issue in Fayette County where the combination of the drought and the O&G wells are creating a problem with their water table. So, as you review the permit request of the ElectroPurifications Company for drilling water wells and shipping water from the Evangeline Aquifer out of the county, one of the factors that you should consider as far as future planning and usage is the impact of the O&G industry on our aquifer. John Platt, PE Cat Spring, Texas Mulat, Fla.

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS Full Senate to consider state budget Continuing to inch closer to the Legislature’s most important act — the making of a state budget for the next fiscal biennium — the Senate Finance Committee approved CSSB 1 on March 13. Some 865 pages in length, the budget tops out at $195 billion, the sum of $94 billion in general appropriations plus federal and dedicated funds. The bill will be debated on the Senate floor this week, and if passed, the document’s next stop will be the House Committee on Appropriations. As explained by the Senate news service, once the Senate version of the budget moves over to the House for consideration, “the House will substitute its version of the budget, House Bill 1, for SB 1, and the Senate will do the same with its budget plan when it receives HB 1 from the House. At that point, the speaker will appoint five House members and the lieutenant governor will appoint five senators to meet together in a conference committee. These members will hammer out the differ-

ED STERLING Texas Press Association ences between the two versions of the budget. Each chamber will vote on the compromised budget bill, and if approved that bill goes to the governor’s desk for him to sign into law.” Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, who presides over the Senate, said CSSB 1 “reflects our commitment to balancing a fiscally conservative budget without raising taxes and giving your priorities the resources they need to continue building a better future for Texas. ... “The increase in funding for programs, including public education and mental health, is within the constitutional spending limit and below the rate of population and inflation growth. Since the current Medicaid program is broken,” Dewhurst said, “I am pleased that the budget includes a rider that ensures the Health and Human Services Commission would have to seek legislative approval before reforming our Medicaid program, and ensures

any proposed changes are consistent with our conservative principles and lowering taxes.” Medicaid patch passes House Bill 10, legislation providing emergency supplemental appropriations to fund Medicaid through Aug. 31, took effect immediately when signed into law by Gov. Rick Perry on March 13. “This bill makes good on the 82nd Legislature’s obligation to provide additional appropriations for these agencies this session, and also provides the funds needed to undo the deferral of payments to Texas school districts through the Foundation School Program,” Perry said. “While this bill is necessary to the continued operations of these essential services, this session gives us an opportunity to hit the reset button, put an end to budgetary tricks and pay now what is due now. Truth in budgeting is good fiscal practice and makes for good government.” HB 10, which appropriates some $6.6 billion, plugs a hole created by budget cuts passed by the

Legislature in 2011 to head off a projected budget shortfall then estimated at more than $20 billion. Of the $6.5 billion, about $5 billion goes to the Health and Human Services Commission for Medicaid acute care, about $1.5 billion goes to the Department of Aging and Disability Services for Medicaid long-term care and $187 million goes to the Health and Human Services Commission for the CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). HB 10 also steers $630 million to the Texas Education Agency to administer the Foundation School Program and funds a $1.75 billion installment payment to the education agency at the end of the fiscal year (Aug. 31) to pay the Foundation School Fund entitlement — the primary source of state funding for Texas school districts. The program, as stated by the education agency, is meant to ensure that all school districts, regardless of property wealth, receive “substantially equal access to similar revenue per student at similar tax effort.”

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

POLITICALCARTOON

The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers this week: Do you agree with Sealy ISD expanding its pre-kindergarten program from half-day to full-day? • Yes • No

Last week’s question was: Do you think county officials should have given employees a 2 percent raise or kept the funds for unexpected expenses? • Pay raise 54.2% • Save for unexpected expenses 45.8% Total Votes 72 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

WHERETOWRITE

U.S. Senator John Cornyn 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2934 U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, Dist. 10 2000 S. Market St., Ste. 303 Brenham, Texas 77833 (979) 830-8497 Texas Governor Rick Perry P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Texas 787112428 (512) 463-2000 State Senator Glenn Hegar, Dist. 18 P.O. Box 1008

SEALY NEWS

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

Your Two Cents

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5922

OPINIONS

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DON'T DESTROY OUR DREAMS Dear Editor, Re: Zach Holland, Bill Hutchinson I am a concerned citizen of Austin County, Texas. I live in a ranch in the Austin County area raising cattle. My livestock consume 1,000 gallons a day in drinking water on our ranch from our water well. Your study has several holes in my thinking and raises considerable caution flags. Looking at the current drought and draw down on our wells in Austin County, I see this project could head the citizens of Austin County to a train wreck. My neighbors have lost water and had to extend their water well depth. Coupled with the current draw down of 25 to 50 feet in our water level, we are seeing change in our underground water supply. Your facts on the water supply are very old and are out of date. The main source of our water comes form the Evangeline and Chicot Aquifers and our overall elevation of our properties vary in Austin County from 350 feet above sea level to 200 feet in some of our farming areas.

Please reconsider this project because my life’s savings and labor are threatened if we lose our water supply. My wife and I have invested every penny we have earned and saved to live our dream. Please do not destroy our dreams. When I asked about “retention water ponds” the speculators seem to want to blow me off. The underground water aquifer is not your answer; you need to look into other means to meet your goals. Sincerely, William L. Hodges Cat Spring, Texas GET BEHIND RELAY FOR LIFE Dear Editor, There have been several notices in the paper lately about Relay for Life on May 3 at Brahma Stadium in Bellville. For those readers who are unfamiliar with Relay, I would like to explain why we are there overnight. The light and darkness of the day and night parallel the experiences of the cancer patient undergoing treatment. The Relay begins around sunset, which symbolizes the time a person is diag-

nosed with cancer. As the evening progresses, it gets colder and darker—this represents the patients’ struggles as they endure the emotions of being a cancer patient. The time between 1 and 2 a.m. represents when the cancer patient starts treatment. They become exhausted, some sick, not wanting to go on, possibly wanting to give up. As a participant in the Relay, you have been walking and feel much the same way. Like the cancer patient, you cannot stop or give up. The time around 4 to 5 a.m. symbolizes the completion of treatment for the cancer patient. Once again, they are tired, but they know they will make it. The sun rising represents the end of treatment for the cancer patient. They see the light that life will go on. The morning light brings on a new day, full of life and excitement for new beginnings. As a participant, you will feel the brightness of the morning and know that the end of the Relay is close at hand. When you leave the Relay, think of the cancer patient leaving their

last treatment. Just as you are exhausted and weak, so is that person, but there is hope in the new day! The money raised at Relay will support patient services, lifesaving research, education, and advocacy efforts…and that is why we Relay! Remember: There is no finish line until we find a cure! I hope and pray that you and your family are cancer free and stay that way. Unfortunately, there are not too many families that can say that. For those of us who have lost loved ones to this disease, Relay is one way we can fight back. Please plan to join us that night. Our survivors will walk a special lap with some of their caregivers at 6 p.m.—it would be wonderful to have the stands packed with cheering friends and family. The rest of the evening will be loaded with fun, food and friends. Make an evening of it with your family-we would love for you to be there! Peace-Love-Cure Janice Hugo WiedBellville Team Captain-Hugo’s Hot Rods

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS Senate OKs budget, now House's turn March 18 was day 70, midpoint of the 140-day regular session of the 83rd Texas Legislature. On March 22, the Senate approved its version of the state budget, a plan to spend $95 billion in general state revenue in 2014 and 2015. The Senate version would spend $7 billion in general revenue more than the current 2012-2013 budget. The full budget is close to $195 billion, counting dedicated funds and federal dollars. Also on March 22, the Texas House Committee on Appropriations approved its $97 billion version of the budget — Committee Substitute Senate Bill 1. This was the last step before all 150 members of the House vote on it. CSSB1 features an additional $2.5 billion for public education on top of a base budget that already accounts for student population growth. With the clock ticking, the two chambers must agree on a single version before sending it to the governor. Assuming the House

ED STERLING Texas Press Association will pass its version this week or the following week, the next step would be for a conference committee of five House members and five Senators to work out the differences. And once again, assuming common ground will be found, the agreed-upon version goes back to the full House and full Senate for a simple majority vote to accept the changes made by the conference committee. Term limits bill moves A constitutional amendment proposed by Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, would impose term limits on statewide elected officials, including the governor and lieutenant governor. Eltife’s Senate Joint Resolution 13 was approved by the Senate 27-4 last week and now the House will have to consider it. If the House approves, Texas voters will have the opportunity to give it a thumbs up or

thumbs down on Nov. 5, when proposed constitutional amendments approved by the Legislature will be on the statewide ballot. The four votes in opposition were cast by Sens. Brian Birdwell of Granbury, Craig Estes of Wichita Falls, Glenn Hegar of Katy and Tommy Williams of The Woodlands. In the Senate Journal, Williams explained his vote, this way: “I do not support term limits for statewide officers only.” Under Eltife’s measure, voters would decide whether or not to limit statewide officials to two consecutive terms, but officials could serve more terms non-consecutively and currently elected officials wouldn’t have terms served before Jan. 1, 2014 count against them. DNA testing bill filed Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott joined Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, on March 19 to express support for SB 1292, legislation written by Ellis proposing that DNA testing be required for all biologi-

cal evidence collected by law enforcement in all death penalty cases. Ellis called his bill “modest but vitally important reform” and a step toward “a more fair, reliable and just criminal justice system in Texas,” and added that it will “help reduce the possibility that the ultimate mistake is made with someone receiving the ultimate penalty.” “To be certain that only guilty murderers are executed, all evidence that can be tested for DNA should be tested for DNA before the case goes to trial,” Abbott said. “This will prevent endless appeals that game the system and delay justice for the families of victims.” To avoid the imposition of an unfunded mandate on local prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, SB 1292 requires that a Texas Department of Public Safety crime lab perform the mandatory DNA test at the State’s expense, and provide the results of those tests to both the defendant and state prosecutors, according to the Office of the Attorney General.

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Amber Gonzales Staff Writer daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $39 per year; Creighton Holub Sports Writer Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the outside Austin County in Texas, $50; outside Texas, Andy Rosato Circulation right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be $70 per year. Notices of change of address should published. Letters should be 500 words or less. be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard Fax Mailing address:

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

SEALY NEWS THE

Girls soccer advances to playoffs PAGE 6

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Lydia Gaston

Volume 126 Number 13

THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

SES students dish up treats PAGE 2 24 pages, $1

Funds still available

Kana County postpones 2 percent pay raise back at district post came up about whom it affects. The county has the funds available, but is not sure how to allocate funds to certain employees. Just three weeks ago, the court passed an order for the increase to be applicable for

By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Austin County Commissioners Court had to pull the reins on an order to give county employees a 2 percent increase this week as calculations and questions

the payroll following its March 11 meeting. But, those plans are on hold for now. Questions like will the 2 percent affect those new employees still on probation or if it will affect re-hires are being asked.

Would re-hires receive the 2 percent increase based on the rate they left at, or start at the bottom of the county’s payroll schedule again? The county does not have a policy on re-hires maintain-

■ RAISE, page 10 By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

NEWSBITS

Sealy ISD welcomed back district superintendent Scott Kana this month after a brief personal leave. Kana was present at last week’s school board meeting, one month after the board named Sealy ISD Assistant Superintendent Mary Hlozek as interim. Kana had been on voluntary personal leave since Feb. 8. for an indefinite amount of time. The district would not comment on the reason for Kana’s leave and noted the reason for his leave is protected by employee privacy law. Kana was hired as superintendent in 2010. He has been with Sealy ISD for eight years serving as Sealy Junior High principal for six years and as assistant superintendent for one year. His current contract with the district runs through the summer of 2014.

Fish fry The Sealy KC’s will hold a fish fry every Friday in Lent through Good Friday, March 29. Serving is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., dine in or drive-through, at the Sealy KC Hall.

Easter services LifeBridge Community Church will hold a Maundy Thursday service on March 28 at 7 p.m. Easter Sunday services will be held on March 31 with fellowship at 9:15 a.m. and the service at 10 a.m. The church is located in the Sealy Junior High Auditorium, 939 Tiger Lane, in Sealy. Visit www.lifebridgesealy.org for more information.

SJH course selection There will be an informational meeting for fifth grade parents on Monday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Sealy Junior High School cafeteria. The meeting will cover the 2013-2014 course selection process for the child’s sixth grade school year at Sealy Junior High School. Elective teachers will be at the meeting to talk about their programs. Please plan on attending this very important meeting. Please call (979) 885-3292 with questions.

Hermann Sons to meet April 4 Hermann Sons Lodge 239-2 will hold its quarterly meeting Thursday, April 4, at the home of ■ NEWSBITS, page 10

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Borden Thielemann ■ Cecil Lloyd Verm

BIBLEQUOTE Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 1 John 4:11

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

On the hunt Hundreds of children turned out Sunday for the second annual Easter Eggstravaganza at Levine Park in Sealy. Above, young children are on the hunt for plastic eggs filled with candy. At right, John Smith gives JoJo Hall, 4, a hand while bouncing on balls with Karsen Hall. The children were treated with a visit from the Easter Bunny, a hunt for 10,000 Easter eggs, pony rides, a bunny and chick petting zoo, snacks, games and bounce houses. For more photos, see page 1B of this week's edition.

SPD looks for help in graffiti cases

Group plans well project fight By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Battling the proposed well project to pump 20 million gallons of water out of Austin and Waller counties and how it will affect local communities were debated at a citizens’ informational meeting Saturday morning in New Ulm.

“This water situation is the new gold rush,” said Michelle Minns at the meeting. The community group Concerned Citizens of Austin and Waller Counties hosted more than 70 residents at Fireman’s Park March 23 to get information out about the project’s impact – what they say was not included in the appli-

cant’s report – and how they can organize to defeat the proposal. “We have to bear in mind, once you give it away, you can’t get it back,” said Debbie Zapalac, a local resident and geologist, about the water. The Bluebonnet Groundwater ■ WELLS, page 5

Reader's Choice SISD to have fullday pre-k program ballots due Friday By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Starting this fall, Selman Elementary School will begin its first school year with a full-day, open enrollment pre-kindergarten program. The district is trying to provide an academic head start to students who fall into a gap: those who don’t qualify for state funding and who can’t afford a private pre-kindergarten program. “One hundred percent of people attend kindergarten because you won’t survive in first grade without going to kindergarten. I think that’s what pre-k has become, or is becoming,” said Selman Elementary School (SES) Principal Nicole Poenitzsch. “I honestly think within five to eight years the concept of not going to pre-k is going to be the same as currently not going to kindergarten.” The district is moving forward with the pre-kin■ PRE-K, page 3

Looking to share your opinion? Friday marks the deadline for entering ballots in this year's Reader's Choice contest. This is a chance for The Sealy News readers to give their two cents on a variety of topics, from which restaurant has the best hamburger to who the best teacher is and the best financial advisor, youth group and the list goes on and on. All these questions – any many more – will soon be answered by readers of The Sealy News as they take part in the annual Reader’s Choice contest, which is underway right now. This marks the third week of voting in the annual contest. With the ballot comes a chance for readers to vote for what they think tops the list of best eateries, businesses and hangouts in Austin County. All nominations are made by the readers. ■ BALLOT, page 3

The Sealy Police Department is turning to the public for help in finding who is responsible for graffiti and other spray paint vandalism that has been left throughout the city this month. There have been a series of criminal mischief incidents occurring within the City of Sealy this month, with reports of graffiti at public schools and area worship centers. Due to the similarities of the images, consistency of paint and handwriting, Sealy officers believe that the suspect(s) belong to the same group. The suspect(s) leaves a “signature” on each wall with the letters, “DMW.” On March 11, Selman Intermediate School was vandalized with graffiti. The suspect used blue and red aerosol spray paint to draw several inappropriate male and female images, and expressed dislike toward police authorities, according to the Sealy Police Department (SPD). Several buildings across campus were damaged that evening. ■ GRAFFITI, page 5

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WELLS continued from Page 1 tain geological survey data not provided? And 4) What was the criteria used to figure the well locations? The applications filed by Houston-based Electro Purifications ask to build 10 wells, seven in the Brookshire area in Waller County and three in the Sealy in Austin County. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and would go be between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. They will be targeted at the Evangeline Aquifer, which most wells in Austin and Waller county use. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. Essentially, Electro is leasing the land and water rights to sell to the two cities while looking for other buyers as well. Federal money is not being used, according to Sherman’s findings. But there does seem to be a lot of information omitted by the application’s report about how the area will be affected, those attending said. One of the fears brought up at the meeting concerned the

Brookshire salt dome, which sits just north of the proposed well field. Fears of hydrosulfuric acid (hydrogen and sulfur), which is a poisonous substance, leaking into the water supply came up as well as drawdown and subsidence. Engineer Hubert Yoist presented information from the U.S. Geological Survey that reported widespread water level declines during a one and five year period. Some of the one-year results showed 20-50 feet of decline. Those declines are attributed to an increase in groundwater withdrawal and drought conditions, he said. And the Evangeline Aquifer has seen more declines than rises at the monitored well sites. The relationship between the aquifers is hard to define as well, he said. They can flow into each other in some places and be separated by clay in others. They can affect each other. What that means is, those wells that dip into the Chicot Aquifer, which is shallower than the Evangeline being pumped out of, could see drawdown and have to deepen their wells. Another issue Yoist talked about was recharge. “We don’t know what

the groundwater is like below the wells,” he said. The re-charge depends on the amount of rainfall and other precipitation in the area, but they can’t really nail down how much the aquifer, which changes depths and surfaces at some points, totally adds each year. Population growth was also a concern Yoist felt was not addressed by Electro. Since the 2010 Census, the population of Austin County has increased by 20 percent. Waller County has increased by 32 percent and Fort Bend has increased by 65 percent, which means increased water usage. As far as criteria for where the wells are being placed, they are just across the political line of the Fort Bend Subsidence District. “A stone’s throw away” from where subsidence mandates are prohibiting the Fort Bend County cities to restrict groundwater access, said Sherman. To legally combat the proposal, Holland says the district is still taking public comments and questions. He is currently going through several hundred responses he’s received from the community. The district will let everyone know when or

how a contested hearing will take place. The district is also in the midst of doing its own research report on the project’s effect on local wells. Part of determining that is to make sure that all wells are registered. If a well existed before the district, 2002, then it is likely not registered. The majority of wells are exempt including those for household use and ag wells. To register a well visit the district’s website at www. blubonnetgroundwater. org to download a form. Copies of the form are also available at The Sealy News office at 193 Schmidt Rd. in Sealy. The Concerned Citizens of Austin and Waller Counties has a mailing list and is putting out copies of the presentation and a video of the three hour meeting online for those interested. Contact Sherman at tsherman@dmigeo.com or at (713) 444-5315. They are looking to create committees to organize themselves including a steering committee, one for techeng. geology geophysics and hydrology, one to go through administra-

GRAFFITI continued from Page 1 Just three days later, Sealy Presbyterian Church reported images spray painted on the outside walls of the worship center and in the parking lot area of the property. Officers observed several images that resembled the intermediate school incident along with satanic symbols throughout the property. The color of the spray paint matched the colors used at the previous incident. That same day, Kingdom Hall Jehovah Witness Center also reported criminal mischief that included the use of spray paint. The images were similar, if not identical to the images that were found at Sealy Presbyterian Church and Selman Intermediate School. Also on March 14, Selman Elementary School reported spray paint vandalism. The suspect used similar images that were placed at Selman Intermediate School on March 11. The aerosol spray paint used matched all of the previous incidents. On March 23, Sealy Junior High School and Selman Intermediate School discovered graffiti on three separate walls along the property. The suspect used a darker red aerosol spray paint and disclosed the same images that have been used on the previous four incidents. The suspect placed the images above the walls that had been cleaned of the previous graffiti. Anyone who has any information regarding the incidents should call the Austin County Crime Stoppers at (979) 865-2949. Austin County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for the first caller with information/ tips leading to the arrest of the suspect(s). Calls may remain anonymous. As a provider of information through the Austin County Crime Stopper tip line, you are NOT required to provide your name, due to the anonymity of the program. Phones are answered 24/7.

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Conservation District, represented at the meeting by general manager Zach Holland, is not with the applicant, he clarified. The district was created by the five counties it serves to mediate between state laws about right of capture with regulations about the effects of groundwater use on neighbors and communities. To defeat the proposal, the district and the counties have to show that the wells will cause subsidence issues, that it will not create conditions that are part of the district’s defined desired future conditions (DFC) and that they will have unreasonable affects on local wells. “What they deem is reasonable is not what the district deems as reasonable,” said Holland. Subsidence has not been an issue in the district in the past. “But with a project like this, it certainly could be,” said Holland. Locals with backgrounds in engineering, geology and law attended Saturday to present information and discuss citizen concerns. The top questions outlined by the group’s impromptu leader, Tom Sherman, were 1) Who are the stakeholders? 2) Is federal money involved? 3) Was cer-

tion and legal council to study certain rules and one for PR media and interfacing with the district and state legislators.

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Brazos Lunch Menu

APRIL 1 - APRIL 5, 2013 MONDAY: Garden Salad, Chicken Caesar Wrap, Chicken Nuggets, Breadstick, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Chicken Tacos, Mashed Potatoes, Black Beans and Corn and Pineapple Tidbits TUESDAY: Buffalo Chicken Salad, Turkey and Cheese Sandwich, Cheese Quesadilla, Steak Fingers, Cheesy Breadstick and Marinara, Fluffy Brown Rice, Gravy, Italian Roasted Vegetables and Sliced Peaches WEDNESDAY: Popeye Spinach Salad, Mini Combo Sub, Beef Tamales, Hamburger, Macaroni and Cheese, Steamed Collard

Greens, Sweet Potato Fries, Black Eyed Peas and Pear Halves THURSDAY: Fruit and Yogurt Plate, Ham and Cheese Sandwich, Pasta and Meatballs and Breadstick, Turkey Hot Dog, Beef Teriyaki and Broccoli, Brown Rice, Green Beans, Steamed Cauliflower and Applesauce FRIDAY: Caesar Salad, Popcorn Chicken Wrap, Cheese Pizza, Lasagna Roll Ups and Breadstick, Fish Sticks, Peas and Carrots, Corn and Tomatoes, Lentils and Mixed Fruit

BREAKFAST:

MONDAY: WG Breakfast Pizza or Cereal, Wheat Toast and Jelly TUESDAY: Blueberry Mufﬁn and Yogurt or Cereal and Wheat Toast with Jelly WEDNESDAY: Pancake Wrap or Cereal and Wheat Toast with Jelly THURSDAY: Breakfast Taco with Salsa or Cereal and Wheat Toast with Jelly FRIDAY: Breakfast Bagel or Cereal, Wheat Toast and Jelly

LUNCH:

MONDAY: Pepperoni Pizza, Corn, Carrot Sticks/FF Ranch and Chilled Peaches TUESDAY: Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes/FF Gravy, Sauteed Zucchini, Beats, Chilled Pears and Ketchup WEDNESDAY: Hamburger on Bun, Lettuce/Tomato, Potato Smiles, Orange Slices and Mayo/Mustard/Ketchup THURSDAY: Chicken Fajita, Lettuce/Tomato, Pinto Beans, Chilled Pineapple Tidbits and Salsa FRIDAY: Salisbury Steak, Brown Rice, Sweet Potatoes, Fresh Broccoli/FF Ranch and Mixed Fresh Fruit

We love our students, teachers & staff! Want to keep up on what’s going on in your child’s school? It’s easy. Subscribe to The Sealy News. Call us at (979) 885-3562 or log on at www.sealynews.com.

SEALY NEWS THE

AC 4-H Star: Faith Martin PAGE 3

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Janice Whitehead

Volume 126 Number 14

THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013

Lady Tigers compete at Austin relay PAGE 8 20 pages, $1

Water wells to negatively affect Fort Bend County FBSD GM says water wells go against its mission By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Negative effects of the proposed Electro Purification well field in Austin and

NEWSBITS Casino Night cancelled The Sealy Chamber of Commerce Casino Night, originally set for April 6, has been cancelled. The event will be rescheduled.

Hermann Sons to meet April 4 Hermann Sons Lodge 239-2 will hold its quarterly meeting Thursday, April 4, at the home of Lodge President Melvin Klatt. All members are encouraged to attend. Please call (979) 8853623 to RSVP.

Republicans to meet The regular monthly meeting of the Republicans of Austin County will be held on Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at Tony’s Restaurant in Sealy. Greg Steussel will present a video of "The States" and "The Founders Design."

Peace Officers Banquet The Austin County Peace Officers Association is hosting its annual banquet Friday, April 5, at the Sealy American Legion Hall. The non-profit group will hold a silent auction and announce its 2013 scholarship winners. Tickets are $10 and are available at the door. Social hour begins at 6:30 and food will be served at 7 p.m. For questions or to make a donation, contact Randy at (979) 251-2625. ■ NEWSBITS, page 13

TODAY'SOBITUARIES

Waller counties are being looked at now from the perspective of Fort Bend County. Ronald Neighbors, the general manager at the Fort Bend Subsidence District (FBSD), last month issued a memo addressed to the Fort Bend board saying that pumping 20 million gallons a day would go against the district’s mission - to stop and

prevent subsidence in Fort Bend. “This mission is not carried out by allowing pumpage which contributes to drawdowns and subsidence within the FBSD. This proposed pumpage will cause subsidence in areas of the FBSD that are already within or close to the flood plain,” he states in the memo, dated

March 26. The FBSD cannot directly affect the approval of the project application posed to the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD), but it could take a position for or against and be a party to any sort of hearing. “That might make the case a materially different thing,”

said Neighbors. FBSD learned about the project when the application became public and until now has remained neutral on the subject. The applications filed by Houston-based Electro Purifications ask to build 10 wells, seven in the Brookshire area in Waller County and ■ SUBSIDENCE, page 12

County History will come E-scrap to life at Spring set for Picnic April 13 Looking to get rid of old hair-dryers, computers, cell phones and other electronics taking up space in your home or garage? Now’s your chance. Austin County will host its annual E-scrap collection day on Saturday, April 13, at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville. Items to be accepted include computer monitors, CPUs, laptops and notebooks, printers, telephones, stereos, cell phones, clocks, radios, game consoles, keyboards and mice, servers, printers, projectors, fax machines, rechargeable batteries, televisions, small kitchen appliances, microwaves, toaster ovens, can openers, blenders and dormsize refrigerators. Items can be disposed of between 8 a.m. and noon. Items that will not be accepted include explosives, radioactive materials, dioxins, business waste, tires and containers, household waste, washers and dryers, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers, smoke detectors, dehumidifiers, alkaline batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, paints and chemicals. Those planning to drop off should put items in their trunk or

By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

Cannon shots, vintage fashion and a parade will showcase the different eras of the Sealy area at the third annual Spring Picnic, Saturday, April 13, on the

Santa Fe Museum grounds at East Main and Silliman. “There are a lot of activities for people to participate in.,” said Nancy Naron, president of the Sealy Area Historical Society. “There are things there for entertainment, but our goal is to

actually get people involved and engage in what people would engage in at picnics a hundred years ago.” Last year featured a Bonnie and Clyde shoot out, and this year will showcase a style show for clothing from ■ PICNIC, page 12

The Sealy News/COURTESY PHOTO and FILE PHOTOS

Above, members of the 11th Texas Cavalry (Dismounted) re-creates Civil War scenes. Below, a girl enjoys an early 1900s game that involves rolling a wooden hoop. At bottom left is a cannon that will be shot during the Spring Picnic next weekend.

■ E-SCRAP, page 19

■ Edith Karas ■ James Perry Badders ■ Lori Anne Anzaldua McKay ■ Tomas Alan Walden

AC Fair Summer Music Fest, Rodeo set for June 21-22

BIBLEQUOTE

Cory Morrow & Turnpike Troubadours to perform

We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

Almost 150 students and staff came out to donate blood last Tuesday to the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Together they donated 126 units. Above, Kris Brown watches as a nurse prepares to draw blood for his double red cell donation.

Looking for something to do this summer? Mark your calendar to celebrate summer at the 15th annual Austin County Fair Summer Music Fest and CPRA Rodeo, set for June 21 and 22. Suede kicks off the beginning of the Music Fest on Friday night at 7 p.m. Come back for more entertainment on Saturday. Beau Hinze and The Backporch Shufflers open at 6 p.m. Cory Morrow will then take the stage at 8 p.m. and Turnpike Troubadours at 11 p.m. The Austin County Fair Summer Music Fest’s CPRA

rodeo was named Best New CPRA rodeo of 2012. The CPRA Rodeo will be held on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 7 p.m. Mutton bustin’ will also be held Friday and Saturday during the rodeo events. Registration for mutton bustin’ begins at 5 p.m. Only the first 15 contestants each day will be accepted. Other events scheduled: •Mutton bustin’ - Friday and Saturday. Registration begins at 5 p.m. each night. Only the first 15 participants will be accepted. •Barbecue cook-off - brisket, ribs, chicken, beans with first place in each category earning $150, second place in each $100 ■ MUSIC FEST, page 12

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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County gets extreme drought rating

continued from Page 1 three at the border in Austin County. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and would go be between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. They will be targeted at the Evangeline Aquifer, which most wells in Austin and Waller County use. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. Essentially, Electro is leasing the land and water rights to sell to the two cities while looking for other buyers as well. A month ago the district called for a study on the effects within Fort Bend by Freese and Nichols Inc. The report shows drawdown and subsidence affecting Austin, Waller and Fort Bend Counties within 30 years. The FBSD board wanted to know, scientifically, if this project would negatively affect the district, said Neighbors. “The answer to the question is yes, it does,” he said. The report shows that although the project is technically out of the district, the area itself is flood prone and will increase potential flooding and enlarge the flood plain, the memo states. The consequential subsidence could also pose problems in developing the Allens Creek Reservoir. “Apparently these wells are located just a few steps on the other side of the county line and these cones of depression created by these wells when you’re pumping them, they can extend quite some way,” said Debbie Zaplac, of Sealy, who has a background in geology and environmental science. In looking at research she had done in the Katy area, Zaplac has seen evidence of water being pumped from the Evangeline Aquifer – where the proposed pumping would take place – being recharged by another. The shallower Chicot Aquifer, which sits above the Evangeline, could try to recharge the lower aquifer. “The groundwater tries to keep balance,” she said. Which means drawdown in the Chicot in the pumping area. Neighbors was clear that it is not the goal of the FBSD to become concerned about future permits from the BGCD unless they pose drawdowns and subsidence to the citizens in the FBSD. He recommends that the FBSD board look at the report and take a position against the proposal because of the adverse effects to its own district. The FBSD regional planning committee will discus the issue further at its meeting April 23 at the Fort Bend County Courthouse at 2 p.m. The next FBSD board meeting is April 24 at the courthouse at 3 p.m. The BGCD is holding its next board meeting April 17 at 6 p.m. at the district board room, 303 at E. Washington Ave, Ste B, in Navasota.

Need Extra Money? Loans up p to $1200

By AMBER GONZALES Staff Writer

The land may be getting some rain this week, but the majority of Austin County is in extreme drought, according to the most recent U.S. Drought Monitor release March 26. The eastern side is recorded as being in severe drought. Almost the entire state is at some level of drought. Just about 30 percent of Texas is in

extreme drought, which is about 6 percent less than this time last year. The scale goes up one higher - exceptional drought. Austin County received an average of about 42 inches of rain last year, according to information collected from the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS). Sealy got a total of about 49 inches in 2012, which is about

double what it got in 2011. The yearly average for Sealy between 1981 and 2010 for Sealy is about 45 inches, according to the data. The inconsistency of precipitation is leaving the dry, though. In February 2012 Sealy got 2.39 inches of rain, but in 2011 it got just .56 of an inch. The National Weather Service is predicting cloudy skies for the next week with little chance of rain until next Thursday.

Art walk funds Alzheimer’s research “Art Walk to Remember,” sponsored by the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, will be held Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in conjunction with a walk to end Alzheimer’s from 8 to 9 a.m. International artist Ken Turner, who resides in New Ulm, will showcase his work as a tribute to the late David Hickman (1937-2010). Hickman and Turner co-founded the original New Ulm Art Festival, which was held annually from 2000 through 2007. Hickman was an

influential art professor at the University of Houston for 41 years and established UH’s master’s degree program in art. The festival will feature works by Turner, Hickman, New Ulm artist and historian Ira Gaines (1902-2005), sculptress Amanda Danning, satirical artist Jose Perez, artist and author Mark Chapman and Katy artist Jerry Moore, as well as area students and other emerging artists. Art will be displayed at several locations around town, including Turner’s studio at his residence

and Hickman’s former studio and residence across the street from the New Ulm Post Office. Festival participants will display and sell their original work from outdoor exhibits and porches. Vendors will be set up along the streets. The “Art Walk to Remember” will raise funds for a scholarship in Hickman’s name, and money will also be raised for Alzheimer’s treatment and research. There is no charge for admission. For more information, visit the Chamber Events page at www.newulm-tx.com.

The group will camp out and show visitors artillery and what life was like for Texas Confederate soldiers. “They were friends, brothers, cousins, fathers and sons and if they lived through the war there was a really unique bond,” said Johnson. If they have enough re-enactors show up, they’ll do a skirmish as well. Kids will get to play games tricycle races, hoop and stick races and scavenger hunts. There will also be vendors selling items that are on par with merchandise from a hundred years ago as well. “It’s a good way for young people in general to learn about the history of Sealy and our history in general - how people lived 100-150 years ago,” said Naron. Naron is looking for residents who want to take place in the antique car, buggy and tractor parade. The parade will take

place at noon. The parade will begin at the Liedertafel and travel east on Main Street to the Santa Fe Museum. Once there, the cars, buggies and tractors will be on display for all to enjoy. To enter the parade register online at www.sealyhistoricalsociety.org or call Naron at (832) 492-4244. Again this year, there will be photos of Sealy’s old buildings and historical sites that may be viewed on a large screen. An exhibit of antique toys including dolls, trucks and tractors will also be on display. The tricycle races are open to children ages 3 to 6 and start at 11 a.m. on East Main in front of the Santa Fe Museum. Families are asked to bring their own tricycle and helmet. Just in time for this year’s Spring Picnic, the main museum building, which is the original Sealy News office, will be insulated and air-conditioned.

PICNIC continued from Page 1 There will also be a clothing display inside the museum and guests will get to dress up and take vintage portraits. This year the Picnic is also hosting the 11th Texas Cavalry (Dismounted), a living history group that re-creates Civil War scenes. Lieutenant Colonel Eric Johnson joined about 10 years ago after serving in the Marine Corps. His first event with the group was the 140th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. The group will go again this year for the 150th anniversary. But why Sealy? Just north of the city the Liendo Plantation was the site of cavalry and infantry training camps, an internment camp for captured Union soldiers and a hospital. After the war, General George Armstrong Custer was stationed there. Austin County actually contributed a third of its manpower to the Confederacy, said Johnson.

MUSIC FEST continued from Page 1

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and third in each $75. Overall champion will earn $200 and showmanship $100. All winners will receive a trophy. •Friday at the cookoff is margarita and chef’s choice competition. The cook-off is open to the public. •Bean bag tournament – Saturday with registration at 3 p.m. •Motorcycle and hot rod run – Saturday. The run starts at the f a i r g r o u n d s . Registration is $30 per person and includes: prizes, gate admission, T-shirt, parking, concert and CPRA Rodeo.

Registration is from 9 to 10 a.m. The ride has six stops. Drawing is at 5:30 p.m. •Classic car show – Saturday. Registration is 3 – 4 p.m. The show is open for cars and trucks 1980 and older. Entry fee is $20. Fee entry is up to two people in car. That fee includes gate admission and prizes. The top 10 awards and a Lady’s Choice award will be given out. •Kick ball tournament – Saturday. Preregistration is $125 before June 8. Registration will be from 8 - 8:30 a.m. and

is $150 per team. No pool play this year. Registration form is online at www.austincountyfair.com and at the fair office. Participants must be at least a freshman in high school by the date of the tournament. •Texaco Country Showdown begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The showdown is America’s largest country music talent search and is sponsored by KTEX 106.1. The first place winner will have the opportunity to perform at the 2013 Austin County Fair. Prizes will be awarded to sec-

ond and third winners Gates open for general admission at 5 p.m. on Friday and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Ticket prices on Friday only is $10 at the gate and $7 in advance. Tickets on Saturday are $18 in advance and $20 at the gate. Tickets will be sold in advance at the Austin County Fair Office starting April 30. To sponsor any of the above events or donate a price, please contact the Austin County Fair office at (979) 865-5995.

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OPINIONS

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, APRIL 4, 2013

SEALY NEWS

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

POLITICALCARTOON

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers this week: What are you looking forward to most at this year's Spring Picnic? • Historical re-enactments • Early 1900 games •Tricycle games •Antique car, buggy and tractor parade

Last week’s question was: Do you agree with Sealy ISD expanding its pre-kindergarten program from half-day to full-day? • Yes 61.1% • No 38.9% Total Votes 54 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

IMMIGRATION Dear Editor, I did not write all of this letter, but what someone else said was what I was thinking, so I changed it enough to be my opinion, also. So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Many suggest we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren’t being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry. Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people why today’s American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home. They had waved goodbye to their birthplace to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity. Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My uncles fought alongside men whose parents had come straight over from Germany, Italy, France and Japan. None of these first and second generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan. They were defending the United States of America as one people. When we liberated France, none in those villages were looking for the FrenchAmerican or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country’s flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacri-

ficed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl. And here we are with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their mother country. I’m sorry, that’s not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants, like my ancestors from Austria and Poland, who landed on Ellis Island in the early 1900s deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that those waving foreign country’s flags are using them as an example. And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty, it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn’t start talking about dismantling the United States just yet. Now I will get off my soapbox. Diann D. Einkauf Sealy, Texas BIGGER PUMP WINS? Dear Editor, My pump's bigger than yours. I get the water. You get the shaft. It’s called the Rule of Capture and the Texas Supreme Court has upheld it three times since its first ruling in 1903. “My pump’s bigger than yours. I get the water. You get the shaft.” That was our ad campaign in 2002 when PureTex Water Works proposed to build a 92 inch water line from eastern Colorado County to Harris County to deliver 25,000,000 gallons of groundwater per day along State Highway 1093. We ran half page ads in local papers and mailed almost 5,000 postcards and got the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District confirmed by Austin County Voters Nov. 5, 2002. On Nov. 21, 2012, Electro Purification LLC applied to BGCD for a permit to drill 10 water wells in Austin and Waller counties “to produce an aggregated maximum amount of twenty million gallons per day” to transport and sell to the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg. As of today, we do not have half of the water wells in Austin County recorded. Your well

needs to be registered with BGCD so it can conserve our groundwater our future generations. If we don’t know how many wells, where they are, how deep they are, what aquifer they draw on, we cannot calculate the effect on our water wells from the drawdown of the proposed Electro Purification wells. Please go online to http://www. bluebonnetgroundwater. org/applications-forms/ well-registration/ exempt-water-well-registration-application/ and download Word – Exempt Water Well Registration Application or PDF – Exempt Water Well Registration Application and register your well by computer or mail. Wells to be used solely for domestic needs, livestock or poultry are exempt from permitting and fees. Wells dug before 2002 are grandfathered. There is no cost and no fee to record your exempt or grandfathered well. Please register your well today. H W “Buddy” Koenig New Ulm, Texas LIGHT UP RELAY FOR LIFE Dear Editor, We are only four weeks away from our Relay for Life in Austin County, and there is still time for you to form a team, join an existing team, decorate a luminaria bag, or make a donation. I would like to concentrate on the luminaria bags. If you have not been to a Relay event before, you may not know what I am referring to. A luminaria bag looks like an ordinary white lunch sack, but it has the Relay logo on it. It only becomes a personal tribute to someone when you decorate it. Some bags simply have the name of a person, with the words “in memory of” or “in honor of.” Others are decorated with pictures of the person, or pictures of their favorite things. I saw one yesterday that had a scrumptious looking piece of lemon pie-I could only guess that the lady was a really fine baker! You are only limited by your imagination as how the bag will turn out-we only ask that it not be offensive to those walking the track at Relay. Children love to decorate the bags-usually turning to vivid colors, stickers and paints. I saw one that has a beautiful angel on one side and flowers on the other, with the name of a greatgrandmother that someone is honoring. We have a special bag this year for caregivers, who in my opinion are angels walking the earth. The bag is gold with star cutouts. You don’t decorate this bag-the name of the caregiver is placed on the bag by the luminaria committee. We would love to

see lots of gold bags around the track, mingled in with the white ones. Please consider purchasing some bags to honor your friends, neighbors, co-workers, or relatives that have suffered with cancer, whether they are still in the fight, are cancer-free, or are no longer with us. Cost of each bag is a minimum of $5 donation. The bags line the track the evening of Relay, which is May 3 in Bellville at Brahma Stadium. You can walk around the track after 6 p.m. opening ceremonies, and read all the names. I am surprised every year to read names of people that I didn’t realize had cancer. At 9 p.m. there will be a ceremony-all the lights in the stadium will be turned off while the candles are lit inside the bags. Sometimes there are special songs played or poems read. You will just have to be there to find out about the special message spelled out in bags in the visitors’ side bleachers. Please plan to attend this year’s Relay for Lifeour survivors will begin the evening with a special lap around the track. We would love to have the stands filled with cheering friends and family members-survivors are our heroes! We would love to see the day that everyone diagnosed with cancer would be a survivor. Today there are an estimated 11 million cancer survivors in the United States. We are making progress in fighting this terrible disease, but there is still a lot of work to do. Remember: There is no finish line until we find a cure! Please visit our website at www.relayforlife.org/austincotx. If you would like to purchase luminaria bags, you can contact Pam Schneider at 501 North Holland in Bellville or at (979) 8655941 or, in Sealy they are available at Wittenburg Printing (210 Meyer) or Woodmen of the World (221 Main, Suite 101). Please help us line the entire track at Brahma Stadium and plan to join us for the evening. You don’t even have to cook supper that night-there will be plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages available. Remember, this is a tobacco-free evening, absolutely NO admission fee, and the whole family is invited (except Fido-it is a petfree evening). In November, all our four legged friends have their very own Relay event, called Bark for Life. Hope to see you on May 3 at 6 p.m. Janice Wied-Bellville Team Captain-Hugo’s Hot Rods

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Amber Gonzales Staff Writer daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $39 per year; Creighton Holub Sports Writer Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the outside Austin County in Texas, $50; outside Texas, Andy Rosato Circulation right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be $70 per year. Notices of change of address should published. Letters should be 500 words or less. be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard Fax Mailing address:

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

SEALY NEWS THE

Softball wins District Championship PAGE 6

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Gary F. Gostecnik

Volume 126 Number 17

SISD spends $260K to repair track By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Tiger Stadium will feature an improved track just in time for graduation this summer. The Sealy ISD board of trustees this month awarded the work to resurface the track, which has holes and patches, to Beynon Sports Surfaces, with a price tag of $260,200. The bid includes a base black mat sealed off, as well as a structural spray. The board was told that the expense is not in the current budget, but that there were enough excess funds to pay for the project. ■ TRACK, page 10

NEWSBITS SISD credit exams Sealy ISD has set credit by exam test dates. The 2013 spring semester test dates are June 4, 5 and 6. The district will give a student in grades 6-12 credit for an academic subject in which the student has received no prior instruction if the student scores 90 percent or above on a criterion-referenced examination for acceleration for the applicable course. The district will not charge for an examination taken during the scheduled test dates. Students in grades 6-12 desiring to participate should talk to their school counselor no later than Friday,

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

City celebrates Autism Awareness PAGE 3 44 pages, $1

Fort Bend district to foot $44K bill

Well proposal will see contested hearing By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

The proposed Electro Purification project to transport groundwater out of Austin and Waller counties will be contested in a hearing by the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). The date of that state hearing has not been set, but until then, the Bluebonnet Groundwater

Conservation District will hold a preliminary hearing of its own Monday, May 20, at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville at 10 a.m. The purpose of the preliminary hearing is to give the district board a chance to be formally presented with the proposal and hear concerns from the public. At the quarterly district meeting Wednesday, April 17, in Navasota, district

general manager Zach Holland reported that the board received 203 comment letters from the public on the proposed well project. It also received 300 requests for contested hearings. The district could handle a contested hearing outside of SOAH. Houston-based Electro is asking to build 10 wells, seven in the Brookshire ■ HEARING, page 10

Bluebonnet Board Preliminary Hearing May 20 Austin County Fairgrounds 10 a.m.

Local runner witnesses Boston bombings By CREIGHTON HOLUB sports@sealynews.com

Standing in the Boston Marathon finishers’ chute on April 15, Kim Harvey was basking in finishing the 26.2 miles in 4:05:19. She was standing in line to receive her medal, after getting a towel to keep her warm, when the first of two explosions went off, roughly four minutes after she - like everyone else – unknowingly ran past the second bomb along the route. “Then I realized I ran right past the bombs,” said Harvey, who serves as Sealy ISD’s director of special education. While long-distance runners, such as Harvey don’t need to be told to clear the finish line, the fact that she kept moving through the finishers’ chute might have saved her life. “I was right there, I was in the finishers’ chute,” Harvey explained in a phone interview after returning from Boston back to Sealy. “I hadn’t gotten my medal yet … the guy with the medal dropped it and we

■ NEWSBITS, page 9

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Helen Hintz ■ Johnnie W. Sabrsula

BIBLEQUOTE

Lady Tigers take swing at state Team places second at regionals, heads to Austin May 2-3

Hebrews 12:14

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

sports@sealynews.com

Sealy’s Lady Tigers have their eyes on a state title and will head to Austin next weekend in hopes of making that dream a reality. Sealy High School’s girls golf team will compete in the state golf tournament on May 2 and 3 after its silver medal finish at the regional tournament last week. The top three teams from each of the four regions advance to the state tournament. Before this season, only the top two teams advanced to Austin. “It’s pretty special when you make it to state,” said Jerry Brantly, the head girls golf coach. “Making it to the final 12 teams is pretty special.” The two-day regional tournament in Corpus Christi’s Oso Beach Golf Course saw the Lady Tigers finish with a tally of 777 points. Previously, the Lady Tigers qualified for the regional tournament with a first place finish in District 25-3A on a score of 908. ■ STATE, page 2

■ MARATHON page 15

Sealy’s One-Act reels in fourth place at regionals By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.

By CREIGHTON HOLUB

Buster Keaton was a silent film staple in the 1920s and 30s, but to the Sealy High School students in One Act, his story became a study of historical performances and a ticket to regional competition. SHS One Act’s “Stoneface,” the story of the rise and fall of Buster Keaton, earned the company fourth in regional UIL competition and a ranking of 14th in the state. “They are fabulous, they work so hard. They are totally invested in this show,” said One Act Director Erin Moore. “Stoneface” tells the story of the film star’s rise and fall, and rise again through Keaton’s reflections. “I think the most difficult part, for me, is the physicality,” said Jackie Kana, who plays Keaton’s first wife. “At one point I flip him over me. There is a lot of physical movement.” Pantomime and exaggerated movement is incorporated as part of the silent film ■ ONE ACT, page 15

This weekend in Sealy

KCs host crawfish fest There’s a chance to win $2,000 and a guarantee to get some tasty crawfish at the first-ever Cajun Crawfish Festival being held this Saturday. The Sealy Knights of Columbus (KC) Council No. 3313 is hosting the festival at the KC Hall on April 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 presale and $30 at the door and will get guests “all-you-can-eat” crawfish and/or turkey/sausage gumbo. The KC’s in the surrounding area have seen a positive turnout for crawfish festivals, which led the Sealy Knights to create what they hope will grow into an annual community event. ■ CRAWFISH, page 10

Dominoes tourney set for Friday Fundraising, asking the public and businesses to donate to local causes, the Sealy Lions Club thought it was time to host a free event for the community. The Lions Club is holding a 42 dominoes tournament for individuals and teams on Friday, April 26, at the Hill Community Center in Sealy. There are going to be prizes for the double-elimination contest and no entry fee. 42 Dominoes is played with a set of double six dominoes and is made up of four players in teams of two trying to be the first to reach seven marks, or points. Those who don’t know the rules can come to learn as well as play. The Club asks that guests RSVP to make sure it has ■ DOMINOES, page 10

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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THE SEALY NEWS

CRAWFISH

AC looks to get relief from Hwy. 36 route

continued from Page 1

By AMBER GONZALES There will also be a DJ and country western, as well as Cajun, music for dancing. In addition to the food and dance, there will be a raffle with some worthwhile prizes like a $2,000 and $1,000 Visa giftcard, a Remington 870 Express shotgun, a glider swing, patio heater and more. Raffle tickets are $20 with 500 tickets available. Winners do not have to be present to win. All of the proceeds from the event go toward maintaining and improving the facilities at the hall, as well as the local charities that the Knights support including churches and scholarships. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re blessed to have a beautiful facility and that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that the community can use,â&#x20AC;? said Larry Kuciemba, grand knight for the Sealy KCs. For questions or to purchase event and raffle tickets, call Kuciemba at (713) 296-9387. The hall is located at 1310 Highway 90 West. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you want to have a good time you want to make sure you come to this event,â&#x20AC;? said Kuciemba.

BAXTER BLACK

â&#x20AC;&#x153;ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSEâ&#x20AC;?

A BULL BALLET

Uncle Joe was makinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; his rounds this spring checking the horses and cows to make sure everything had water. When he got to the bull lot, one of his prize young Charolais bulls had managed to crawl through one of the round bale feeders and was lying down happily chewing his cud. Uncle thought over how to extricate his bull, then went for the tractor. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d put the round bale in fresh that morning and had not yet cut the twine. It made it easy to lift the bale out of the feeder and set it out of the way. Next, with the lance he tipped the feeder up to let the bull find his way out BUTâ&#x20AC;Śthe bull panicked! In his effort to escape, the bull stuck his head through one of the slots and took off wearing the feeder around his neck! Joe watched the crazed critter stampede through the other young bulls in the lot, who, in turn, went berserk, scattering back and forth as if the iron monster was attacking them! The saddle horses in the next pen caught the fever and added to the chaos by running around, tails in the air, rollers in their nostrils and fear in their eyes all frightening the bulls who were already scared poopless! Every now and then the feeder would dig into the mud so the back would tip up along with the butt end of the bull, whose tail was waving in the air like a loose air pressure hose! Each flip and flop jiggered the gathering crowd. In one final assault, surrounded by 11 testosterone-powered, adrenaline-fueled, thick-headed white bulls, he lead the charge through the metal gate out into the farm yard and right into the machine shed! In a matter of seconds all livestock cleared the area except for the barking dogs, Uncle Joe on his tractor and the still struggling captive bull. Joe called the dogs off and gave the bull five minutes to wiggle during which time he, the bull, managed to back out of the feeder and stumble into the yard. After an hour of pushing, sliding, dislocating, cursing, twisting and a couple of â&#x20AC;&#x153;back up and take a run at it,â&#x20AC;? maneuvers, Uncle Joe returned with his welding trailer and removed the stuck-tight round bale feederâ&#x20AC;Śin three pieces. Men and machinery in a bull balletâ&#x20AC;Śit never ends. www.baxterblack.com

TEXANS

reporter@sealynews.com

State Highway 36 serves as an evacuation route, and while improvements have been made between Sealy and Bellville, county officials are concerned what happens that evacuation traffic hits Bellville. On Monday, Austin County Commissioners Court passed a resolu-

area in Waller County and three in on the border of Austin County. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and would go be between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. The wells would target the Evangeline Aquifer, which is used by most registered wells in Austin and Waller counties. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. Essentially, Electro is leasing the land and water rights to sell to the two cities while looking for other buyers as well. Of the 300 requests for a contested hearing, eight of them asked for SOAH hearings. When the district explained to the parties it could contact that SOAH requires the requestor to pay for the hearing, estimated now at $44,000, all but one changed their request. The North Fort Bend Water Authority is the sole requestor for a SOAH contested hearing and agreed to cover the costs associated with it. That cost is expected to include

will be â&#x20AC;&#x153;responsible for a portion of the costs of construction,â&#x20AC;? but the court does not foresee that cost coming until 10 or 15 years. Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski said the court will workshop with TxDOT on how to plan and fund a possible relief route. A copy of the resolution is available online at austincounty.com under the tab "resolutions."

one day of preliminary hearing by SOAH, seven days of hearing and travel for the SOAH judge. Any extra money would be returned to the North Fort Bend Water Authority. The SOAH process is a formal way of presenting evidence on whether or not existing wells will be affected by the proposed project. Texas water rules state that if there is at least one request to use SOAH, then the process must go through that body, according to Holland. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As long as they pay for it, they have the right to ask for it,â&#x20AC;? said district president J. Jared Patout. The Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District board, which is made up of 16 members - four from each county in the district - voted on four items regarding the well project. First, it voted to hold a preliminary hearing, designating Patout as the presiding officer. Although SOAH will not be involved in the preliminary hearing, the board wanted a chance to get formally introduced to the applications to ask questions of the applicant and district staff. It will also be a venue for public comments to

the board. Second, it voted that it would not determine party status in the hearing. That means that SOAH would decide who is considered part of affected parties. Citizens can organize to represent themselves or come as individuals, said an attorney for the board. He added that SOAH judges are liberal on who they let in as deignated parties, as there is less room for error to appeal. Third, the board voted on where to hold the preliminary hearing: Austin County Fairgrounds. And fourth, it voted to hold it May 20 at 10 a.m. to ensure a quorum. Last week, a citizens group requested that any SOAH hearing be held in Waller or Austin counties, rather than in the state capitol. The board is sending a letter to SOAH and a contract to hold the hearing. In the letter it is going to request that the SOAH hearing be held in Austin or Waller counties with several prospective venues including the Austin County Fairgrounds, Sealy KC Hall, Royal ISD auditorium and Pattison fire station.

TRACK continued from Page 1 A budget amendment will be voted on at the next regular meeting to meet that cost. The track has deteriorated since it was last replaced six years ago, said Randall Krchnak, head of maintenance

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Turner. The resolution states that the bottleneck in the road â&#x20AC;&#x153;negates much of what the state has spent to establish a fast and effective hurricane evacuation corridor,â&#x20AC;? which makes a hard turn near a major railroad crossing and continues to a four-way stop and narrow route around the county courthouse. The petition also states that the county

continued from Page 1

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tion to petition the Texas Department of Transportation to study and consider alternative routes when the Hwy. 36 intersects with Main Street in Bellville. The petition should get the ball rolling on the county working with TxDOT on the project. No county money is going to be spent through the resolution and it is not a contract, said Precinct 1 Commissioner Reese

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and transportation for the district. The track did not receive a seal coat at that time, according to Krchnak, who wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sure why that happened. At a previous meeting in January he told the board that the track was getting to a point where, if nothing happened, it would not be safe to run on it. The project is planned to begin May 6, after the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Field Day, and should be ready by graduation in June. Beynon had the highest out of the five bids

the district received, but it also came as the most highly recommended. Beynon is an international company that has installed tracks for major universities like Hayward Field at University of Oregon as well as Texas A&M University, University of Texas at Austin and Rice University. Its bid also provides for a five-year warranty on workmanship and materials. Krchnak said the new track should last 10 years.

The price includes the milling of existing asphalt up to three inches in depth and applying an asphalt overlay. The other bidders were Paragon Sports at $194,746, with an additional $66,071 for asphalt and a five-year warranty, Hellas Construction with $165,564 and an additional $77,067 for asphalt, Fischer Tracks at $165,564 and Pro Tech, which submitted a bid that did not include the option the district chose.

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ANDREW KRAMPITZ - Financial Advisor

330 Main St., Suite 4 Sealy, Tx 77474 (979) 885-4787 (888) 397-8237 Fax (888) 848-4787 Toll Free

Investors Can Learn from Swimmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Diets Summer isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t here yet, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting close. And for many people, the arrival of summer means itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for swimming at the local pool or lake. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just a casual swimmer, you probably donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to adjust your diet before jumping in. But thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not the case with competitive swimmers, who must constantly watch what they eat and drink, particularly in the days and hours preceding their races. While you may not ever have to concern yourself with your 400-meter individual medley â&#x20AC;&#x153;splits,â&#x20AC;? you can learn a lot from swimmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; consumption patterns â&#x20AC;&#x201D; particularly if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an investor. For starters, to sustain energy and stamina for a relatively long period of time, competitive swimmers need to eat easy-to-digest carbohydrates such as whole wheat, whole grains, apples and bananas. When you invest, you want to build a portfolio that is capable of â&#x20AC;&#x153;going the distance.â&#x20AC;? Consequently, you need investments that provide carbohydrate-type beneďŹ ts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in other words, investments with the potential to fuel a long-term investment strategy. Such a strategy usually involves owning a mix of high-quality stocks, bonds, government securities and certiďŹ cates of deposit (CDs). By owning these vehicles, in proportions appropriate for your risk tolerance and time horizon, you can help yourself make progress toward your ďŹ nancial goals â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and lessen the risk of running out of energy â&#x20AC;&#x153;mid-stream.â&#x20AC;?Of course, competitive swimmers have to be diligent not just in what they do eat but also in what they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why they avoid sweets, such as sodas and desserts, when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s close to race time. These items do not provide lasting energy â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in fact, they actually sap energy once the sugar wears off. As an investor, you, too,

need to avoid the temptation of â&#x20AC;&#x153;sweetsâ&#x20AC;? in the form of high-yield or â&#x20AC;&#x153;hotâ&#x20AC;? investment vehicles. You may ďŹ nd some of these investments to be alluring, but you will need to carefully weigh the extra risks involved. For many people, these types of investments may not provide the long-term stability needed to help maintain a healthy, productive investment portfolio. While what swimmers eat, or donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t eat, is important to them, their drinking habits are also crucial. The competitive environment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; warm pool water, warm air temperatures and high humidity â&#x20AC;&#x201D; can quickly lead to dehydration, so swimmers need to drink sizable amounts of water and sports drinks before and during practice. And you, as an investor, need your own type of liquidity, for at least two reasons. First, you need enough cash or cash equivalents to take advantage of new investment opportunities as they arise; without the ability to add new investments, your portfolio could start to â&#x20AC;&#x153;dehydrate.â&#x20AC;? Second, you need enough liquid investments â&#x20AC;&#x201D; speciďŹ cally, low-risk vehicles that offer preservation of principal â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to create an emergency fund, ideally containing six to 12 monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worth of living expenses. Without such a fund, you may be forced to dip into long-term investments to pay for unexpected costs, such as a major car repair, a new furnace or a large bill from the dentist. So the next time you see competitive swimmers churning through their lanes, give a thought as to the type of diet that is helping propel them along â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and think of the similarities to the type of â&#x20AC;&#x153;fuelingâ&#x20AC;? youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to keep your investment strategy moving forward. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

DOMINOES continued from Page 1 enough food, but will welcome everyone. For more information and to RSVP call Alfred Tomasek at (979) 877-0848, Wilbert Kutra at (832) 878-9700 or Dwayne Virnau at (979) 885-7280.

The Sealy Lions Club has 26 members and is always looking to add more. The Lions work to help local causes and all funding it raises stays in the community.

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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013 ■ PAGE 13

THE SEALY NEWS

IN OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSAL OF ELECTRO PURIFICATION LLC TO DRILL TEN 20” WELLS IN AUSTIN AND WALLER COUNTIES AND PRODUCE UP TO 7.3 BILLION GALLONS OF GROUNDWATER PER YEAR As outraged owners of Austin County property located in the flood plain of the Brazos River directly across the river from or adjacent to the well-field proposed by Electro Purification LLC, we urge you to read and reflect on the following outline that summarizes our thoughts. We wish that this well-financed permitting process had not been initiated because we believe that viable alternative sources of surface water exist even though the cost of exploiting these resources may be higher for the ultimate proposed consumers of our groundwater. We do not understand why the residents of our area should, in effect, underwrite these increased costs when the consequences of doing so will undoubtedly adversely impact our existing wells and reduce the groundwater available to us, our children and our grandchildren in the future. While we and others have filed notices of our intention to contest the granting of the requested permits, as in every contested proceeding, there is no assurance that we will ultimately prevail in this effort. We are concerned that, unless the proposal discussed in this outline is adopted by the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District, we may have to wait for any relief until we are adversely affected by the subsidence which we think is inevitable. This outline sets out a suggested path forward that we think makes sense under all the facts and circumstances and the current state of Texas water law.

•

Background Information ♦

According to the revised permit applications submitted by Electro Puriﬁcation LLC (“EP”), afﬁliates of Dunbar Chambers (“DC”) control an aggregate of 3,200 acres of land in Austin, Waller and Fort Bend Counties. ∗

Only 2,229 of these acres are located within the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (“BGCD”).

∗

DC has leased the right to produce groundwater from this acreage to EP.

♦

Approximately 1.73 million acres are located within the BGCD, of which DC and hence EP control only approximately 1/8th of 1%.

♦

Pages 12 and 13 of the current Groundwater Management Plan of the BGCD reﬂect that as of the date of that report in 2010 approximately 59,000 acre-feet of groundwater per year (excluding volumes reserved for exempt use) were available for permitting. ∗

♦

EP wants to secure permits for the production, transport and sale of 22,500 acre-feet of groundwater per year from the acreage controlled by DC. ∗

•

Approximately 32,750 acres-feet of this availability were allocated to Austin and Waller Counties.

Based on the information in the current Groundwater Management Plan of the BGCD, this represents approximately 38.1% of the total volume of groundwater available for permitting in the entire BGCD and approximately 68.7% of the total volume of groundwater so available in Austin and Waller Counties.

Our Understanding of Texas Water Law After the Texas Supreme Court decision in 2010 in The Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Day (“Day Case”) ♦

We understand that for more than 100 years the rule of capture has permitted a landowner in Texas to use groundwater produced from his property, either on or off site, for legitimate purposes without incurring any liability to pay damages to his neighbor for diminishing the neighbor’s groundwater or drying up the neighbor’s well. A landowner may be liable, however, for damages that his neighbor suffers as a result of subsidence caused by removing groundwater.

♦

In the Day Case, the Texas Supreme Court concluded that a landowner has absolute title to the groundwater under his land, subject only to the law of capture and legislative regulation. This means that groundwater rights in Texas are subject to constitutional protection.

♦

In the Day Case, the Texas Supreme Court also made the following noteworthy observations: ∗

“Unquestionably, the State is empowered to regulate groundwater production.” In Texas, this regulation has been implemented through districts such as the BGCD.

∗

“As with oil and gas, one purpose of groundwater regulation is to afford each owner of water in a common, subsurface reservoir a fair share.”

∗

The Texas groundwater regulatory scheme “requires groundwater districts to consider several factors in permitting groundwater production, among them the proposed use of the water, the effect on the supply and other permittees, [and] a district’s approved management plan.”

∗

“. . . [A] landowner cannot be deprived of all beneﬁcial use of groundwater below his property merely because he did not use it during a historical period and supply is limited.”

♦

As we understand the Day Case, a groundwater conservation district, such as BGCD, can be held responsible for compensating an applicant for a permit if it arbitrarily declines to issue a permit or issues a permit that is so restrictive in scope that the district is deemed to have appropriated the applicant’s groundwater for a public purpose without paying adequate compensation in contravention of Article I, Section 17(a) of the Texas Constitution.

♦

Likewise, the BGCD should be mindful that by granting the permits requested by EP, it will have precluded all the other property owners in the BGCD from capturing and selling a comparable volume of water and, hence, may be exposed to claims for damages by such landowners that it has deprived them of their groundwater, a constitutionally protected property right, without adequate compensation.

Possible Path Forward ♦

We are hopeful that any ﬁnal judgment reached by the BGCD regarding EP’s permit applications will be based on a careful consideration of whatever unbiased scientiﬁc studies are required to understand fully the groundwater resources in the BGCD and the impact of EP’s proposed aggressive exploitation of those resources. During the course of the forthcoming hearings on EP’s permit applications, we urge the BGCD to study carefully, among other things, the subsidence implications of EP’s proposed drilling program and in that connection consider: ∗

Imposing limits on the volume of water that can be produced annually from each well requested by EP so that there is a reasonable and rational relationship between the surface acreage controlled, the acre-feet of water produced each year and the location of proposed wells; and

∗

Adopting a new district wide regulation that incorporates the foregoing annual limitation.

♦

We believe that such a limitation will avoid infringing the constitutionally protected property rights of all owners of groundwater in the BGCD. A logical annual limitation might be an entitlement of one acre-foot of water for each surface acre controlled with well locations being appropriately spread over the acreage controlled. It should be noted that while oil and gas has also been subject to the rule of capture for many decades, the Texas Railroad Commission has promulgated many similar regulations, such as those relating to the spacing of wells, pursuant to its authority to regulate the production of oil and gas.

♦

Since the adoption of the foregoing volume limitation would require a substantial expansion of the footprint of EP’s proposed well ﬁeld and a diffusion of the well locations across that expanded footprint, we believe that the severity of the cone of depression created by the bunching of ten wells in a very small surface area should be mitigated and the resultant risk of material subsidence reduced.

♦

Under our suggested solution, EP could elect to acquire water rights on sufﬁcient additional acreage in the BGCD so that it ultimately controls the groundwater rights under at least 22,500 surface acres.

♦

We believe that this suggested path forward complies with the mandates of existing law by permitting the production and sale of water by EP while at the same time reducing the adverse impact of such groundwater production upon the owners of the other permitted and exempt wells located in the BGCD. In addition, the implementation of this suggestion will, in effect, afford a number of landowners in the BGCD an opportunity to “vote” on EP’s plan by deciding to lease or decline to lease the groundwater under their property. We understand that variations of this solution have been adopted and successfully implemented by several other groundwater conservation districts in the State of Texas.

♦

We urge you to attend the public hearing at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Belleville, Texas which we understand will be formally scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 20, 2013, and express your opposition to EP’s pending permit applications.

April 26, 2013

Mary Chandler Deborah Detering Graeme and Edgar Marston

OPINIONS

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013

SEALY NEWS

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

GROUNDWATER QUESTIONS We were appalled to hear the sales pitch at the Fair Grounds in Bellville from someone whom I believe has only concerns of collecting, from a long effort to sell you and the citizens of Austin and Waller County, a bill of goods that he and his employer (Chambers family) stand to profit by in millions. This is a completely onesided venture robbing us of our resources, jeopardizing our future population growth’s demand for water, when the only commitment the Chambers family has to these counties is the fact of owning property adjacent to their mining operations. I have a couple of questions: 1. During their demonstration they mentioned drawdown of water as not only possible but very probably effecting adjacent water wells, lowering the water table, resulting in diminished water supplies, causing land owners to either lower their wells or be faced with drilling new ones, but where will this

expense lay, with the well owners? Or the persons affecting this water shortage? 2. They stated no fear of land subsidence from extracting 20 million gallons of water per day. Duval Sulphur Co., that was located in Orchard, Fort Bend County, Texas, was extracting 3 million gallons of water per day during its mining operations. This ended up causing enormous sinkholes and valley type subsidence. These sink holes stretched nearly a third of a mile in length 30 years ago, and to my knowledge are continuing to grow. So how can they say there is no expected land subsidence in the foreseeable future when there is little or no difference in the soil structures, especially when the drilling sites are less than eight air miles from the sinkholes near Orchard, Texas? 3. My final question: Should this permit be granted and drilling completed with pumping operations removing 20 million gallons of water a

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers this week:

Do you think the City of Sealy attorney should reimburse the city's expenses from its most recent annexation process after a miscommunication? • Yes • No

Last week’s question was: Do you agree with Austin County officials that there should be an alternate emergency evacuation route when Hwy. 36 hits Main Street in Bellville? • Yes 87% • No 13% Total Votes 46 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

WHERETOWRITE U.S. Senator Ted Cruz B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5922 U.S. Senator John Cornyn 517 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-2934 U.S. Representative Michael McCaul Dist. 10 2000 S. Market St., Ste. 303 Brenham, Texas 77833 (979) 830-8497 Texas Governor Rick Perry P.O. Box 12428 Austin, Tx 78711-2428

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(512) 463-2000 State Senator Glenn Hegar Dist. 18 P.O. Box 1008 Katy, Texas 77492 (281) 391-8883 State Representative Lois Kolkhorst Dist. 13 P.O. Box 1867 Brenham, Texas 77834 (979) 251-7888 Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski 1 East Main Bellville, Texas 77418 (979) 865-5911 Sealy City Manager Christopher Coffman 415 Main Street Sealy, Texas 77474 (979) 885-3511

day, and subsidence and/or small well owners experience diminished water supply, what authority will the district have to stop any further pumping from this permit? The water problem Richmond and Rosenberg are facing using this proposed method in fact is only a band aid to solve their problem. When you realize the damage resulting from this pumping and stop it, all hell will break out flooding the court with law suits costing the district hundreds of thousands of dollars to defend its actions. The solution for them is to use and develop some of the many river basins in Fort Bend County. Each would serve as equal to as many as three 10-inch wells or more, with no damage from land subsidence or limit to future use. Fort Bend is beginning to experience water shed from flooding problems resulting from continued growth developments as in Harris County. This water could be diverted to reusable drinking

water in the reservoirs, easing future flooding problems. Dennis and Carolyn King Wallis RELAY FOR LIFE ONLY ONE DAY AWAY Relay for Life is only one day away now and we are in high gear. Luminary bags are being turned in, but that doesn’t mean it is too late to decorate one in honor or memory of someone you love that has or had cancer. We will have a table at Relay and you can decorate your bag that evening – be sure to get there early. The Luminary Ceremony is at 9 p.m., opening ceremony is at 6 p.m. Closing ceremony is at 6 a.m. Saturday morning. If you are an early riser, think about joining us about 5:30 a.m. Saturday for our last few laps – what a way to start the day. There will be a poster at the main gate letting you know what kinds of foods you can purchase at the team tent-sites. Come hungry, we

don’t want to take any food home the next morning. If you would like to donate, we are collecting canned goods for the local food pantry. Each registered walker is donating five cans, but just one from each person that attends would help out tremendously. Please remember that there is no admission fee to attend Relay for Life on Friday, May 3, beginning at 6 p.m. Relay is taking place at Brahma Stadium in Bellville this year. Oh yeah, that person I mentioned last week, there definitely will be a major haircut that takes place about 7:30 p.m. on stage. We met our goal last week, but we are still taking donations. Anyone who donates $100 or more to Hugo’s Hot Rods will get a turn with the clippers. Who could be so crazy to do such a thing? Some of you already know the answer, some of you will just have to show up and find out! Janice Hugo Wied Team Captain-Hugo’s Hot Rods Bellville

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS House passes voter assistance bill Legislation to amend the state elections law as to how much a person may assist others in voting was passed by the House on April 26. Committee Substitute House Bill 148, authored by Rep. Cindy Burkett (R-Mesquite) received a final vote of 93-48, but not before lengthy and contentious debate on the House floor a day earlier. Opponents of the bill, who were rebuffed in multiple attempts to amend it warned that its passage likely would result in a federal court challenge under Section 5 of the U.S. Voting Rights Act of 1965, a part of the law that affects states showing a pattern of discriminatory behavior in election-related practices. An official state analysis of CSHB 148, in short, asserts: “In certain localities, individuals receive compensation for harvesting mail-in ballots or for going door to door collecting eligible ballots and posting them on behalf of voters. Such individuals are compensated on a per-ballot basis. There currently is no limit on the number of times a person may act as a courier for mail-in ballots in a given election, and concerned parties contend that some mailin ballot harvesters provide unlawful assistance or unlawful witness to voters and may even electioneer in the presence of an active ballot.” The bill would create misdemeanor offense for a person convicted of compensating an individual for assisting 10 or more voters in prohibited ways, and for engaging in other specific and prohibited voting-related actions. Travis DA sentenced Travis County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg was arrested for drunken driving on April 12 and is serving a 45-day sentence in the Travis County Jail. Lehmberg’s duties include

ED STERLING Texas Press Association heading the Public Integrity Unit, a statewide office that handles ethics complaints against elected officials. On March 8, HB 3575 by Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Frisco) was filed, proposing to move the Public Integrity Unit out of Travis County’s offices and into the Office of the Attorney General. The bill is scheduled for a House committee hearing on May 1. Texas joins EPA challenge Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott and attorneys general from 11 other states have filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the Obama Administration’s enforcement of environmental regulations under the Clean Air Act. Petitioners claim the U.S Environmental Protection Agency “ignored Congress’ lawmaking role by rewriting federal laws through administrative rulemaking,” Abbott’s office stated in an April 22 news release. Abbott said the EPA’s greenhouse gas regulations “were unlawfully created out of whole cloth and are a massive burden on states and businesses.” Timothy Cole bill passes HB 166 by Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon (D-San Antonio) was approved by the House on April 24. The legislation would establish the Timothy Cole Exoneration Review Commission to review and investigate cases in which an innocent person was convicted and then exonerated or released on writ of habeas corpus. The nine-member commission would review practices and procedures leading up to wrongful convictions and seek ways to minimize erroneous

outcomes. The commission would not consider sentencing issues such as the death penalty and would not intervene in any pending cases, McClendon said. The bill honors the memory of Timothy Cole, a Texan who in 1999 died in prison, having served 13 years of a 25-year rape sentence before the legal system was satisfied that another individual had committed the crime. Cole received a posthumous pardon from Gov. Perry in 2010. Presidential center opens The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum was formally opened and dedicated at its location on the Southern Methodist University campus in Dallas on April 25. The 207,000-square-foot complex will serve as the archive for more than 70 million pages of documents and 80 terabytes of electronic records, in addition to collections of photographs, memorabilia and educational materials. George W. Bush, 43rd president of the United States, served from 2001 to 2009, and served as governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000. West continues rebound Relief assistance of all kinds poured into the city of West last week. West has been in a state of disaster emergency since April 17 when a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant tore through the town, killing 14 people and injuring as many as 200 others. A memorial service for those lost and injured in the explosion was held at Baylor University in Waco on April 25. President Barack Obama spoke, honoring those who rushed to assist and giving solemn regard to “the wounded, the heartbroken, the families who lost their homes and possessions in an instant.”

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 (USPS 487260) Entered at the post office at Sealy, Texas, under the Act of ■ DEADLINES TX 77474-0480. ■ EDITORIAL REQUIREMENTS Congress of June 2, 1897. Periodical Rate postage paid at has several deadlines for its weekly editions. The Lifestyle announcements—weddings, anniversaries, Sealy, TX 77474. deadline for editorial submissions is Friday at noon

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in for the Thursday edition. Retail and Classified the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be (979) 885-3562 display deadlines are also Friday at noon for the picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the (979) 885-3564 Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Amber Gonzales Staff Writer daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $39 per year; Creighton Holub Sports Writer Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the outside Austin County in Texas, $50; outside Texas, Andy Rosato Circulation right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be $70 per year. Notices of change of address should be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, published. Letters should be 500 words or less. ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard Fax Mailing address:

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■ CONTENTS © 2013 by Sealy Publications Inc. Written consent is waived when permission is gained in advance and full credit is given to The Sealy News for material reprinted or reproduced, in whole or in part, electronically or otherwise. © 2013 Sealy Publications Inc. All Rights Reserved

SEALY NEWS THE

Track brings home state medals PAGE 8

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Juanita H. Perry

Volume 126 Number 20

THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Sealy stamps our hunger PAGE 20 20 pages, $1

Water Voters say OK to ESD No. 2 tax rate increase board meeting set By ASHLEY TOMPKINS

ty of voters on Saturday voted yes to raising the rate up to 10 cents per $100 valuation. Election Day and early voting totals for the tax rate increase came in at 347, with

publisher@sealynews.com

A preliminary hearing for the water well proposal before the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District will be Monday, May 20, at the Austin County Fairgrounds at 10 a.m. This preliminary hearing is purely informational for the Bluebonnet board, which has not yet been formally pre■ WATER, page 3

NEWSBITS Sealy Food Fair The Sealy Christian Food Pantry will hold its annual community food fair May 16 at Levine Park starting at noon. The food fair provides free food from the Houston food bank to anyone who comes to fill up on groceries. The Sealy Pantry works every week to provide basic needs for those in the area struggling to feed themselves and their families. For more information contact (979) 885-3866.

Sealy AARP Sealy AARP Chapter 1505 will meet at 11 a.m. on May 16 at the Fellowship Hall of the First United Methodist Church, 200 Atchison Street, in Sealy.

JH Band Sealy Junior High bands – sixth grade beginner, concert and symphonic – are performing at the SJH auditorium Thursday, May 16 at 7 p.m.

Clean Up Day San Felipe is hosting a clean up day for San Felipe residents only on Saturday, May 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the town maintenance barn on Sixth Street. No hazardous materials, chemicals, batteries, tires or old lube (oil) is allowed. All brush and lumber must be separated ■ NEWSBITS, page 20

Residents living within the Emergency Services District No. 2 will see a tax rate increase after a majori-

Wyn McCready

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

Duane T. Blaschke

City: Run-off needed McCready wins Place 6, run-off for Place 3

ed to fill Place 6, earning 236 votes to John Hinze’s 229. The fate of Place 3 on the council is still unknown. A run-off election will be held within 30 days with Sandra Vrablec and Duane T. Blaschke facing off to fill the seat. Vrablec earned 170 votes and Blaschke 169 votes. Dwayne Virnau, who also ran for Place 3, earned 128 votes. Because no candidate in ■ RUN-OFF, page 12

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

One race was decided and the outcome of another is still unknown in Saturday’s Sealy City Council election. Wyn McCready was elect-

Saturday’s election results allows the district to increase that up to 10 cents to continue services currently offered by the Sealy Volunteer Fire Department.

Ryan Reichardt

Brian Owen

The increase would fund the department’s 24/7 paid crew. The crew is now mainly paid for with grant funds and some help from the ■ ESD, page 3

Robert Arnold

SISD: Two new trustees By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Sealy Independent School District will see a couple new faces on the school board as Ryan Reichardt and Brian Owen join the team along with the reelected Robert Arnold. They will be working alongside trustees Rick Bauman, Beverly Beckendorf, Michael Holub and Joe Mike Young. Janice

Kana was not re-elected. Votes came in Saturday to fill three at-large seats on the Sealy ISD board of trustees. Reichardt earned 519, Owen 440 and Arnold 388 votes. Incumbent Janice Kana had 299 votes. Reichardt owns and runs Cat Spring B&B and Reichardt Construction in Cat Spring and was born and raised in the district. He has three sons in Sealy ■ SISD, page 12

City manager contract extended

Man hits downtown fountain Driver charged with DWI

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Bricks, construction mortar and random truck parts surround the Sealy downtown water fountain and clock tower after an Austin County man ran into the fountain last week. Antonio Cordova, 38, was arrested on Thursday, May 9 and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) after Sealy police officers were dispatched to Main and Fowlkes Streets at 10:34 p.m. in response to the accident.

Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman will call Sealy home for a few more years as the Sealy City Council late last month voted to extend his contract through 2016. Coffman’s new extended contract is good through April 30, 2016. Before the April 29 decision, his contract ran through 2015. Coffman joined the city in April 2008 as its top leader. The vote to extend his contract passed 5-1 with councilmen Steve Wilson

■ FOUNTAIN, page 3

■ COFFMAN, page 2

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

BIBLEQUOTE Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 1 Peter 3:81

Sandra Vrablec

245 voters saying no to the increase. Results are unofficial until canvassed by the district. The ESD No. 2 tax rate limit is currently set at 7 cents per $100 valuation.

Debate goes to state Math UIL team off to Austin

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Sophomore Trenton Beckendorf is headed to state UIL competition for his performance in the Lincoln-Douglas debate. The category is an individual debate based on values and philosophies. This year’s debate is social and eco-

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Trenton Beckendorf nomic justice, asking if it’s fair to redistribute ■ DEBATE, page 3

For the first time, Sealy High School is sending a calculator applications team to state UIL competition. Senior Tierra Highland, junior Caleb

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

The calculator applications team includes, from left to right, Jason Almeida, Josh Stoddard, Tierra Highland and Caleb ■ UIL, page 20 Scarbrough.

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013 ■ PAGE 3

THE SEALY NEWS

WATER continued from Page 1 sented with the plan to pump 20 million gallons of water a day out of Austin and Waller counties. At the board’s quarterly meeting in Navasota April 17, it agreed to send a letter and contract to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) to hold a contested hearing for the proposal. Although the district received 300 requests for contested hearing, just one asked for a SOAH hearing – North Fort Bend Water Authority. Rules state that as long as there is at least one request for a SOAH

hearing and the requestor fulfills responsibilities to cover costs of that hearing, the process has to go through that venue. The cost was estimated at $44,000 at the April 17 meeting. The board also requested that the official SOAH hearing be held somewhere in Austin or Waller county, rather than in the Capitol. At the local preliminary hearing, a quorum of the 16 board members from the four member counties will hear the proposal and be able to ask questions of its own staff, the appli-

DEBATE

ESD

continued from Page 1

wealth, said Beckendorf. In regional competition, Beckendorf earned second place, though this is the first time he’s competed in this category. “I was a terrified person as far as speaking was concerned until last year when I took the speech class,” he said. “Then I realized OK, maybe I’m not so bad at this.” He likes the individualized learning of this competition and says he does a lot of work with social media, talking to other students who are doing the same projects and sharing information on how to

debate. “It builds up all these great skills that you don’t get inside of a classroom,” he said. La Vernia bested Beckendorf for the regional title by the same student who earned second in state competition last year. This year, he will also be going up against students from Bandera, Lampasas, Burnet, Wylie, Brownsboro and Palestine high schools, among others. “I’m just happy to have made it there,” he said. “Because this is my first year to do Lincoln-Douglas debate.”

FOUNTAIN continued from Page 1 There were no passengers in Cordova’s vehicle and no other vehicles were involved in the accident. Officers tested Cordova’s blood alcohol level. Results were not available as of press time. The accident is still under investigation, but Sealy Police Department Sgt. James Long said Cordova appeared to be intoxicated and hit the water fountain and clock tower with his 2012 Dodge Dually. Long said the department was still attempting to determine what happened. He said Cordova underwent all testing required with a DWI charge. Sealy Mayor Nick Tirey said he believes

the fountain and clock tower are still structurally sound. “Right now, it’s just an eyesore,” he said. Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman said the fountain and tower will be repaired, but it could take some time. He was told Cordova had car insurance and the city will go through the insurance claim process. Coffman said he wasn’t sure of the extent of damages at this point, but that an analysis will be done to make sure the structure is still stable before any repairs are made. The clock tower stands 24 feet tall and came in at about $76,200 when built in 2012.

Jail museum offers exhibits The Austin County Jail Museum is a local visitor attraction open Saturdays and manned by volunteers. Anyone interested in hosting tours at the jail museum one Saturday per month, please contact Becky Larson at (979) 877-8814. Volunteers will be given an orientation to begin. This historical county landmark in Austin County is a visitor’s treasure. The exhibits are fun and educational. For more information contact Larson at (979) 877-8814 or Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski’s office at (979) 865-5911.

Remember 9-1-1 Citizens in Sealy in need of emergency services should be calling 911 instead of the Sealy Police Department phone number. These calls go directly to the Sealy Police Department dispatch. This will help streamline calls and data to emergency responders.

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district. The grant funding ends in July. ESD No. 2 President Cliff Langton said approval allows the district to set the tax rate up to 10 cents per $100 valuation. District commissioners could set it at any rate, but he said it would more than likely need to be at 9 or 10 cents to absorb costs. Going to 10 cents per $100 valuation would bring in roughly $260,000 in revenue. “We’ve always been prudent in what we spend and do. That’s how we’ve been able to do what we’ve done,” Langton said earlier this year. “We’ll continue to be frugal.” Sealy Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Eric Zapalac said annual taxes would go up $31 on a home valued at $100,000. That breaks down to $2.58 a month or 9 cents a day. Maintaining a twoman paid crew Sealy VFD went to a paid crew in late 2009, with the district paying for two commissioned firefighters to work from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. In 2011, the district received a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant that funded 200 hours a week of paid firefighters for two years. The district had to make a commitment to try to fund the third year to move forward in the grant selection. The district will have to fund $310,521 annually starting in August to cover the two-man 24/7 paid crew. That includes the 100 hours the district has funded on its own since December 2009, the 200 hours that is covered by the grant and an extra 30 hours funded by the

cant’s representatives and hear from the public. Houston-based Electro Purifications is asking to build 10 wells, seven in the Brookshire area in Waller County and three in on the border of Austin County. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and would be between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. The wells would target the Evangeline Aquifer, which is used by most registered wells in Austin and Waller counties. Electro said it planned to pump 10

district to guarantee 24/7 coverage. “As one of many responsible for public safety, we ask ourselves many important questions,” Langton said. “Two that stand out are, what level of protection do citizens expect followed by to what level are we meeting or failing to meet those expectations?” This marks the second tax rate increase for ESD No. 2 in three years. In 2010, ESD No. 2 commissioners went to taxpayers to increase the rate from 3 cents to 7 cents per $100 valuation to cover going to a paid crew, building a new fire station and purchasing equipment. In the past three years, the district has done exactly what it set out to do. The department has a paid crew and moved into its new station, which came in under budget, last year. The district is also purchasing a new, much needed pumper. Saturday’s majority vote yes means the district and department will not have to cut its full-time staff. ESD commissioners set the tax rate each

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million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. So, it would be leasing water rights to sell to the two cities while looking for other potential buyers as well. For more information on the proposal, including copies of the application, a study conducted by Electro, hundreds of public responses and meeting information, go to www. bluebonnetgroundwater.org.

year. Even if the cap is at 10 cents, Langton said there is a chance that the rate could be lower than the full amount some years. The increase will go into effect Oct. 1. Funds would be collected starting in January 2014. ESD No. 2 includes all of the City of Sealy, plus it reaches halfway to San Felipe, Cat

Spring, Bellville and Wallis. It includes most of I-10 from the county line at the San Bernard River to about a mile west of San Felipe. The district covers 119 square miles and 76,535 acres. It includes 2,708 residential structures, 855 manufactured homes, 283 commercial structures and 54 apartment buildings.

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SEALY NEWS THE

Sealy Softball bats for championship PAGE 6

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Frances Kovasovic

Volume 126 Number 21

Local help for Moore By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Disaster struck more than 400 miles north of Sealy on Monday, but the devastation in Moore, Okla., is being felt in this small city. Local residents and businesses are teaming up this week to do all they can to help. ■ OKLAHOMA, page 15

NEWSBITS Fundraising event First Presbyterian Church of Sealy, located at 172 Selman Dr., will hold its annual fundraising garage sale on Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, starting at 7 a.m. Proceeds support local charities including the Sealy Christian Pantry, Meals on Wheels and Gordon Memorial Library. There will also be plants for sale and the church cookbook published by its women’s group.

THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Mitchell era over in Sealy sports@sealynews.com

Sealy ISD’s search for a new athletics director and head football coach has begun. With one year left on his contract, Jimmie Mitchell left his post as athletic director and head football coach at Sealy for District 30-4A’s A.C. Jones High School in Beeville. Beeville ISD board of trustees approved hiring Mitchell as their new athletics director and head football coach May 9. Mitchell started his new job in Beeville the same day, Sealy ISD

■ NEWSBITS page 11

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Pauline Stella Bienek ■ Joe Charlie Gajewski ■ Rose Kovar ■ Louis W. Holub, Jr. ■ Viola Adela Holub

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

The Sealy News/CREIGHTON HOLUB

Superintendent Scott Kana confirmed May 15. Mitchell had a solid 48-19 record with the

Tigers in six seasons at Sealy. Before taking the reins in Sealy, he accumulated a 43-17 record at hard-hitting

Sinton from 2002 through 2007. Beeville is located approximately 30 min■ MITCHELL, page 11

Sealy to honor the fallen By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Next Monday, at 11 a.m., Americans around the country, and abroad, will pause for a moment of silence to remember the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces. Sealy’s American Legion Post 442 will recognize Memorial Day Monday morning by laying wreaths and raising the flag to half-mast in front of the Legion Hall on Hwy. 36. Everyone is invited to pay their respects at the flag ceremony and the gun salute to those Americans who gave everything for their country. “You’re showing respect for past service people and present service people,” said Heather Smith of the Legion Auxiliary. ■ MEMORIAL DAY, page 16

Poppies ready for Memorial Day By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

A small red, paper poppy represents a memory. Servicemen returning home from battlefields in France after World War I came

back with memories of wild, red poppies and the flower became a living symbol of those who died in battle. A hundred or so years later, the poppy is still a symbol of those sacrifices and part of the American

Legion’s annual recognition of Memorial Day. This weekend Friday, May 24, and Saturday, May 25, members of the American Legion Auxiliary will distribute poppies outside of Wal-Mart, Tony’s ■ POPPIES, page 11

The Sealy News/COURTESY PHOTO

Charlette Janicek and Zane Litzmann, who will each be going to State UIL competition to perform.

Band members are state bound Sealy Tiger Band members Charlette Janicek and Zane Litzmann are UIL State-bound again this year. Janicek and Litzmann will be competing on Memorial Day, May 27, at the UIL State Solo and Ensemble Competition at Plugerville High School representing themselves and the Sealy Tiger Band. Sophomore Janicek is competing for the second consecutive year in the twirling category, performing a twirling solo. Junior Litzmann is returning for a third consecutive year to State UIL. Litzmann is competing in two categories: marimba and piano. Previously, Litzmann has performed marimba solos in 2011 and 2012, earning a first division at State UIL last year. This will be the first time Litzmann will compete at State UIL in the piano solo category. The Sealy Tiger Band wishes both good luck at State.

SOAH hearing set, BGCD hears public By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him. Psalm 32:10

Thank a

everyday

Sealy voters will have their say in who fills Place 3 on the Sealy City Council next month. A June 15 run-off election between Sandra Vrablec and Duane T. Blaschke will decide which candidate fills the open seat after the May 11 election failed to see a winner. Vrablec earned 170 votes and Blaschke 169 votes in the May elec■ RUN-OFF, page 15

Coach Jimmie Mitchell speaking to the Tiger team at the Pious X game last year.

BIBLEQUOTE

Veteran and Serviceman

22 pages, $1

Run-off election set for June 15

By CREIGHTON HOLUB

All Stars Tournament The Sealy Little League will hold its All Stars Kick Off Tournament in June. Ages 10 and under will play June 8-9, 12 and under will play June 22-23. Registration will be May 25 at B&P W Park 9-11 a.m. and can be done by mail by May 31. The cost is $375 or $31.25 per child. For packets and information, please contact Dan Jenkins at (832) 265-9503 or Regina Jenkins at

Sealy FFA Awards PAGE 1B-2B

Shaved victory

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

Armed with clippers, a comb and brush, the Sealy Lady Tigers softball team made good on a promise from their coach, Casey Anderson, on Monday. Anderson promised his team that he’d let them shave his hair off if they made it to the regional finals. His team did just that. On Monday, seniors Kay Schroeder, Mendi Nelson and Kelsie Maxwell, pictured above, had first shot at shaving Anderson’s head before other Lady Tigers joined in on the fun.

The contested hearing for the Electro well project proposal is set for Thursday, July 11, at the Austin County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m., announced Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District Board President Jared Patout. The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) led hearing will be similar to a civil trial, and an administrative law judge will eventually

create a written report and a proposal for the board to make a decision on the application. The SOAH docket number for the case is 951-13-4182. Landowners from Austin and Waller counties talked about subsidence, conservation, the Brookshire Salt Dome, drawdown and the validity of an impact report provided by Electro Purifications on its proposed well project at a preliminary ■ WATER, page 11

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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THURDAY, MAY 23, 2013 ■ PAGE 11

THE SEALY NEWS

WATER

MITCHELL

continued from Page 1

hearing for the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District. “This affects the value of our property and our livelihood,” said Sandra Hayes, a landowner in Brookshire, during the public comments. The Bluebonnet Board of Directors met in front of a group of a couple hundred citizens at the Austin County Fairgrounds Monday, May 20, to formally introduce the proposal for a 10 well project that would pump 20 million gallons of water a day from under Austin and Waller counties. The proposal is to build 10 wells, seven in the Brookshire area in Waller County and three at the border in Austin County, right across the Fort Bend County line. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and would go be between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. They will be targeted at the Evangeline Aquifer, which most registered wells in Austin and Waller County use. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. Essentially, Electro is leasing the land and water rights to sell to the two cities while looking for other buyers as well. The purpose of the preliminary hearing was to formally introduce the board to the application, reports from Electro and Bluebonnet staff and to hear public concerns. Because it has been formally requested, a contested hearing for the proposal will go before a SOAH judge in July.

At the preliminary hearing, board members could not discuss the subject with any parties or members of the public and no action was taken on the application. A representative from Electro gave a 15 minutes presentation, stating that a demand for the water it plans to pump exists in Austin, Waller and Fort Bend counties, and that this permit can address those demands. That it would be a “viable and sustainable project.” Bluebonnet General Manager Zach Holland, along with consultant Dr. Bill Hutchison, provided a presentation on the application and how to analyze the reports on project impact. There are four points of contention to decide whether or not the application can be approved, said Hutchison. They are: Identifying the needs associated with the project, the impact on existing wells, how it would play into the plan, or desired future conditions, set out by the district and subsidence. “Any subsidence is more subsidence than we can tolerate,” said Daniel McJunkin, mayor of Simonton. He told the board that the increase in insurance his citizens would have to pay if the floodplain expanded would be unreasonable and impact the quality of life. Geologist Leonard Moore, with the group Concerned Citizens of Texas Water Resources, brought up a 1968 USGS study specific to Austin and Waller counties regarding recharge: about 40 inches a year from 1900-1960. The study was conducted in concern for rice farming impact, but the amount now

proposed would be much more than that study looked at. “I’m afraid we’re going to burden the same thing again only a lot more and a lot faster,” said Moore. Engineer Hubert Yoist, another member of the group, reiterated. “We will not be able to recharge the aquifer unless the rain comes back, and nobody knows when it’s going to come back,” he said. Drew Miller, a lawyer for North Fort Bend Water Authority, talked about a recent report done for the Fort Bend Subsidence district. It shows, he said, that the project will cause significant subsidence, causing more land to be included into the floodplain and make the land undevelopable without the construction of levies. Other members of the public talked about alternatives for water to meet regional need, like rainwater catchers or developing the Allens Creek Reservoir. “Lets consider out future uses and regional benefit and get this lake built,” said Johnnie Griffin. Drought conditions, population growth and a sense of equity when it comes to a life serving resource were all discussed before the board as not being taken into consideration in the original impact report. To get more information on the presentations, the applications and the citizen’s group, go to www.bluebonnetgroundwater.org and http://www.cctwr.org/.

utes from Mitchell’s previous post in Sinton, just an hour north of Corpus Christi. While Beeville started its search for a new head coach last month, Mitchell’s departure leaves Sealy with little time to maneuver and find a replacement. Sealy’s official interim athletic director is Lonnie Goad, who has

so far filled the gap left in Mitchell’s wake until the Sealy ISD board of trustees decides on the new head football coach and athletic director. A search committee is being created made up of administrative staff to go through applicants. According to Kana, Sealy ISD received

applications before the position was officially announced last Wednesday. According to the job vacancy notice on Sealy ISD’s website, the position will pay in the range of $75,000 to $85,000. The position has duties of an athletics director and a head football coach built in.

Meeting Room June 3 from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.

State Bank, located at 222 Main St.

Father’s Day bake sale

Alcoholics Anonymous meets Mondays at 7 p.m. and Fridays at 8 p.m. at St. John Episcopal Church, Hwy. 36 and 6th Street.

NEWSBITS continued from Page 1 (832) 428-7888.

Emergency Information Information will be given regarding emergency response for various disaster incidents at the Emergency Operations Center Open House in the Austin County Courthouse Basement

AA meetings

The Trinity Lutheran Church choir will sponsor a Father’s Day bake sale on Friday, June 14, starting at 9 a.m. at Citizens

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MAY 27 - MAY 31, 2013 MONDAY: Caesar Salad, Chicken Salad Wrap, Shredded BBQ Turkey Sandwich, Chicken Nuggets and Breadstick, Mashed Potatoes, Green Beans and Pineapple Tidbits TUESDAY: Fruit Plate and Yogurt, Ham and Cheese Sandwich, Cheese Breadstick with Marinara, Pork Honey BBQ Dippers and Roll, Steamed Broccoli and Sliced Peaches WEDNESDAY: Garden Salad, Mini Combo Sub, Chicken Potato Bowl with Breadstick, Hamburger, Vegetarian Beans and Pear Halves THURSDAY: Turkey Chef Salad, Fiesta Wrap,

Cheese Enchilada, Penne Pasta with Meat Sauce and Breadstick, Italian Style Green Beans and Applesauce FRIDAY: BLT Salad, Pepperoni Pizza, Chicken Parmesan Sub, Fish Taco, Sweet Potato Tots and Mixed Fruit

BREAKFAST:

MONDAY: School holiday TUESDAY: WG Pancake and Turkey Sausage Link or Cereal, Wheat Toast, Syrup and Jelly WEDNESDAY: Scrambled Egg and Wheat Toast or Cereal and Wheat Toast and Jelly THURSDAY: Blueberry Mufﬁn and Turkey Sausage or Cereal, Wheat Toast and Jelly FRIDAY: Cereal and Wheat Toast or Yogurt with Granola, Cheese Stick and Jelly

LUNCH:

MONDAY: School holiday TUESDAY: Chicken Nuggets, Corn, Sauteed Zucchini, Beets, Chilled Pears and Ketchup WEDNESDAY: Pepperoni Pizza, Lettuce/Tomato, Carrot Sticks/Ranch and Fresh Fruit THURSDAY: Salisbury Steak, Steamed Carrots, Fresh Broccoli/Ranch, Fresh Fruit and Wheat Roll FRIDAY: Hamburger, Lettuce/Tomato, Potato Smiles, Fresh Fruit and Mayo/Mustard/Ketchup

Thanks for a fantastic year!

Want to keep up on what’s going on in your child’s school? It’s easy. Subscribe to The Sealy News. Call us at (979) 885-3562 or log on at www.sealynews.com.

SEALY NEWS THE

4H Star of the Week PAGE 3

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Raymond Kasmiersky

Volume 126 Number 24

NEWSBITS

THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Lady Tigers earn softball awards PAGE 5 18 pages, $1

Man enters plea deal after Wallis thefts

Hermann Sons to meet Cat Spring Hermann Sons Lodge No. 44 will meet Thursday, June 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the agricultural hall meeting room. A barbecue dinner will be provided and members are asked to bring a side dish or dessert. For more information, call (979) 885-2719 or (979) 627-3179.

Summer reading program

Saturday Knox library gets back stolen funds Election for city By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

The former director of the Knox Memorial Library in Wallis, charged with taking $6,359.77 to pay for personal items, has entered into a pretrial intervention agreement. In the agreement,

Rodney Gregg Young, 42, agreed to pay back funds he took from the library in 2010-11. According to the Austin County district attorney’s office, Young had to pay more than $6,000 up front to the court to repay the library. Further terms and conditions require that he continue to pay fees

The Gordon Memorial Library is kicking off its summer reading program. Registration is underway and will continue through the beginning of the program. There will be reading fun, crafts, magicians and prizes. The program will continue every Thursday in June through July 30. Dinosaur George returns on July 18 to talk about prehistoric life. The program is open to children ages 3 years to sixth grade.

and court costs, report regularly to probation and violate no laws in the state of Texas for a period of two years. “Our primary concern in this case was to make the Wallis Public Library whole again and ensure that the losses suffered due to this theft were recovered,” Austin County

District Attorney Travis Koehn said. Young entered the agreement on April 23. Young was indicted by an Austin County grand jury for theft of property between $1,500 and $20,000, a State Jail Felony, on May 30, 2012. If Young successfully

More than 134 Sealy residents cast their ballots in early voting in a special election to fill Place 3 on the Sealy City Council. Early voting ended Tuesday. Total voting figures were not available as of press time.

■ THEFT, page 10

■ ELECTION, page 10

The Sealy Class of 2013

The Sealy News/CREIGHTON HOLUB

Congrats Grads At left, Sealy High School valedictorian Jonathan Whitmore, who has also won numerous awards for his art, speaks about how the molding process of the class of 2013 was like molding a piece of clay. Sealy graduates ended their high school careers at Tiger Stadium Saturday evening. Below, Sealy High School graduates celebrate by throwing glitter and their mortarboards into the air at Tiger Stadium. See more pictures from Saturday's graduation online at www.sealynews.com.

CPRA rodeo box seats available It’s time to Rodeo Austin County! Those interested in purchasing box seats for the Summer Music Fest CPRA rodeo should contact the Austin County Fair office at (979) 865-5995. Box seats include Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22. The Summer Music Fest CPRA Rodeo begins at 7 p.m. See you there!

Father’s Day bake sale The Trinity Lutheran Church choir will sponsor a Father’s Day bake sale on Friday, June 14, starting at 9 a.m. at Citizens State Bank, located at 222 Main St.

Teachers of the Year

■ NEWSBITS page 11

TODAY'SOBITUARIES

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

■ Tillie Cieslewicz ■ Gloria Rehak Dubec ■ Berl Joe Gassner, Sr. ■ Eveline "Audrey" Koy ■ Tommie Slansky The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

BIBLEQUOTE I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Psalm 27:13

Director leaves Sealy Blinn College campus

The 2012-13 Teachers of the Year were named at the Sealy ISD end of the year awards on Friday, June 7. They are Joyce Junco from Selman Elementary School, Donna Magjarevich from Selman Intermediate School, Joyce Waddell from Sealy Junior High, and Jessica Pacher from Sealy High School. See more photos from the end of the year awards on page 6.

Blinn College will soon begin the search for a new director on its Sealy campus after the resignation last week by former Director Jeri Dulaney. The college announced Dulaney’s resignation last week and named Joe Al Picone as the interim director. Picone was the campus’ first director when it opened in 2005. Dulaney gave notice of resignation to the college on June 6. That resignation was effective

immediately, according to Richard Bray, communications specialist for Blinn College. Dulaney declined to comment on her reason for resigning and Bray pointed to the issue as a personnel matter and said he could not comment on her decision. Dulaney had worked as the campus director since 2008, moving to Sealy from Mount Pleasant, where she worked at Northeast Texas Community College. ■ BLINN, page 10

Locals to host groundwater info meeting in Frydek

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

A group of residents are organizing an informational meeting about groundwater issues in the area and Texas at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Hall in Frydek on June 20 at 7

p.m. In the wake of a proposal that would pump 20 million gallons of water a day from under Austin and Waller counties, citizens are trying to catch up with information about how they could be affected, including drawdown and

subsidence. “It’s just to get informed about what’s going on,” said Kathi Mickan, an event organizer. “I don’t think a lot of people are aware of (the proposal).” At the meeting next Thursday, several members of

Concerned Citizens for Texas Water Resources will present information including geological, engineering and philosophical points. It will be similar to what was presented at the Bluebonnet Groundwater ■ WATER page 17

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013 ■ PAGE 17

THE SEALY NEWS

Unique cards to fly you through Father's Day

olumn by Amber Gonzales

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

This paper airplane garland is a fun twist on making a Father's Day card using items from around the house like a map, string and some glue.

WATER continued from Page 1 Conservation District (BGCD) board preliminary hearing last month in Bellville, said spokesman Tom Sherman. The BGCD is an entity that tries to maintain conservation and longrange water plans for the counties included in the district. Austin, Grimes, Walker and Waller counties each have four volunteer representatives on the BGCD board of directors. Austin County’s representatives are Milton Beckendorff, Michael Blezinger, Sharon Brandes and Glenn Huebner. Last month the BGCD board met at the Austin County Fairgrounds to be formally introduced to a proposal by Houston-based Electro Purifications to pump 7.3 billion gallons of water a year from the Evangeline Aquifer running under Austin and Waller counties. Electro is asking to build 10 wells, seven in the Brookshire area in Waller County and three on the border of Austin County. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and would be between 700 and 1,500 feet below ground level. The wells would target the Evangeline Aquifer, which is used by most registered wells in Austin and Waller counties. Electro said it planned to pump 10 million gallons of water a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. So, it would be leasing water rights to sell to the two cities while looking for other potential buyers as well. The board received hundreds of comments from the public about the proposal and 300 requests for a hearing to contest the project. At the BGCD quarterly meeting April 17 in Navasota, the board voted to send a letter and contract to the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) to hold a contested hearing. The district at that time had one request for a SOAH hearing, and rules dictate that if even one request is submitted, the process must go through SOAH rather than just the BGCD board. The requestor was the North Fort Bend Water Authority, which agreed to cover all costs for the hearing and SOAH judge.

The SOAH-led hearing will be similar to a civil trial, and an administrative law judge will eventually create a written report and a proposal for the board to make a decision on the application. The SOAH docket number for the case is 951-13-4182. Last month’s preliminary hearing was purely informational for the district board, all of whom had not been presented with the proposal or the impact studies that went along with them.

The SOAH hearing is scheduled for Thursday, July 11, at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville at 9 a.m. For more information on the meeting in Frydek, contact Mickan at (979) 885-4830 or Judy Kocurek at (979) 885-3932. For information on BGCD, the Electro proposal and citizen comments, go to www.bluebonnetgroundwater.org. For information on the citizens’ group and videos of the meetings, go to http://www.cctwr. org/.

It’s going to be Father’s Day and my father already has everything. What do you do for a great guy who really just needs underwear and socks? I was going to save those for Christmas. So, I’ve come up with a little craft that’s easy on the budget and with some special originality. My paper plane garland here also has a message written across them. You could put them in box and have him pull out each message at a time or string them around the house where he’s likely to see

them. For this craft you need: string, glue, a pen, scissors and paper. I used an old map because my parents like to travel, and are actually planning to move from Southern California to Portland where I assume they will eat VooDoo doughnuts and befriend organic farmers. I found a neat website that gives instructions on how to make paper planes in begginer, intermediate and advanced levels. I just made a classic dart because it was easy, but there were also instructions on how to make a “raptor” and “stealth wing.” Check out www.funpaperairplanes.com if

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you get a chance. Make your planes, I did about 10, and then write your special message on one side of each wing. Now, take your glue and put a line on the center inside fold of the plane (with the dart model this was easiest). Take your string and place it into the fold with the glue and let set. That’s it. Attach as many as you like for a nifty spin on your Father’s Day card. If you want to submit crafts for me to try or your own crafting stories and plans, please email reporter@ sealynews.com or mail to 193 Schmidt Road, Sealy, Texas 77474.

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SEALY NEWS THE

Blazin' Angels prep for state PAGE 5

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Naomi Ross

Volume 126 Number 25

THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

Sealy Football tries out 7-on-7 PAGE 6 18 pages, $1

Paving the future Sealy celebrates Sealy looks to make street repairs By ASHLEY TOMPKINS Juneteenth should repair damaged roads “Seal coat is meant to extend publisher@sealynews.com By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Juneteenth represents Emancipation Day for black slaves in Texas. And there’s going to be a weekend of events to celebrate. The Eastside Foundation will host a Juneteenth celebration Friday, June 21, at Joe Scranton Park in Sealy from 5:30 to 11 p.m. It will be an evening of music that will also have vendors with food, crafts, jewelry and T-shirts. The free event is for everyone in the family and guests are asked to bring lawn chairs and relax while they enjoy the day. Friday is also when

Sealy residents can look forward to a few less bumps in the road this summer. Sealy City Council is moving forward with a seal coat project on city streets next month that

and protect them from future damage, like winter cracking and wear and tear from traffic. In total, 14 streets will be repaired. Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman said the project would start next month and finish within about a week.

the life of the streets,” Coffman said. “There are some streets that need a complete rehab. We won’t be able to address those with this project.” The goal is to save the streets ■ SEAL COAT, page 18

Splashing into Summer

■ JUNETEENTH, page 7

NEWSBITS Groundwater information An informational meeting about groundwater and the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District in Austin and Waller counties will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church hall in Frydek on June 20 at 7 p.m. Speakers will provide information and take questions. For more info contact Judy Kocurek (979) 8853932 or Kathi Mickan 885-4830.

CCA to meet Combined Community Action, Inc., a non-profit organization serving Austin, Bastrop, Colorado, Fayette and Lee counties, will hold a board of directors meeting, on Thursday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m. at the CCA administration building in Giddings. The public is invited to attend the meeting. CCA serves low income and senior families with programs ■ NEWSBITS page 17

TODAY'SOBITUARY

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

The temperatures are rising, and for local children enrolled in the Sealy YMCA summer program, the best way to take a break from the heat is to go swimming at the Irene LeBlanc Pool. Above, Frank Garcia with the Sealy YMCA plays a game of Marco Polo Monday as part of the organization's summer camp. At right, one boy enjoys the pools slide.

Caring for the caregivers

Alzheimer's support group to begin meeting By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Alzheimer’s disease can take a devastating toll on patients, caregivers, family and friends. In 2012, 15.4 million family and friends provided 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care to those

The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. Proverbs 11:18

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

Wednesdays, starting June 26 St. John's Episcopal Church, 311 Sixth St. 10-11:30 a.m. with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, valued at $216.4 billion. Those caring for

Alzheimer’s patients often face high emotional stress and more than one-third report

symptoms of depression, according to the A l z h e i m e r ’ s Association. Caregivers in Sealy and the surrounding areas now have a place to turn to for help and to learn more about the disease and care. An Alzheimer’s care■ ALZHEIMER'S, page 8

Vrablec wins city run-off Voters elected Sandra Vrablec to fill Place 3 on the Sealy City Council in Saturday’s run-off election. The race came down to Election Day. Vrablec won the seat with 156 total votes to her opponent Duane T. Blaschke’s 136 votes. The two had been neck and neck during early voting with Vrablec bringing in 82 early votes and Blaschke 81. Total votes on Election Day were 74 for Vrablec and 55 for Blaschke. The run-off came after the first Sealy city election in May. In the first election Vrablec earned 170 votes and Blaschke won 169. Because no candidate in the Place 3 election earned 50 percent or more of the vote, the top two vote-getters went on to a run-off. Vrablec currently spends her time at home caring for her grandchildren, but previously worked for a stock brokerage firm, as a substitute teacher and in the Austin County environmental office for 12 years. She and her husband John Sr. have been married for 31 years and have two grown children, Courtney and Jason, along with two grandchildren. Vrablec will likely be sworn in at the next council meeting.

Pumped up look at well field proposal By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

■ Dale Hogan

BIBLEQUOTE

Alzheimer's Caregivers support meeting

Sandra Vrablec

Austin and Waller counties, along with the rest of the world, need to pay attention to their fresh water resources. In Texas, groundwater provides about 60 percent of the 16.1 million acre-feet of water used annually, according to the Texas Water Development Board. And the resource is getting more stressed from drought conditions and a growing population. Groundwater supplies are projected to decrease by 30 percent from 2010 to 2060, according to the 2012

State Water Plan. That’s due to depletion of aquifers and restrictions to prevent subsidence. So, why should you care? In November of 2012, Electro Purifications, LLC submitted an application and a proposed plan that would pump 7.3 billion gallons annually from aquifers under Austin and Waller counties, just across the political line of Fort Bend County, to supply water to Richmond and Rosenberg. It also plans to look for other The Sealy News buyers. The proposed well sites, in white, are located near the border of Fort Bend County, where rules Since then, there ask that groundwater pumping be reduced. Property owned by Chambco Interests and Brazos Operating is in orange. ■ WATER, page 7

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

Are You Reading This? Well, you’re not the only one! Front Page Advertising Works

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THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013 ■ PAGE 7

THE SEALY NEWS

WATER

JUNETEENTH

continued from Page 1

have been several meetings to get the public informed about the proposed project, how the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District rules deal with it and how locals could be affected. The project is now going to go to a contested hearing set for Thursday, July 11, at the Austin County Fairgrounds at 9 a.m. The Players •Electro Purifications, LLC is a wholesale water supplier based in Houston. It has contracted with Chambco, Inc. and Brazos Holdings, Inc., which owns 3,200 acres in Austin, Waller and Fort Bend counties, to build 10 wells on the property in Austin and Waller counties. •Chambco and Brazos Holdings list F. Clayton Chambers, Craig P. Chambers and Dunbar N. Chambers as leaders of those companies. •Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD) was created in 2001 to oversee groundwater production to protect the resource and control subsidence. It serves Austin, Grimes, Waller and Walker counties. Each county has four volunteer representatives on the BGCD board of directors who oversee the district’s finances, drought status and permitting. The representatives for Austin County are Milton Beckendorff, Michael Blezinger, Sharon Brandes and Glenn Huebner. The representatives for Waller County are David Minze, David Groschke, Jim Vaugn and Brent Davis. The board was formally presented with the proposal at a preliminary hearing last month at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville. A contested hearing for the proposal will not be heard by the board, but rather a State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) judge. • SOAH will conduct a hearing in a format similar to a civil trial. The judge will then put together a report and pass that along to the BGCD board. Rules state that if even one request for a SOAH hearing is submitted, it has to go through that process. The North Fort Bend Water Authority requested the hearing and will pay the $44,000 estimated cost. • The North Fort Bend Water Authority works to prevent subsidence by reducing groundwater withdrawal. It lies within the Fort Bend Subsidence District. • Cities of Richmond and Rosenberg are the initial customers for Electro. They lie within the Subsidence District, but opted out of the North Fort Bend Water Authority. They have to comply with Fort Bend Subsidence District limits on

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groundwater use, and so are trying to get it from outside the county. • The landowners in a half-mile radius of the project were supposed to have received notice of the application. There are 125 landowners in Austin County, 27 in Waller County and 175 in Fort Bend County that are within a half-mile of the proposed well field. • The rest of the county. The project would pump from the Evangeline Aquifer, which runs under all three counties. Why here? The cities of Rosenberg and Richmond, in Fort Bend County, have to reduce the amount of groundwater per the Fort Bend Subsidence District. In its application, Electro states that all the water from the Brazos River Authority has been subscribed to and that the City of Houston’s water supplies do not have inter-basin transport authorization. It does not say if any other options were looked at, such as joining the North Fort Bend Water Authority. Although subsidence is a recorded issue in Fort Bend County, based on a “lack of measured subsidence over the past century, ‘it appears that the proposed pumping will not cause any significant land surface subsidence’” here. In other words, there haven’t been significant reports on subsidence effects in the project area, so there isn’t evidence that there is a problem. Application In November 2012, Electro sent in 31 applications for its proposed 10 well project to the BGCD. That includes 10 well development applications, 10 operating permit applications, 10 transport permit applications and one aggregation permit application. The BGCD hasn’t created a format for big projects like this, so each well has to have its own application. In that initial application, Electro paid BGCD $5,000 in fees for those applications. In response, the BGCD asked for more information on specific topics and an additional $10,750 in application fees, which it received in January of this year. The fees break down as: • $75x10 wells for the well development application • $375x10 wells for the operating permit application for nonexempt wells permits for five years or less • $375x10 wells for transport permit applications for nonexempt wells operating five years or less • $50x5 years x10 wells for the aggregation permit application The 10 wells will include seven in

see what

everyoneʼ s been talkingabout!

Waller County, generally located at 36604 Fort Bend County Line Rd. in Brookshire, and three in Austin County, generally located at 6135 Coody Lane near Sealy. The wells would be 20 inches in diameter and pull 20 million gallons a day, or 22,500 acre-feet annually from the Evangeline Aquifer, which is a layer of the Gulf Coast Aquifer that runs along the coast of Texas. Individual wells would produce an estimated 3,234.85 acrefeet per year, amounting to 1.05 million gallons a year. For the most part, the aquifers under Austin County recharge rate is onehalf to one inch per year, according to a 2011 study conducted by University of Texas at Austin, “TWDB Gulf Coast Recharge.” Pending approval of the permits, Electro says it will contract with a licensed driller to drill the wells. Electro would be the owner and operator of the wells, but not “the owner of the surface or groundwater estates associated with the Project.” That remains with Chambco. The application also includes a hydrogeologic report, conducted by Thornhill Group, Inc. Along with identifying the well and aquifer characteristics, it also looks at groundwater availability. Predicted effects The BGCD has not yet published its own report on the possible effects of the proposed project. Within the Electro funded report, it concludes that drawdown near the field after one year is estimated at 200 feet in the Evangeline Aquifer. It says that it will not significantly affect neighboring wells and that there is no evidence to suggest there will be significant subsidence problems as a result of the project. In the more than 300 comments the BGCD received from the public on this issue, many brought up factors like population growth, drought and the nearby salt dome in Brookshire as not being addressed in the study. To view all the comments, the full application and other information about the BGCD, visit www.bluebonnetgroundwater.org. The State Office of Administrative Hearings docket number for the project contested hearing, set for July 11, is 951-134182.

doors will open for the campout and trail ride hosted by H. Brown and Crew. This is the first time they have hosted a Juneteenth trail ride, and they’re expecting a huge crowd coming from around and out of the state. “We wanted to do something and give back to the community,” said Roshonda Brown. “It’s not just for African American people, it’s for everybody.” Although Abraham Lincoln issued the E m a n c i p a t i o n Proclamation on Sept. 22, 1862, with an effective date of Jan. 1, 1863, it didn’t have much affect on those living in the former Confederacy. June 18, 1865, two years later, was the day Union General Gordon Granger and his troops arrived in Galveston to enforce the emancipation of the slaves in Texas. Juneteenth is a celebration of him coming to Texas and reading General Order No. 3, which informed Texans that all slaves in the United States are free. There will be a DJ and some food vendors starting at 3 p.m. on Friday as groups come to set up on the 13-acre

tract located at 960 Garland Lane in Sealy. The focus will be on Saturday, though. “It’s a mobile celebration,” said Brown. People can bring their horses and go on an 8-12 mile horseback ride. Party wagons are welcome and there will be trophies for crunkest, best party wagon riding club and farthest traveled club or rider. There is no need to register and everyone is welcome to attend.

There will also be music including Rue Davis, Lady Audrey and The Superior Band, DJ David Thomas, Men in Black and Too Laid Back Band. There will be tickets for the H. Brown and Crew celebration going for $10 presale and $15 at the door. For more information on the campout and trail ride and to get presale tickets, call the Browns at (281) 9245562 or (281) 787-4257.

911

Brenham Monument Company

continued from Page 2

hear from dispatch and press a button to map a route to where to respond to the call. The money to purchase the system will come from forfeiture funds, or money from seizures by the sheriff’s department. The estimated forfeiture budget for 2013 accepted by the court on Monday lists total expenditures as $140,595.06. Of that, $109,595.06 is expected to go to equipment, $11,000 will go toward supplies, $10,000 will go toward training and another $10,000 will go to investigative supplies. Currently, the department subscribes to a system through Harris County. Now it will be able to eliminate that cost. There will be some cost though, about for continued support and maintenance and would come out of the county’s general fund. But that would probably be the equivalent to the fees the county pays to Harris County now for the service, said Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski. No agreement was signed as of Monday as the county combs through the contract for the technology.

Large Variety of Colors and Sizes Sales Rep. Rudy Fojtasek

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BAXTER BLACK

“ON THE EDGE OF COMMON SENSE”

EQUINE CHIROPRACTORY Getting injured is an embarrassment to a cowboy. Unlike professional athletes with trainers and insurance, “playing hurt” is expected in the cowboy world. It is part of the cowboy mentality; which is better, letting your broken arm heal or repelling down the face of Mt. Everest on a dare? Dave had two 3-year-old fillies in training. He’s a bit of an eclectic cowboy; he paints eggs, likes Yoko Ono’s music, and has read Jack Kerouac’s book On The Road. So it was not unusual to find himself in the corral wearing shorts and Birkenstocks, throwing an English saddle on one of the fillies. Sometimes horses disguise their resentment of a horse trainer’s smug arrogance by cooperating. Other days they just say “Stick it in your ear!” The filly bucked him out of his Birkenstocks, over his head and into the fence! Dave found himself on the ground and hip-locked. His knee worked but he could not lift his left leg forward. Walking was sort of a step-shuffle-step-shuffle-stumbleslide gait. As you would expect of a true cowboy, over the next three days he fulfilled his promise to help gather the neighbor’s cows, but he was handicapped. To mount his horse involved a step stool and powerful shoulders. A potty break was out of the question! Saturday came with no improvement but he was adjusting… eating on the sofa, walking in circles and pirouetting. Though he could still not lift his leg, he could bend over so, when Uncle Herman wanted his big Belgian mare shod, Dave said, “Bring her over.” This kind of sedentary work remained within his ability. He’d gotten around to the offside hind leg and was holding the plate-sized foot in his hands. The big mare began leaning her huge haunch on Dave’s back, crushing him. He slowly collapsed as her 1,950 pounds pressed down and slid along his back. Dave said he heard three little clicks, like a grandfather clock’s Tick-Tock-Tick. He crumpled and rolled, then, without thinking he rose and stepped away…cured! Hey, I believed him. But, I believe Moses parted the Dead Sea, too. I’ve heard of Equine Chiropractory, but not in that context. In conclusion Dave answered the classic question, “Is there a doctor in the horse?!” www.baxterblack.com

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SEALY NEWS THE

Lady Tiger trio honored by TXSWA PAGE 6

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Michael Morrow

Volume 126 Number 27

One new, two return to SEDC By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

The Sealy Economic Development Corporation will welcome a new face to the board this month with the addition of Mark Miller. Sealy City Council last week approved appointing Miller to the board, along with reappointments of Sealy Mayor Nick Tirey and Billy Schavrda. Miller will start his term this month and Tirey and Schavrda will continue theirs. All three terms will run through May 2015. The SEDC works to promote economic development in the

THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

Firefighters save two homes By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Austin County volunteer firefighters saved two homes Sunday – including one that was within inches of burning down – after a parched field caught fire south of Sealy. The fire burned at least 50 acres off of Klopsteck Road, according to Eric Zapalac, Sealy Volunteer Fire Department assistant fire chief. The fire encircled two mobile homes on the property, but both structures were saved by local volunteers. One sustained some damage after flames came within inches of the home. ■ FIRE, page 11

18 pages, $1

No burn ban, says county By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

Local volunteer fire departments spent late Sunday afternoon battling a blaze on Klopsteck Road, just south of Sealy. The fire, which began when a hay baler malfunctioned while being worked in a field, burned more than 10 acres and surrounded two mobile homes. Above, volunteer firefighters work to put tear apart hay bales and put out fires.

Happy Fourth of July!

■ SEDC, page 11

NEWSBITS Sealy Dance Club A public Red, White and Blue dance will be held Saturday, July 6, at the American Legion Hall in Sealy from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m. Music will be provided by Red Ravens, great two-step, waltzes and polkas. Most folks bring some kind of food, cake coffee, etc. Everything is put in the kitchen and eaten at the 9:30 p.m. break. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. More information: (979) 8853489.

After looking at the 14-day drought index forecast for the area, Austin County Commissioners Court on Monday chose not to impose a burn ban through the holiday weekend. The court also opted not to have the county judge institute an emergency declaration. The court took no action at Monday’s meeting after reviewing the Keetch-Byram drought index two week forecast, which showed high levels of water depletion in the county's soil, with the worst being in the northwest county. “We have not had any ■ BURN BAN, page 10

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

The children at Creative Care showed their American pride with a parade on wheels last week at the daycare’s sixth annual parade. Bikes, trikes and anything on wheels they could ride, the kids did laps around the driveway for family and friendly spectators with streamers and other patriotic decorations. The Sealy Volunteer Fire Department fire truck also led the way of the small parade with lights and sirens going.

AC will replace BGCD member By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD) board member Sharon Brandes formally resigned from her position, citing health reasons keeping her from continuing her duties, according to the resignation letter presented to Austin County Commissioner Court Monday morning. “She has been a charter member and a tremendous asset to the community,” said Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski. The vacancy leaves

Cheer minicamp Cheer mini-camp for kids 3 to 12 years old will be held at Sealy High School July 8-11 this year. Camp will go from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. and the cost will be $50. Preregistration is not mandatory. For more information, contact Mona Norris at (281) 460-0875.

■ REPLACEMENT, page 11 ■ NEWSBITS page 18

BIBLEQUOTE "My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:12-13

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

Contested well hearing to start next Thursday By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

An official contested hearing on the application to drill 10 wells and pump 7.3 billion gallons of water annually from under Austin and Waller counties and transport them outside those counties starts next Thursday, July 11. State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH)

Locals work against Electro well project By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

SOAH Hearing

is open to the public. More than 300 requests for a contested hearing were called

Concerned Citizens for Texas Water Resources, a group made up of residents from in and around Austin and Waller counties, is researching the affects on neighbors and the counties from the proposed Electro Purifications, LLC well field. So far, it has been the largest organized group of citizens consistently speaking against the proposal and plans to continue to do so, according to organizers. Along with speaking at community events, the group is looking at legal and geological research, which is posted on its website along with public documents related to groundwater

■ HEARING, page 10

■ CITIZENS, page 11

When: Starts Thursday, July 11, at 9 a.m. Where: Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville Judge Sharon Cloninger will hear the case at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville. The hearing

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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PAGE 10 ■ THURSDAY, JULY 4, 2013

THE SEALY NEWS

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HEARING

Sign up for tons of fun Sealybration events Hoping a cow drops a hot one isn’t on everyone’s wish list, but winning $2,500 might be. At this year’s Sealybration, visitors will get to roam among vendors and carnival rides as well as play games like cow patty bingo, which the Sealy Tiger Youth Football League is hosting for the first time for cash prizes. Sealybration, Friday and Saturday July 12-13, is a fun family atmosphere filled with lots of activities like a barbecue cook-off, bean bag tournament, softball tournaments, children’s activities and nightly entertainment, said Melanie Willingham, head of the Sealy Community Foundation. And don’t forget the awesome fireworks display on Saturday night, she added. This year, the foundation is expecting between 8,000 and

10,000 guests. “It truly makes me happy to see that the purpose of the Sealy Community Foundation is being utilized more with each passing year,” said Willingham. “This is exactly what the Sealy Community Foundation wanted, for local non-profits to come in to benefit in multiple ways from this event, not only monetarily, but also in getting out there and getting the recognition of the community.” For the first time this year, Sealybration will have a waterslide available, thanks to Boy Scouts, and a parade. “This is the first year for the parade,” said Willingham. “I have always wanted a parade at Sealybration and I am hoping that it grows with each year. We want to show patriotism in this parade.” Tractors from the tractor show will lead the parade, and the foundation is looking

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for fire trucks, police or anyone else who wants to be involved to come and join in. The parade will run from Main Street and end at the gates of the Sealybration. To participate, please contact Tiffany Sodolak at tylnnjrussell@hotmail. com. Cow patty bingo is also new this year. The game involves penning a cow into an enclosed area that has been divided into a grid of 500 squares. The squares of the grid are numbered and “sold” for a chance to win a prize. If the cow drops a cow patty on a sold square, the buyer wins $2,500. Second place receives $1,000 and third receives $750. These tickets are on sale for $20 each and can be purchased in advanced or at Sealybration. Bingo takes place on Friday night at 8 p.m. For tickets, please call (979) 877-4623. This will be the second year that Sealybration hosts the 5 Alarm 5K that benefits the Sealy Fire Department in the memory of Walter Gass and Kevin Kulow. The 5K is a spin-off of the Jingle Bell race held as part of Fantasy of Lights in December. If that’s too much running and not enough barbecue, there is now the 1K Rookie Run. Participants can register online, at the race, or at the door from 8 to 9:30 p.m., Friday, July 12. The Rookie Run will start at 9 p.m. and the 5K will start at 10 p.m. at the Hill Community Center. Runners are encouraged to wear their fireman gear or fireman themed clothes in support of the department. If running doesn’t sound appetizing, there’s always the bar-

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

Activities for kids, like the mini-horse rides above, as well as carnival rides and games and entertainment are available at Sealybration, July 12-13.

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

A girl sits with Bruno, one of the dogs from Bark for Life at the Relay for Life booth at Sealybration last year. becue cook-off. Teams can move in on Thursday evening, and unless all the spots are full, registration will be accepted up until then. Registering for the softball tournaments, as well as the other events, can all be done online at www.sealycommunityfoundation. org. This year the Austin County all star team, the Blazin’ Angels, will need local cheers in the Sassy Bats Stars & Strikes Girls’ Softball Tournament. Entertainment on Friday will be The Emotions from 8 p.m. until midnight. Saturday will kick off with the return of Fred Rusk and the Zydeco High Steppers from 5 to 7 p.m. Following will be Bri Bagwell 7-9 p.m., Asleep at the Wheel

9:30-11 p.m. and Cody Johnson 11:30 p.m. -1 a.m. Friday hours are 6 p.m. to midnight. General admission is $10, children 6-12 are $5. Kids 0-6 are free. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. General admission is $10 until 5 p.m., then tickets will be $15. Childrens’ prices remain the same. “Sealy Community Foundation works year around to pull this event off, but none of it could be done without our volunteers” said W i l l i n g h a m . “However, we are always looking for volunteers and other non-profit groups to come in a benefit from the Sealybration.” Those looking to volunteer can call Willingham at (979) 877-7249.

“Right now our citizens are doing a good job of not burning,” said Reichardt. However, the county has had residents calling for a ban. Precinct 1 Commissioner Bobby Rinn said conditions in his precinct, the northern most parts, were

scary. The court will revisit the issue at its next meeting on Monday, July 8, and urged those barbecuing and planning to use any kind of firework this holiday weekend to have a hose handy and practice fire safety.

BURN BAN continued from Page 1 fires started by anybody burning,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Randy Reichardt. Two fires last weekend, one in Colorado County and one here in Austin County, were both caused by hay balers.

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for from the public, and a SOAH hearing was called by the North Fort Bend County Water Authority citing that subsidence would be substantial. The SOAH hearing is a civil law procedure. The judge will begin hearing evidence for and against the proposal, per the Bluebonnet G r o u n d w a t e r Conservation District’s (BGCD) rules. The docket reports that the hearing is expected to last seven days plus one day for preliminaries. BGCD was created in 2001 to oversee groundwater production to protect the resource and control subsidence. It serves Austin, Grimes, Waller and Walker counties. In November 2012, Electro sent in applications for its proposed 10 well project to the BGCD. In its applications, Electro paid BGCD more than $15,000 in fees. Unless prohibited, all SOAH proceedings are open to the public. The public can make comments addressing pertinent issues when authorized by the judge. The judge will designate parties for the hearing and order each one’s presentation. Afterward, the judge will write a report on the hearing with recommendations for the members of the board of directors of the BGCD. Each of the four member counties has four representatives on the board. The representatives for Austin County are Milton Beckendorff, Michael Blezinger and Glenn Huebner. Sharon Brandes recently resigned her position citing health problems. The representatives for Waller County are David Minze, David Groschke, Jim Vaugn and Brent Davis. The SOAH case docket number 951-13-4182. More information can be found on www.sealynews.com for daily updates, as well as the BGCD website www. bluebonnetgroundwater.org.

HOA volunteers needed Helping One Another (HOA) Meals on Wheels needs caring volunteers to assist with delivery of meals to its many senior citizens. Volunteers perform a very special role in meeting the needs of seniors. While volunteers receive no pay, they do receive a richer reward when they see the smiling faces of area seniors. It only takes one hour per week to accomplish a very special service. Volunteers are special people. To volunteer, contact HOA Meals on Wheels at (979) 8854188.

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SEALY NEWS THE

Sealy Minor Softball plays in La Grange PAGE 6

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Alvina Manak

Volume 126 Number 28

NEWSBITS Author at the Library The Gordon Library will host Ron Rozelle, author of “My Boys and Girls are in There!” – an account of the 1937 New London school explosion, on Friday, July 12, at noon. Lunch will be provided. There is no charge but donations will be accepted. For more information on the book or to reserve a seat, please call the library at (979) 885-7460.

Arts and crafts show An arts and crafts show sponsored by the American Legion Post 200 of Wallis will be held July 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and July 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 330 Legion Road in Wallis. Barbecue on buns, hamburgers, desserts and drinks will be sold. There is a $1 admission. Hourly door prizes will be drawn. For more information, call (979) 885-2164.

Top Cat Dance Club The Top Cat Dance Club is having a dance on Sunday, July 14, at the Fireman’s Hall in Industry from 3 to 6:30 p.m. Music will be provided by the Donnie Wavra Orchestra and the doors will open at 2 p.m.

THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013

Catch Waylon at Critter Connection PAGE 16 16 pages, $1

Contested well hearing postponed By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Don’t bother with the trip to Bellville this morning because the contested hearing on the 10 well project by Electro Purifications, LLC is

being postponed. The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) judge signed an order Monday morning, July 8, granting a motion of continuance for the hearing request-

ed by Electro. The Sealy News reported online Monday morning about the change, just three days before the scheduled hearing. Electro filed its first Motion for Continuance Wednesday,

July 3, citing a conflict of interest with its legal counsel. Electro had been represented by the law firm of Jackson, Sjoberg, McCarthy & Townsend, LLP and one of its ■ HEARING, page 5

Thomas gets life in sibling murders County approves burn ban By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Maron Thomas

Maron Thomas, 24, has been sentenced to life without parole after being found guilty of capital murder in January 2010 deaths of

his brother and sister. Austin County jurors handed down the guilty verdict on June 28 after just an hour and a half deliberation. Thomas was accused of killing his mother, Debra Washington,

stepfather George Washington, brother Cedric Thomas, sister Kiana Phearse and twoyear-old niece Khalilah Chambers-Massey on or about Jan. 17, 2010 in Buckhorn.

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Austin County is under a burn ban as of Monday morning when Commissioners Court passed the order, stating that it can now legally approve the ban based on state drought reports. Monday started with the county at 600 on the Keetch-Byram drought index with a 14-day forecast putting it at 700, the next level. The index measures water saturation in the ground with the maximum of 800 representing absolutely dry conditions. “Bellville has been

■ MURDER, page 15

Get ready for a Sealybration By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Soaring down a water slide, dancing at the nightly concerts and cheering for a $2,500 cow patty will be some of the highlights of Sealybration 2013. Sealybration, Friday and Saturday July 12-13, is a fun family event filled with lots of activities like the barbecue cook-off, bean bag tournament, softball tournaments, children’s activities and The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES nightly entertainment, said Melanie Willingham, The Sealybration carnival rides, like the swings above, are part of the weekend that includes a cook-off, bands, games ■ SEALYBRATION, page 16 and softball tournaments.

■ BURN BAN, page 5

Tennis Camp Kids in grades two through nine can learn drills and basic skills at this year’s Tennis Camp July 15-18. Lynda Mauney and staff including USPTA Coach Eric Erlandsen will be teaching campers. The camp is $55 and runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sealy High School tennis courts. For more information, please contact Mauney at (979) 865-8313 or pick up a registration form at the Sealy High School Office. The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

Sandra Vrablec takes seat on council

■ NEWSBITS page 5

TODAY'SOBITUARIES

Sandra Vrablec officially started her term in Place 3 on Sealy City Council June 26, after being sworn in by Sealy Mayor Nick Tirey. Vrablec earned the seat after a run-off election last month when she earned 156 votes to opponent Duane T. Blaschke’s 136. The run-off election came after an election in May when none of the candidates earned 50 percent or more of the vote.

■ Wayne T. Roberts ■ Heather Schavrda Gabbi ■ Dorris L. Wittneben

BIBLEQUOTE

EMS stretches budget to give incentive pay

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

To keep staff, a form of certificate pay is approved for the department

Romans 12:21

Thank a

By AMBER GONZALES

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

reporter@sealynews.com The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

Hosing off the heat The Sealy YMCA summer camp kids got a treat when they visited the Sealy Volunteer Fire Department late last month. They toured of new firehouse and got to sit in a fire truck. But best of all, each of the kids got to hold a fire hose and then ran around on the driveway to get sprayed on in the hot summer afternoon.

After losing two experienced members of his team due to more competitive pay, Austin County EMS Director Ron Dille on Monday asked the

Austin County Commissioners court to approve a unique certificate pay program that would pay about $16,000 to employees through the end of the fiscal year. ■ EMS, page 15

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

Are You Reading This? Well, you’re not the only one! Front Page Advertising Works

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THURSDAY, JULY 11, 2013 ■ PAGE 5

THE SEALY NEWS

Registration for Seals Memorial NEWSBITS Vacation Bible Tournament ends today continued from Page 1

School

Registration for the 30th annual Ricky Seals Memorial Golf Tournament ends this afternoon. This is one of the largest ongoing endowment scholarship golf tournaments in the state. The tournament is slated for Friday, July 12. The two-man scramble will be held at Stephen F. Austin

Golf Course and Country Club. Fees per person are $70, which includes green fee, cart, refreshments and barbecue dinner. Mulligans, player pool and skins games are available 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. shotgun start. There will be a minimum of five flights depending on the number of entries.

Prizes will be awarded for longest drive, straightest drive, closest to the hole and hole in one. To email an entry contact bbrowne@ sfaustingc.com or bmontier@sealyisd. com. For more information call Coach Brett Montier at (281) 7348658 or Bobby Browne at (979) 885-2811.

BURN BAN continued from Page 1 run ragged over the past week,” said Precinct No. 3 Commissioner Randy Reichardt. The commissioner and Cat Spring fire chief told the court that Bellville had received 10 calls of controlled burns getting out of hand within the last week. Everywhere else in the county has been getting calls, he added, but they’ve been started from things like power lines or hay balers. The last weekend of June saw at least 50 acres burn off of Klopsteck Road south of Sealy, according to Eric Zapalac, Sealy Volunteer Fire Department assistant fire chief. A hay baler malfunctioning in a field caused that fire. Precinct No. 1 Commissioner Reese Turner said that he has been getting comments asking why there isn’t a burn ban already in place. “I think it’s OK to be proactive,” Turner said about approving the ban. The ban prohibits burning of

trash, brush and open campfires and material used outdoors for things like welding, according to the order. Welding outdoors is allowed with some restrictions, but cannot be conducted with wind speeds greater than 15 mph, with brush or other combustible materials within a 50-foot radius and cannot be done without notifying the Austin County Sheriff’s Department or without a water system at hand. The ban will not disallow outdoor cooking in areas clear of debris, so campers like Boy Scouts will still be able to have a cookout and ceremonial fire. Violation of the burn ban results in a Class C misdemeanor. The county is looking at a hot forecast with chances of isolated thunderstorms and showers in the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. “I think it’s time for a burn ban,” said Reichardt.

The First Baptist Church of Sealy is holding a vacation Bible school July 15-19 for children kindergarten through fifth grade. The classes will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the church, located at 707 Eighth St. in Sealy. Parents can register at the church office or the Monday it starts. For more information, please call (979) 885-3302.

Parenting Classes A free parenting workshop is being hosted July 16 - Aug. 20 at the Gordon Memorial Library, located at 917 Circle Dr. Youth and Family Services will be holding Successful Parenting Workshops each Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. For more information or to register, please call (979) 7328355.

Sealy. Visitors can walk in or sign up with Linda Toman at (832) 595-4859 or Lori Gaines at (281) 770-4493. Donors can also sign up at www.giveblood.org

Wallis Dance Club The Wallis American Legion Dance Club will hold its monthly dance on Saturday, July 20, with music by Central Texas Sounds playing good country western and mixed music for your dancing pleasure from 8 to 11:30 p.m. So come out and enjoy. There will be lots of door prizes and free coffee. For more information call: Steve Muzny (979)478-2494 or Charley Janik (979) 478-6226.

The Sealy AARP Chapter 1505 will meet at 11 a.m. on July 18 at the Hill Community Center.

partners is also serving as outside special counsel to the City of Houston on water issues, including the Allens Creek Reservoir Permit, according to the motion. The continuance order states that Electro, Bluebonnet Ground-water Conservation District (BGCD) and the North Fort Bend Water Authority – the only party requesting the SOAH contested hearing – come up with a future date for the hearing by July 22. After July 22, a new hearing date will be set. Electro is asking that it be after the third week of September. The City of Houston filed comments with BGCD requesting that the attorney discontinue his representation of Electro, pending more information for Houston’s review and possible removal of the objection. “At this time, there is no known timetable for when the City would complete its review and/or whether the City might possibly withdraw its objection to Mr. McCarthy’s representation of the applicant (Electro) in these proceedings,” according to the document. Right now, the BGCD is focused on getting the word out about the change, said BGCD General Manager Zack Holland on Monday. In his formal response, Holland states that “it will be impossible to timely notify interested persons and, as a result, many people will make an unnecessary trip to Bellville.” However, since Electro needs new

Blood Drive Austin County EMS is inviting everyone to a blood and bone marrow drive on Friday, July 19, starting at 3 p.m. at the Hill Community Center in

Creative Threads is hosting a quilt raffle with proceeds going to Moore, OK Disaster Relief. The patriotic block quilt drawing will be Sept. 3. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. For more information, contact Gail at Creative Threads at (979) 398-1545.

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counsel he did not oppose the request. He posted the information on the BGCD website and sent out an email to a listserv. Although BGCD requested that an SOAH representative be present at the Austin County Fairgrounds, where the hearing was to be held, to explain the situation, the order states that district just post a copy of the order at the building. For copies of the motions and the order visit the Bluebonnet website, www.bluebonnetgroundwater.org. The well proposal asks for 10 wells to be built in Austin and Waller counties to pump about 20 million gallons a day. Half would go to the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg and the other half would be sold to potential buyers. The proposal was

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St. John Lutheran in Cat Spring is hosting its semiannual blood drive on Thursday, July 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the fellowship hall next to the church on Ross Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Frances at (979) 8655676. Walk-ins that day are always welcome. The Blood Center will be giving out free Commit for Life T-shirts with the U.S. flag on them to all who give.

Sealy AARP

Silvano Sanchez - Owner

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originally filed with Bluebonnet in November 2012.

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THE EMMANUEL SANDERS INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITING RAISING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE FOR AUSTIN COUNTY (RAP) The Emmanuel Sanders Invitational Golf Tournament beneﬁtting Raising Academic Performance was held Friday June 28th at Stephen F. Austin Country Club. It was a 4 person scramble with 30 teams competing for over 20 team prizes. Emmanuel Sanders was on hand to encourage everyone and take pictures and sign autographs for the event. Emmanuel was raised in Bellville and is now playing on the Pittsburg Steelers as a wide receiver. Many Pittsburg fans participate in the event because he is there. THANK YOU EMMANUEL! The day started with 93 year old, RAP Board of Director, F.O. Tyler teeing up the ﬁrst shot of the day as the Honorary Starter. Mr. Tyler ripped the ball across the water and was able to hit it a long distance down the fairway on Tee-box #1. His audience of 150 all cheered as he showed them all how to do it. He is a longtime resident of Austin County and is still an active member of RAP’s Board of Directors. RAP President, Charles Kinney, honored Mr. Tyler as he shared his many ongoing achievements and contributions to the community. It was a special start to a great day. THANK YOU MR. TYLER! GROSS – First Place: Glen Thibodeaux, Wayne Schroeder, Ashley Watkins, Lance McNeese Second Place: Bill Burttschell, Brad Burttschell, Mike Faterkawski, Ryan Svoboda Third Place: Paul Martinez, Shan Bard, Johnny Ellis, Harold Frank NET – First Place Chip Smith, Joe Bahl, Spencer Swan, Joe Kalfut :Second Place: Mitch Willis, Jude Katapodis, Elondis, Steve Paciotti Third Place: Doug Calam, Scott Abel, Travis Abel, Marty Baker CLOSEST TO HOLE WINNERS Hole #2 Ed Caravello, Hole #5 Travis Abel, Hole #8 James Harrison, Hole #14 Dr. Beckwith, Hole #17 Patrick Hicks LONGEST DRIVE –Hole #4 (0-18 hdcp) Emmanuel Sanders, (19-30) Gene Hall HOGAN SPONSORSHIP BELLVILLE LIONS CLUB BROWN TIRES CENTER COLONY ROOFING AND EXTERIORS PETERBILT RUSH TRUCKING COMPANY RAP FRIENDS First National Bank Bellville Methodist Men The Sealy East Side Foundation Stephen F. Golf Ladies Association Austin County State Bank Mike Boylan Jim Neighbors Society of Saint Stephens/First UMC HOLE SPONSORS American Disposal Services, LTD. Austin County Machine Shop Bellville Methodist Men Bill Johnson & Associates Real Estate Bill & Saundra Moehl Bluebonnet Services Citizen’s State Bank Colonial Belle Nursing Home Dewberry Farm F.O. & Evelyn Tyler Honeycutt Air Conditioning Hobson’s Choice Ranch Ian Bader, Realtor Bill Johnson & Associates Industry State Bank Industry West End Lions Club Lynn, Kiecke, Lackey & Eason Insurance Marilyn & Charlie Kinney Mammoth Plumbing PIVO’S Ice House RCOT Construction Company Seidel Schroeder & Co. SISD NHS & Student Council S.B. Smith Drywall Services Tommie Vaughn Auto Country, Inc. Tony’s Restaurant Town of San Felipe

UNDERWRITERS FOR LUNCH Bellville Meat Market Hobson’s Choice Ranch/Custom Hay Bellville Lions Club Bill’s Country Market Ian Bader S & H Liquor Magnificent Catering & Cakes T PRIZES BOB BROWNE PARAMOUNT PROMOTIONS PEPPERIDGE FARM STEINHAUSER’S VISUAL PROMOTIONS TEAM SPONSORS Austin County State Bank Austin County Machine Shop Bellville Lions Club Bellville Methodist Men Cameron Iron Works Citizen’s State Bank Chem-Tech Termite & Pest Control Colony Roofing and exterior Faith Manufacturing Company, Inc. First National Bank Harrison Trucking Co. Houston Medical Equip., Inc. Honeycutt A/C Refridgeration Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott, L.L.P. San Bernard Electric SUHM SPRING WORKS, INC. SISD Superintendent Scott Kana Systems Office Furniture Wittenburg Printing Wyatt Resources Inc.

TOURNAMENT SUPPORTERS Alan & Joyce Chandler Ian & Becky Bader Bill & Jennifer Ishmael Bill & Loma Hobson Blue Bonnet Glass Bob & Julie Browne Brad & Stephanie Burttschell Charlie & Marilyn Kinney Emmanuel Sanders Joel Shallow Johnnie & Joanie Grifﬁn Joyce & Allan Chandler Joe Bilski & Judge Bilski Kenny & Jenny McDonald Kees & Carlien Leenheer Ken & Karen Grebe Gene & Lucy Horne Riverside Tire Center Robert & Jeanette Klekar Scott Kana Anderson Paint and Body The Sealy News Bellville Times Wallis News Review The New Ulm Enterprise Yvonne Johnson F.O. & Evelyn Tyler Steve & Carolyn Furber

SILENT AUCTIONS ITEM WINNERS WERE AS FOLLOWED: Brian Sodolak won the Texas Basket donated by Sharon Woods, Susan Bauman won the ‘When Pigs Fly bank’ donated by Cotton Wood Cottage, Rick Bauman won the football signed by 8 Heisman Trophy winners donated by Julie Browne, and Evelyn Tyler won baseball signed by Jeff Bagwell donated by Julianna Browne DOORS PRIZES INCLUDED: Annie’s Deli, Cazadores, Marribella’s, Yani’s, Bottle of Wine by Jeanette Klekar .Longest Drive sponsored by Sealy Dental Ofﬁce and Riverside Tire. Yankee Candle and Texas Flag by Cottonwood Cottage. CLOSET TO THE HOLE PRIZE SPONSORS: Brenham Country Club, River Ridge Golf Course, Stephen F. Golf Course, The Falls, Meadow Brook Farms, Sterling Golf Course.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

SEALY NEWS THE

Business feature: The Gypsies Lair PAGE 5

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Tami King

Volume 126 Number 29

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Sealybration pictures PAGE 17 18 pages, $1

Tower repair could be less than $50K By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

District champs The Sealy 7-year-old Pitching Machine was named 2013 District 13 Champions. Pictured above are players Rylan Reichardt, Braden Tyler, Cade Langton, Jay Aguado, Clay Coleman, Hunter Orsak, David Kainer, Kyle Willingham, Zachary Barrientos, Maurice Wigfall and Jake Dickens, along with coaches Gary Dickens, Jason Kainer and Ryan Reichardt. Also pictured are Sealy Mayor Nick Tirey, Councilwomen Yvonne Johnson, Melanie Willingham and Sandra Vrablec, Councilmen Wyn McCready, Everett Bubak and Mark Stolarski and Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman. At left, Tirey hands out copies of the city’s proclamation to team members.

NEWSBITS

Sealy city officials estimate it will cost less than $50,000 to repair the damaged downtown clock tower and water fountain. An architect has already created a scope of work and the city is hoping Drymalla Construction Company complete it since crews will have to repair concrete, lay bricks, work as masons, repair rebar and do electrical work. Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman said it’s a rare type of project where workers need to be able to handle several differ- The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES ent types of work within one City of Sealy officials expect repairs to the downtown clock tower and project. water fountain will be less than Drymalla has offered to bid $50,000. the project. If it is less than $50,000, the city can award the project without bids. However, state law requires that any project estimated at more than $50,000 go through the bid process. ■ TOWER, page 11

Wells could leave Sealy with water drawdown

Sealy AARP The Sealy AARP Chapter 1505 will meet at 11 a.m. on July 18 at the Hill Community Center.

Blood Drive St. John Lutheran in Cat Spring is hosting its semi-annual blood drive on Thursday, July 18, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the fellowship hall next to the church on Ross Street. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Frances at (979) 8655676. Walk-ins that day are always welcome. The Blood Center will be giving out free Commit for Life T-shirts with the U.S. flag on them to all who attempt to give blood and refreshments are provided. Each blood donation gives donors ■ NEWSBITS page 18

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Lillie Brandes ■ Mary Viola Riley Reinecker ■ Patsy James Frederick Teer ■ Vera Mae Skrivanek Wilson

BIBLEQUOTE This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 1 John 4:9

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

One City of Sealy well could have as much as a 40-foot drawdown after one

year if an application to build 10 wells in Austin and Waller counties is approved. That potential drawdown is only one reason Sealy City Council

is moving forward with representation at the upcoming State Office Administrative Hearing (SOAH) so that it can be deemed an “interested party”

in the process. The application, filed by Electro Purifications, LLC with the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD),

asks for 10 wells to be built in Austin and Waller counties to pump about 20 million gallons a day. Electro said it ■ WELLS, page 11

New road project slowly advancing SISD planning tight budget By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Plans to build a frontage road north of I-10 that would someday lead drivers to a new retail shopping center aren’t necessary dead, but they’re moving at a snail’s

pace. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) earlier this year had scheduled to allow bids on the nearly five-year project, but it will be next spring before ground breaks on the road.

Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman updated the Sealy City Council on the project last week, saying the application is nearly completed and will soon be sent to Austin for approval by the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC). ■

Coffman traveled to the TxDOT Yoakum district last month, where he met with TxDOT officials and engineers with Edminster, Hinshaw, Russ and Associates, Inc. (EHRA), which is handling the applica-

sodas, tea and coffee for the average crowd of about 30 seniors. It costs about $75 a day to maintain the operation, said Lemanski. Food and drinks are one thing, and then there are the paper plates and napkins ■ PLAYTIME, page 18

■ BUDGET, page 12

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

A group plays cards at Sealy Playtime at the Hill Community Center in Sealy on Monday, July 1. Once a month Playtime also has a potluck. community frontrunner putting together Sealy Playtime. He made a list of activities and went to different businesses for support. The City of Sealy donated time at the Hill Community Center and storage for the board games, and the Sealy Rotary Club

sponsors it. All money donated goes through the Rotary Club and is tax deductible, said Lemanski. Sealy Playtime operates Monday and Wednesday, providing different lunches like sandwiches, chili dogs with a salad and

reporter@sealynews.com

As it gets closer to passing a 2013-14 budget, Sealy Independent School District is looking at possible employee pay increases and mandatory cafeteria price increases as it went into its meeting Wednesday, July 17. Results of that meeting were not available as of press time Tuesday, but will be in the next edition of The Sealy News. At a special workshop last week, SISD board members looked at proposed employee compensation increases to make the district more competitive to keep and attract new teachers. But the increases would make 2014 a deficit budget, the first time the district has had one in at least seven years, SISD Executive Director of Business Operations Jim Obermeier told the board of trustees. However, because of savings throughout the years, the district still plans to end the 2013-

ROAD PROJECT, page 12

Everyone deserves some Playtime There is a thriving and growing community in Sealy, and all it needs is some snacks, coffee and space. Sealy Playtime is a free, twice a week event that hosts seniors at the Hill Community Center. It provides food, drinks and board games and dominoes, but more importantly, it’s a place where seniors can get out and enjoy themselves. “There are a variety of people who live here who are retired and they’ve got nothing to do,” said Frank Lemanski. And it depends on public support. After being laid off at BAE Systems, Lemanski became the

By AMBER GONZALES

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

Are You Reading This? Well, you’re not the only one! Front Page Advertising Works

Call 979-885-3562 for more info.

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THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013 ■ PAGE 11

THE SEALY NEWS

OBITS continued from Page 2 Clipson, Jacob Cole Guthman, Joshua Blake Guthman and Wyatt Tucker Ulassin; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Her devoted and loving caregivers were Brenda Boehm, Melda Coleman, Courtney Washington and Francis Buentello. Serving as pallbearers were Jon Guthman, Joel Henry, Kenneth Vacek, Dan Riley, Jim Riley and Travis Wegenhoft. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Orchard United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund or the Orchard Volunteer Fire Department. PATSY JAMES FREDERICK TEER Patsy James Frederick Teer, 83, passed on Thursday, May 2, 2013 in Nassau Bay (Houston). Patsy

was born June 12, 1929, in Wichita Falls. She is survived by sister Peggy; daughter Gerda; daughter-in-law Jane; son-in-law Alfred; and granddaughters Denise, Marilla and Emily. Patsy’s son, Mark, a Texas DPS trooper, was killed in the line of duty in 1976 in Sealy. Patsy’s grief and desire for justice led to a lifetime of passion for victims’ rights advocacy and political activism. A remembrance and celebration of her life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., July 20, at Sagemont Church http://www.sagemontchurch.org/ room WC1113. Bring your stories for sharing and fellowship. Memorial donations in Patsy’s name may be sent to the SPCA, NRA, Texas Home School Coalition, or any law enforcement or military

VERA MAE SKRIVANEK WILSON Vera Mae Skrivanek Wilson went peacefully to be with our Lord on Friday, July 12, 2013. Vera was born in Houston to parents Emil and Pauline (Gajdosik) Skrivanek. She was lovingly called Sissy by family and friends. She was raised in the Houston area

by Electro, according to Stefan Schuster, P.G., senior vice president of Texas Water Resources. Schuster is working as a representative for the city and attended the May 20 preliminary meeting held by BGCD. Last week, the city council approved authorizing Daniel B. Stephens and Associates to represent the city at the upcom-

ing SOAH hearing, whose date is yet to be determined. Schuster is suggesting the city hire a lawyer well versed in water laws to file so that the city can become an active partner in the process. Doing so, he said, would give the city a leg to stand on in the future if the application is approved, the wells are

support fund such as The One Hundred Club or Wounded Warriors.

and graduated from Waller High School in 1956. Vera then attended Southwestern Business College and worked at several companies in Houston prior to accepting a position with Wilson’s Grocery in Tomball. She met and began dating James Earl Wilson Jr. in 1959 and they were married on Aug. 28, 1960. She continued working to help support the family while her husband attended college. Vera became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of the first of three children. In 1964, the family moved to Tomball, where her husband, a pharmacist, started a pharmacy business as well as a working horse ranch, the Lightning W, that Vera supported, producing several AQHA grand champion titles and numerous

awards. Upon her divorce in 1971, Vera moved to Magnolia and continued to raise her three sons. She worked various jobs in the Tomball/ Magnolia area until her sons were grown. She then moved to San Felipe, where she primarily worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, a career choice she loved. After retirement, Vera enjoyed collecting recipes, cooking, watching golf and NASCAR on TV and talking to family and friends on the phone. She was also an avid Houston Texans fan, calling family and friends to discuss plays while watching the games. More than anything else, Vera loved her family and she will be dearly missed. Vera is survived by her sons James Earl and partner Barbara of

Houston, Jody David and wife Mary of Montgomery and John Mark and wife Lisa of Tavares, Fla.; grandchildren Megan, Katelyn, Chase, Krista, Hunter and Alyssa; two great-grandchildren Aiden and Sam; brother William Skrivanek and wife Gaye Nell; brother Michael Skrivanek, all of San Felipe; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Visitation and funeral services were held at 9 and 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 17, in the Knesnek Brothers Hwy. 36 Chapel in Sealy. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. in Rosewood Memorial Park in Humble. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Houston Hospice via its website http://houstonhospice. org.

built and problems like significant drawdown or subsidence arise. “There is a very significant future potential impact if the project goes through as it is,” Schuster said. That impact would not be positive. According to Schuster, both models used by Electro’s hydrologist show drawdown impact for the City of Sealy. Inconsistencies between the application filed with the BGCD and what was presented May 20 as to the number of test wells and final production aquifers is a concern, Schuster said. The original permit application called for water to be produced from the Evangeline Aquifer only. However, now, Phase I of the project will include testing of all three aquifers beneath the landowner’s property. Wells will be drilled and tested in the Chicot, Evangeline and Jasper aquifers He noted there are also inconsistencies in the applicant’s hydrogeologic report in

regards to the hydraulic conductivity used in the modeling runs to estimate drawdown impacts. Other concerns Schuster voiced were: •The City of Sealy’s wells are not specifically considered in the impact analysis. •The Electro Purification project is not in the regional water plan. •There are no subsidence monitors in the area to assess potential subsidence in the vicinity of Sealy. •The proposed project might limit future water supplies needed for growth within the City of Sealy. The drought may end up working in favor of the BGCD. The district’s rules state that it should limit permits, much like the permit application by Electro, when it is in a declared drought. Schuster said the district is pursuing the drought declaration avenue. In his recommendation to the city, he suggested that subsidence monitors should be installed to accurately

determine impacts from the project throughout the cone of depression. He also suggested water levels should be monitored by the BGCD throughout the district and at designated monitoring locations selected for this project. Mitigation measures should also be included in the permit approval from BGCD, he said. These should include well mitigation such as deepening, lowering the pump, drilling additional wells and other infrastructure replacement options to secure the city’s long-term supply. Councilman Mark Stolarski agreed the city needs representation in the water hearing process, but said Daniel B. Stephens and Associates costs are too high. Earlier this year, the council approved a budget of $7,500 for the firm’s representation. So far, $3,700 has been spent. Schuster said he does not anticipate additional charges between now and the SOAH hearing since the research is completed.

WELLS continued from Page 1 planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district. The City of Sealy is 100 percent groundwater dependent, supplied from the Evangeline Aquifer. That's the same aquifer targeted

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TOWER continued from Page 1 In May, Antonio Cordova, 38, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI) after Sealy police officers were dispatched to Main and Fowlkes

Streets. At the intersection sits the clock tower and water fountain. Cordova had hit the marker, throwing bricks, mortar and random truck parts in the downtown area. Cordova’s insurer has offered to pay $22,000 on the five different claims filed. The city’s insurer will pay the remaining balance. Coffman said it’s less of a financial strain right now, and more of a pain to deal

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with. “I was extremely happy, though, to see that the clock works,” he told the Sealy City Council last week when updating them on the situation. There were no passengers in Cordova’s vehicle and no other vehicles were involved in the accident. Cordova appeared to be intoxicated and hit the water fountain and clock tower with his 2012 Dodge Dually. In May, Sealy Mayor Nick Tirey said he believes the fountain and clock tower are still structurally sound. “Right now, it’s just an eyesore,” he said. The clock tower stands 24 feet tall and came in at about $76,200 when built in 2012.

OPINIONS

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

SEALY NEWS

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR NOT SHARING OUR WATER Dear Editor, Well now, looky here; the bad guys just blinked. That bunch of hooligans who want to pass our water down to R i c h m o n d / Rosenburg has just asked for a “continuance” on the big legal hearing set for July 11 at the Austin County Convention Center. Do you suppose their lawyer didn’t think they could win it and that’s why he up and skedaddled? (Rats do swim from sinking ships!) Or, maybe their “scientists” are not comfy with the many other scientific opinions that say “au con-

traire?” Whatever. If they thought they could win it, they would have been there. They must have some serious doubts, else why would they have retreated? Doncha love it?! Electro Purification, LLC, a “Robin Hood of H2O,” plans to siphon 20 million gallons a day - YES, A DAY! - of water from under Austin and Waller counties and send it down to Fort Bend County where large decorative lakes in subdivisions and fancyschmancy “Yards-ofthe-Month” need mo reH2O to grow. Also, a big water bottler/reseller is thirsty to bottle OUR water in Fort

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers this week:

Do you think Sealy ISD should give employees a pay raise even though it will create a deficit in the 2014 budget? (The district could make up the difference with reserve funds so that it operates in the black.) •Yes •No

Last week’s question was: What do you think about Gov. Perry's announcement that he will not run seek re-election? • It's about time 34.9% •Keep up the good work - run for another term 32.6% •He's planning another run for president. 27.9% •Perry? I don't keep up with politics. 4.7% Total Votes 43 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

P.O. Box 1008 Katy, Texas 77492 (281) 391-8883 State Representative Lois Kolkhorst, Dist. 13 P.O. Box 1867 Brenham, Texas 77834 (979) 251-7888 Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski 1 East Main Bellville, Texas 77418 (979) 865-5911 Sealy City Manager Christopher Coffman 415 Main Street Sealy, Texas 77474 (979) 885-3511 Sealy ISD Superintendent Scott Kana 939 Tiger Lane, Sealy, Texas 77474 (979) 885-3516 The Sealy News 193 Schmidt St. P.O. Box 480 Sealy, Texas 77474

Bend. First comment: Our water does not need to be “electro-purified.” It is fresh as a daisy, clean as a whistle and sweet as a baby girl. So, we don’t need some electro-purifying company zappin’ our water, thank you. Let it stay here where we drink it as it comes up and we live well. Secondly, ever feed a stray dog? He will be back the next day for more. Before long, he will bring a friend. Friends. So, if Electro can snag our water and make money on 20 million gallons per day to Fort Bend, you know they will be back for 20 million more to Katy, then Houston, and their pals will follow... This is all a predictable result of the failure of our state government to address our water problems with real solutions. Rather, they created these water districts which are merely legal chum, cast into the waters of Texas, pitting Texans

against Texans, now creating a feeding frenzy among sharky lawyers who care nothing about our land, our water, our rights, but only about how long and HOW MUCH THEY CAN BILL! Furthermore, state government just earmarked billions for a “study” at Perry’s A&M on desalination of seawater. What’s to study? It’s being done all around the world! Science, technology and products are available right now to create MORE WATER for Texas, but we need a $2 billion study? A few pokey pontificating PhDs taking years and billions to write a paper? Bag the study! Let’s get to making water! And, hurry because Ft. Bend County is desperate for water and I am (darn) sure not sharing mine! Special thanks to Tom Sherman and many volunteer waterwarriors who have been working so hard to fight the EP/Ft. Bend water grab. Keep

up the good work, y’all, because these scoundrels will be back! Reese Turner Precinct 1 Commissioner Austin County HONORING THE SACRIFICE Dear Editor, Dear Veterans and taxpayers, I want to apologize, as an educator in Texas, that Sealy ISD does not deem it necessary to acknowledge Nov. 11, 2013 as a Veterans Day holiday as the United States government does. Obviously, voices were not heard last school year. Sealy Independent School District feels the need to have our children go to school on this one day that would honor those who have given the ultimate price for our freedom that we have today. This one day of teaching the “meaning of the day” could be in assignments leading up to the day, giving them the

day to honor those and educate their family members and even an assignment; yes HOMEWORK. Imagine HOMEWORK to reinforce the concept or lesson. I know it is old school but it works! Why is it that important that the students go to school this one day; but you give the students off two days for a county fair? Really? Where are your priorities? Yes, you say there are great lessons for this day, but truly the youth are only learning that country fair days off are more important than honoring the Veterans who fought and most that gave their life for them is not as important than an extra day off at the country fair. Understandably, we have close to 30 percent that show livestock and being this is a noble and dying profession then look at the flex days. Best regards, Sheila Abel Sealy, Texas

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS Lawmakers pass new abortion regulations Legislation relating to the regulation of abortion procedures, providers and facilities was passed by the Texas Senate on July 13, and now moves to the governor’s mansion to be signed into law. Thousands of demonstrators journeyed to the Capitol, hoping to influence the outcome and witness the proceedings. House Bill 2 amends various sections of the state Health and Safety Code and the state Occupations Code, requiring clinics that provide abortions to meet ambulatory care standards and doctors who perform abortions to obtain admitting privileges at a nearby hospital. HB 2 also requires that abortioninducing medications such as RU-486 be administered in person by a doctor and prohibits an abortion past the 20th week of pregnancy. Also under the bill, pregnancies resulting from rape or incest would not receive special consideration on medical, psychological or moral grounds. Proponents of HB 2 argued that the legislation would improve women’s health care by raising clinic standards and prevent fetal pain they believe is felt when an abortion is performed. Opponents argued HB 2 would abridge the constitutionally protected right of a woman

ED STERLING Texas Press Association to choose, intervene in the doctor-patient relationship and impose a burden on women who do not live within a reasonable distance of a licensed facility. Final passage in the Senate came on a 19-11 vote, matching earlier votes in which a Republican majority tabled some 20 amendments offered by Democrats during the course of a 10-hour floor debate. HB 2 was passed by the House on July 10 on a partisan vote of 96-49 before moving to the Senate for consideration. Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, R-Parker, carried the bill in the House and Sen. Glenn Hegar, R-Katy, carried the bill in the Senate. Laubenberg and Hegar failed to move the same legislation in the 140day regular session, which ended May 27, and in the 30-day first called session, which ended June 25. Hegar issued a news release July 13 soon after HB 2 passed, saying, “This new law adds a critical protection for a new class of citizens, preborn children who have been proven to feel pain” and “the provisions of the bill will make abortions safer procedures, lowering the risk of harm to the pregnant mother or to

any live-born children by increasing accountability and standards for abortion providers.” Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, led Senate opposition to the abortion-restricting bills in the first and second called sessions. “The law passed last night will undoubtedly be challenged in court. It’s unconstitutional and bad for our families,” she said. Gov. Rick Perry called the special sessions, ordering lawmakers to pass new abortion restrictions. He praised the passage of HB 2, as did Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Attorney General Greg Abbott, the state’s chief legal officer. New paths for Perry, Abbott Perry on July 9 announced that he would not seek another term as the state’s chief executive in 2014 and Abbott on July 14 announced his plan to seek the governorship. Perry’s announcement fueled speculation of a second run for the presidency. Perry ran unsuccessfully as a presidential candidate in the 2012 election, losing to former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. If Perry runs, he may have a GOP primary challenger in fellow Texan Ted Cruz, a freshman U.S. senator from Houston and a former state solicitor general under

Abbott. With Abbott’s announcement made, attention turns to Dewhurst, who as lieutenant governor is in line to be interim governor should Perry resign from office to concentrate on a presidential run. No Democrat has announced for governor but Sen. Wendy Davis reportedly is exploring the possibility. Givebacks total $1 billion Texas Comptroller Susan Combs on July 10 reported she has returned $1 billion in unclaimed property to rightful owners since she took office in 2007. This is the largest sum of money ever returned by a Texas comptroller, she said, adding that since she took office in January 2007, she has been committed to return as much unclaimed money as possible to owners who may have forgotten about it. While unclaimed property payments began in 1962 and about $900 million was returned in the 44 years prior to her taking office, about 1.1 million claims have been approved since 2007, totaling $1 billion over six and a half years, Combs said. Combs recently said she would not seek another term as comptroller.

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the Fax (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Heather Kendrick Office Manager/Bookeeper daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $42 per year; Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales outside Austin County in Texas, $52; outside Texas, Amber Gonzales Managing Editor editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the $70 per year. Notices of change of address should right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be Creighton Holub Sports Writer be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less.

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

OPINIONS

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

GUESTCOLUMN

SEALY NEWS

Our sinkhole, a path to hell

Moving water from one location to another is not a new concept. Digging deep into the ground, beneath the surface in search of water is not a new concept. But, draining entire aquifers that took hundreds of thousands of years to create and moving millions of gallons of water each day from one location… that is a modern concept– only about 20 years old–and yet, the evidence is already conclusive. The land is sinking, the roots of trees are starving and we have the capacity to turn our farms into deserts. Published science journal graphs vividly show a direct correlation between the amount of groundwater sucked up and the measure the ground drops. Scientists call this subsidence. We are not guessing that it exists. The strange thing is that when we see a building suddenly sink on the news, or a town drop a few feet, we are surprised.

BY MICHELLE MINNS There should be no surprise, except for how fast it is happening. Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District's (BGCD) general manager, Zach Holland, explained that sinkhole was another term for subsidence at one community meeting. He found humor in his explanation, the bottom of the sinkhole is equal to the amount of subsidence in the area. Can you imagine hearing the so called protector laugh as he discusses the ground sinking underneath us? BGCD was created by the Texas Legislature to protect water rights. They exist solely because of the hard

Your Two Cents

The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers Do you support the City of Sealy applying to be named a Texas Main Street to help restore and revitalize the downtown district and community? •Yes •No

Last week’s question was: Do you think Sealy ISD should give employees a pay raise even though it will create a deficit in the 2014 budget? (The district could make up the difference with reserve funds so that it operates in the black.) •Yes 47% •No 53% Total Votes 66 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

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work by your neighbors who lobbied to create a legal entity to protect us. Sadly, the very entity charged with protecting us has a conflict. The water barons, if Bluebonnet rolls over on us, can get by with pumping our water by paying a few hundred thousand, possibly millions, of dollars to BGCD… for later conservation. At 17 cents per thousand gallons of water sucked out of the ground, commercial pumpers pay the public protector. Bluebonnet can raise its own salaries, hire more employees. Not sure what they will do, but I sure hope they don’t laugh all day as the water is being sucked up out of the ground, even as the land sinks. If he is laughing, it’s because he believes there is no threat. Which mean then that he and his organization shouldn’t even exist. The public is being betrayed. “In the West, it is said, water

flows uphill toward money. And it does, as it leaps 3,000 feet across the Telachapi Mountains in gigantic siphons to slake the thirst of Los Angeles, as it is shoved a 1,000 feet out of the Colorado River canyon to water Phoenix and Palm Springs and the irrigated lands around them. It goes 444 miles (the distance from Boston to Washington) by aqueduct from the Feather River to south of L.A. It goes in man-made rivers, in siphons, in tunnels. In a hundred years, actually less, God’s riverine handiwork in the West has been stood on its head. A number of rivers have been nearly dried up. One now flows backward. Some flow through mountains into other rivers’ beds. There are huge reservoirs where there was once desert; there is desert, or cropland, where there were once huge shallow swamps and lakes. It still isn’t enough," page 12, "Cadillac Desert" by Marc Reisner.

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR DON'T BLINK TOO LONG Dear Editor, In the interest of starting this letter out with a light note, I probably should ask, “who will blink next?” Reese Turner wrote a good letter last week and used the blink line. Some of the questions I have been hearing of late lead me to believe that we need to check if we are in a black out blink. The question I hear the most is as follows: Is the water well thing done yet? Please blink again folks, the fight has not even begun. So far there was one blink of the applicant and a whole lot of jockeying going on by the applicant and other interested parties like Houston and the Brazos River Authority, et al. Now blink again and along comes the Allen’s Creek Project getting mentioned in various circles around the region. I ask you, does it make sense to think that the water marketers are blinking while they count the dollar signs in the water marketing game? Now let’s stop blinking our eyes and open them widely to what is going on around the state. These same scenarios of applications for water and contested hearings are being played out in many places in the State of Texas. We have a battle going on in Bastrop and Lee counties about a hundred million gallons of water per day. Similar battles are being played out in other parts of our state. Now please, do not blink because it will get worse if we let the rainy day fund loose with a constitutional amendment in November. The no or low interest loans will allegedly be drawn from the rainy day fund and used for the fulfillment of a State Water Plan. One of the items listed in a House bill already is transportation of water. Do not blink when I tell you this could mean a pipeline. In the interest of what is going on in Austin and Waller counties, let’s let the genie blink or twitch a nose and take us back to our own scenario right here in our backyard.

We cannot give up this water from our Gulf Coast Aquifer any time, much less in a drought. An aquifer that is already being over pumped by all indicators, like the number of wells going dry and the depth of new wells being drilled, will not take this amount of drawdown and remain healthy. Do not let anyone tell you our aquifers have plenty of water, especially when they cannot or will not publish figures of what is being pumped out every year. Please do not blink on this little gem either: Once they, whoever they are, control our water ,they will control us. Now, was there water under our land once or did I blink? Tom Sherman New Ulm, Texas CCTWR.ORG

Ms. Yvonne deserves a special hug for all the smiles and for being such a light in our community. Thank you to our neighbors in Westview: Russell and Beverly, Diane, the Pattons, the Coggins. You are great neighbors; the best I have ever had. Thank you to the people who saw me through a very rough time, especially Leroy and Carolyn. Dwayne Virnau works on the Planning Commission with me and also heads Lion’s Club and the Friends of the Library; what a civic minded, lovely man. Nancy Naron and Faye Hinze head-up the Sealy Area Historical Society and are always ready to go above and beyond. Ashley and Amber at the paper work so hard every day to bring us news. Sealy Rotary is probably Sealy’s best-kept secret. Rotarians are wonderful always, but Sealy is fortunate to have Helen, Charley, Paul (yes, I will miss you too), Joyce, Tim, Faye, Evelyn and many others. You have been my other family and I love you. Eugenia and Isaiah out at the college - keep them in your prayers. They are such hard working, dedicated people, as are all the Sealy campus faculty at Blinn College. Blinn College students - I will miss you so much. I think of you daily. I hope we will have the opportunity to see each of you before we leave to give you a hug and a personal thank you. Our hearts are heavy, but we know that our new job and new town will bring new memories, and maybe when we retire, we will be able to come back. I don’t know if our phones will change, but we can always keep in touch via email. Mine is jeri.thornton@yahoo.com. Memories make life worthwhile. Thank you so much for such wonderful memories. Jeri and John Dulaney and Charlotte Thornton Sealy, Texas

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES Dear Editor, John, Charlotte and I will be moving soon, but before we go I want to say “Thank you Sealy.” You opened your arms and hearts to us, and you made us feel at home. I have never lived in another town more welcoming or more loving. Before we go, I just wanted all of Sealy to know about the wonderful people here in town who are making a difference: Chris Coffman, our city manager, is a wonderful person; Sealy is truly blessed to have him working on its behalf. Everyone in the city offices have been wonderful, but I was especially blessed to know Kim Meloneck and Nick Tirey. Sealy Chamber of Commerce board and employees work tirelessly to make Sealy a better place. Peggy, Candace, Lisa, Bobbie and many others have made my time in Sealy richer. Buddy and the crew at Meals on Wheels do a fabulous job. Frank gives half of his week, each week, to manage Sealy Playtime Recreation. All the folks at Sealy ISD who work to give our children a great education deserve recognition.

com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be hand signed and include the writer’s full address and daytime

and evening phone numbers. Letters to the editor should be as close to 500 words as possible. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be published.

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the Fax (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Heather Kendrick Office Manager/Bookeeper daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $42 per year; Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales outside Austin County in Texas, $52; outside Texas, Amber Gonzales Managing Editor editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the $70 per year. Notices of change of address should right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be Creighton Holub Sports Writer be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less.

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

OPINIONS SEALY NEWS

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY, AUGUST 22 , 2013

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

Gold fever or water blindness? BY MICHELLE MINNS “Most of the world’s surface is covered in the wet stuff. But 97 percent of it is full of salt. And most of the remaining 3 percent is frozen in glaciers or dusting the tops of mountains. Of what remains, a tiny amount is easily accessible in freshwater lakes, rivers and reservoirs. The rest is held in ancient underground reserves such as the Ogallala and Evangeline Aquifers beneath America’s heartland. Like fossil fuels, [aquifers] are essentially a nonrenewable resource that are being rapidly depleted. That’s because this 'fossil water' is being extracted much faster than it’s being replenished by rainfall. The law of supply and demand makes this a scarcity story, just like copper, crude oil and gold. But unlike all of those resources, there is no substitute for clean water,” according to Anthony

Mirhaydari of MSN Money. They say that water is the new gold… This is the mindset of landowner Clayton Chamber’s, owner of Chambco Interests LP, and water developer Electro Purification LLC. Electro has a pending drilling permit to pump 20 million gallons a day, 375 days a year out of Waller and Austin counties, which border Fort Bend County. The fact that the shallow Brookshire salt dome extends well into the zone of freshwater and is surrounded laterally and vertically by Gulf Coast aquifer sands sitting right next to (if not into) the proposed drilling area of these 20-inch diameter holes that will be sucking water at the fastest rate profitable to line the pockets of all entities invested in this proposed water selling project, suggests pure blindness on the side of the proposed application. According to “Salt Domes in the Gulf Coast Aquifer” by H. Scott Hamlin, dissolution of salt domes by groundwater has indeed been documented, and the amount of salt

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers Do you think the county should increase the archive fee from $5 to $10 to help fund document preservation? • Yes • No

Last week’s question was: Do you think it's a good idea for the state to require drivers to slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit when passing TxDOT workers? •Yes 69.6% •No 30.4% Total Votes 56 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

removed has been quantified (Seni and Jackson, 1984; Bruno and Hanor, 2003). If you think sandstone is porous causing sinkholes, guess what will happen when the pumps start sucking the water through the sands over and around the Brookshire Salt Dome. As Hamlin states, the scientific evidence for dissolution of salt dome minerals in shallow groundwater is conclusive. As salt dissolves at the dome crest, an insoluble residue accumulates, forming the cap rock. Within the cap rock itself, chemical reactions occur that require the presence of low-temperature, low-salinity groundwaters (Kyle and Price, 1986). Geophysical logs have been used to identify high-development of fresh groundwater and salt-dome resources has increased the potential for contamination of shallow aquifers. In the pre-development steadystate groundwater flow systems, salt-dome related contamination remained localized by high freshwater heads in surrounding sands and the tendency for high-density brines

to flow downward. The combination of lowered heads in the Gulf Coast aquifer and increased heads in cap rocks has created hydraulic gradients directed outward from the salt dome toward adjacent freshwater sands. Resource extraction and leakage of stored petroleum product have further perturbed the natural system. Most of the available evidence for salt-dome-related contamination of the Gulf Coast aquifer is at least 20 years old. More recent hydraulic and hydro chemical data, including data collected periodically through time, are needed for proper risk analysis and for a more comprehensive understanding of groundwater flow near salt domes. Chambers and EP along with our protectors Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District stand to line some mighty big pockets, but make no mistake: it will be at everyone else’s expense. The rich will get richer while the rest of us go thirsty. Stand up! Write your elected officials. Protect our water! Protect our future!

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS Abbott explains opposition to proposed merger Attorneys general of Texas, Arizona, Tennessee, Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia joined in the U.S. Justice Department’s Aug. 13 anti-trust lawsuit intended to block the merger of Fort Worthheadquartered American Airlines and Tempe, Ariz., headquartered US Airways. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, in an Aug. 16 opinion piece first published by the Dallas Morning News, explained why he opposes the merger of the two carriers. Here’s an excerpt: “Why in the world would Texas file a legal action challenging the merger of American Airlines with US Airways?” Abbott asked in his opinion piece. He answered his own question this way: “We believe that actions by the airlines and their officials violate antitrust laws. In fact, the legal violations appear so overt that it would offend my oath of office not to take action. “The legal action is based on evidence such as internal emails, investor presentations and other comments by top executives of the airlines. Those documents reveal their thinking about how shrinking competition in the airline industry — and, hence the merger — will allow the airlines to pile even more bag fees, ticket change

ED STERLING Texas Press Association fees and increased fares on customers. American and US Airways compete directly on thousands of heavily traveled routes. The merger would allow the new company to shed that competition and distort the marketplace — while harming competition for nearly 200 Texas routes.” American Airlines, in an Aug. 13 statement, announced plans “to mount a vigorous and strong defense to the U.S. Department of Justice’s effort to block their proposed merger.” “We believe that the Department of Justice is wrong in its assessment of our merger. Integrating the complementary networks of American and US Airways to benefit passengers is the motivation for bringing these airlines together. Blocking this pro-competitive merger will deny customers access to a broader airline network that gives them more choices,” American Airlines stated. Combs files lizard motion Comptroller Susan Combs last week announced she filed a motion to intervene in an endangered species lawsuit brought by environmental groups against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The lawsuit by Defenders of Wildlife and the Center for Biological Diversity asks Fish & Wildlife to reconsider its June 2012 decision not to list the dunes sagebrush lizard as an endangered species. In an Aug. 16 agency news release, Combs said the lawsuit “could have damaging effects on private property owners, oil and gas producers and agriculture producers, as well as the broader state economy” and that her motion, if accepted, would “ensure that no ruling is made without input from those who would be directly affected by a dunes sagebrush lizard listing under the Endangered Species Act.” The lizard’s range includes parts of the Permian Basin, a region that accounts for 57 percent of Texas’ total crude oil production and supports 47,000 oil and gas-related jobs, according to the Texas Railroad Commission. Fish & Wildlife, in a June 13 statement, said, “After a careful analysis of the scientific data and the protections provided by the voluntary conservation efforts, Service biologists determined the lizard is no longer in danger of extinction, nor likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.”

Feral hog grants awarded A g r i c u l t u r e Commissioner Todd Staples on Aug. 15 announced the award of two feral hog abatement grants totaling $55,000 to certain Texas counties in an effort to enhance statewide feral hog abatement. Bell County, in partnership with Coryell, Falls, Hamilton and Milam counties, was awarded $25,000 to support abatement efforts and $30,000 was awarded to a partnership between Caldwell and Hays counties, the agriculture department reported. “The feral hog population has exploded in the last 20 years, costing Texans untold millions of dollars,” Staples said. According to the agency, Texas is home to the largest feral hog population in the United States with nearly 2.6 million of the wild pigs. These voracious, intelligent, wideranging mammals cause about $500 million in damage in rural and urban Texas each year, the agency estimated. New laws to take effect Some 659 pieces of legislation passed in the 140-day regular session of the 83rd Texas Legislature, Jan. 8 through May 27, 2013, will take effect as new laws in a few days, on Sept. 1.

com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be hand signed and include the writer’s full address and daytime

and evening phone numbers. Letters to the editor should be as close to 500 words as possible. We reserve the right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be published.

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the Fax (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Heather Kendrick Office Manager/Bookeeper daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $42 per year; Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales outside Austin County in Texas, $52; outside Texas, Amber Gonzales Managing Editor editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the $70 per year. Notices of change of address should right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be Creighton Holub Sports Writer be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less.

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

SEALY NEWS THE

Ladies ready to battle PAGE 5

Delta Gamma Kappa PAGE 11

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of C.A. Stephenson

Volume 126 Number 37

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Water meetings planned

Bilski to not seek re-election

The Sealy News/ CREIGHTON HOLUB

Firing up the crowd

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Charlette Janicek lights the crowd on fire with her flaming batons during the first home performance for the Sealy band. The band and the Tigers will head to Cleveland Friday for the third performance of the year.

The Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District will meet Wednesday, Sept. 18, in Navasota. The district’s agenda was not available as of press time Tuesday. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at 303 E. Washington Ave. Ste. B in Navasota. The Groundwater

After nearly two decades in office, Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski will finish out her fifth term next year and will not run for re-election. Bilski announced on Monday that she would not run in the March 2014 Primary. Her current term will end at the end of 2014, with a new judge taking office Jan. 1, 2015. Bilski was the first female, and Republican, elected county judge in Austin County after former Judge J. Lee Dittert Jr. retired in 1995. “…After prayerful consideration, I will not be seeking an additional term in the 2014 March Primary. My hope and prayer is that a qualified successor with wisdom, integrity,

■ WATER, page 14

NEWSBITS Hermann Sons to meet Cat Spring Hermann Sons Lodge No. 44 will meet on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6:30 p.m. A sandwich supper and regular business meeting will take place at the agricultural hall meeting room. All members are encouraged to attend. For more information, call (979) 885-2719 or (979) 885-3695.

Top Cat Dance The Top Cat Dance Club will sponsor a dance featuring the Al Sulak Band on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Fireman’s Hall in Industry from 3 to 6:30 p.m. The doors open at 2 p.m. Walk-in guests are welcome.

CERT training There will be Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training in September starting the 16th. The 10 weekly sessions are at 7 p.m. at the Austin County Courthouse basement meeting room. There is no charge for the training ■ NEWSBITS, page 14

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Paul Gene Mueller ■ Chesterlene Meloneck

BIBLEQUOTE

20 pages, $1

Carolyn Bilski energy and a heart of public service will continue these efforts,” Bilski said Monday in a letter to the editor to The Sealy News. During her tenure, Bilski has cultivated relationships throughout the county and with local officials and governing bodies serving on local and regional boards. She has worked on projects from expanding the Austin County ■ BILSKI, page 8

AC balances budget with $1M in reserves Bus Top 10 expense increases by department drivers Difference Department 2012-13 2013-14 get raise Other 1,858,536 2,504,017 645,481 By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

Overall, Austin County will increase its 2013-14 budget spending by almost 8 percent, most of which comes from salary increases, and will use $1 million from its reserves to balance the budget. Along with raises of about 3 percent for the majority of county employees, salary ■ BUDGET, page 9

EMS Sheriff's Dept. Co. Jail Capital Outlay District Judge Co. Treasurer Co. Clerk Co. Auditor Co.Judge/Com.Crt./Envt.dept.

1,460,365 2,424,309 1,315,606 477,743 21,972 70,802 429,308 189,630 332,440

1,631,261 2,587,951 1,462,364 528,844 86,906 101,458 457,285 197,501 339,366

170,896 163,642 146,758 51,101 64,934 30,656 27,977 7,871 6,926

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

City OK's new SPD position in thin budget By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Sealy will soon have a new officer on its streets. The Sealy Police Department (SPD) will add a new patrol officer to the family after Oct. 1, after Sealy City Council late last month approved creating a new officer position. “There is nothing more beneficial than having a police pres-

ence on the street as a deterrent of crime. I want to maintain that,” Sealy Police Chief John Tollett said. The addition of a new patrol officer will put the department 19 strong. Funding for the new position begins Oct. 1, and Tollett said he’s currently reviewing previous applications and looking around for a possible good fit. He’d like to add the position as soon as funding

starts. “As soon as (the council) tells me I can move forward, I will,” Tollett said. This is the first newly created position in the department in a number of years, the chief said. He has repeatedly asked to grow his department in the past, looking for funding from the city and from grants. ■ POLICE, page 9

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Sealy ISD bus drivers will receive the same 3 percent raise as other district employees after the district said an administrative error caused the group to be overlooked, initially. The district’s board of trustees approved raises of $2,000 across the board for teachers and 3 percent for all nonteachers starting this month. However, bus drivers were not party to the raise. “(Board trustees) thought they were voting on all employees – and they were,” said Sealy ISD Superintendent Scott Kana about action on the pay increases. The budget was passed ■ DRIVERS, page 9

1 Corinthians 15:58

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman

The Sealy News/COURTESY PHOTOS

Grandparents Day

everyday

Grandparents of little Tigers at Selman Elementary shared some breakfast with family last Friday including Alan Boehm, Kane Killough and Jeanie Boehm, at left, and Nelson Williams, Jahkai Gonzales, Helen Williams above.

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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PAGE 14 ■ THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

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MCSHAN

NEWSBITS

continued from Page 2

continued from Page 1 tire. McShan was driving on a suspended license. His passenger, Cody Parchman, 21 and also of Sealy, was also possibly intoxicated during the time of the accident. He has since been let go from the Katy Police Department, where he had served as an officer since Dec. 16, 2012. Blood test results indicated a blood alcohol content of .22 for McShan. Kendall Addison was killed on impact and Katherine died quickly afterward.

WATER continued from Page 1

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The committee will also look at proposed desired future conditions and the impacts from one region of Area 14 to another and about future water needs. The group will also look at any new legislation or rules affecting the districts. The Management Area 14 is made up of Bluebonnet, Brazoria County, Brazos Valley, Lone Star, Lower Trinity and Southeast Texas groundwater conservation districts.

Austin County Fair kicks off with shrimp boil The Austin County Fair Association invites the community to help kick off fair festivities at the annual kick-off dance and shrimp boil on Saturday, Sept. 28. Shrimp boil tickets are $30 per person for all you can eat with all the trimming including sausage, corn and potatoes. Doors will open at 6 p.m. for happy hour, and serving will start at 6:30 p.m. Shrimp boil tickets are available at the Austin County Fair Office, First National Bank in Bellville or any Austin County Fair Association director.

A live auction and silent auction will take place during the evening with live music provided by the Anthony Moreno Band at 8:30 p.m. The 2013 Austin County Fair queen contestants and their sponsors will be introduced during the shrimp boil. Tickets for the dance only are available at the fair office or at the door for $6. Proceeds from this event help support the scholarship fund and other programs for the youth of Austin County. So head on out with your cowboy boots and hats to the Austin County Fair Convention and Expo Center for an evening of fun, dancing and fellowship.

Angel tree The Salvation Army will start taking application for the Angel Tree program starting Sept. 16 and running through Oct. 30 (no exceptions). Hours of operation will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids are eligible as long as they are still in school. Please come with all paperwork needed. If you have any questions, please call (979) 885-3222.

Sealy AARP Sealy AARP Chapter 1505 will meet on Sept. 19 at 11 a.m. at the Hill Community Center.

Wallis Dance Club The Wallis American Legion Dance Club will hold its monthly dance on Saturday, Sept. 21, with music by Twilights, playing good country western and mixed music for your dancing pleasure from 8 to 11:30 p.m. So come out and enjoy. There will be lots of door prizes and free coffee. For more information call: Steve Muzny (979) 478-2494 or Charley Janik (979) 478-6226.

Rummage Sale The Episcopal Church Women of St. John’s will hold the Heavenly Treasures Rummage Sale on Saturday, Sept. 21, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Not only is church storage bursting at the seams with household items and furniture, but the sale also will include clothing this year. Proceeds will support the ECW’s outreach programs.

4-H Drive-Through The Austin County 4-H livestock project group will be holding a drive through dinner fundraiser to support the Austin County 4-H Program. The dinners can be picked up Sunday, Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at three different locations. The locations consist of Bellville-Austin County Fairgrounds, Industry- Fireman’s Hall and Sealy-Palais Royal

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Parking Lot. The plates will be $8 a piece and will consist of chicken, sausage, potatoes, green beans and bread. Tickets can be purchased through the extension office or from any 4-H member. For more information, please contact the extension office at (979) 865-2072.

Family Reunion The Kulhanek Family Reunion for the descendents of Antonin and Celestine Kulhanek will be Sunday, Sept. 22, at the KJT building next to St. John’s Catholic Church in Fayetteville, Texas. A potluck luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. Bread and beverages will be provided. Planned activities include traditional guessing game, door pries, silent auction and raffle. Donations and monetary gifts are encouraged. For more information please contact Karen Kulhanek at karenk0217@hotmail. com.

Golf Tournament The 14th annual Faith Academy Golf Tournament will be Sept. 26 at the River Ridge Golf Club, located at 3133 Brazos Oak Ln. in Sealy. FA is looking for sponsors and teams. Registration and lunch are at noon, tee time is at 1 p.m. There will be a putting contest and barbecue meal afterward. For more information contact (979) 865-1811 or email events@ faithacademybellville. org.

Sealy Class Reunion Sealy High School classes of ’71, ’72, ’73, ’74 and ’75 will celebrate their 40th +/reunion Saturday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m. at the Cat Spring Ag Hall. There will be a catered barbecue, cash bar and DJ with ‘70s music. To reserve a place send $20 per person before Sept. 20 to Edie (Richardson) Speer at 5707 Hickory Hollow St., Richmond, Texas 77406. Event coordinators are Lyn Hintz Novicke (713) 5392523, Gwen Swearingen Reichardt (979) 8859967 and Edie Speer (713) 829-1639.

Class of 1983 The class of 1938’s 30th Class Reunion will be held at Othie’s on Sept. 28, beginning at 6 p.m. For more information please contact Brian Sodolak at bsodolak@gmail.com or Connie (Slansky) Reichardt at creichardt1@gmail.com.

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Management Area 14 Joint Planning Committee, which includes the Bluebonnet district, will meet that same day, at 9 a.m. at the offices of the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District, located at 655 Conroe Park North in Conroe. The committee meeting is also open to the public, and the group will discuss activities in the member district and see a presentation by the Texas Water Development Board.

and attendees will receive a CERT kit with emergency items. For more information, visit www.austincounty.com or call County Judge Carolyn Bilski or Ray Chislett at (979) 8655911.

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his guilt. Looking at the victims’ family, he asked for forgiveness and said that he hoped his going to prison would be able to give them some closure in the deaths of their family members, according to the office of Elton Mathis Jr., Waller County district attorney. Many of the victims’ family members responded out loud that they did forgive him, and that they were praying for him. In the early morning hours of Jan. 12, 2012, after leaving a bar in the Katy area, McShan hit the Addisons while they were parked due to a flat

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24 Hr Club Access • Co-ed Fitness • Zumba Reciprocity to over 2000 Anytime Fitness Clubs Cardio Theater • Group Training • Personal Training

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SealyTX@AnyTimeFitness.com • www.anytimefitness.com

The San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department annual fundraiser vendor/craft show will be Sept. 28 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Pavillion located at 10471 Grotto Rd. in Frydek. The event will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Vendors can register by Aug. 30 for a 10x10 space for $50. The event will be free to the public. For more information, please contact SFFVFD1501@gmail. com.

1963 Reunion The 50th reunion of the 1963 graduating class of Sealy High School will be held Oct. 19 from 5 to 10 p.m. at Othie’s, located on the south west corner of FM1093 and FM 2187.

Free lawyer time Visit with a lawyer on the patio of The Hill restaurant in Bellville every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Austin County Bar Association.

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY,OCTOBER 10, 2013

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers

It's National Newspaper Week! What would you like to see more of in The Sealy News? • City of Sealy news •Austin County news •Sealy ISD news • Community features •Sports •Photos

Last week’s question was: What are you looking forward to most at this year's fair? • Carnival rides 7.9% • Fair food 10.5% • Seeing friends and family 15.8% •This year's live entertainment 23.7% •The livestock show 13.2% •PRCA Rodeo 28.9% Total Votes 38 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

OPINIONS SEALY NEWS

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LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR OKLAHOMA! IMPRESSES Dear Editor, I recently attended the play “Oklahoma!” performed by the Sealy High School theatre department. The performance was impressive to say the least. I found myself amazed with the talent our young people displayed along with the lighting features, the sets for the stage and the hospitality extended by the various volunteers greeting everyone, selling tickets and snacks and distributing the programs. Everyone involved exercised a great deal of effort and the results were simply outstanding. I want to express my appreciation for the students, parents and teachers that participated in all aspects of the program. Thank you for making a difference in our community! Sincerely, Chris Coffman Sealy, Texas RANT ON RANT Dear Editor, Recently I read a political rant in your paper. Needless to say, I was shocked. I have been in a world

war, visited a county fair and lost a goat roping contest, but that rant takes the cake. That has to be the most dumb and ignorant thing I’ve witnessed to date. Please forgive my spelling. I’m just not as smart as the ranter. Kenneth Currens San Felipe, Texas WATCHING FORT BEND CAREFULLY Dear Editor, This letter can be considered a response to an opinion piece by Mr. Fred Hartman published in the Fort Bend Herald on Sept. 27. Mr. Hartman’s piece can be found on page four in the upper right hand corner. My response will be as short as possible and will be directed at the citizens, landowners and officials who have the concern of their own future at hand. The situation in Fort Bend County is very near to immediate. The drawdown of groundwater in the Fort Bend Subsidence District (FBSD) must be slowed down to a volume that will do no further damage to the Evangeline geological formation that is part and parcel

to the Gulf Coast Aquifer. I commend the FBSD for looking across the county line at the proposed Electro Purifications (EP) well sites and having the guts to bring up the possible, unpopular idea that subsidence at aquifer level does not understand nor honor a cadastral county line. I further commend the FBSD decision to develop a rule that would not allow the subsidence to affect North Fort Bend County by drawing a possible 20 million gallons of water per day a stone’s throw from their county line. If one were to consider the dilemma of Richmond and Rosenberg, and possible answers to a water shortage in certain areas of Fort Bend County, I would bring forth two issues that certainly deserve discussion in my opinion. The two issues are cost and alternatives that should be examined before extolling virtues or condemning actions of any of the politicians or officials in this mix. No one has been willing or able to supply cost figures for any alternatives like

desal surface water treatment or rainwater harvesting. There was one comparison published in the Fort Bend Herald by a reporter named Jesus. We must research the facts when we can. I hope I have made a clear point in that there are a lot of facts and some figures to ponder when considering a Fort Bend water problem. Unfortunately, there was more castigation and promotion of a cheap deal in Mr. Hartman’s piece. I leave you with this thought: If one considers the fact that water marketers are working their deals all across our state, how long do you think it will be before the commoditized price of our precious natural resource goes sky high. I have found at least one possible water marketer waiting in the wings to see the results of the pending EP application. CCTWR will bring a panel to your venue to discuss the EP application and our precious natural resource. Tom Sherman New Ulm, Texas tsherman@dmigeo. com CCTWR.org

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS Wendy Davis announces candidacy Sen. Wendy Davis of Fort Worth on Oct. 3 publicly declared her candidacy to become the 48th governor of Texas. Davis, 50, seeks the Texas Democratic Party’s nomination and Attorney General Greg Abbott seeks the Republican Party of Texas’ nomination. Abbott, 55, faces competition in former state party chair and current Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Tom Pauken, 69. The

ED STERLING Texas Press Association election will be held in November 2014 and the new governor will take office in January 2015. Party primaries are on the calendar for March 4, 2014. Davis, from the campaign trail, said she would like to see a bipartisan solution to the Congressional stalemate over the federal health care law. Abbott,

last week, reportedly spoke out in support of efforts to prevent further funding of “Obamacare.” Guv stumps for water measure Gov. Perry, in San Angelo on Oct. 2, encouraged Texans to vote yes on Proposition 6 on the Nov. 5 election ballot. Proposition 6 would authorize a one-time $2 billion transfer from the State of Texas’ Economic Stimulus (“rainy day”)

Fund to create a State Water Implementation Fund that Perry said would “leverage funding up to $30 billion in water projects over five decades.” The constitutional amendment, if passed, would require regional and statewide prioritization of water projects in the State Water Plan and enable local communities to access costeffective interest rates to invest in water needs, he said.

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the Fax (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Heather Kendrick Office Manager/Bookeeper daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $42 per year; Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales outside Austin County in Texas, $52; outside Texas, Amber Gonzales Managing Editor editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the $70 per year. Notices of change of address should right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be Creighton Holub Sports Writer be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less.

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

OPINIONS SEALY NEWS

PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY,OCTOBER 17, 2013

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR THANKS TO EMS Dear Editor The residents of Austin County should be very proud of our EMS. I know that I am. Friday morning, Oct. 3, I had an episode requiring their services. They responded in minutes from the 911 call. I live five miles north of Sealy. The attendants were very caring and professional from arriving on the scene to transporting me to the hospital. My family and I surely do thank you.

May God Bless you all. James A. Schroeder Austin County KEEPING AN EYE ON THE WATER Dear Editor, I have just finished a telephone conversation with Mr. Barry Smitherman, chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission. This phone call took place at approximately 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 11. During this conversation I informed Mr. Smitherman that Electro Purification had

Your Two Cents The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers

Halloween is just around the corner. How do you plan to get spooky? • The Sealy News' Fall Family Fun Night •Sealy High School's theater department's haunted house •The Sealy Area Historical Society's haunted downtown tour •Visiting a pumpkin patch •Trick or treating with my family •Passing out candy •Eating all the candy

Last week’s question was: It's National Newspaper Week! What would you like to see more of in The Sealy News? • City of Sealy news 15.2% •Austin County news 51.5% •Sealy ISD news 12.1% • Community features 9.1% •Sports 6.1% •Photos 6.1% Total Votes 33 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

submitted an applicaion to the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District to drill 10 water wells in the southern area of Austin and Waller counties. Seven of the wells are posted to be drilled very close to the Brookshire Salt Dome, which actually is visible from the surface near the Fort Bend and Waller county line. Mr. Smitherman was asked to assess the rules in place of the TRRC to determine how close water wells can be drilled in a producing oil

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

field around saltdomes. During the courteous twoway conversation Mr. Smitherman promised to get back to myself with an answer. It can be noted here that Mr. Smitherman called back within minutes after I left a message on his phone. One of the reasons this situation was pointed out to Mr. Smitherman is that there have been situations that have occurred in the oil and gas industry where a drill bit has compromised a salt dome, which then col-

lapsed the dome and started a sink hole that enveloped everything in its vicinity. One extreme example has taken place in the area of Bayou Corne, La. I believe the Bayou Corne sink hole was still growing the last time I checked. There are other serious questions about the EP application that will be asked and hopefully very soon. Tom Sherman www.cctwr.org New Ulm, Texas

Darlin, did I shave my legs for this? After months of meetings, I’ve learned the ceremony. It’s a sort of dance with bad music and no courtesies. It is between those who want to take the water from our ground for profit and those who just profit in the game of water. The suitors come from many directions. They come with their lawyers, with their experts who want to suck all the water out of our reservoirs. In our case, in Austin and Waller counties, it’s a 20 million gallon a day suitor. The saviors are set up as Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District and our government-subsidized agencies. Both sides have an angle and they all have public meetings. Each side equally advises us that our questions will be answered. And in every case, threats are either made outright or muscle (local lawenforcement) is hired to stand by with the unspoken threat. Then, to expedite the insult, to divide and conquer the common folks (the invited guests), long lunch breaks are called with a followed wait and see game. The object is to wait and see how many attending will return. If people are still there, then they ask those with questions to fill out note cards. This seems to be for the purpose of giving false hope because evidence suggests that either the cards are being completely ignored or flat out thrown away. This past Saturday, Oct. 5, was no different. I was pumped that morning. I got up at 5 a.m. to attend the Washington County 5th annual Lone Star Water Forum: “Water for the Future.” I had this symposium on my mind for more than a month. I had read the brochure saying WE’LL discuss all sides of the issue, including YOUR questions and comments. So this Saturday morning before the sun came up, I jumped out of bed to let the chickens out and feed the cows. After washing the dirt off and putting myself together for this long awaited day, I was off to make the hour’s drive, meeting up with another friend on the way. Well it is done, and as I arrived home all I could think was, “Really?” As the lyrics from a Deana Carter song kept running through my head… “Flowers and wine is what I thought I would find. Did I shave my legs for this?” What a let down this day had been. Looking back, I have concluded that the seven men who made up the panel must have thought they were just giving us the pleasure of sitting for six hours

BY MICHELLE MINNS for the sole purpose of listening to their monologue, telling us how their wonderful wise counsel should be considered enough to wow an audience of 200 guests. But overall what my friend and I found it to be was just another presentation. Listening to the first speaker, Charles Porter, water rights historian, I thought the day showed promise. But sadness and frustration set in when Porter stepped aside without inviting one question. Then the floor was turned to Zach Holland, who again played the re-run so many in the audience had already heard. If there were guests who were listening to this topic for the first time, I am sure they might possibly have had a follow-up question or two, but that courtesy was not to be offered. After Holland finished giving his pitch of why his job in the lives of Texans is a necessary one, Edmond McCarthy Jr., career water rights lawyer, spoke strongly reiterating why all of Texas needs to set up a water conservation district in their county. He failed to mention that (according to the Internet), setting up GCDs and their rules is a primary source of his income. And again, if someone wanted to question his credentials, it did not fit in the schedule as time was needed for Tim Brown, former general counsel of the Texas Water Rights Commission. I give Brown credit for his full disclosure – that he makes his living representing landowners and their right to pump water (all the water) from their property and yours and mine. It should be noted that he did not mention that he represents the Chambers family, who is waiting to see if the courts will allow them their permit in our counties. But again, we were left politely listening. Oh wait! There was one guest that just couldn’t contain himself and so he spoke up. What a shock. There must have been others who thought, “Yes. I want to be a part of this forum. I didn’t just come to be ears and politely applaud.” Unfortunately, none wanted the same harsh treatment of being told to sit down and, in this gentleman’s case, finally asked to leave. No one else spoke up. During a private break, when Brown shared with me that he represented the Chambers’

interest, he also shared that the logical legal conclusion was that his client would win in court because North Fort Bend County Water Authority was wrong in its scientific evidence of subsidence being an issue in the area. He explained that their evidence was faulty. The landowner (Chambers) would provide the proper study showing no harm would come from this permit. He did seem a bit surprised at the three-foot flood plain status, along with the ongoing drilling in and around the Brookshire Salt Dome which sits immediately adjacent to this property. Bill Neinast, community activist and commentator, explained why he did not agree with the need for another layer of government and GWDs, he went on to say, “Washington County does not have enough water resources to be drained and so would not benefit from a GWD.” He stepped down unchallenged. I think he made a strong case. But again, the panel offered no challenge and the audience was not invited to question his presentation. Following this long-winded monologue everyone sat politely, ready to hear the panel respond to their written questions. Except, I am not sure where the questions that were asked came from. I know I offered at least four questions and the person who came with me offered one. None of our questions were asked. We raised our hands at the end of the meeting. I was called on two minutes before the meeting adjourned. With a grudging shrug, Larry Daugherty permitted me one question. I addressed Neinast, if the situation was reversed and he lived in Waller or Austin counties would he still be against a GWD? He stated with a smile, If I lived in Waller or Austin counties, I would be on the other side.” This was completely contrary to his earlier lecture. I respected his honestly. I respect him. I just wish I could have heard and been a part of other’s thoughts and input. I drove the hour drive home trying to understand if I had gained anything from my day which I gave up sharing with my husband and grandchildren to sit watching another group of self pontificating opportunists stating why they are necessary in the world. So we dance, but they answer no questions. We dance and they have lawyers and judges (no juries allowed), no questions.

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the Fax (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Heather Kendrick Office Manager/Bookeeper daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $42 per year; Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales outside Austin County in Texas, $52; outside Texas, Amber Gonzales Managing Editor editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the $70 per year. Notices of change of address should right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be Creighton Holub Sports Writer be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less.

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

SEALY NEWS THE

Volleyball battles for second place PAGE 5

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Rebecca Sanders

Volume 126 Number 42

NEWSBITS Halloween Fest BBQ A free Halloween Barbecue Cook-Off and Festival will be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26, at the San Felipe Festival Grounds. Volunteers, cook-off teams, vendors and donations are welcome to benefit The Center at Willow River Farms. Team and vendor set up will be Friday, noon to 10 p.m., and Saturday, 6-9 a.m. There will also be a kids costume contest Saturday and chopped beef sandwiches and snacks sold for $8 each. For more information, contact Nathan Tijerina at (281) 630-2309, or Bernie Tijerina at (281) 808-4803.

Bluegrass Music Festival The Spring Creek Bluegrass Club is hosting the annual Bluegrass Music Weekend at Coushatte Recreation Ranch Oct. 24-26. Music starts Thursday at 6 p.m., Friday at 1 p.m. and Saturday at 1 p.m. Over night camping and local lodging available. Tickets are $40 advance for all three days, $45 at the gate. Just Thursday is $10; Friday $20; and Saturday $20. Children under 14 are free.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013

Austin County Fair and Rodeo SPECIAL INSERT 48 pages, $1

Well hearing starts Monday Sealy to By AMBER GONZALES

The State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) hearing will be in Bellville at the Austin County Fairgrounds starting at 10 a.m. The SOAH hearing is a challenge to a proposal that would take 20 million gallons of water a day from under parts of Austin and Waller counties, near the Fort Bend County line. Hundreds of residents con-

reporter@sealynews.com

The battle for freshwater in this state continues on Monday, Oct. 28, as the preliminary hearing for the contested Electro Purifications, LLC application to drill for and commercially sell water from under Austin and Waller counties begins.

Local group won't seek party status By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com

A local water protection advocate group said it will not apply for party status in the hearing challenging a proposal to pump 20 million gallons of water from below Austin and Waller counties. Concerned Citizens for Texas Water Resources (CCTWR) spokesman Tom Sherman told the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD) board of directors at its quarterly meet-

cerned about drawdown in their own wells, subsidence and other consequences voiced their opinion against the application to Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD). The North Fort Bend Water Authority requested the formal SOAH hearing on the grounds that the drilling would cause subsidence across county lines. ■ HEARING, page 9

SOAH Preliminary Hearing Monday, Oct. 28 Austin County Fair Grounds, Bellville 10 a.m. ing Oct. 16 that because of recent rulings in similar cases, it will not try to be a part of the contested case. ■ STATUS, page 9

file for party status

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

The City of Sealy won’t be standing on the sidelines Monday morning when a hearing starts to name active parties in the fight for Austin County water. Instead, city officials are looking to be named an “interested party” in the State Office of Administrative Hearing (SOAH) on a proposed application to drill 10 wells in Austin and Waller counties, one of which is in Sealy. “The bottom line is we don’t want them to put these wells in so we’ve hired a law firm to rep■ PARTY, page 11

Restoration fundraiser San Felipe United Methodist Church will host a drive-thru, dinein chicken fried steak dinner on Nov. 2 to benefit the Restoration Fund. The church is located at FM 1458 and Second Street in San Felipe. Tickets are $9 and can be purchased by calling Kim Waldrop (979) 885-4631, Clara Miller (979) 885-4003 or heather Smith at (979) 885-4802.

TODAY'SOBITUARY ■ William "Bill" Hill

BIBLEQUOTE I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me -- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. Acts 20:24

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

Block Party

The Sealy Downtown Business Association, Sealy Chamber of Commerce and City of Sealy hosted the first-ever downtown block party last Thursday. Guests roamed the downtown district, shopping in stores, visiting and seeing all of the recent improvements. Above, a young boy waits for his new balloon creation and at right, Jack Carr entertains the crowd.

Deadline for Fantasy of Lights pageants nearing By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Being crowned queen won’t be a fantasy for one lucky Austin County teen. Christmas may be two months away, but this year’s Miss Fantasy will be crowned in just a few weeks. The annual pageant, held in conjunction with Fantasy of Lights, is set for Nov. 2 with the entry deadline next Wednesday, Oct. 30. Girls ages 4 to 18 can enter five different pageants: Little Miss Fantasy, ages 4-6; Princess Fantasy, ages 7-9; Junior Miss

Fantasy, ages 10-12; Miss Teen Fantasy, ages 13-14; and Miss Fantasy ages 15-18. Ages are based on Oct. 30. The entry fee for each contestant is $35 and those wanting to enter the photogenic contest need to pay an extra $5 and submit a 5x7 photo. This year’s pageants will be held at the Liedertafel Hall in Sealy with Little Miss at 9 a.m., Princess Fantasy at 10 a.m., Junior Miss Fantasy at 11 a.m. and Miss Teen Fantasy at 1 p.m. The ■ FANTASY, page 9

Eight propositions on ballot

Early voting underway Early voting began this week and marks the first time Texans will be under new voter ID laws. Official ID will be required to vote on the nine proposed constitutional amendments, which include creating a state water fund and authorizing reverse mortgages. All early voting can be done at the Austin County Tax Office, located at 804 East Wendt St. in

Bellville Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be special extended hours voting today, Oct. 24, in Wallis 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the Hill Community Center in Sealy from 6-8 p.m. Propositional changes Prop. 1: Authorizes the legislature to provide an exemption from ■ VOTING, page 10

Fall festival to offer tricks, treats Oct. 30 Ghouls, zombies, princesses and transformers will roam the sidewalks of Sealy on Wednesday, Oct. 30, in search of tricks and treats. The annual Fall Family Fun Night, sponsored again this year by The Sealy News and local businesses, will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Sealy Outlet Mall. Vampires, cheerleaders, pumpkins and other costume-clad kids,

and even their parents, are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and come out for an evening of fun and games. The event began eight years ago to offer Sealy and area children a safe place to celebrate Halloween and gather treats. In that time, more and more local businesses ■ FESTIVAL, page 9

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013 ■ PAGE 9

THE SEALY NEWS

HEARING continued from Page 1 The preliminary hearing establishes the parties and schedule for the contested case. The evidentiary phase will be like a civil trial, according to the official notice. The result will be a formal report and suggestion to the BGCD board of directors on the case. Ultimately, the board will approve or deny the application as it stands or with modifications. In November of 2012, Electro submitted the application and a proposed plan that would pump 7.3 billion gallons annually from the Evangeline Aquifer under Austin and Waller counties, just across the political line of Fort Bend County, to supply water to Richmond and Rosenberg. It also plans to look for other buyers. Since then, the Fort Bend Subsidence District has been looking at a rule that might block the sale of that water to Richmond and Rosenberg. The two cities, under that district’s jurisdiction, are looking for new water sources to meet a growing population as they reduce local groundwater use to reduce subsidence. Subsidence is the gradual caving in or sinking of land. The applicant, Electro, is automatically a party in the hearing, anyone who wants to be a party to the hearing must

attend the preliminary hearing and show how they are affected by the application in a way not common to members of the general public. Any person may attend the hearing and any person may request to be named as a party, but only persons named as parties may participate in the evidentiary phase, like testifying. The case was originally supposed to be held in July, but Electro filed for a continuance, citing that its attorney’s firm (Jackson, Sjoberg, McCarthy & Townsend, LLP) had a conflict of interest. The firm also serves as outside special council to Houston on water matters, including those related to Allens Creek Reservoir Permit, according to the Motion for Continuance. SOAH Judge Sharon Cloninger approved an order for the continuance just two weeks before the scheduled hearing. BGCD was created in 2001 to oversee groundwater production to protect the resource and control subsidence. It serves Austin, Grimes, Waller and Walker counties. Each county has four volunteer representatives on the BGCD board of directors who oversee the district’s finances, drought status and permitting.

FESTIVAL continued from Page 1 have stepped up, turning out each year to host games and pass out candy. Community members are also welcome to pack their trunks full of candy, park in the outlet mall’s spacious parking lot and join in passing out candy to the youngsters. “This is a great way for kids and families to celebrate Halloween in a safe way,” said The Sealy News Publisher Ashley Tompkins. “We will have a cake walk, games, and The Sealy News will take photos of all the kids in their scary and not-so scary costumes to publish in the newspaper.” Along with gathering treats, the community will also be able to collect nutritious treats for families in need through

the festival’s food drive. Families can bring canned goods to the outlet mall to be donated to the Sealy Christian Food Pantry, or donations may be dropped off at The Sealy News, located at 193 Schmidt Rd. The event will also feature a pumpkincarving contest, with awards for the bestdecorated and bestlooking pumpkins. Trick-or-treaters should bring their already carved pumpkins to The Sealy News booth for judging. It’s not too late for businesses to turn out for the event. Anyone interested in participating should contact Tompkins at publisher@sealynews.com or at (979) 885-3562 or (979) 877-9098.

FANTASY continued from Page 1 Miss Fantasy pageant will be at 2 p.m. with interviews earlier in the day at 9 a.m. Check in is 30 minutes prior to pageant times. All contestants must be a resident of Austin County and/or enrolled in the Sealy, Bellville or Brazos ISDs from the start of the current year. Prior title holders are not eligible to compete. There will be a mandatory rehearsal for all applicants. Anyone not attending the rehearsal will be disqualified and will not be refunded their participation fee. For a complete list of rules and applications, visit www.sealycommunityfoundation.org.

Save Money! Save Gas!

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

Welcome to Sealy Blinn College's Sealy campus welcomed new Campus Director Lisa Caton at a mixer hosted Oct. 14 at the Blinn student center in the Sealy Outlet Mall. Above, second to left, Lisa Caton talks to members of the Sealy City Council, Chamber of Commerce and YMCA. At left, Caton speaks to local water rights activists and other mingle with snacks or checked out the new 3-d welding training machine.

Ghost Tours take off on Saturday Taking EMF readings and gauging temperature to spot the potentially lingering spirit, the people of Houston Ghost Town Paranormal Investigations are coming out to Sealy investigate the alleged haunting of Downtown for the first ever city ghost tour Oct. 26. “One of the things about Halloween is it’s supposed to be when the veil between the living and the dead is lifted so it’s easier for spirits to cross over,” said Director Jon Strohbehn. Houston Ghost Town has been organized since 2007 and uses a series of methods to determine if there is any paranormal activity going on – they also make house calls. The group mostly assists people who have activity going on in their homes, said Strohbehn. Many members have had paranormal experiences, especially in early childhood, so they’re sympa-

thetic. The tools they use include measuring electromagnetic fields (EMF), temperature changes and recording and taking pictures. “We just try to share what knowledge we’ve picked up,” he said. The group has gone on several tours before, including in Galveston, Old Town Spring and Houston Ghost Tours. This is the first time they’ll be at Sealy for an investigation at the invitation of the Sealy Area Historical Society. The Society is hosting ghost tour in old downtown Sealy on Saturday, Oct. 26. Tour goers will get a chance to learn about the history of the downtown buildings and the family businesses that existed in the early 1900s. Local residents will portray early founders of Sealy and will tell about their lives during Sealy’s early years. The tour will include stories of sightings of

STATUS

the present-day ghosts believed to reside in six old buildings. The investigators will have remote cameras already set up recording some of the businesses supposedly haunted. Tour goers will gather at the historical society’s Santa Fe Museum, located at 211 East Main St., and then drive to Main and Fowlkes Streets to begin the walking portion of the tour. Those who don’t want to walk are welcome to drive to the nearby locations. The Santa Fe Museum will be open from 3 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 26. The original Sealy Jail, built in 1887, will also be open. A peak inside the jail is enough to cause a few goose bumps. Tours will begin at 3, 5 and 7 p.m. and last approximately two hours. Tickets for the tour are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Admission is free for

children under 6. Some parts of the tour might not be suitable for very young children. Tickets may be purchased at the Gordon Memorial Library or by calling Nancy Naron at (832) 492-4244. Tickets are also available the day of the tour, but advance purchase of tickets is encouraged. Detail about the historical society can be found at sealyhistoricalsociety.org. The paranormal investigators will give a short talk on the tour and help those interested get more information. The group provides services for free, but appreciates donations to maintain and use new equipment. For more information on Houston Ghost Town P a r a n o r m a l Investigations, go to http://houstonghosttown.com/donations. “Anybody that has any interest in the paranormal might want to come out and learn more about it,” said Strohbehn.

continued from Page 1 The preliminary hearing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28, at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville. Only named parties can participate in the evidentiary phase of the hearing. Sherman cited a State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) judge’s denial to allow four landowners in Lee and Bastrop counties party status in a hearing contesting permit requests by End Op, LP, and Aqua Water Supply Corp. to the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District. The order from Judge Michael J. O’Malley in that case ordered the landowners’ request denied because under law the parties have to “demonstrate a particularized interest in a conflict distinct from that sustained by the public at large,” according to the order. Even a landowner who had wells, registered with the groundwater district, did not sufficiently prove,

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according to the judge, with expert evidence that showed specific injury to her. Members of CCTWR went to the Lost Pines hearing and reported that the water lawyers there simply demolished the landowners’ requests. “They’re out to hurt the aquifer, they’re out to hurt the people,” said Sherman. CCTWR has been organizing several talks since last year to get information out about groundwater and the proposed 10-well plan to drill wells in Austin and Waller counties and transport water to Richmond and Rosenberg. CCTWR maintains around 400 followers and is growing, said Sherman. They still plan to attend the contested hearing next week.

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PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY,OCTOBER 24, 2013

POLITICALCARTOON

The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers

How much weight do you think the SOAH decision will have in the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District's decision on an application to build water wells in Austin County? • Significant •It could go either way •Limited

Last week’s question was: Halloween is just around the corner. How do you plan to get spooky? • The Sealy News' Fall Family Fun Night 3.3% •Sealy High School's theater department's haunted house 20% •The Sealy Area Historical Society's haunted downtown tour 16.7% •Visiting a pumpkin patch 3.3% •Trick or treating with my family 10% •Passing out candy 13.3% •Eating all the candy 33.3% Total Votes 30 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

WHERETOWRITE

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

Your Two Cents

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5922

OPINIONS SEALY NEWS

WHEELS IN MOTION Dear Editor, Every year HOA-Meals on Wheels holds an annual chicken/sausage fundraiser for the support of our program of service to senior citizens throughout Austin County. This year, we will hold our fundraiser on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Hill Community Center in Sealy. The cost of our plates, which are to-go only, is only $8 and includes barbecue chicken, sausage, green beans, potatoes, pickles, sauce and bread. Plates will be available beginning at 11 a.m. Tickets are available through our directors David Hubenak at (979) 661-0426 or Shirley Krenek at (979) 4786221, our office at 510 Second St. or by calling (979) 885-4188. They will also be available at The Sealy News and the Wallis News Review. As in the past, our community has been a great supporter of our fundraiser. For that, we are truly grateful. This year the fundraiser will have more meaning inasmuch as we will begin a building program to allow us to expand our ability to provide additional service to our seniors. Our directors are very excited. We will rely on continuing the support of our friends throughout the area to bring our dream to completion. Our new building will contain a common room for social interaction of seniors, two full restrooms, a kitchen and offices. The building will be accessible to seniors who have some handicap and parking will be provided for those requiring it. The building will be next to the projected site of the Austin County EMS station located on Frydek Road. The site is currently being cleared and plans are now being drawn. Construction is anticipated to begin within the next 60 days. Everyone is encouraged to drive by our site and watch us grow. Buddy Chance HOA-Meals on Wheels

SHARING OUR HISTORY Dear Editor, I would like to express my thanks to everyone at Sealy ISD, the Sealy community and our Columbus neighbors, who helped to make the Czech and German Heritage Program a success for its seventh year. Last Friday, Oct. 20, we taught, as well as entertained, fourth and seventh grade students of Sealy Intermediate and Sealy Junior High schools with lessons about the Germans and Czechs that included: ways of life, history, music, foods, cultures, education, world economies, place in the world today, role in Texas, etc. We have been fortunate to be invited back for this annual program that aids in the enhancement of the social studies curriculum of both grade levels. This opportunity to present the past and present lifestyles of Germans and Czechs in Texas is a treasure that we do not take lightly, whether it is to instill a stronger sense of Czech / German self, encourage enrollment into German language classes at Sealy High School, teach part of the curriculum of Texas social studies, or showcase two important cultures that contributed to the foundation of Texas, it is a significant moment for those of us who are helping with the program, as well as interested Germans and Czechs who attend the program and enjoy it. I am happy that we were able to count on SJHS Principal Terri Kendrick and SIS Principal Dana Stavinoha for delivering the students to the program; Herr Ronald Brune, SHS German language teacher, for an informative and delightful presentation of Germany’s contributions to the world, past and present; Dorothy Leyendecker, Columbus area resident and historical expert on early German settlement in Texas; Tanya Keller and the Keller Academy of Performing Arts Czech Dance Troupe of East Bernard; Martha Mock, accordion player and

Czech expert, who helped instruct the band; Russell Balusek, director of Sealy ISD bands, instructor with the Czech and German student band and tuba player extraordinaire; and the SJHS and SHS band students who were members of the Czech and German Band: Zane Litzmann, accordion; John Papakalos, baritone; Nick Rossi, snare drum; Alex Girndt, bass drum; Nicholas Rapsilver, trumpet; Matthias Litzmann, tambourine; Nathan Rossi, xylophone; and Andrew Rapsilver, high-hat cymbal. I also would like to mention SHS Principal Megan Oliver, who coordinated with the high school students and Mr. Balusek to ensure the high school’s participation, and Tammy Leimer and the technical staff, as well as Amber Nolen, theater arts teacher, for their assistance in lighting, sound and presentation equipment, and Mr. Charles Mock, dressed in Czech attire for the event. This program never could take place if not for the combined efforts and time of these band students, teachers, experts, principals, dancers and special musicians. We were honored to have many guests, more than usual, in attendance at this year’s program. All of these individuals had positive and excited comments about the program—they were thankful that it was available to the public and they voiced their opinions that they hope that Sealy ISD will continue to offer this history of the German and Czech people. As long as I continue to be blessed with talented and generous folks like the ones listed above, it will be a pleasure, and an easy one at that, to continue this program. Without our past, our heritage, who are we? It is up to us, the living, to preserve the past, to capture it, remember it, honor it, share it and pass it on. Last Friday, we Czechs and Germans, we did just that. Barbara Frybert (Czech and Slovak) Litzmann (German)

Czech and German Heritage Program coordinator Sealy, Texas WATER WOES Dear Editor, It has been a busy two weeks and we have been engaged in an all-out attempt to make the public aware of the fact that the Gulf Coast Aquifer is under attack by the first water marketer to file an application to take water by drilling, aggregating and transporting via pipeline from an already failing aquifer. I can easily say failing aquifer because of the number of wells that are being drilled to replace wells that have gone dry and wells that are being reworked due to a dramatic drop in water levels. I have one report that indicates a drop of 71 feet in a well near my well. With all of the alleged science that has been brought forth by the Texas Water Development Board and the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District that we are expected to buy into, it makes us wonder why our wells are going dry. Please do not blink and miss this one folks. The aquifer is being depleted and no one really knows how much and how fast. I do know that 20 million gallons per day will only speed up the draw down and reduce the quantity of groundwater in Austin, Fort Bend and Waller counties. We are waiting this week for a possible response from the TRRC about the hazards of drilling near salt domes. Another indication may be forthcoming from the State Office of Administrative Hearing (SOAH) regarding our motion to quash the SOAH hearing. We have published press releases, started feasibility studies and done our best to make people aware of what is going on. Please show up at the SOAH hearing wearing the CCTWR t-shirt or a white shirt with a red scarf for trim. Tom Sherman, CCTWR.ORG New Ulm, Texas

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS

Court to hear Texas cases The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Oct. 15 to hear six cases to determine if the U.S. Environmental Protection Administration exceeded its authority to regulate greenhouse gases from stationary sources, the Texas Railroad Commission reported. Railroad Commission Chairman Barry Smitherman expressed hope that the court

ED STERLING Texas Press Association would put a damper on EPA rules governing carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, factories and motor vehicles. Bus awareness starts now Texas Department of Public Safety is urging

drivers to obey state law by not passing any school bus that is stopped and operating a visual signal, either flashing red lights or a stop sign. Highway Patrol troopers are enhancing their efforts to catch those drivers who break the law as part of National School Bus Safety Week, Oct. 21-25. “The moment when

students are entering or exiting the bus is one of the most dangerous times of a student’s trip; and drivers who pass a stopped school bus create a potentially deadly situation,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The safety of Texas children is paramount, and DPS will not tolerate those who break the law and put our children at risk.”

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the Fax (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Heather Kendrick Office Manager/Bookeeper daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $42 per year; Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales outside Austin County in Texas, $52; outside Texas, Amber Gonzales Managing Editor editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the $70 per year. Notices of change of address should right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be Creighton Holub Sports Writer be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less.

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

SEALY NEWS THE

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Georgie Brast

Volume 126 Number 43

NEWSBITS

Tigers dominate Cardinals PAGE 5

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013

20 pages, $1

Church hayride St. John Lutheran Church, located at 480 Ross St., will host a free community hayride on Oct. 31 with hot dogs and sweets at 5 p.m. and the hayride starting at 5:30 p.m. The ride will go around surrounding homes for activities and candy.

Arts and Crafts An Arts and Crafts Show sponsored by American Legion Post 200 of Wallis, located at 330 Legion Rd., will be Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Barbecue on buns, hamburgers, desserts and drinks will be sold. Admission is $1 and hourly door prizes will be drawn. For more information, call (979) 885-2164.

Sealy Dance Club The Sealy Dance Club is hosting its Autumn Harvest dance Saturday, Nov. 2, at the American Legion Hall in Sealy. Dance time it 7:3011:30 p.m. Music will be provided by “The Twilights,” great twosteps, waltzes and polkas. Open to the public. Most people bring a snack or coffee to share at the 9:30 p.m. break. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information call C W Brandes at (979) 8853489

County Republicans The regular monthly meeting of the Republicans of Austin County will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. at Tony’s Restaurant in Sealy. The guest speaker will be Jerry Patterson.

TODAY'SOBITUARIES ■ Bobbie Jean Siebuhr ■ August Darrell (A.D.) Sommers ■ Rita S. Stokes

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

More than 100 people showed up to the preliminary contested hearing Monday at the Austin County Fairgrounds. Above, local well owners crowd around maps provided by Electro Purifications, LLC. Electro's attorney said the company would not object to party status from landowners with wells within its designated circles. Although, Electro has a standing conditional objection to all the landowners' party status.

County resolution 39 parties named in contested well hearing cites subsidence By AMBER GONZALES

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com editor@sealynews.com

Judge Sharon Cloninger allowed dozens of landowners to become parties of the contested well hearing Monday at the Austin County Fairgrounds. In total, there are 39 separate parties to the case challenging an application for a well

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Seeking party status in the contested hearing for well sites in Austin and Waller counties – which it received – Austin County Commissioners Court approved a resolution last Friday to be part of the debate regarding possible subsidence and drawdown affecting its residents.

■ HEARING, page 9

■ RESOLUTION, page 9

Vote on BAE refund costs $83k for county props Tuesday By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com editor@sealnews.com

Voting locations for the Nov. 5 election on nine state constitutional changes are listed below: Precinct 101, 102, 103, 104 Austin County Courthouse (Basement meeting room) 1 E. Main St. Bellville, Texas 77418 Precinct 205, 206 Sens Activity Center 200 Briar Ridge Dr. ■ POLLS, page 11

BIBLEQUOTE

reporter@sealynews.com editor@sealynews.com

field that would pump up to 20 million gallons of water a day from Austin and Waller counties. However, individual landowners have conditional party status and are under a standing objection by Electro Purifications, LLC attorney Michael Gershon based on the evidence to be presented in the next

Austin County was hit with an unexpected bill when it received a letter from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts asking for $83,857.63 from overpaid sales and use taxes. Austin County Judge Carolyn

Bilski said that the take is a result of the BAE Systems planned closing. BAE reported that it plans to close its Sealy plant at the end of June 2014. The overpayment is a result of a refund claim the business filed for taxes it paid in error. The amount was verified and refunded to the business, but

now has to be repaid to the state by the county, according to the letter – dated Sept. 26. The county does not want to pay in one lump sum. The court designated Bilski to negotiate a payment plan, hoping for a fouryear plan of $400 a month. The amount would be taken out of sales tax revenue from the county.

Meals to feed community, seniors By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

Barbecue chicken, sausage, green beans, potatoes and all the trimmings. That sounds like a feast, and on Friday,

Nov. 8, local residents will have a chance to fill up and help feed local senior citizens all at the same time. HOA-Meals on Wheels is counting on the community turning out in full force

next Friday at its annual barbecue chicken and sausage fundraiser, set for 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Hill Community Center in Sealy. Plates are to-go only and for $8, you can get

barbecue chicken, sausage, green beans, potatoes, pickles, sauce and bread. Proceeds go to HOAMeals on Wheels, a non-profit that works ■ MEALS, page 11

Sealy named Main Street city Culvert fees,

install revisited

By ASHLEY TOMPKINS publisher@sealynews.com

It is official – Sealy will be a Texas Main Street come the first of the year. Collaboration between the City of Sealy, Sealy Downtown Business Association and the Sealy Area Historical Society paid off last week when city officials learned it earned the honor. “I think this is a good testimony to the collaboration that took place to actually complete the

By AMBER GONZALES reporter@sealynews.com editor@sealnews.com

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

Sealy joins more than 80 cities as a Texas Main Street. application in the timeline that we had,” said Sealy City Manager

Chris Coffman. “It shows the community ■ MAIN ST., page 11

Austin County commissioners are looking into changes in how culverts are installed in unincorporated areas and what price changes there will be. Discussion started Friday, Oct. 25, at a court meeting and was postponed to Nov. 6 when the court meets again to go over permit-

ting, installation and pricing to meet legal liabilities and rising costs. “Everybody’s got a different idea of what’s acceptable,” said Austin County Precinct 3 Commissioner Randy Reichardt about the need for consistency. In review with Austin County District Attorney Travis Koehn, Reichardt told the Austin County ■ CULVERTS, page 16

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013 ■ PAGE 9

THE SEALY NEWS

HEARING

RESOLUTION

continued from Page 1

phase of the hearing. Electro wants to see if landowners would be caused a significant personal injury because of the wells. “If we are going to be injured as a city, we are going to be asking, ‘Who do we sue?’” Simonton Mayor Daniel McJunkin told the assembly after Simonton’s attempt at party status was challenged. More than 100 people showed up at the fairgrounds at 10 a.m., although the audience dwindled by the time the hearing closed after 4 p.m. The case went on until 2:30 p.m. without a break as a line of people formed to request party status. The application by Electro proposes a well site that would pump up to 7.3 billion gallons of water annually from aquifers under Austin and Waller counties, just across the political line of Fort Bend County, to supply water to Richmond and Rosenberg. It also plans to look for other buyers. Austin and Waller counties, along with Grimes and Walker counties, are under the jurisdiction of Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD) to regulate and permit new wells. Government parties Electro and BGCD were admitted automatically as parties without conditions. North Fort Bend Water Authority was also admitted without conditions. The authority is the entity that called for the contested hearing and is paying for the process – estimated at $44,000 at an earlier meeting. It works to prevent subsidence by reducing groundwater withdrawal, which it argues will happen within its jurisdiction just across the border from the well site. “(Groundwater) does not abide by any governmental jurisdiction,” said David Scholler, an engineer for the authority. The authority includes 69 municipal utility districts, two cities and 60 private well owners with 169 wells co-permitted with the Fort Bend Subsidence District. Gershon vehemently challenged the authority’s admission, to the point where Cloninger said this process usual-

ly takes up four to five minutes of questioning rather than the hour or so it took. Austin County Precinct 1 Commissioner Reese Turner, representing the Austin County Commissioners Court, sought party status and presented a resolution passed by the court on Friday, Oct. 25. The county has three major towns near the floodplain - Sealy, San Felipe and Wallis - and is concerned about property values and homesteads, he said. “We as county commissioners have the mandate and the job to represent the 39,000 people who currently live here and the many, many thousands yet to come,” he told the court. The party admittance was met with applause. Michael Booth, representing the City of Sealy, also provided a resolution by the city council and was admitted party status. Patrick Lindner, representing the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg, were also admitted. The City of Simonton received the most challenge, with McJunkin initially receiving an objection from Electro’s attorney. The city doesn’t represent each of its citizens, argued Gershon. McJunkin was admitted as an individual landowner, but Cloninger said Simonton could be admitted if the city presented a resolution requesting party status. Waller County Precinct 4 Commissioner Stan Kitzman was also challenged, but the commissioners would also be able to become parties if they supply a resolution. Sealy City Manager Chris Coffman challenged the fact that Richmond and Rosenberg were admitted status without a resolution or any objection. The judge apologized for the oversight and asked for the cities to provide resolutions. Individual parties There was some concern that landowners wouldn’t be admitted, in fact the local activist group Concerned Citizens for Texas Water Resources (CCTWR) stated that it would not seek party status at a public meet-

ing because of actions in a case that seems to foreshadow what could happen in Austin County. A contested hearing in Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District saw four landowners denied status because they didn’t “demonstrate a particularized interest in a conflict distinct from that sustained by the public at large,” according to the order. Landowners from around the area were admitted status along with CCTWR. Also listed as parties were Chambco Interest, LP and Brazos Operating, LP, the listed landowners of the well sites. Overall, Electro objected to about 80 percent of the parties. Most of the individual entities are under a standing objection, however, Cloninger said that it was unlikely that party status would be revoked. Costs for individuals could include mail, copying documents and potential depositions, without an attorney. Next meeting This contested hearing will last for months, if not years. Two weeks from now, Nov. 12, the parties are charged with coming back to present the judge with a proposed schedule for proceedings and hopefully groupings of alignments, since there are so many parties. There was debate about how much time each side would get to respond to and present arguments, but requests for beginning the hearing didn’t start until the spring. For more information on the application, go to www.bluebonnetgroundwater.org and look under applications. For information about the contested hearing, go to https://cis.soah. state.tx.us/tokopenweb/, click to sign in as a guest user and search under docket number 951-13-4182.

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Although not confident that it would be approved at Monday's State Office of Administrative Hearing, the court wanted to try to represent the southern part of the county near the well site, which could see subsidence and are already near the flood plain. Electro Purifications, LLC is applying to drill 10 wells, seven in Waller and three in Austin counties, to potentially pump 20 million gallons a day. Part of the water would be transported to Richmond and Rosenberg and the rest would be made available to sell to other entities. The preliminary hearing on the matter was Monday, Oct. 28, in Bellville. The county’s resolution included two attachments. The first is a letter from the Brazos River Authority expressing concern about the project. The river authority wrote to the B l u e b o n n e t Groundwater Conservation District, which determines if the permits are approved or not, raising issues about the well site being close to the proposed Allens Creek Reservoir. The site is jointly owned by the river authority and the

City of Houston to supply surface water to Fort Bend, Brazoria and Galveston counties. A report shows “a likelihood of subsidence in the area of the proposed dam and reservoir of up to 2 feet in the 50-year time frame,” it states. There could be potential damage to the infrastructure of the reservoir – if and when it is built – due to the potential subsidence. The second attachment was a definition of alternative water supply in the Fort Bend Subsidence District’s (FBSD) Regulatory Plan. Richmond and Rosenberg are within the district, and are using the proposed well

site as means of alternative water to meet groundwater reduction requirements there. The plan reads that water “does not qualify as an alternative water supply unless the permittee can demonstrate that the groundwater withdrawals will not cause groundwater level declines or subsidence within the district.” The site is just across the border of the district, and the affects are being debated in the contested hearing. The definition is also being questioned by the attorney representing the two cities and will be discussed at the FBSD's next meeting in Fort Bend in November.

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PAGE 4 ■ THURSDAY,OCTOBER 31, 2013

POLITICALCARTOON

The Sealy News is posing the following question to our readers What do you think about Relay for Life changing it's event from Friday/Saturday to just Saturday? • I like the change. •I like the overnight event.

Last week’s question was: How much weight do you think the SOAH decision will have in the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District's decision on an application to build water wells in Austin County? • Significant 36.4% •It could go either way36.4% •Limited 27.3% Total Votes 11 Log on to www.sealynews.com to let your voice be heard. We will bring you the results of this poll and a new question every Thursday.

WHERETOWRITE

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR

Your Two Cents

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz B40B Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510 (202) 224-5922

OPINIONS SEALY NEWS

JOB WELL DONE, CITY! Dear Editor, Under the leadership of our city manager, Chris Coffman, this week, our community was recognized for our efforts to provide a more vibrant face in our historic downtown district. The Texas Historical Commission named Sealy as one of the three cities to participate in the “Texas Main Street Program” for 2014. This designation will provide needed assistance to support in our community-wide efforts to impact our downtown revitalization efforts. The inclusion in the 2014 “Texas Main Street Program” will benefit and coordinate local efforts within our community from our chamber of commerce, our new downtown association, our city planning commission and local economic development corporation in our historic downtown district area. If you missed this past Thursday’s jazz concert on the downtown square, you missed a great evening of entertainment and the chance to share our city’s efforts to bring attention to our downtown district and mingle with your neighbors. Thank you to all involved in the planning and making that concert event so successful, and special note of thanks to Mr. Coffman for coordinating our city’s proposal to the Texas Historical Commission and all that contributed winning proposal for our community. Job well done! Mark Miller Sealy, Texas CHANGES COMING TO RELAY Dear Editor, I am so excited, that I can’t wait any longer to share this news. We are doing something totally different for 2014 Austin County Relay for Life. Our Relay, which has been scheduled for May 3, is on a Saturday. Our opening ceremony will be at 11 a.m. at Tiger Stadium in Sealy. We are hoping that the change will allow more citizens of our great county to participate. No more getting off work on Friday, and rushing to the football field to make the first team lap. No more staying up all night long

with only a handful of teams staying for the closing ceremony at dawn. Changing our time from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. will allow us to have more activities for children - did I mention we are having a sports theme for 2014? We are in the process of contacting local sports celebrities to get them involved with this very important fundraiser for our county. I won’t mention any names yet, but it’s going to be fun! We will still have our beautiful and touching luminaria ceremony after the sun goes down. Luminaria bags will be sold throughout the next few months. Some of you may not make plans this far in advance, but I know some who already have 2014 events written down, or programmed into their phone! It’s a great time to celebrate, remember, and fight back against the monster we call cancer. Please consider joining a team, or starting a team of your own. It’s not too early! Our website is up and running: relayforlife.org/austincotx Thank you. More details will follow in the coming months! Janice Hugo Wied Team captain-Hugo’s Hot Rods Bellville, Texas WATER RIGHTS ISSUES Dear Editor, I spoke before the Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District board at the last review in Bellville. There I tried to lay out the data from the Texas Water Development Board, Report No. 1968, which includes 112 Electric logs, over 50 years of water measurements, surveys, and water quality. The report’s conclusions showed that excessive rice farming was pulling down the water table. After remediation, most of the reservoir was re-established, except in certain areas where there was permanent damage to the reservoirs (Evangeline clay rich rock). There are no models that are based on science. I reject the idea that water can be withdrawn at any volumes approaching the numbers proposed by Electro Purification, without the probability of dam-

age to the reservoirs, and create significant subsidence. Recent Judgment: On an encouraging note there was a good solid win in Austin. Reported by TFB, who were co-complainants. Filing was against TCEQ in the 53rd.Civil District in Austin. Argument was that TCEQ could not jump over landowners water rights. Rule of first in time is first in right was upheld. NOW Austin Fat Cats are after our water: First there was Carlos Rubinestein who has become the governor’s new czar for Texas water. He will be in charge of the water of Texas. Starting with Prop 6, and its 2 billion dollar budget, will be followed up by some 30 billion in investments. This process starts once we give up our rights to our new czar at the pole on Nov. 25. My guess is that none of that money is coming here. The big companies are pouring millions into Austin. Not sure if we will still need our Bluebonnet board to direct what we need to work on in Austin County. Likely that our water will be taken by someone else. What will Dow Chemical do now? Dow is the biggest player and can do the most damage to Austin County. The Houston Chronicle published this story on Oct. 14, 2013. Dow is pulling water out of the Brazos. The Brazos is tied back into our water systems, as well as several others. In 2009, Dow called for the state to shut down upstream Brazos users. They also did this again in 2011, 2012 and again in July. They have recently made a 250,000 donation to the Texas water Texas PAC. Dow established itself at the mouth of the Brazos in 1942 to extract Magnesium for the war effort. With water tight, Dow has decided to do a 4 billion expansion! Where are they going to get the water?? Then there is that pesky ruling from the Austin judge about water rights. I believe Mary Chambers should have first call since their ranch has been on the Brazos since the eighteenhundrereds. Right now it appears that the trigger will be the approval of Prop 6…. Leonard V. Moore Geologic Consultant Austin County, Texas

STATECAPITALHIGHLIGHTS Early voting turnout looks strong Texas voters will decide the fate of nine proposed amendments to the state constitution in the coming election. Early voting began Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 1. Numbers reported Oct. 25 showed that voting is on track to outpace turnout in recent elections. The Secretary of State’s office reports daily voting totals for the 15 most populous counties in the state, and by the end of Oct. 24, the fourth day of early voting, about 95,000 Texans had cast a ballot at the polls in those counties. That was more than double the 45,379 voters who had voted at the same point in 2011 constitutional amendment election, the Secretary of State’s office said. The Nov. 5 constitutional amendment election is the first statewide election since photo ID requirements for voting in person went into effect. Computer users who have an

ED STERLING Texas Press Association Internet connection can see daily voter turnout numbers for early voting in this and past elections by visiting the elections tab at sos.state.tx.us Focus of week is safety On Oct. 21, the Texas Education Agency and Texas School Safety Center at Texas State University jointly pointed school districts and charters toward resources available to help address and combat bullying and cyber-bullying on campuses. That message, part of Texas Safe Schools Week, Oct. 20-26, fit with a law passed by the Texas Legislature in 2011 mandating that schools make campuses safer for all students. Gov. Rick Perry, in his Oct. 4 Texas Safe Schools Week proclama-

tion, said, “All children deserve to learn in an environment where they feel safe and free from harm.” State law defines bullying as “engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district and that has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or of damage to the student’s property; or is sufficiently severe, persistent, and pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student.” Texas School Safety Center’s inaugural Texas Bully Prevention Summit in San Marcos is set for Oct. 30.

engagements, newborns and birthdays—are run in sions is Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. the Thursday edition. Submitted photos may be ■ READER SERVICES Main switchboard (979) 885-3562 Retail and Classified display deadlines are also picked up at The Sealy News after it appears in the Fax (979) 885-3564 Friday at noon for the Thursday edition. newspaper. We are only responsible for photos for Mailing address: P.O. Box 480, 30 days after it runs. Submissions are run on a Sealy, Texas 77474 ■ LETTERS POLICY Known office of publication 193 Schmidt Rd., The Sealy News publishes letters to the editor on space available basis and must include a name and Sealy, Texas 77474 almost any topic. Send your letters to: Letters to the contact number. All items are subject to editing for The Sealy News is a weekly publication distributed on Editor, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, TX 77474, e-mail to style and content. Thursdays. editor@sealynews.com or fax 885-3564 by 4 p.m. ■ STAFF DIRECTORY Friday for the Thursday edition. Letters should be ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashley Tompkins Editor & Publisher hand signed and include the writer’s full address and The Sealy News is published weekly on Thursday. Heather Kendrick Office Manager/Bookeeper daytime and evening phone numbers. Letters to the Subscriptions in Austin County, are $42 per year; Victoria Hernandez Retail Sales outside Austin County in Texas, $52; outside Texas, Amber Gonzales Managing Editor editor should be as brief as possible. We reserve the $70 per year. Notices of change of address should right to edit all letters. Anonymous letters will not be Creighton Holub Sports Writer be mailed to The Sealy News, P.O. Box 480, Sealy, Andy Rosato Circulation published. Letters should be 500 words or less.

■AFFILIATIONS The Sealy News is a member of the National Newspaper Association, the Texas Press Association, the South Texas Press Association, the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association.

SEALY NEWS THE

Youth Football headed to Super Bowl PAGE 5

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Stacie Hiscock

Volume 126 Number 46

NEWSBITS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

Couples celebrate decades of marriage PAGE 3 20 pages, $1

SISD OKs separation agreement with Kana

Sealy AARP Sealy AARP Chapter 1505 will meet at 11 a.m. on Nov. 21 at the Hill Community Center.

Honoring veterans Sealy High School Student Council would like to honor all of our veteran’s. It will be creating a Wall of Honor throughout the month of November. Certificates of honor will be displayed and will include the person’s name, military branch and honors and awards earned during service. The community is welcome to participate. Please see the Student Service window at SHS to pick up and return your Wall of Honor certificate. Deadline to return them is Friday, Nov. 29.

By AMBER GONZALES editor@sealynews.com

Former Sealy ISD superintendent Scott Kana ended his time with the district when the board of trustees approved a separation agreement at a meeting Wednesday, Nov. 13. The proposal came within the

last couple of months, according to board president Robert Arnold. So far the ongoing discussion had been in private between Kana’s and the board's legal representation. "Everything was very amicable," said Arnold. "There's no ill-will." Kana's contract expires June

30, 2014, and that is when he will be officially resigned, said Arnold. He noted that this is still a personnel issue, so some information is confidential. Per the agreement, Kana accepted a reassignment to the position special assistant to the superintendent of schools and is ■ SISD, page 9

Water parties spar on hearing schedule By AMBER GONZALES editor@sealynews.com

Christmas Market The New Ulm Christmas Market, with gifts, crafts, furniture and more, will be Saturday, Nov. 23, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lions Center FM 109, New Ulm, Texas 78950. Call (713) 446-6348 for more information.

BBQ Chicken dinner The Sealy KC BBQ Chicken Dinner will be Sunday, Nov. 24, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will be drive through only at the Sealy KC Hall.

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

Open House Parents got to see what the kiddos have been up to at Selman Elementary School last week at Open House. Pictured at top, Mya Tumer, center, shows off her artwork to mom Sheryo Tumer. Above, Melanie Vera and her mom Lucia Sanchez got through her school work, and at left, Andde and Romeo Uribe get in the Thanksgiving spirit.

Christmas Open House Citizens State Bank is hosting its annual Christmas Open House Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Austin County Civic Choral will perform at 11 a.m. Dancers from the Dance Warehouse of Sealy will perform at 4:40 p.m. and there will also be refreshments, door prizes, gifts and lots of holiday cheer.

■ NEWSBITS, page 15

BIBLEQUOTE "But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

The Sealy News offers annual gift drive

Angel Tree will benefit seniors In an effort to make the season a little more jolly for local seniors, The Sealy News is partnering with Silver Lake and The Oaks for this year’s Angel Tree to bring smiles to the faces of local seniors living on fixed incomes at both retirement communities in Sealy. Many of the residents live on limited funds and being away from family can be tough during the holiday season. However, you can make Christmas more festive by giving a small gift.

The Angel Tree will go up next week at The Sealy News office and feature decorations of a different sort – ornaments representing one of the residents at Silver Lake and The Oaks. “I’ve always been amazed in the past at how giving our readers are with our Angel Tree, and I know this year will be no different,” said The Sealy News Publisher Ashley Tompkins. “We decided to partner with

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

■ HEARING, page 15

Subsidence district looks at water rule By AMBER GONZALES editor@sealynews.com

Chris Mapp for the U.S. Senate Republican ticket. Michael “Fjet” Fjetland is running for the Democrat ticket. U . S . Representative Michael McCaul, R, is so far unopposed for the District 10

The third annual Toys for Tots drive to help families celebrate the holiday, no matter what their circumstances, will begin collections soon thanks to Walgreens and host Sealy Fire Department (SFD). “By donating a toy, you can help make this a Christmas to remember and a dream come true for a child in our community,” said Adam Williamson with SFD. With the help of the community and the Toys for Tots program, hundreds of toys will be ready for Santa

■ PRIMARIES, page 2

■ TOYS, page 11

■ RULE, page 15

■ ANGEL, page 9

Toys for Tots Hegar seeks comptroller office starts collecting Incumbents file early in state races. Republicans are dominating the fight in the primaries as no Democrats have yet filed for local offices in the 2014 Primaries, according to listing by the Texas Secretary of State. In the state races, incumbent John Cornyn is facing

The debate for when a hearing date should be set for contested well permits in Austin and Waller counties, and how much time parties will have to prepare is underway. Applicant Electro Purifications, LLC is proposing a May 2014 date with protestants asking for October 2014. Electro Purifications, LLC first submitted permits for 10 wells in Austin and Waller counties, close to the Fort Bend County line, that would pump 20 millions of gallons of water a day from the Evangeline Aquifer on Nov. 21, 2012. Since then, a huge amount of local protest erupted. The Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD), the regulating body that would rule on permit approval, received more than 300 letters from the public against the proposed wells. The North Fort Bend Water Authority (NFBWA), whose jurisdiction butts up against the well

The Fort Bend Subsidence District (FBSD) will entertain a hearing on its policy allowing outside water sources – possibly affecting the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg from benefitting from proposed wells in Austin and Waller counties. The FBSD aims to stop subsidence within its jurisdiction and has been putting together a plan for reducing subsidence within the district. The board will be looking at wording regarding alternative water sources that cause subsidence in the FBSD. As it stands now, water is not considered a viable alternative if the source still causes subsidence elsewhere in the district. According to a study funded by FBSD, the proposed Austin and Waller county wells would add three feet of subsidence because they are so closely located to Fort Bend County. But while it needs to enforce deadlines for cities to stop pump-

Matthew 9:13

Thank a

Scott Kana

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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THE SEALY NEWS

HEARING continued from Page 1 field, requested a State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) contested hearing. The first appearance of SOAH Judge Sharon Cloninger was late last month for the preliminary hearing at the Austin County Fairgrounds in Bellville. The hearing was supposed to be where anyone could request party status and either come up with a settlement or propose a hearing schedule and possible alignment of parties. Of the more than 30 or so members with party status, a conclusion wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reached that day. The judge set a November deadline for proposals to be submitted, and those posted under the SOAH docket show the applicant (Electro) requesting a hearing May 19-23, the

BGCD general manager requesting Aug. 18-26 and protestants requesting Oct. 13-21, all in 2014. The judge has not posted, as of press time Tuesday, any order confirming a schedule or alignment of parties. Electro came to the October meeting with a proposed schedule setting deadlines for opening discovery (compulsory disclosure of relevant documents referred to by the other party) starting Oct. 29 and ending it Jan. 31. The deadline to file and serve disclosures, including expert witnesses and reports would be Dec. 2. That gives many of the individuals who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d get party status until Oct. 28 just 18 days to file reports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Within those (18( days, protestants would

have to retain experts and task them, and have those experts review available materials, perform any necessary studies, develop opinions, and prepare and file expert reports,â&#x20AC;? argues NFBWA in its response to Electro. The other schedule, penned by Michelle Minns in an exhibit submitted by Electro, has discovery starting Nov. 18 and ending Sept. 22, 2014. Within that time, certain evidence would be submitted including expert reports from Electro, BGCD and the protestants. Electro argues that the deadlines are set too far in the future. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The protestants seek at least a (12-month) hearing schedule in part to get organized, hire consultants and develop their positions and, in part, to delay

the Applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project,â&#x20AC;? it states in its proposed procedural schedule. In its response, NFBWA counters that Electro has been the only party who has delayed the process, since it motioned for a continuance to the first SOAH preliminary hearing in May. The motion was file just four days before the scheduled date. It cited a conflict of interest with its legal representation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; which also represents the City of Houston regarding water matters including the Allens Creek Reservoir Project. To see a full list of the proposed hearing schedules and party alignments, go to https://cis.soah.state. tx.us/tokopenweb/ and click on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Use Guest Account.â&#x20AC;? Search under docket number 951-134182.

NEWSBITS

RULE

continued from Page 1

The eighth annual Jingle Bell Fun Run will be Saturday, Dec. 7, during Sealyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fantasy of Lights celebration. It is a 5K fun run and there is also a 1K kids run. Registration is open online at extoregister. com or by mail to Jingle Bell Fun Run, P.O. Box 1174, Sealy TX 77474. Early registration cost is $13 for kids run; $20 for students; and $25 for adults before Dec. 1.

Pancake Dinner The Sealy American Legion Post 442 will be serving an â&#x20AC;&#x153;All you can eatâ&#x20AC;? - Pancake Dinner on Jan. 17, 2014, 5 to 8 p.m. Price per Ticket: $5, Children 6 under eat free at the Legion Hall located on Hwy. 36 just north of I-10 next to the McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. For further information please contact Paul Dronka at (979) 885-0273 or email dbnut@hotmail.com.

Quilt Show â&#x20AC;&#x153;Starsâ&#x20AC;? over Brenham Quilt Show is being hosted by the Friendship Quilt Guild on Friday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. - 5p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and for children under 6 itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free. The show will be at Firemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Training Center, located at 1101 Hwy. 209 West in Brenham. It will be a judged contemporarytraditional quilt show and include quilts for sale, a boutique, vendors, door prizes, a donation quilt drawing and the HOSPICE Charity Quilt Challenge. For more information call (979) 421-2210.

Mentor volunteers needed Raising Academic Performance (RAP) is in need of mentors for Sealy ISD students. These students are 5-18 years old and are seen by mentors from 30 minutes to one hour per week. Mentors encourage students to do better in school, have fun with them and help equip them for life by being positive role models. We provide training and ongoing support. Make a positive impact on a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life by becoming a mentor. Please call Carolyn Furber at (832) 4439578 or (979) 6270133.

Masonic Lodge The San Felipe Masonic Lodge #239 meets every third Thursday at 7:30 p.m., at 1224 Eagle Lake Rd. For more information, call 885-6203 or go online to www.sanfelipe239. org.

Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s caregiver support The Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association of Houston and Southeast Texas will sponsor Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Caregivers support group meetings. The meetings will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church at 311 Sixth St. in Sealy. The group will help caregivers understand Alzheimerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, cope with changes and learn to manage everyday life. For more information, contact Eric LeBrocq at (713) 398-8200.

RSVP seeking volunteers RSVP (Retired Senior

Expand Your Vi Ask About Our sion Digitally EnhancNew ed Lenses!

Volunteer Program) of the Texas Gulf Coast is an organization, which encourages, recruits and places volunteers 55 and older in community programs. There is no cost to be a part of RSVP of the Texas Gulf Coast, which offers excellent, free benefits to enrolled volunteers. If you live in Austin, Colorado or Waller counties, call Mary Martin at (979) 865- 9549 for information.

Free lawyer time Visit with a lawyer on the patio of The Hill restaurant in Bellville every Saturday morning from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sponsored by the Austin County Bar Association.

Explorers ďŹ rst saw the forests holding their place in the bio-system of the West. Settlers came and built forts and fences, houses and dams, cities and freeways. Forests were harvested for fuel and construction. They had to be cleared so man could build on the ground. Timber companies, ranchers and railroaders thought the virgin forests were unending. In the latter part of the 19th century they were allowed to recycle. During the early 20th century timber companies and government agencies began to replant clear-cut forests to sustain timbering. Then mid-century came the conservationists, politicians, environmentalists and tree huggers. They took the stand that thinning, clear-cutting, grazing, hunting, improving water tanks, roads and settlers just harmed the forest. So they instigated restrictions. They chose forest ďŹ re as the enemy, Smokey the Bear told them so! For the next 50 years of forest management they fought forest ďŹ res. This encouraged people to build beautiful homes in the tall pines. Any attempt to utilize the crowning, crowded timber or deadfall as a private industry resource was scorned. The trees kept growing and seeding, seeding, shedding, dying and falling on the forest ďŹ&#x201A;oor. In the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the pine-bark beetle became an obvious factor and large stands of pine trees turned yellow and died. Then lightning stood up and took his turn. He set the West on ďŹ re. It is still burning. Today forest ďŹ res consume twice as much land each year as they did in 1970. The burn season today is two and a half months longer than it was in 1970. Nature is taking it back until every acre of pine trees in the West is recycled in the inferno. It will take years and years to recover from our hubris that allowed us to think we can bend natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rules and get away with it. We all watch with fear and admiration as ďŹ re jumpers by the thousands every year risk their lives daily to protect man-made structures. And what happened to the environmentalists and conservationists and politicians who lead the battle to drive lumberjacks, cowboys and miners out of the woods? The same activists who used the spotted owl and their incestuous sycophant, the EPA, to shut down sawmill towns and grazing permits and road buildersâ&#x20AC;Śthe greasy politicians parading their magnanimous inďŹ&#x201A;uence like circus monkeys in a side show shutting down the West by decreeing it a wilderness. Where are they now? Now that, through unintended consequences, they have helped savage the West, I expect theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve moved on. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve taken their Sierra Club calendars, endangered species T-shirts, fundraising bumper stickers and non-proďŹ t lawyers to work on bombing horse slaughter plants, protesting GMO grain, burning animal research laboratories, sabotaging modern animal agriculture and, as always, trying to save the old reliable whale. Ignorance repeats itself.

ing groundwater, it wants to encourage them to find alternative means of meeting water needs. FBSD met Wednesday, Nov. 20, and looked at the policy a second time. At its Aug. 28 meeting, the FBSD upheld the wording after testimony was presented by representation from Richmond and Rosenberg and the North Fort Bend Water Authority, the mayor of Simonton, Austin County Precinct 1 Commissioner Reese Turner. Since the meeting was held after press time Tuesday, the results

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Jail museum offers exhibits The Austin County Jail Museum is a local visitor attraction open Saturdays and manned by volunteers. Anyone interested in hosting tours at the jail museum one Saturday per month, please contact Becky Larson at (979) 8778814. Volunteers will be given an orientation to begin. This historical county landmark in Austin County is a visitor's treasure. The exhibits are fun and educational. For more information contact Larson at (979) 877-8814 or Austin County Judge Carolyn Bilski's office at (979) 865-5911.

Story time The Virgil and Josephine Gordon Memorial Library is hosting story time every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at 917 N. Circle Drive in Sealy. For more information, contact Joyce Williams at (979) 8857469.

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SEALY NEWS THE

Band students play in All-Region PAGE 8

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of Joe Scranton

Volume 126 Number 47

NEWSBITS Christmas Open House

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2013

denies second hearing By AMBER GONZALES editor@sealynews.com

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for our churches to come

Another roadblock has been put in front of Richmond and Rosenberg’s attempt to purchase groundwater pumped from beneath Austin and Waller County. In a 12-3 vote, the Fort Bend Subsidence District (FBSD) denied a second hearing request to amend language in its Regulatory Plan for what can be considered an alternative source of water for cities trying to meet mandates to curb subsidence. “Enough is enough, it’s time to say no,” Sugar Land Councilwoman Amy Mitchell told the board at its regular meeting Nov. 20. “All we ask for is fair play.” The other members of the FBSD, along with local officials and citizens from Austin and Waller counties – most party members to the contested hearing – testified before the FBSD board to plead for action to deny the second hearing on the issue as well as the subsidence dangers already threatening their homes and neighbors. Others in Fort Bend County like Sugar Land and Meadows Place spoke up to say that everyone was given

■ RADIO, page 16

■ DENIED, page 12

Jingle Bell Fun Run

The Sealy News/CREIGHTON HOLUB

The Sealy Tiger Youth Football League's Seniors celebrate their Super Bowl victory after defeating Bryan, 13-7, in Giddings. The Tigers won the Pride of Texas Youth Football Alliance championship in the STYFL's inaugural season. See the full story on Page 5.

KQLC opens its doors in Sealy By AMBER GONZALES

Open house Edward Jones is hosting an open house on Saturday, Dec. 7, from noon to 3 p.m. at the office on 330 Main St. in suite 4. Refreshments and light snacks will be served.

Drive Thru Dinner The Sealy KCs will be hosting another drive through barbecue chicken dinner on Sunday, Dec. 8. Service will be from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Sealy KC Hall.

Bake Sale Trinity Lutheran Church is holding a bake sale on Friday, Dec. 13, at Citizens State Bank, located at 222 Main St. The sale will start at 9 a.m.

editor@sealynews.com

It was a drizzly weekend but the lighted cross on the antenna for KQLC Christian Community Radio station shone through. The station, 90.7 FM, opened doors in Sealy after moving from Brookshire and held an open house and dedication ceremony last Saturday, Nov. 23. “It’s kind of become our heart,” said Bob Luton. “When we see that cross it reminds us that what we’re doing, we’re not just broadcasting we are doing this as a mission to try and make life better for

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

Members of the community, First United Methodist Church and KQLC celebrate the dedication and ribbon cutting of the Christian Radio Station 90.7, set on Second Street behind First United Methodist. people in faith.” The station wants to be a service to the Christian community

in strengthening the churches in the area and supporting community events.

Angel Tree will benefit local seniors

Masonic Lodge The San Felipe Masonic Lodge #239 meets every third Thursday at 7:30 p.m., at 1224 Eagle Lake Rd. For more information, call 885-6203 or go online to www.sanfelipe239.org.

BIBLEQUOTE When God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work -this is a gift of God. Ecclesiastes 5:19

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

22 pages, $1

Super Bowl Champions FBSD

Citizens State Bank is hosting its annual Christmas Open House Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Austin County Civic Choral will perform at 11 a.m. Dancers from the Dance Warehouse of Sealy will perform at 4:40 p.m. and there will also be refreshments, door prizes, gifts and lots of holiday cheer.

The eighth annual Jingle Bell Fun Run will be Saturday, Dec. 7, during Sealy’s Fantasy of Lights celebration. It is a 5K fun run and there is also a 1K kids run. Registration is open online at extoregister. com or by mail to Jingle Bell Fun Run, P.O. Box 1174, Sealy TX 77474. Early registration cost is $13 for kids run; $20 for students; and $25 for adults before Dec. 1.

Home Tour dates set PAGE 15

The Sealy News/AMBER GONZALES

The 39 Steps The Sealy High School theater students are putting on two shows of "The 39 Steps," desribed as a mix of Alfred Hitchcock and Monty Python. The quick costume changes make this a fast paced and funny show about a man accused of murdering a spy who then goes on the run. Senior cast performances are Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $5. Underclassmen performances are Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. Pictured above are, Alesha Lindberg, Andres Morin, Riley Hindahl, Jake Baraks and Edson Chavez. At right are Chavez and Claire Barclay.

In an effort to make the season a little more jolly for local seniors is partnering with Silver Lake and The Oaks for this year’s Angel Tree to bring smiles to the faces of local seniors living on fixed incomes at both retirement communities in Sealy. Many of the residents live on limited funds and being away from family can be tough during the holiday season. However, you can make Christmas more festive by giving a small gift. The Angel Tree will go up next week at The Sealy News office and feature decorations of a different sort – ornaments representing one of the residents at Silver Lake and The Oaks. “I’ve always been amazed in the past at how giving our readers are with our Angel Tree, and I know this year will be no different,” said The Sealy News Publisher Ashley Tompkins. “We decided ■ ANGEL, page 12

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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PAGE 12 ■ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2013

THE SEALY NEWS

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

Help Santa with Well hearing set for October Toys for Tots The third annual Toys for Tots drive to help families celebrate the holiday, no matter what their circumstances, will begin collections soon thanks to Walgreens and host Sealy Fire Department. With the help of the community and the Toys for Tots program, hundreds of toys will be ready for Santa to hand out at the Sealy Fire Department on Saturday, Dec. 14. Santa Claus will be at the fire station on Hwy. 90 from 6 to 8 p.m. to deliver gifts and take photos. Every child who comes will get a present. Toys are being collected at Walgreens, CVS, Alan’s Barber Shop,

Sealy Fire station and the upcoming Sealy Community Foundation Fantasy of Lights festivities. All donated toys should be unwrapped and all age ranges are welcomed. However, in the previous two years there has been a shortage of toys for children 8 and up, so toys for 8, 9, and 10 year olds are greatly appreciated. The toy drive continues through Thursday, Dec. 12. All donations will go back to families in this community. Any family can come, no child will be turned away. For more information, contact Adam Williamson at (979) 256-9201.

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The Electro Purifications (EP) contested well site case will come to a physical hearing on Oct. 19, 2014 at 9 a.m. The location is yet to be determined. A permit application was filed Nov. 21, 2012. The application includes requests to drill three wells in Austin County and seven in Waller County. EP said it planned to pump 10 million gallons a day to Richmond and Rosenberg for beneficial use and 10 million a day for municipal and industrial purposes within or transported outside the district State Office of Administrative Hearings Judge Sharon Cloninger signed an Order Nov. 20 setting the hearing’s schedule and an alignment of the more than 30 individual parties admitted to the case. The North Fort Bend Water Authority’s argument that the Protestants (those fighting against the wells) need more time for a “fair development of, and hearing on, the complex and novel issues in this matter.” All the protesting groups supported the schedule:

DENIED continued from Page 1 enough time to meet the district’s mandates for reducing groundwater use. “I think it’s unfair to everybody not to [deny the request],” said Mayor Charles Jessup of Meadows Place. It hasn’t been an issue for anyone else, Mitchell added, that’s because the rules are clear. The rule’s language does not specifically cite how much subsidence a water source can create and still be considered an alternative water source, it does say that water sources that cause subsidence elsewhere in the district are not an applicable alternative for cities. Which means the

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Nov. 18, Discovery begins. Dec. 2, Applicant (EP) submits expert reports supporting their well permit requests. Dec. 2. All parties submit disclosures, except expert reports due later. Jan. 15, Bluebonnet Groundwater Conservation District (BGCD) submits expert reports. Feb. 24, Deadline for EP to file pre-filed testimony. June 27, Protestants submit their expert reports. July 24, Deadline for Protestants to file prefiled testimony. Aug. 22 Deadline for BGCD to file pre-filed testimony. Sept. 15, Deadline to file objections to pre-filed testimony and dispositive motions. Sept. 22, Discovery ends. Oct. 6, Pre-hearing conference, if needed. Oct. 13, Hearing on merits begins. Oct. 21, Conclusion of hearing. For more information on the Order (No. 6) go to http://www.soah.state.tx.us/ and search docket number 951-13-4182.

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citys’ deal to purchase 10 million gallons a day from the Electro Purification (EP) contested well field in Austin and Waller counties may not be possible, because of the FBSD’s reports on the amount of subsidence it would cause just across the political lines. Brookshire resident Michelle Minns, Sealy resident Marc Young and Austin County Commissioner Precinct No. 1 Reese Turner brought forth information from the EP application. It shows the amount of subsidence it predicted near the proposed well site in Austin and Waller counties – suggesting that a stone’s throw away the FBSD would also be affected. “It’s dangerous and it could ruin economies,” said Turner. Chairman Marvin Marcell said he hadn’t been made aware of that report in the application. Nor had the

board heard any information about the Brookshire Salt Dome near the county lines that could be affected. The board’s first hearing earlier this fall resulted in a vote that kept the language challenged by Richmond and Rosenberg as being a subsidence zero tolerance policy that severely limits cities from finding alternative sources of water. The call for a second hearing by the cities is the next step in whether they could file suit against the FBSD. The board could have either allowed a second hearing, denied the request or let the request die out of inaction over time. The timeline for denying the request last week means the cities would be able to appeal until the first week of January. The cities’ mandates have them meeting groundwater reduction plans by 2016 or face

penalties. The FBSD General Manager Mike Turco said the board could instead focus on creating a process for cities to amend their reduction plans to help them meet requirements. Currently, a process for amendments does not exist. “The goal here is not to provide insurances, just to make sure there’s a proper procedure,” he told the board. In a letter to the editor to the Fort Bend Herald, Turner suggested that Richmond and Rosenberg residents get their politicians in line because they are spending money and time on legal means rather than finding new sources of water. “Not that we don’t like to help, but y’all have good alternatives, just bad politicians – and typical lawyers,” he writes. “Please get control of your pols and tell them to leave us alone.”

ANGEL continued from Page 1 to partner with Shirley Meadows at Silver Lake and The Oaks because so many of those residents spend the holidays without families and without gifts. They deserve a merry Christmas just like everyone else.” The Angel Tree gives those seniors a chance to celebrate Christmas. Residents at both retirement communities live on a fixed income, with many barely able to afford the basics, much less treat themselves to something special during the holidays. To sponsor a senior’s gift, head over to The Sealy News. Each ornament on the Angel Tree has name of a senior and a few items they’d like. A sponsor will take the ornament, go to a store and purchase an appropriate gift. Any gift is welcome, but most residents are looking for simple items including blankets, socks, gloves,

towels and washcloths, shirts, candles and personal hygiene products. “These are simple items that so many of us take for granted that we have, but receiving these would mean so much to the seniors here in Sealy,” said Tompkins. “Too often, the senior community is forgotten during the holidays, but we want to help provide them a memorable Christmas this year, and we hope you’ll join us.” The gift should be returned wrapped or unwrapped - to The Sealy News office by 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, to be made available to Meadows that week. More information about the Angel Tree program can be obtained by phoning The Sealy News at (979) 885-3562, or by coming to the news office in person at 193 Schmidt Road in Sealy, across from Wal-Mart Super Center.

Christmas Open House Wednesday, December 4 9 am - 6 pm The Austin County Civic Choral will perform at 11 a.m. Dancers from The Dance Warehouse of Sealy will perform at 4:30 p.m. Refreshments, door prizes, gifts and lots of holiday cheer!

222 Main St., Sealy, TX

Find Out the Latest News in Your Community…

WHEN IT HAPPENS! www.SealyNews.com

SEALY NEWS THE

Ladies lose to Needville in the end PAGE 6

Serving Sealy and Austin County since 1887 • Home of James Harvey

Volume 126 Number 52

NEWSBITS Pancake Dinner The Sealy American Legion Post 442 will be serving an “All you can eat” - Pancake Dinner on Jan. 17, 2014, 5 to 8 p.m. Price per Ticket: $7, Children 6 under eat free at the Legion Hall located on Hwy. 36 just north of I-10 next to the McDonald’s. For further information please contact Paul Dronka at (979) 8850273 or email dbnut@ hotmail.com.

Quilt Show “Stars” over Brenham Quilt Show is being hosted by the Friendship Quilt Guild on Friday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m. - 5p.m.; and Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Admission is $5 and for children under 6 it’s free. The show will be at Fireman’s Training Center, located at 1101 Hwy. 209 West in Brenham. It will be a judged contemporary-traditional quilt show and include quilts for sale, a boutique, vendors, door prizes, a donation quilt drawing and the HOSPICE Charity Quilt Challenge. For more information call (979) 421-2210.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

One more holiday craft PAGE 8 14 pages, $1

Richmond, Rosenberg sue FBSD County OKs $96K on software By AMBER GONZALES editor@sealynews.com

At the other side of the fight for groundwater beneath Austin County, the cities of Richmond and Rosenberg have taken action to sue the Fort Bend Subsidence District (FBSD). The step was foreseeable to Austin County Commissioner Precinct 1 Reese Turner, the commissioners court's point person on the water issue. He added that the county and its residents won't stop fighting the attempt to pump and transport water outside of Austin County.

The suit is directed toward an amended policy regarding alternative sources of water. The cities are under jurisdiction of the FBSD and under a mandate to reduce subsidence, which means those cities need to find alternatives to pumping within the district. That’s when the cities turned toward Austin and Waller counties. A proposed 10-well field across the two counties, just across the Fort Bend County political line, would sell about 10 million gallons of water pumped a day to Richmond and Rosenberg. The well applicant, Electro Purifications

LLC, plans to pump a total of 20 million gallons a day for commercial sale. In August this year, the FBSD amended its Regulatory Plan to include in its definition of alternative water sources that “Groundwater withdrawn from any county outside the District does not qualify as an alternative water supply unless the permittee can demonstrate that the groundwater withdrawals will not cause groundwater level declines or subsidence within the District.” A report for the FBSD, by

After months of investigation, the Austin County Commissioners Court unanimously approved spending around $96,000 on a new accounting system. The county has been trying to replace its current software Abel Term, which is phasing out technical sup-

■ FBSD, page 8

■ SOFTWARE, page 8

By AMBER GONZALES editor@sealynews.com

Hwy. 36 project to SISD facility needs: lunch service areas, locker space end next month By AMBER GONZALES editor@sealynews.com

State Highway 36 through Sealy is a much smoother drive than last year. The Texas Department of Transportation

(TxDOT) project runs from just north of U.S. Highway 90 to just north of FM 1094, and will be completely finished in January of next year, according to TxDOT spokeswoman Helena Wright. ■ TXDOT, page 8

By AMBER GONZALES editor@sealynews.com

Sealy Independent School District Board of Trustees were told that lunch areas and locker space at the Sealy High School should be the top pri-

orities for planning facility improvements, according to RWS Architects. The firm had been to Sealy in 2008 to update the facilities plan, and since then population growth has not increased as much as

expected and seemed to have leveled off, Cheryl Lawrence of RWS said. What has expanded is the all day, open enrolment pre-kindergarten class, which ■ FACILITIES, page 2

Mentor volunteers needed Raising Academic Performance (RAP) is in need of mentors for Sealy ISD students. These students are 5-18 years old and are seen by mentors from 30 minutes to one hour per week. Mentors encourage students to do better in school, have fun with them and help equip them for life by being positive role models. We provide training and ongoing support. Make a positive impact on a child’s life by becoming a mentor. Please call Carolyn Furber at (832) 443-9578 or (979) 627-0133.

The Sealy News/ASHLEY TOMPKINS

Ringing in the holidays Santa Claus made an early stop in Sealy last Tuesday, Dec. 17, to visit with local seniors at the Silver Lake and The Oaks annual Christmas party. At left, Santa and his helpers pass out gifts to residents as they celebrate the holidays with a lunch at Tony’s Family Restaurant. Above, members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Frydek sing Christmas carols while the guests visit.

Masonic Lodge The San Felipe Masonic Lodge #239 meets every third Thursday at 7:30 p.m., at 1224 Eagle Lake Rd. For more information, call 885-6203 or go online to www.sanfelipe239.org. ■ NEWSBITS, page 8

BIBLEQUOTE Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

Thank a

Veteran and Serviceman everyday

Austin County Primaries 2014 Below are two of six profiles of county judge candidates to run in a series in the next two weeks.

Pena wants to serve, bring county together

Johnson: varied experience makes for a good judge

Abel Pena Jr. wants to serve Austin County. Pena and his family moved here about nine years ago from Houston and has spent much of his life as a pastor and leader in his community. “I feel that I’m qualified. I like to serve and I’m not running to have authority or power, I want to serve our community,” he said. Pena came to Austin County to buy land for his horses Arabians and thoroughbreds. The man born and raised in Houston moved his wife of 38 years, Ophelia, and sons. His son Marcus currently serves

A man of many trades and second chances, Tommy Johnson wants the citizens of Austin County to know he is the man who will work tenaciously to do what the people think is right. “I’m the underdog, but I’m a bulldog,” he said. Johnson has been a broadcaster, medic, engineer, IT worker, network administrator, DJ and classic rock band member and more, and now he wants to be county judge. “Because of my life experiences ... I feel like I’m capable of accomplishing anything,” he said.

as the county tax collectorassessor and elections officer. In Houston, the elder Pena started the Spanish speaking ■ PENA, page 8

Johnson was born and raised in Bellville and started off rough dealing with Austin County authorities. After get■ JOHNSON, page 2

The Sealy News • 193 Schmidt Road • P.O. Box 480 • Sealy, Texas 77474 • phone: (979) 885-3562 • fax: (979) 885-3564 • www.sealynews.com

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PAGE 8 ■ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

THE SEALY NEWS

WWW.SEALYNEWS.COM

Easy stocking stuffers to craft up

I’m preparing to leave for olumn by California, a trip that start Amber at 4 a.m. on Dec. 21 to Gonzales Long Beach, Calif., by 9 a.m. Trust me, it’s going to take more than five hours. As I rush to pack and make sure I have all the presents I’m supposed to take, I realized that there are just too many people that I’m related to. If you have a similar problem, this might be a good craft for you to give as a stocking stuffer, or even to send to those you couldn’t make it to see during Christmas. You need small sandwich bags, pipe cleaners, glue, googly-eyes and a foam circle or pompoms, preferably red. The filling of these cocoa reindeer is just store bough Swiss-Miss. But I suggest you get a tub of NesQuick, because it took three of those individual serving packets to fill this bag. Stuff the mix into one corner and top it with a handful or two of marshmallows. Next, seal it with a twist of pipe cleaners. I used the ends to try to make it look like antlers, but I’m not going to win any awards for artistic ability here. I’m most excited about this craft because I now have a packet of googly-eyes. I plan to put them on

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everything and scare the ba-jeezus out of my family. Imagine waking up Christmas morning to wide open stares from everything to the lamp to the orange juice in the refrigerator. If you want to submit crafts for me to try or your own crafting stories and plans, please email reporter@sealynews.com or mail to 193 Schmidt Road, Sealy, Texas 77474.

SOFTWARE continued from Page 1 port. The original quoted cost for the new program is $96,000 with a annual $23,000 maintenance fee. Overages have been built in and the county shouldn’t expect to pay more than that, said STW representative Adolfo Urquieta at a court meeting Friday, Dec. 20. Pricing is based on tiers of population, rather than the number of employees or computers using the software. STW Inc. Utility and Financial Management Software serves about 80 customers and focuses on municipal governments and utilities, said Urquieta. The company has done three conversions from Abel Term before. The county will wait until their independent financial audit is complete before implementing the new software. Then, STW will set up a meeting with staff, get a server in and start installing the applications. Then they will start training, and when county staff is

comfortable, they will go live from Abel Term to STW. “We will move when you say move,” said Urquieta. He added that the county won’t pay for everything until services are rendered, so the $96K likely won’t leave county coffers until next spring or summer. The court also looked at separate services for bank reconciliation from Neil Conway of ClearRec and for a timeclock from Chad Lipscomb. The bank reconciliation software cost $1,200 per year plus $95 an hour for training and customizing. Although STW software provides similar service, Urquieta vouched for the software’s capabilities beyond what the county had just adopted. Austin County Treasurer Laura Kaye also said the bank reconciliation seemed like a quality product. TimeClock would cost around $7,700, but STW software already provides similar action. The court took no action on the bank reconciliation and TimeClock software.

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FBSD continued from Page 1 Freese and Nichols, on the possible effects of the Electro project in Austin and Waller counties, shows drawdown in the Evangeline and Chicot aquifers extending into Fort Bend, a possible three or more feet of subsidence extending into Fort Bend County and an increase in the extend of the 100-year floodplain in Fort Bend. The well-site is going through a contested hearing now, with an actual trial projected to be next fall. FBSD denied two hearing requests by Richmond and Rosenberg to amend its policy. “I think it’s unfair to everybody not to [deny the hearing request],” said Mayor Charles Jessup of Meadows Place at the second hearing denial at a November FBSD meeting. Several other cities within the district showed up to the FBSD meeting where board members ultimately denied the

request to amend the plan, arguing that they had all met the district’s standards to reduce subsidence, though it may have been costly, and that Richmond and Rosenberg should have to do the same. The suit is to “protect the rights of the cities and the citizens and water customers,” according to the cities’ legal counsel Patrick Linder on the Rosenberg website. Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales Jr. says on the city website that the FBSD was made aware that the cities would seek legal action if the Regulatory Plan was not amended. “The FBSD Board has previously been made aware that the cities would pursue legal action if the District’s regulatory plan was amended in such a way that would eliminate available options for alternative water sources at a reasonable cost and reliability,” he states on the website.

TXDOT continued from Page 1 The estimate for the project was $3.9 million when it began in August 2012, and so far $4.136 has been paid. Previous estimates also had the road rehabilitation project scheduled to be complete in November this year. However, the unforeseen problem of the subgrade needing repairs caused the delay. Any extra costs involved with that or the delay are covered by TxDOT. Although most of the construction is now done, TxDOT will still be doing some concrete paving, stripping and cleanup before it closes up shop on the one-mile stretch of road.

PENA continued from Page 1 Templo El Buen Samaritano Asamblea de Dios, translated means Good Samaritan Assembly of God Church. What started as a small house on a half acre is now a 33,000 square foot, two-story building. Pena is also involved in Houston serving as vice-president with Ministers Against Crime and as a member of Republicans in Action, a group of Christian politicians. “It’s very important, simply for the moral standards and fundamental things of life,” said Pena about how his faith will impact his decisions as county judge, if elected. “Church and the government really go

hand-in-hand. Our Constitution was established by godfearing men.” Pena said he also wants to help represent all the people of Austin County. About 20 percent of the population is Hispanic, and he wants to be a voice for them. “Bring them all together and we can be a better county,” he said. Pena has also worked running a business and a rehab home for prisoners who come out on probation for five years. “I feel like I can be a great help to our community of Austin County,” he said. “It’s all about working hard and seeing to the needs of our county.”

NEWSBITS continued from Page 1

Alzheimer’s caregiver support

RSVP seeking volunteers

The Alzheimer’s Association of Houston and Southeast Texas will sponsor Alzheimer’s Caregivers support group meetings. The meetings will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 311 Sixth St. in Sealy. The group will help caregivers understand Alzheimer’s, cope with changes and learn to manage everyday life. For more information, contact Eric LeBrocq at (713) 398-8200.

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) of the Texas Gulf Coast is an organization, which encourages, recruits and places volunteers 55 and older in community programs. There is no cost to be a part of RSVP of the Texas Gulf Coast, which offers excellent, free benefits to enrolled volunteers. If you live in Austin, Colorado or Waller counties, call Mary Martin at (979) 865- 9549 for information.