Student filmmaker suspended for post, bus driver
Transcription
Student filmmaker suspended for post, bus driver
Vol. 17, No. 7 50 cents May 3-9, 2012 CRIP MAYHEM Gangsters celebrate 5/9 Hoova holiday Page 13 A The Independent Voice of Southeast Texas Facebook fight SECOND STORM Bolivar tax bills busting wallets wide open Page 16 A AUSTIN MIDDLE SCHOOL Sleeping teacher leads to chaos in classroom Page 6 A OUT & ABOUT WITH ALBERT Student filmmaker suspended for post, bus driver looks on Page 5 A Photos from the festival Page 12 B May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 2A KINSELMAZDA.COM 05-31-12 May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 3A May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 4A NONPROFITS FACE IMPORTANT MAY 15 DEADLINE The April 17 tax deadline might be a distant memory for some, but charities have another due date to contend with: May 15. That’s the deadline for most nonprofit annual returns, and missing it could be a serious problem for your charity. Last year the IRS reported that it had revoked the taxexempt status of more than 275,000 charities for failure to file their annual return. And the consequences of this action are rather severe. Donors can no longer deduct contributions to these organizations on their tax returns, and the organizations might be taxed as corporations. With some exceptions, such as for qualified church and other RYAN C. HARKEY, CPA, religious organizations, every IS A PARTNER AT POLLANS & COHEN P.C. nonprofit is required to complete a Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-N. Private foundations are required to file Form 990-PF. The good news, however, is that filing your charity’s return might be easier than you think. A nonprofit with annual gross receipts of less than $50,000 can file Form 990-N, which has only eight questions and is filed electronically. Larger nonprofits, however, are left with the Form 990-EZ or the longer Form 990. If your charity runs a business on the side to help raise funds, it might have to file Form 990-T, where income on those unrelated sales could be taxed. So what can you do if your nonprofit fails to file its return by May 15? Your first step might be to contact a tax professional to determine the full extent of the delinquency. Here’s why: May 15 is the deadline for charities with a December 31 accounting year-end, but your charity might have a different year-end. In that situation, the due date is the 15th day of the 5th month after the close of the fiscal year. & POLLANS COHEN, P.C. Certified Public Accountants 470 Orleans Street • Beaumont, TX 77701 (409) 832-7400 THE EXAMINER 795 Willow St., Beaumont, TX 77701 Phone: (409) 832-1400 Fax: (409) 832-6222 E-mail: mail@theexaminer.com www.theexaminer.com Don J. Dodd, publisher and CEO dodd@theexaminer.com; (409) 832-1400, ext. 223 METRO EDITORS CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Johnson — ext. 231 • jennifer@theexaminer.com Fred Davis — ext.227 • fred@theexaminer.com James Shannon • james@beaumontbusinessjournal.com Michele Brooke • michele@theexaminer.com Melanie Dishman • mdishman@gt.rr.com Albert Nolen • albert@theexaminer.com Robert Sloan • sloan288@aol.com Brenda Cannon Henley • brendacannonhenley@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITOR Chad Cooper — ext. 241 • cooper@theexaminer.com COPY EDITING AND PAGE DESIGN Joshua Cobb — ext. 224 • joshua@theexaminer.com Amber Vasquez — ext. 234 • amber@theexaminer.com GRAPHICS Justin Rabb — ext. 228 • graphics@theexaminer.com SALES Diane King — ext. 240 • diane@theexaminer.com Joey Armstrong — ext. 229 • joey@theexaminer.com Taryn Sykes — ext. 245 • taryn@theexaminer.com Dana Craig Moore — ext. 237 • dana@theexaminer.com Felisha Davis — ext. 244 • felisha@theexaminer.com CIRCULATION Donna Littrell — ext. 242 • homedelivery@theexaminer.com Kirk Dickey — ext. 238 • kirk@theexaminer.com BUSINESS Receivables: Taryn Sykes — ext. 232 • taryn@theexaminer.com Web site/Business: Brent Morton — ext. 221 • brent@theexaminer.com ARCHIVES Edna Hetzel — ext. 243 • edna@theexaminer.com The Examiner is audited by: Any erroneous reflection upon the character, standing or reputation of any person, firm or corporation which may occur in the copy of The Examiner will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention of the editor. Published Thursday, 52 weeks a year. ISSN 1551-9198. The Examiner is published by The Examiner Corporation. Copyright 2011 The Examiner Corporation. All rights reserved. On the Inside Asleep at the wheel ..................................... 6 A Meals on Wheels......................................... 4 B BISD makes new superintendent official ... 7 A Port Neches Riverfest ................................. 5 B Total project director leaving .................... 10A In the Dark .................................................. 6 B Colors of May ........................................... 13A Gameplan .................................................... 8 B Bolivar dealt tax blow ............................. 16A Out & About with Albert Nolen ............... 12B Girls with power tools .............................. 20A Dining Out ................................................ 16B Bottom Line with Chad Cooper ............... 21A Sounds ....................................................... 30B Who Is This? – RE/MIX edition This little lady’s identity might have stumped The Examiner’s staffers last week, forcing a regrettable error in her business affiliation, but readers weren’t fooled by a bad sell. They knew this future mover-and-shaker’s real career path moved to a different “location, location, location.” In a first and only Who is This? – RE/MIX edition, we revisit this Beaumont cutie’s American Dream. Answer on page 24 B May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 5A Mother plans legal action over son’s suspension By Fred Davis Metro Editor A savage beating caught on an eighth-grade student’s cell phone led to his suspension after he posted it to his Facebook profile, and now Trevion Gaines’ mother is planning to take legal action against Beaumont Independent School District because she feels her son’s First Amendment rights were violated. “I will be hiring an attorney after talking it over with my family,” said Shermane Wilson, who said school officials had Trevion access his Facebook account and sign a statement without his mother present. “They should’ve waited until I was there before asking him to do any of that,” said Wilson. “And they didn’t tell me they had my son open up his Facebook; he told me. They should’ve told me everything that happened when I got there.” According to Wilson, Gaines posted the 63-second video of the two girls fighting on Friday, April 27, when he got home from school. Monday, April 30, Gaines was summoned to the school office and asked by assistant principal Charles Chevis if he posted the fight on Facebook. Gaines said yes. According to Wilson, one of the girls in the fight had told Chevis about the video and school officials wanted to look at it to see who started the fight. Gaines was then taken to an office with a BISD officer and opened up his Facebook account at the request of the officer, who then tried to make a copy of the video on the computer, but was unable to. He then had Gaines sign a statement that he did indeed record the fight and post it to Facebook. Gaines’ mother was called after that. The video of the fight was still up as of Wednesday eve- Still images from the video taken by Trevion Gaines show the fight that led to Gaines and the two girls being suspended. The bus driver can be seen in the lower picture standing by and watching. The video can be seen at www.theexaminer.com. ning. It had 28 “likes” and 11 ing and ‘sexting’, either on or comments. off school property, if the conWhen Wilson arrived at the duct causes a substantial disschool, he was told by Chevis ruption to the educational that her son was going to be environment.” suspended for posting the vidThere was no mention made eo to Facebook and on Wilson’s first visit cited a clause in the that her son’s Facedistrict’s code of conbook page had been duct for students. accessed and viewed Under the code for a by Chevis and the Misuse of TechnoloBISD officer. Once gy Resources and the her son told her what Internet, Chevis happened, Wilson marked a bullet point returned to school and that states students demanded to know the shall not “send, post, whole story and why or possess electronic Wilson she wasn’t told. messages that are abusive, It was upon her return to the obscene, sexually oriented, school that a “very unprofesthreatening, harassing, damag- sional” Dr. Aaron Covington, ing to another’s reputation, or the school’s principal, flipillegal, including cyberbully- pantly told her that her son was being suspended and that he should be glad it was only a one-day suspension as opposed to three days, she said. “I deserve an apology from (Covington) for the way he was acting,” Wilson said. BISD communication specialist Craig Eichhorn informed The Examiner on Wednesday that Gaines actually violated more than one of the district’s policies in the code of conduct manual. Incidentally, the policy Chevis and Covington cited on Monday when Gaines was suspended was not included in the four violations presented by Eichhorn. Under the Misuse of Technology Resources and the Internet code, Gaines was cited for: “Use the Internet or other electronic communications to threaten district students, employees, or volunteers, including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.” He is also alleged to have violated the code: “Use e-mail or Web sites to engage in or encourage illegal behavior or threaten Gaines school safety, including off school property if the conduct causes a substantial disruption to the educational environment.” The district is also alleging that under the Safety Transgressions code, Gaines was cited for possessing “published or electronic material that is designed to promote or encourage illegal behavior or that could threaten school safety” and “Engage in any conduct that school officials might reasonably believe will substantially disrupt the school program or incite violence.” Eichhorn indicated the two girls involved in the fight were Cl ay Dugas board certified personal injury trial lawyer suspended, but he could not disclose the duration. Regarding the argument about whether or not Gaines’ First Amendment rights were violated, if past court cases where a student used Facebook to post something that led to a school suspension, then Wilson and her son have a valid case. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, in March 2011 three middle school students in Douglas County, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta, were threatened with expulsion after they called a teacher a “pedophile” and “rapist” in a Facebook post. However similar to Gaines’ instance, the principal at the middle school had the student, Alejandra Sosa, then 13, log in to her Facebook account and delete the posts. Sosa’s parents claimed that violated their daughter’s privacy. After two weeks of suspension, the school dropped the expulsion hearing and let the three students come back to school. No reason was given for why the hearing was dropped, according to the article. And in another case cited by the same article, a student in California was suspended after he posted on Facebook that his teacher was a “fat ass who should stop eating fast food and is a douche bag.” The student was charged with cyberbullying and suspended. However the ACLU argued that the suspension violated his free speech rights and cited a 1969 Supreme Court hearing. The suspension was overturned. It was also noted in that case that the student made the posting on his home computer outside of school, similarly to Gaines, See FIGHT on page 15 A TEXAS Hablamos Español 18-wheeler accidents • coast to coast - nationwide 1-800-222-1204 ClayDugas.Com May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 6A Franklin Gold & Silver exchanGe Deal locally & Personally highest prices guaranteed for your your gold, silver, platinum, jewelry, coins, watches, class rings and collectibles now! 6640 EastEx FrEEway • BEaumont, tExas • 409-791-7225 www.Franklings.nEt • rEFErEncEs availaBlE By rEquEst Arriving by umbrella, not broomstick The Professional Nanny Source Choose from pre-screened applicants Full and Part time - Day and Evening Nannies 3442 Eastex Frwy • Beaumont • 832-2062 pro-nanny.com Kevin e Bohm John P PARKeR 8121 Gladys Ave Beaumont, TX 77706 (409) 860-0098 229 Dowlen Rd., Ste. 13A Beaumont, TX 77706 (409) 860-3547 Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Asleep at the wheel? 11-year-olds say they’re victims of sexual assault at Austin By James Shannon Contributing Editor April 20 was just another Friday at Austin Middle School in Beaumont. The sixth grade students in the Spanish class taught by Rebecca Williams settled in to watch a movie, not an infrequent occurrence with this teacher. But when the lights went down, a series of incidents occurred that turned an average day into a nightmare for two 11-year-old girls who say Williams failed to protect them because she was asleep in class. In a written statement, one of the young female victims (Girl No. 1) said, “While Mrs. Williams was asleep (Boy No. 1) took my hands and was holding on to them and (Boy No. 2) was touching on me and I screamed and said ‘Stop’ but Mrs. Williams didn’t wake up. …” The identities of the alleged perpetrators and their victims are concealed in this story for their protection in accordance with state and federal laws and the policy of this newspaper. In a previous joint handwritten statement given the day of the incident to assistant principal Charles Chavis, the girls said Boy No. 1 and Boy No. 2 “was sexual harassing” (sic) them and “touching us in private areas and we not comfortable with it. Could you please address this issue.” Kenneth R. Bean Sr. is the father of one of the girls. He said when he arrived at Austin Middle School on the afternoon of the incident, he found his daughter in the counselor’s office in tears. She was interviewed by Officer Terrell Jenkins, the Beaumont Independent School District police officer assigned to the school, who took statements from the boys accused in the case and the girls who accused them, as well as others in the class. Bean was initially satisfied at the apparent swift justice from Austin Principal Dr. Aaron Covington, who told him the boys were suspended from school effective immediately and Jenkins would be sent to Pathways alternative school campus near downtown for the remainder of the school year. With this understanding in hand, Bean took his daughter home and tried to circle the family wagons around a young girl who had been through a traumatic experience. He had no way of knowing that at the same time, BISD was circling its own wagons around Rebecca Williams. A veteran teacher with 35 years of classroom experience, Williams has been employed by BISD since Sept. 26, 2000. District officials declined to make Williams available to The Examiner, but by all accounts she has had serious health problems in recent years. Bean said Officer Jenkins told him the accounts of her sleeping in class were believable because “I’ve known that she sometimes falls asleep in class ever since I came to this school three years ago.” Officer Jenkins, who has been with the BISD police since 2008, is a product of district schools including Austin and West Brook High School. Generally regarded as a friendly figure around campus, Jenkins handled the initial phase of the investigation at the school. Bean said he was disturbed when he learned from his daughter that Williams had been in school every day since the incident – teaching her class as if nothing had happened. BISD spokesman Craig Eichhorn said there was good reason for that. “There is nothing at all to reflect in any of the witnesses they pulled in to question for this investigation, none have corroborated that story of her being asleep,” he said. Since those statements are sealed as part of an investigation concerning juvenile suspects, it was not possible to ascertain how the sleeping issue was addressed or if none of those interviewed volunteered the information. “When the alleged assault took place, she was in the classroom,” said Eichhorn, but he declined comment on what Williams said she did or did not witness or what action she took, if any. “As far as I know, she is still employed and teaching. I think she’s been questioned, but any kind of personnel issue I really can’t comment too much on,” added Eichhorn. Some of her fellow Austin employees were not so reticent. While expressing sympathy for Williams’ physical condition, they expressed concern for the students in her class. “Mrs. Williams has trouble standing up and holds the wall when she walks down the hall,” said one school staffer who did not want to be identified because she was not authorized to speak to the media. “Some parents complain because students know they can act crazy in See ASLEEP on page 8 A May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 7A New BISD super seals the deal with his signature By Jennifer Johnson Metro Editor After a brief search for Beaumont Independent School District’s next superintendent, the BISD Board of Trustees officially announced its selection in Dr. Timothy Chargois during a short public meeting May 1. Although Chargois’ motto for the evening was, “Let’s keep our focus on the students,” all eyes were on him as the new superintendentelect signed on the dotted line, accepting a contract for employment as BISD superintendent for a period covering Feb. 1, 2013 – June 30, 2016. For his new duties as the district’s leader, Chargois will see an increase in pay to an annual salary of $215,000 plus a monthly auto allowance of $1,000. Chargois will also have health and life insurance covered by the district, but the contract failed to note how raises would be administered. BISD board member Zenobia Bush made a motion to accept the proposal, and each of the remaining trustees were given a chance to second the motion. The agreement was unanimous and Chargois, along with his family, was thrust into the limelight previously reserved for current BISD leader Dr. Carrol Thomas. As Thomas faded into the background and quietly left to attend to other business, Chargois was treated to a slew of media questions and well wishes from attendees. But as he exited, Chargois’ mentor offered a few words of praise for his successor. “I’m very proud of Dr. Chargois and his accomplishments,” Thomas said. “Proud in the same way that a father is when one of his children accomplishes great things in life. I’m leaving the district in very good hands. He will take Beaumont ISD to even greater heights.” Chargois, an Orange native by birth and Beaumont transplant for the purpose of his career, started in the district in 1998 and has risen through the ranks to the position he was named to May 1. On his resume, Chargois says he is dedicated to “improving student per- formance through strong leadership, quality administration, aligned instruction and coordinated services.” He has since stated that with a quality plan of action, his hopes are to make sure “every student in BISD is ready – ready for college, career, workforce or military.” Through his decade-plus of service in the district, Chargois has been an assistant principal in elementary school turned principal, and finally as assistant superintendent of Research, Planning & Evaluation where he was familiarized with all the district’s 32 campuses. Prior to taking a position in BISD, Chargois worked for West Orange-Cove CISD as a secondary assistant principal and an elementary fine arts teacher. Chargois is credited with a long list of civic and professional organization memberships, and received degrees from Lamar University and Stephen F. Austin University. “I’m excited and ready to get our students prepared for the more rigorous testing that is being required despite lack of funding to assist with Mattress sale Pride eurotoP twin set $199 accord eurotoP or firM our sale Price $289 queen set $299 King set $499 Full set twin set $299 our sale Price $359 queen set $399 King set $599 Full set that, and despite the budget cuts we’re all still experiencing,” Chargois said. The superintendent-to-be said he is also happy to be following in the footsteps of Dr. Thomas, but as far as policies and procedures, he said, “I walk in my own shoes.” Sewing Machine Repair • One Day Service • Repair All Makes & Models 6110 39th St. • Groves 409-962-7483 REDUCE YOUR ELECTRIC BILL ATTIC FOIL InsULATIOn "RADIAnT BARRIER" FREE EsTImATE - CALL 409-866-9666 McDOUGLE CHILDRENS SHOES You took your kids to McDougle’s when they were little. Shouldn’t your Grandkids be as lucky? Gel technology - revolutionary comfort HoNeYcoMB Gel 5888 EASTEX FREEWAY TARGET SHOPPING CENTER MON-WED 10-6 • THURS - SAT 10-7 Iron Beds 892-4531 CARLITO’S Financing Available A TASTE OF MEXICO FOR THOSE WHO LIKE IT HOT Since 1980 2610 COLLEGE BEAUMONT 409-839-8011 May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 8A ASLEEP from page 6 A her room – she has lost control of her classroom.” The fact BISD has taken a hard line on whether Williams was sleeping in class on the day of the incident is understandable according to one attorney familiar with the district’s legal situation. “While school districts have broad immunity from many types of lawsuits, an action that arises because problems occur with a teacher they know sleeps in class could be considered gross negligence and thus make the district liable,” said the attorney. In fact, Williams’ tendency to sleep in class is an open secret known to students and faculty alike. One Austin student not involved in this case was asked last week about Mrs. Williams. “You mean the sixth grade Spanish teacher?” the student asked, then confirmed she slept in class when she would put on a movie and turn down the lights. “Yeah, that happened all the time,” the student said. Kenneth R. Bean Sr. Bean said he was mystified why Williams was still on the job after the April 20 incident involving his daughter. “She denied she was asleep, but if she was really awake, how could she have missed all that commotion in her classroom? It just doesn’t make sense,” said the frustrated dad. There was more heartburn in store for Bean after his daughter came home and reported the boys involved in the incident were not sent to the alternative school, but instead were still roaming the halls of Austin Middle School. Girl No. 1 said she was con- fronted by Boy No. 2 in the hallway of the 400 wing and she heard him call her a “bitch” in front of several male students. Bean said he was told the boys were placed in ISS (InSchool Suspension) until they could be sent to Pathways but they were supposed to be confined to the ISS classroom except for supervised bathroom breaks. Bean said he was told part of the problem was the relief teacher in ISS was Rebecca Williams. BISD spokesman Eichhorn expressed surprise when told of the “bitch” incident. Like Bean, he had been told the boys were no longer on the Austin campus. “My understanding is they weren’t supposed to be (in school) either. They were supposed to be placed at Pathways for the rest of this school year, which is four weeks,” said Eichhorn, who added, “I can confirm both Principal Covington and Deputy Superintendent Chargois said they have met with parents multiple times.” Those conversations did little to mollify Bean, who filed a criminal complaint that triggered an investigation by Sgt. Danny Moore, a detective who joined the BISD police force when it was formed in 2007. A veteran cop with 25 years experience in law enforcement, he was previously with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Moore said his investigation into a criminal complaint is separate from the school’s internal disciplinary process. “(Our investigation) has nothing to do with their administrative punishment. We handle the criminal part; the school district, the administrators, the teachers – they handle “We sell Homeowners Policies that include Hurricane Coverage.” Bobby Counts, Agent 5955 Caswell Suite B Beaumont, Tx 77708 P (409) 924-0050 bcounts@twfg.com www.myinsurancecounts.com the administrative part as far as the punishment for the schools,” he said. The process in juvenile cases is different, with the police agency referring the case to the district attorney without charges attached, according to Moore. “I don’t charge anybody. I file the case and the case has been filed at Minnie Rogers (Juvenile Justice Center). They’re reviewing it and if any charges are filed or pressed, what those charges will be is entirely up to the district attorney’s office (and) juvenile people at Minnie Rogers,” said Moore, who expressed sympathy for the Bean family’s ordeal. “I’m a father; I have a daughter myself, so I can understand why he would be upset, but everything is being done to the extent the law will allow,” said Moore. “If there are any charges to be pursued, we will definitely pursue those charges.” The accused in this case face an uncertain fate depending on how the district attorney’s office views the evidence, which consists entirely of witness statements obtained by Officer Jenkins and assembled by Sgt. Moore, who said while he cannot predict what might happen noted, “We’re dealing with 11- and 12-yearold kids here.” Bean said he was satisfied the case was now in the hands of an independent agency and said he didn’t want the boys involved to be branded as sex offenders for the rest of their lives. “My intention is not to prosecute those young boys,” said Bean. “They are being held to account for their actions. My concern is that teacher; no parents should have to trust their children to her ever again. Whether she is terminated or simply allowed to retire, she does not belong in the classroom in Beaumont or anywhere else.” The Austin school employee who spoke to The Examiner agreed Mrs. Williams needs to go but said it is not entirely her fault. “She wanted to retire, but the principal wouldn’t let her,” said her co-worker. Through a BISD spokesman, Principal Covington declined to comment. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 9A Housing authority moves forward with new project OHA still on the hunt for executive director Although not ready for move-in, the apartments under construction on Burton Street in Orange are slated for completion within the next few months. By Jennifer Johnson Metro Editor Losing three of the top men responsible for acquiring Orange Housing Authority’s new and improved administration office didn’t stop the governmental agency from carrying on where the project left off as the Orange community was invited to a ribbon cutting at the Burton Street address May 1. Among those in attendance were Orange County Judge Carl Thibodeaux, Orange Mayor Brown Claybar, Orange City Manager Shawn Oubre, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development representative Raynold Richardson, OHA board president Mary McKenna and OHA interim executive director Tanya Wilson. Contractors charged with building the administration offices, as well as 80 residential apartment units on the same lot, were also at the event. Construction is being headed by ICON Builders, part of the ITEX Group, owned and operated by Ike and Chris Ikbari of Port Arthur. Photo by Jennifer Johnson “We’re really proud to be a part of this,” Chris Ikbari said of the opening. “This has been a fantastic opportunity; no other city has as much support as this one from top to bottom.” The contractor then honored Mayor Claybar, who took the opportunity to offer a few words about the project and the community the long-time city official has been entrusted to oversee. “There are so many people who want what you already have (that) they have to build fences around some of our borders,” Claybar told a crowd of Allen Samuels about 100 spectators on-hand to mark the OHA building opening. “I’m very grateful to be here. There are great things happening, and great things still to come.” Former OHA board member the Rev. Raymond Young led the group in prayer. Although no longer part of the OHA family since his resignation last year after a federal fraud conviction, he said he was glad to be a part of the process in getting the project started and was just as happy to get a look at the finished product. “I pray that this legacy will be remembered,” Young professed. “This particular event should not be forgotten.” Young wasn’t the only project proponent displaced from OHA prior to the site’s dedication. OHA executive director Frank Anderson was let go from the agency following a scathing HUD audit alleging mishandling government funds and more, and his assistant Anthony Jackson was also relieved See HOUSING on page 11 A MID COUNTY ACROSS FROM CENTRAL MALL 1-888-409-8339 • WWW.ALLENSAMUELSPA.COM HWY 69 NEXT TO LOWES IN MID COUNTY ASK US ABOUT GUARANTEED CREDIT APPROVAL EIGHT (8) 2008 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS $15,000 FREE OIL CHANGES 2006 KIA SPECTRA $9,000 WITH ANY USED VEHICLE PURCHASE DURING THIS MONTH 2001 CHEVROLET CORVETTE AUTO, 5.7L V8, 52K MILES $19,988 2008 GMC ACADIA $22,995 Hablamos español. Juan Ortiz puede ayudar si usted no habla Inglés. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 10 A Adios, Rajan Rajan Krishnan (left) director of the Deep Conversion Project, celebrates a milestone with construction workers at the site (left, below). Total project director takes on his new role in Beijing By James Shannon Special to The Examiner The deer and the antelope play at the Griffith Ranch, a 300-acre spread near Winnie and the home of exotic game and Carl Griffith, the former sheriff and county judge. It was in the latter role that he helped facilitate the Deep Conversion Project at the Total Port Arthur Refinery, a multibillion dollar expansion that has positioned the facility to play a major role in 21st century fuel production. Now some five years later, a small gathering in the hangar at the ranch is bidding a fond farewell to one of the major players in the project. Griffith, now a private citizen, has gathered friends and public officials for a crawfish boil in honor of Rajan Krishnan, who came to Southeast Texas as Deep Conversion Project director. In two days he would depart for Beijing, where he will play an integral role in Total’s new coal gasification efforts in China. On this night, Rajan and his wife Sunitha are enjoying the company of friends even as they contemplate the next adventure in their lives. Deloris “Bobbie” Prince, mayor of Port Arthur, was in attendance. She has been a prominent supporter of the setx BIZ a weekly column from the editor of the Business Journal Deep Conversion Project since it was in the conception stage, but her presence here is also personal. “I wanted to wish Mr. Krishnan well in his new job, and to thank him and Total for all their efforts here in Port Arthur,” said Prince. In her job as mayor, she moves easily between the personal and the political with her acknowl- edgement of what Total represents in the community as both a job-creating business and conscientious corporate citizen. Similar recognition can be construed from the presence of Jefferson County Commissioners Everett “Bo” Alfred, Michael “Shane” Sinegal and Brent Weaver along with district court judges Bob Wortham and Mickey Shuffield. The social lubricant of the crawfish boil with the attendant corn, potatoes and beer has been a familiar ingredient in forging bonds of friendship. “A week after I came to Port Arthur, they took me to my first crawfish boil,” recalled Krishnan with a chuckle. “I have really learned to enjoy Cajun food, more so than the rest of my family.” Krishnan had previously held management positions at Total’s heavy oil joint venture in Venezuela before coming to Total Port Arthur Refinery as technical manager in 2002. He became assistant general manager in 2003 before being named director of the Deep Conversion Project in 2006. With more than a decade of his 24 years with Total spent in Port Arthur, Krishnan has forged deep ties in Southeast Texas. His two sons were largely raised here – one attends Johns Hopkins in Maryland; the other works for Total. “This is our home now,” he said. “When I retire, we will return here.” A native of India, Krishnan followed a circuitous route to Texas. He graduated from the University of Calicut in India as See rajan on page 11 a ATTENTION LOT OWNERS! NO DOWN PAYMENT • NO CLOSING COSTS Susan Luquette Convention Servicing Manager, Beaumont Convention & Visitors Bureau LIT Alumnus “LIT’s flexible course schedule first drew me to the college; the number of night classes offered enabled me to continue working. Plus, the small student to teacher ratio is almost like having a private tutor! I honestly believe my two-year degree in Restaurant/Institutional Food Management opened doors for me into a field with a vast array of work opportunities.” Susan Luquette, Class of 2006 Camellia Homes builds completely finished homes on permanent slab foundations and offers 100% financing on your land. MORE FINANCING & BUILDING OPTIONS AVAILABLE FREE GENERATOR INCLUDING INSTALLATION WITH EVERY NEW HOME BUILT WHILE SUPPLIES LAST! A Member of The Texas State University System 855 East Lavaca Beaumont (409) 880-8321 1-800-950-6989 www.lit.edu Lamar Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity/affirmative action educational institution and employer. 866-347-0053 • 8110 EASTEX FRWY • BEAUMONT Visit our website www.camelliahomestexas.com May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 11 A HOUSING from page 9 A of his duties in the days following Anderson’s removal. Jackson had been charged with leading the nonprofit portion of OHA controlling the Burton Street construction. Public and Indian Housing representative Melvin Williams, operating as an extension of HUD, said the May 1 dedication proves change can sometimes be for the better. “Change can come on a positive note or a negative note,” he said. “HUD is, right now, very proud of the things OHA is doing. We’re happy to see this type of change happening.” OHA’s Burton Street address has been home to the Arthur Robinson apartment complex for more than 60 years, but it was eventual flooding from Hurricane Ike in 2008 that led to the residences being demolished last year. The new housing complex has been named in honor of the late James Zay Roberts, an Orange NAACP leader. The Burton property is being built with proceeds from a $10 million grant awarded to Photos by Jennifer Johnson U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development representative Raynold Richardson was among the guests invited to the opening May 1. OHA. Information provided by HUD in February of this year says Texas housing authorities are set to receive additional funding, a total of $72 million, in the coming months for rehabilitation projects as well. OHA is slated for $528,292 in grant money from the rehab program. Other nearby housing authorities receiving funds from the initiative are Beaumont ($685,361), Port Arthur ($513,573), Woodville ($143,847) and Kirbyville ($89,095). RAJAN from page 10 A a chemical engineer in 1975. “A lot of engineering students from India have found much success in the United States but I didn’t really want to leave home – so I said ‘Let me go to France,’” he said. France was much closer to home so he continued his studies there, earning a Masters degree in chemical engineering from the French Petroleum Institute. Perhaps it was inevitable that Krishnan would then go to work for the Paris-based Total, one of the world’s largest integrated international oil and gas companies that operates in more than 130 countries. Krishnan’s job has taken him to all corners of the globe. In addition to his current posting to China and his earlier sojourn to Venezuela, his first assignment in the United States was in New Jersey. He became an American citizen in 2002. His passion for his work is evident. At the conclusion of an interview with the Business Rajan Krishnan and wife Sunitha Journal, Krishnan said, “You can build or you can transform but you must put your heart in it.” Rajan Krishnan may be in China now, but he left a significant chunk of his heart in Texas – and said he will be back to get it. Business Journal editor James Shannon offers a weekly column of business news for readers of The Examiner. For more details, see the editions of the Business journal published monthly in Beaumont, Port Arthur and Greater Orange. Check out the blog at setxbiz.blogspot.com or e-mail james@beaumontbusinessjournal.com. “The Science of Success” May 22 “Unleashing the Entrepreneurial Potential of Your Organization” Landes Auditorium •Continental Breakfast •Seminar by Dr. Tony Woodlief •Lunch •Afternoon Networking Reception Galloway Business Building Lamar University 4400 MLK Blvd. Registration Deadline May 15 Seminar Fee $75 More Information: 409-880-2367 To Register: http://bit.ly/GCXLGV May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 12 A Hospitalitea! Reaud Guest House faris Technical insTiTuTe Computer • Secretarial • Medical • Legal • CAD Training Beginning or Refreshing Single Courses Also Offered Financial Aid if Qualified 409-722-4072 JET DERM FACIAL SYSTEM The machine uses water plus oxygen instead of the messy crystals. It will help your skin look more vibrant, smooth and youthful by improving the skins texture, wrinkle reduction, removal of unwanted pigmentation and overall skin rejuvenation. No pain or discomfort! $20.00 OFF! OFFER GOOD THRU MAY 25TH Weight Loss Injections: B12 • HCG • L-Carnitine • Lipoden Cosmetic Procedures: Botox • Restylane • Chemical Peels • Microdermabrasion Laser Hair Removal • Cellulite Reduction Weight Loss, CosmetiC & surgiCaL Centers of ameriCa 409-212-8866 • 318 N 23rd St. • Beaumont www.wlcsca.com • facebook.com/weightlosscenters Ladies who lunch – and a few men – joined forces at the Reaud Guest House for a fundraising event April 26. The Albert E. and Gena Reaud Guest House is a nonprofit hospitality house that provides families with a homeaway-from-home while their loved ones receive care at any local hospital, hospice or rehabilitation facility. The guesthouse was established by the Reaud Family Foundation, the Beaumont Foundation of America and Beaumont Baptist Hospital to meet a need in the community. The hospitalization of a family member can put a tremendous amount of stress on a family; the stress is compounded when the hospital is a distance from the home. Anyone can stay at the Reaud Guest House with the referral of a health-care worker involved with the patient’s care. “Our goal is to make our guests feel as comfortable as they are in their own home,” said Pat Griffith, director of Reaud Guest House. “We want to alleviate as much of the stress as we can and help our guests focus on the important issues. We offer comfortable rooms, a business center with computers, kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave, laundry facilities and donated snacks.” The guesthouse charges a nominal rate for overnight stays but will not turn away a family in need, according to Griffith. “We are grateful to local hospitals and donors who keep the door open to any one who needs our services.” The guest speaker at the luncheon was LaRonda Daigle. Daigle is an independent executive senior sales director with Mary Kay Cosmetics. She is the No. 1 one sales associate for Mary Kay in Louisiana and has been the No. 2 associate in the world for the past two years. Daigle pointed out to the volunteers that they make a difference in the lives of the people who come through the guesthouse. “You are the difference, by opening your heart and doing what you are called to do you keep Mayor Becky Ames and LaRonda Daigle Melissa Cornwell, Ann Jones and Kathy Schwartz families together when they are at their most vulnerable. Please don’t ever give up on this place, this dream.” C. Edward Keller, president of the Reaud Guest House board of directors, thanked the volunteers and staff for creating the warm feeling that exists in the house. “Our volunteers are wonderful, willing to do anything to help our guests.” Anyone interested in donating items to the guesthouse or volunteering their time is invited to contact Griffin at (409) 212-5600 or visit the Web site www.reaudfamilyshelter.org. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 13 A Gang-inspired fights erupting in Beaumont are easy to find online and are said to be a staple of 5/9 Hoova Day. Gang holiday anticipated by some, feared by others. But is it even real? By Jennifer Johnson Metro Editor gang sects, are known to break out at campuses and city parks May 9, sometimes with innocent bystanders brought into the melee. But not everyone sees 5/9 as a bad holiday. “It’s a day of celebration, to hang out with our crew,” said 5/9 Hoova member Lil’ Cuzz, who, at a ripe age of 25 said the fighting is “kids’ stuff.” “To (older members), it ain’t about colors no more,” he said. “If I need something from (a rival gang member), I don’t have (a problem) going to them for it. As long as they don’t cross me, we’re good. It’s the kids, though, that get crazy with it.” Videos of fights taking place at Beaumont parks and a few school campuses are all over the Internet, many tagged 5/9 Hoova, with many of those allegedly posted for the May 9 “holiday.” One video depicting a brawl at Beaumont’s Magnolia Park points out, “Hoova day in Beaumont Tx....is a citywide holiday!!!!” In it, one teenage boy is brutally beaten by another until he is knocked to the ground in front of dozens of witnesses. The victor then stomps his victim until the camera pans away. As May days take over the calendar, students in the Beaumont Independent School District are anticipating prom, graduation, summer break and gang violence. While most of the coming activities are touted as memories to be cherished for a lifetime, teens in Southeast Texas who aren’t affiliated with gang activity have come to fear “5/9 Hoova Day,” celebrated every May 9 in the metropolitan area. Thought by some to be an urban legend, a group of teens from a Beaumont high school spoke with The Examiner about what they called a “thug holiday” taking place every year in schools and parks throughout the city. Not wanting to be targeted by their gangster peers, the students asked to remain anonymous for this article. “I dread going to class (May 9). But it’s not just school; it’s the whole city going crazy,” an 18-year-old senior confided. “I’ve never been hurt, but I have friends who’ve been jumped. … I’d just rather not deal with it.” According to the student, and echoed in sentiment by classmates, 5/9 Hoova Day is Fact or fiction marked by gang activity attribAlthough Central Medical uted to a local group affiliate Magnet High School Principal of the national Crips. Fights, See CRIPS on page 14 A mostly taking place between May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 14 A CRIPS from page 13 A Patricia Lambert said she has yet to see any violence she’d attribute to 5/9 Hoova celebrations, Beaumont Independent School District Police Department Sgt. Danny Moore calls the gang holiday “an annual event.” “The Hoover Crips have established a 5/9 clique associated with the group, and they try to gang bang with the group,” he said, but added that most teens in BISD are hesitant to claim affiliation with the outlaw group, at least not during school hours, to the best of his knowledge. “They really don’t do anything on campus. I can’t recall there being any problems since I’ve been here. But with this group of Crips, it’s like their holiday.” Moore said the BISD PD is extra vigilant on May 9 patrols “just in case,” which may help control the threat of violence on campuses. “We have a very strong presence during that day, and we make sure they know we’re there,” the officer added. “We like to keep it low-key; it’s a normal day for students, teachers and staff, and we’d like to keep it that way. We have extra people out and extra eyes on the ground on that day, but all in all, it’s just a day like any other.” According to the school district police officer, fights may occur May 9 “just like any other school day, but who’s to say it’s gang related?” And while Moore said he wouldn’t make light of any kind of gang activity, 5/9 Hoova Day is more bark than bite. “The best thing all of us can do is try to ignore it,” Moore said. “We are there in case there is a problem, but building it up gives it a little more credibility. If it gets hyped up, it definitely gets more attention.” The Beaumont Police Department is also putting out extra eyes on the city for May 9. Sgt. Bryan Baker said his special operations unit of the police department is aware of the pending Crip holiday, although with teen violence on the rise, it is impossible to know if some incidents are gang-related or not. “5/9 Hoova does have a local influence here,” Baker said, adding that the clique is one of the main gangs in the city. “We are aware of it, and there will be fights at school, but what transpires is mostly teen fights and some tagging. … “It comes up every year, but we don’t see the California gang activity that they show on TV. We do get a lot of gatherings at the park that lead to fights and such, but we answer calls like that several times a week where guns are brought out — some of it is not even related to gangs, just criminals being criminals.” Baker also said, “5/9s mostly run the North End, but you do come across some of them in the South End as well. Older guys are hesitant to claim gangs now because they can get enhanced penalties for committing crimes – being part of organized crime has a lot stiffer punishment. Kids, though, are always going to claim they know or have affiliation to certain gangs, and that perpetuates the fear where something happens.” In his experience, Baker said, May 9 is no more hostile than any other day in an age where “kids committing violent acts seems to be happening more and more every day.” Stop the insanity robbery, where the suspect was alleged to have waited inside a woman’s garage for eight hours for his victim to arrive before beating and robbing the woman and holding her at gunpoint in just her underwear for upward of eight additional hours. “All gangs are bad,” BPD Officer Baker said, but warned of the overall dangers posed from those who decide to live a life of crime rather than one day of carnage attributed to a May date. Gang members usually, he said, target victims for profit over fun. “I’m not saying they wouldn’t jump on kids just to do it, but we don’t see it that much,” he said. Baker said it is essential for parents to talk to their kids about gangs before someone else does. “Make your kids aware of it, and if they have any problems, they need to let their teachers, their counselors, the police know,” he said. “Parents need to be involved and know what their kids are doing. It’s up to a parent to be a parent. “That being said, you can only raise your kids; you can’t raise other people’s kids. There are so many parents out there who don’t know what their kids are into; it’s scary. That’s why the good parents need to be extra cautious. “Just be aware that it’s out there – our officers will be aware. You can’t prepare if you don’t know it’s going to happen.” Beaumont law enforcement and officials from the surrounding area have been combating the Southeast Texas gang problem for years. Still, gang activity is rampant, and even police officers have proved to be fair game for organized criminals. An appeals court in Jefferson County heard from Beaumont detectives (a married couple) that 5/9 Hoova gang members threatened violence toward the couple and had even driven by the couple’s home, causing the law enforcement officers to fear for their safety. One of the detectives targeted, Aaron Lewellyn, told the court that he heard “cryptic” recordings where members of the gang threatened him Jennifer Johnson can be reached at and his family. Lewellyn had investi- (409) 832-1400, ext. 231, or by e-mail at gated a 5/9 member for aggravated jennifer@theexaminer.com. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 15 A News shorts Fight from page 5 A who also posted the video on a home computer outside of school. The fight While plenty of attention has been focused on the posting of the video – which remains online – another question that remains is why the bus driver did nothing for the duration of the fight while one girl pummeled the other. The video contains 63 seconds of footage of students yelling and screaming, with one girl grabbing the other by the hair and continuously punching her in the head with kids looking on. The girl is eventually pulled off of the other girl, only to return and start fighting again. In the background, the bus driver can be seen watching the fight, and initially doing nothing before retrieving a radio handset and speaking into it. The fight is finally stopped when the girls are both pulled apart by students. Eichhorn said in accordance with BISD policy, bus drivers are instructed to: “Safely pull the bus over, call dispatch and alert them of a fight on the bus. Dispatch then calls BISD police. Bus drivers may break up a fight if they can reach the combatants in time and can break up the fight without injuring other students or themselves.” In the video, it clearly appears the bus driver had both the time and was in close enough proximity to stop the fight but chose to watch the fight instead. “Usually the bus driver will stop a fight, but she didn’t do anything,” said Gaines, who said he’s seen a few fights on buses he’s been on before. No answer was given from BISD as to why the bus driver opted not to intervene and stop the fight. No prom On Wednesday, Gaines learned that he would not be able to attend the school’s eighth grade prom because of his suspension. “He came home upset because he can’t go to the school’s little prom at the end of the year,” Wilson said. The mother of three, whose children all go to BISD schools, said she would be meeting with school officials to discuss why her son is not allowed to go to the prom. “He’s never been in any kind of trouble,” said Wilson, “and now they’re not going to allow him to go to his dance?” Gaines, who enjoys playing basketball, football and running track, is so focused on his extracurricular activities that even at 14, he wants to keep his nose clean so one day he can earn an athletic scholarship. His mother is not happy about the suspension and the mark on his school record as a result of it. She said she felt if Gaines was going to be disciplined for a school rule that is loosely interpreted, given his trouble-free background at the school, a stern talking to or in-school suspension would’ve been more appropriate. She said the suspension went too far. “I told my son not to do it again,” Wilson said of posting anything negative to Facebook, “and he won’t.” Fred Davis can be reached at (409) 832-1400, ext. 227, or by e-mail at fred@theexaminer.com. Democratic Party Candidate Forum The Golden Triangle Coalition of Black Democrats will hold a Democratic Party Candidate Forum on Tuesday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. at the Jefferson County Courthouse Jury Impaneling Room. The forum will be open to all candidates on the May 29, 2012, Democratic Party Primary Election Ballot. The public is invited to attend. For information, call coalition President Rudolph In a ceremony Thursday, April 26, at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Mitch Woods presented four awards for valor and savAntoine at (409) 201-3993. ing a life. Pictured from left are Lt. Mark Viator, Deputy Ryan Warhola, Deputy Larry Gilder and Sgt. Marlon Lewis, who were all commended for their efforts in life-saving situations. Viator and Warhola left a traffic stop along I-10 to tend to a man who was bleeding from his leg. The two applied a tourniquet that ultimately saved the man’s life. Gilder and Lewis busted into a burning trailer to save a woman who had set the trailer ablaze. Both men suffered injuries as a result, and unfortunately the woman succumbed to her injuries. “In times of crises, these guys were willing to step up and do the right thing,” said Woods. Tanker overturns, Interstate 10 closed A tanker truck overturned Wednesday, May 2, on Interstate 10 eastbound near Brush Island Road between Hamshire and Winnie at about 6:45 a.m. The tanker truck was loaded with pure ethanol, which is highly flammable, explosive and can cause respiratory difficulty. The tanker was involved in a one vehicle accident. The driver was transported in unknown condition to Baptist Hospital Beaumont. All residents within 2 miles were asked to shelter in place. I-10 eastbound was shut down at Winnie. I-10 westbound was shut down at Highway 365. The roadway was expected reopen by Thursday morning. Beaumont man gets 99 years for murder Christopher Michael Brown, 34, of Beaumont was sentenced April 27 to 99 years in the state penitentiary for his role in the murder of Jimmy Hancock on July 19, 2010. According to official reports, Hancock was gunned down in his own home on a Monday morning. He suffered a total of 12 major and 1 minor gunshot wounds. Testimony was developed during trial that Brown believed Hancock may have been responsible for an assault on a member of Brown’s family, but during the police inves- tigation it was determined that the victim of that assault said Hancock was not the person who had attacked him. Prosecutor Bobby Ortego said to the jury, “This was a case that involves a total disregard for the value of a human life. It was a planned execution. If you do not send a strong message by your verdict, then no one is safe anywhere.” Brown has Brown previous felony convictions for aggravated assault and possession of cocaine (twice). He must serve 30 years of his sentence before he can be considered for parole, and the sentence also included a fine of $10,000. The case was tried before the Criminal District Court, Judge John Stevens presiding. Apartment shooting called an accident Beaumont Police Officers were at the scene of what is being called an accidental shooting at Hacienda Apartments Sunday morning, April 29, at nearly 3 a.m. When officers arrived, it was reported that a man dropped his .40-caliber handgun, which reportedly discharged on impact with the ground, striking another subject in the lower left abdomen. No charges have been filed at this time. Rolling meth lab busted Officer Robert Strause of the Pinehurst Police Department conducted a traffic stop Tuesday, May 1, but ended up charging the driver with more than traffic violations. The driver, 26-year-old Adam Baltutis, was found to be in possession of an off-white crystal like substance believed to be methamphetamine, also known as “crystal meth.” Baltutis was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony. Upon searching the vehicle, Officer Strause discovered several components in the trunk that are commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine – a phenomenon known as a “rolling meth lab.” Baltutis was also charged with possession of certain chemicals with intent to manufacture a controlled substance, also a thirddegree felony, and held on an unrelated bond forfeiture warrant with an original charge of criminal trespass. Baltutis faces up to 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 16 A Tax bills deal Bolivar yet another blow Appraised home, land values soar four years after Hurricane Ike rally loses that portion of the tax base. Some point to the county’s need to increase tax appraisals to help meet the Bolivar Peninsula on the Southeast loss created by buyout lots as the vilTexas Gulf Coast has bounced back lain in the higher tax appraisals. Jim and Cindy Srader of Gulf Shores since Hurricane Ike nearly decimated it in September 2008, but the residents were stunned when they received their and property owners took another blow notice. Their beach home’s value jumped $106,000 above last to the chest – and to their year. bank accounts – in April “The biggest increase I notwhen new property tax ed,” said Cindy, “was that our appraisals started rolling in to property’s value went from homes and offices. The $6,800 to $44,000 in one year.” Galveston County Appraisal Cindy said she expected some District said the spike is not increase, but certainly not that all that unusual, but most resmuch in one year. idents believe it to be extreme George Strong of Emerald at worst and erratic at best. Beach saw his lot’s value Much of the peninsula was increase from $24,640 to designated as potential buy- Cindy Srader out property after Hurricane Ike debris $49,500, and his new home went from was removed and the area began its $80,450 to $155,920. Despite a total return to somewhat normal. Generally increase of something like $100,000, speaking, buyouts occur when land is Strong says he is homesteaded since he deemed potentially dangerous because lives at the beach permanently. His of the threat of future natural disasters school taxes are frozen, so he expects and rather than rebuild the area again his taxes to be charged at the homeand again, coalitions of state, federal stead limit of $103,853 to $114,238, or and county agencies suggest properties the 10 percent limit per year. At least that might benefit from simply becom- he’s hoping it works out that way. Curtis and Michelle Holmes of 979 ing green space with a few rules and regulations. Bolivar has a fair share of Cade in Gilchrist love their beach those properties, and the county natu- home and enjoy the fishing privileges By Brenda Cannon Henley Special to The Examiner TECL 28475 Licensed • Bonded • Insured Residential • Commercial • Industrial - Residential & Commercial Electrical Repairs & Trouble Shooting - Industrial: TWIC, Insured, and able to work in all local plants - New Construction - Remodels & Add-ons - Electrical Meter & Breaker Box Replacement - Parking Lot Lighting, Installation, and Maintenance - Electric Motor Controls Repair & Trouble Shooting - Standby Generator Installation - Fiber Optic Installation, Termination, & Testing - Tele-Data Cable Installation, Termination, & Testing - Estimates Available Upon Request The home of Curtis and Michelle Holmes at 979 Cade in Gilchrist it includes. Michelle said the house is small by many standards at 768 square feet with no granite countertops or hardwood floors. “My cabin is a simple one, but we built what we felt we could afford at the time, and we love it,” said Michelle. “It was completed in December 2010 and was placed on the Galveston County tax rolls in January 2011. The appraisal came in at $50,700, for 2011 and when we received this new appraisal, it had jumped to $86,350. Nothing has been added or changed.” Michelle drove from her home to the tax appraisal office on Tuesday, April 24, and met with staff member Jordan Klein at his office in Texas City. Michelle was told that the lower value in 2011 was based on an incomplete home. She was shown a photo- The Gulf Shores beach home of Jim and Cindy Srader — more than $100,000 up from last year to this graph of her home, and it is exactly the same as the one she brought to share, Michelle says. She then was told that the appraisals were based on home sales in the area. “There have been no home sales in my area, and only two lots have been sold since Ike,” said Michelle. “I showed Mr. Klein a photograph of our old home that had twice the living area and an attached garage pre-Ike. The value was appraised at $28,000.” Klein could do nothing to change the Holmes’ appraisal value, so Michelle scheduled an appointment with the review board for May 15, which is the next step in the process. While she was at it, Michelle Holmes did check on the vacant lot they own and found it to have the same value as the one next to it that is the same size, same grass and same dirt as their lot. Alice L. Hurlbert and William C. Barth Jr. own three lots at 883 Sea Spray. Last year, these three lots were See APPRAISAL on page 17 A Disaster PrePareDness for Your Business seminar anD Luncheon May 17, 2012 • 10 a.m. MCM Elegante Hotel 2355 IH-10 South • Beaumont, TX This event is free of charge, but registration is required. Space is limited. 409-899-8444 x6600 • www.setrpc.org 1640 Industrial Park Drive • Nederland, TX 77627 May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner ApprAisAl from page 16 A appraised for a total of $11,400. This year, the same lots are appraised for $102,750. “In addition,” said Hurlbert, “we have an unfinished 938-square-foot house being built on two of those lots. It is valued in its unfinished state at $67,740.” Joni and John Harding have a local business and make their living on Bolivar. The Hardings also own several pieces of property on Bolivar, and Joni was instrumental in the protest against the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) 17 A in March 2009 following Hurricane Ike. Joni wrote, “I have one lot that went from $6,330 to $37,960. There have been no improvements to this property, and there are no fair market comparisons as no property has sold in this area since Ike hit.” She also has two additional lots that went from $3,830 to $34,870 with this year’s appraisal. “I did expect the appraisals to go upward some, but certainly not at this pace,” said Joni. “What is this going to do to people that have mortgages and are on a tight budget already? I believe it is going to force people to sell or allow their properties to go into foreclosure and ruin their credit, which is horrible, too.” Residents and property owners scattered throughout Beaumont, Port Arthur, Mid County, Orange and Houston are taking note of what some of them call erratic tax appraisal increases. “There appears to be no rhyme or reason as to how the appraisals were reached,” said one property owner. “The vacant lots are the ones that are so randomly appraised, it seems to me.” It should be noted that many of these vacation and rental homes cannot claim homestead exemption since owners live elsewhere, many scattered throughout Southeast Texas. Mitch McCullough with the Galveston Central Appraisal District said that his office had heard from more than 100 property owners in just one day about this matter. “We make it very easy for them to come in and visit with us,” he said. “They can call, make an appointment, and come in to discuss their concerns.” The silver lining in this cloud is that perhaps present property owners on the Bolivar Peninsula may be holding on to bigger pots of gold at the end of their rainbows than they knew — if they can just pay the taxes on those pots. That little spit of sand may be more valuable than anyone ever thought if land begins to sell for what the county thinks it’s worth now. Brenda Cannon Henley is an award-winning journalist and a Bolivar Peninsula property owner. After her home was destroyed during Hurricane Ike, she and her husband, Ted, along with neighbor Joni Harding, organized and protested their treatment by the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association and took the action to the agency’s Austin doorstep. Eventually, residents and property owners began receiving some compensation from TWIA for losses suffered. She can be reached at (409) 781-8788 or at brendacannonhenley@yahoo. com. Even if my lights go out, text messages keep me connected. James – Entergy Customer Sign up for text alerts at entergytexas.com or text “REG” to 368374. 2011 STAR Employer of Excellence Award recipient UnitedSabine – Orange. From left to right: WSSET Board Member Sharon LeBlanc, UnitedSabine representatives Cyrus Fontenot, Lynn Nell Guidry, Michael Trahan, Paul Traiteler and WSSET Executive Director Marilyn Smith Employers, workforce partners receive awards for successes Though the employment scene has presented its share of challenges the past few years, workforce development officials took a moment during their May board meeting to celebrate employment successes over the past year. Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas board members honored 15 local employers, workforce partners and individuals for their achievements in furthering the area’s employment and job development efforts. Workforce STAR Awards of Excellence were presented by Board Chair Pat Avery and Marilyn Smith, executive director. “The progress we make on a daily basis can be attributed in part to the resilience and continuous development of our workforce by our workforce partners, local industry and employers who actively support Southeast Texas workforce development and especially those individuals that are committed to becoming self-sufficient. We want to recognize all those who have made significant contributions over the past year,” said Smith. The 2011 STAR Employer of Excellence award was presented to UnitedSabine Orange. Three additional companies, Link Staffing Services in Beaumont, Dean Robinson State Farm in Silsbee and Tyco Thermal James isn’t the only one who gets nervous during storms. So we set up Entergy text alerts to keep everyone safe and informed. If there is an outage, we’ll let you know why – and when your lights will be back on. You can even set up your alerts to keep you posted on the situation of loved ones in other areas. Sign up for text alerts at entergytexas.com or text “REG” to 368374. Keeping you informed. That’s The Power of People. Entergy. See work on page 20 A A message from Entergy Texas, Inc. ©2012 Entergy Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 18 A Commentary The opinions that appear directly below are the official views of The Examiner and its publisher/CEO, Don J. Dodd. Opinions expressed elsewhere on these pages are the views of the writers only and not necessarily those of The Examiner. Changing times When Dr. Timothy Chargois was named the new superintendent of the Beaumont Independent School District, there was a sigh of relief heard both inside and outside the district. Chargois is a bright, relatively young school administrator whose career is on the rise – and recent events suggest he will need smarts and moxie alike to get the job done. Over the past two weeks he was called into a particularly sticky situation that arose at Austin Middle School, located less than a mile from the BISD administration complex. The case centered on two 11-year-old girls who say they were the victims of a sexual assault that occurred not only at school but in a classroom – during class. The two boys were quickly suspended then ticketed for the Pathways alternative school campus for the remainder of the school year. It was a serious incident that raised troubling questions, including how such an assault could take place in a classroom with the teacher present. In reporting the attack, the first girl said she screamed then loudly said “No!” when the attack began, but there was no response because the teacher was asleep. A BISD spokesman says the teacher denied the report and that none of the other students in the classroom at the time corroborated the girl’s contention the teacher was sleeping – which raises the obvious question of why she didn’t intervene. The teacher in question is Rebecca Williams, a veteran educator with 35 years of classroom experience who has been employed by BISD since 2000. By all accounts she has had serious health problems in recent years. Some of her fellow employees at the school have sympathy for Williams’ physical condition but expressed concern for the students in her class. “Mrs. Williams has trouble standing up and holds the wall when she walks down the hall,” said one. “Some parents complain because students know they can act crazy in her room – she has lost control of her classroom.” Chargois personally offered sympathy to the parents of those students and promised to work for a solution. Two complicating factors were that the age of the students involved mandated confidentiality in the legal proceedings – and if the teacher was in fact sleeping or otherwise incapacitated and the district knew about the situation, it could be considered gross negligence and make the district liable for civil damages. Nobody said this job was going to be easy. Chargois faces an immediate trial by fire in this case, having to balance the interests of the district, the students and this teacher. Williams should be commended for her service to the district and allowed to retire immediately. The actions of the school principal who allowed this situation to persist knowing of her incapacity should be closely examined. And we should all wish Dr. Timothy Chargois well running the school district that belongs to us all. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner A step backward in health Hypocrisy continues to pre- maceuticals, will be managed vail in Texas, particularly in by private benefit managers. the area of health. Governor Unfortunately, several of these Perry and others continue to also own their own chains of promote the idea of everybody retail pharmacies such as being responsible by their own CVS. These so-called managhealth care by way of insur- ers are now offering contracts ance. Republicans also go that would only reimburse at bonkers by attacking every independent pharmacist rates organization that has per prescription, which ever favored allowing cause the corner druglegal abortions – prostore to lose anywhere tecting the unborn, from $5 to $11 per prethey call it. Unfortuscription. These sonately, at the same called managers are time, the already born attempting to do away do not fare so well. A with the independent recent study has dempharmacy and force onstrated that Texas Texans to either deal Carl leads the nation in Parker with Walgreens, CVS children’s deaths due or mail-order pharmato abuse. This at the cies. The local corner same time the Texas Legisla- drug store is not only a major ture continues to underfund convenience to many Texans, Children’s Protective Servic- but it is a good thing for our es. Our governor and our leg- health. The local pharmacist islators ignore the fact that generally knows his or her Texas also leads the nation in customers, knows their needs, underinsured or uninsured and in addition to filling prechildren. scriptions, can give decent Poor folks in Texas seeking advice related to medications. help with their health are in In most cases the corner pharfor another body blow. Not macist does not require you to only poor folks, but middle- stand in line and treats you class Texans are about to suf- more like a real human than fer a major inconvenience. If simply a number waiting to be the legislative mandate stays served. in place, Texans, particularly Policies being adopted by elderly Texans, can forget the our state at this time will have friendly service of their corner another devastating effect on drug store, as well as home Texas. It will send about delivery of pharmaceuticals. 36,000 jobs out of state. A Texas, through our gover- recent study commissioned by nor, has decreed that Medicaid independent pharmacy groups payments, including for phar- predicted 1,300 stores in Tex- as will be out of business in the next few months. While Texas politicians will tell the public they are looking out for us, it gives me little comfort to know the state law requires only that I have access to a participating drug store within 15 miles of my home and a 24-hour pharmacy within 70 miles of my home. If the way the state of Texas has chosen to deal with Medicaid pharmaceuticals is any indication of future policies, Texans would be ill-served to follow Gov. Perry’s recommendation that we do away with Medicare and simply have the federal government send block grants to the states and let the states devise a plan for health. Such a scenario is almost sure to short Texans even further on health care, even though we now rank near the bottom of all of the states. It seems like the same ol’ rich folks, well connected with the governor’s office, are gonna get richer, and the rest of us will have to shift for ourselves, being at best inconvenienced, and at worst, deprived of adequate health resources. Carl Parker has practiced law in Port Arthur since 1958. He is a 1958 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law. Elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1962 and the Senate in 1976, Parker continued to practice law while writing and sponsoring hundreds of bills that became laws relating to every aspect of life in Texas. Immigration becomes a new story Those who saw mass migration from Mexico as a threat and those who did not all agreed on one thing: It was unstoppable without dramatic action by the federal authorities. They turned out to be wrong about that. The title of a new report from the Pew Hispanic Center, “Net Migration From Mexico Falls to Zero — and Perhaps Less,” says it all. So everyone buckle your seatbelts, if indeed The reason for this more Mexicans are changed pattern matgoing back to Mexico ters most, and activists than crossing into the on the issue have an United States. It would interest in pushing change a whole bunch their own explanaof calculations in prestions. “The anti-immiidential campaigning. grant climate” may Froma account for some of it, And it would make whatever the Supreme Harrop Jennifer Lee of ColoCourt says about Arirado Legal Services zona’s tough immigraSee harrop on page 19 a tion law less consequential. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner Doonesbury By Garry Trudeau 19 A HARROP from page 18 A told The Denver Post. Ignoring, as many advocates do, the difference between legal and illegal, she fools nobody. Immigration-control groups link the trend to a weak economy and lack of jobs. That makes it temporary and thus keeps them in business. To see the changes as permanent, argues Mark Krikorian, executive director at The Center for Immigration Studies, is “wishful thinking by people who just want amnesty.” Which, actually, very few Americans want. While there are those on the far left and the cheap-labor right who “just want amnesty,” they are a minority according to every reputable poll. Most who want to put illegal immigrants “on the path to citizenship” also insist that this amnesty be the last. That means it must be paired with serious workplace enforcement. In any case, this trend is not temporary. Demographers following the plunging birthrates in Mexico have been predicting this day would come for some time. There’s now a sharp reduction in the number of 18- to 35-year-old Mexicans — the age group most likely to come here illegally. “Their number was a huge bulge and is receding,” Roberta Jacobson, assistant secretary in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, told the Association of Opinion Journalists at a State Department briefing on Monday. While rising unemployment is the immediate trigger for the sharp decline in immigration from Mexico, she said, the drop-off in illegal entrants “will probably continue.” The more manageable num- bers can only help advance the sort of comprehensive immigration reform that got wedged into America’s left-right divide. The lower boil could help Republicans seeking Latino votes in swing states moderate much of their party’s no-pity position. Likely presidential nominee Mitt Romney is already softening some harsh views expressed when he needed to appease the party’s base. Another factor in stopping the wave of illegal immigration was beefed-up enforcement, the Pew report noted. President Obama was the first president in decades to start seriously going after employers hiring undocumented workers. Rougher state laws undoubtedly played a part, but some are rather ugly. How preferable that Americans trust the federal government to enforce the immigration laws, which is its job, after all. Could America be close to actually solving one of its vexing problems? Smart reform of our immigration laws would do the following: It would protect our native and legal immigrant workers from unfair competition. It would let us devise an immigration program that meets our need for more skilled workers. And it would restore some peace at the border. Someday, Mexicans and Americans may be able to easily cross into each other’s countries for business, visiting, shopping or dinner. If the pressures at the southern border are starting to ease for sure, then that day may come sooner than we thought. To find out more about Froma Harrop, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www. creators.com. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 20 A Girls like power tools, too By Jennifer Johnson Metro Editor Local volunteers will join women across the United States in an effort to create affordable housing, raising their hammers at Habitat for Humanity construction sites all across the country in recognition of National Women Build Week, scheduled May 5-13. This year’s theme, “The Build Generation,” reflects the event’s goal to recruit and train women volunteers, as well as welcome the next generation of Habitat Women Builders – young women, ages 18-24 – to support Habitat’s mission to create affordable housing, Jefferson County affiliate executive director Uliana Trylowsky said. So far, the message is taking hold. “We did a Women’s Build in 2008, but this is new program promoting activities with women building on a site,” Trylowsky said. “We did have quite a few teams then, but this one is turning out better in terms of interest level. There didn’t seem to be as much excitement in 2008, but I hardly had to work at all to get people to sign up this time.” Trylowsky said the event unofficially kicked off in Beaumont this past Saturday, April 28, at Lowe’s where guests were treated to a one-hour clinic on the proper use of power tools. Lowe’s, which is partnering with Habitat for this build, has also assisted with adding women volunteers to work on the Habitat family’s new home and supplied Habitat for Humanity of Jefferson County with a $5,000 Lowe’s store gift card. Saturday, May 5, the first activity in recognition of National Women Build Week will commence as crews from the Mobiloil Federal Credit Union and ExxonMobil Team hit the construction site at 8:30 a.m. An official kick-off party, featuring exclusive Women Build lip balm as a keepsake, will be held at 3315 Lorilee site in Beaumont at 10 a.m. Monday, May 7. The community is invited to attend the celebration, and interested volunteers can sign up May 7 for future build dates. Teams already slated to put in work on the Habitat home include the Beaumont Board of Realtors Team on Tuesday, May 8; the Lowe’s Team and Jefferson County Women’s Center Team on Wednesday, May 9; the Women’s ACTS Team of Lumberton/Beaumont on Thursday, May 10; and the Mobiloil Federal Credit Union team taking a second shift Saturday, May 12. Friday, May 11, is an Open Build Day, and volunteers are still being accepted for the open call. Trylowsky said, with the help of the Women’s Build, future Habitat homeowner Kim- Courtesy photos Women stepped up at a recent Habitat build, giving an example to those who will follow suit. berly Garret and her children will be in their new home by the end of summer. “(The home) was started in February, so we have the home dried-in and it has siding on it,” Trylowsky said, adding that the homeowner has contributed nearly 300 hours of “sweat equity” into the home herself. “Usually it takes 16-20 weeks to build a home, so we are able to do about three a year. We also do some repairs, build wheelchair ramps, things of that nature.” The home being worked on for the Garrett family is a fourbedroom house, Trylowsky said, and Garrett will assume zero interest mortgage notes to Habitat of Jefferson County upon its completion. “We are going to be in a 20-year relationship,” Trylowsky said. “We want to make our choices for those relationships wisely. We have a direct relationship with them for the life of their mortgage.” Trylowsky said the agency has fared well in choices so far, with less than five foreclosures occurring on Habitat homes in this area over the last 30 years. “I think because our family puts in all this sweat equity, it really gives more a feeling of ownership and pride in their homes,” she said. “They feel they have worked for it, and they are more likely to take pride in it.” Habitat’s National Women Build program recruits, educates and inspires women to build and advocate for simple, decent and affordable houses in their communities with approximately 10,000 female volunteers expected to build at Habitat for Humanity construction sites during the event. But according to Trylowsky, a good volunteer is always appreciated. “We’re always working on something; there’s never a dull moment around here,” she said. “If someone wants to volunteer, there’s always something to volunteer on.” She added that the agency will move on into Port Arthur to construct a home in June. Since 1979, Habitat of Jefferson County has built and sold 110 houses. WORK from page 17 A Controls-Tracer in Port Arthur, received the Workforce Solutions 2011 Star Employer award. The 2011 STAR Child Care Provider award was presented to Creative Learning Center in Beaumont. The Small Business Development Center at Lamar University and FOX 4 News – Job Connection both received the 2011 STAR Partner award. STAR Contractor awards were presented to Lois Cornwell, managing director, Workforce Centers; Imogene Chargois, comanaging director, Workforce Centers; and ChildCareGroup Inc. The Service to Community STAR award was presented to the Orange Workforce Solutions Center. Individual job seekers were also honored for their special achievements with STAR Participant awards. Receiving those awards were Margaret Harris-Junious, Beaumont; Martin Holmes, Port Arthur; Jansen Lewis, Orange; and Jennifer Vigeon, Silsbee. The Workforce Solutions Southeast Texas Board is a business-led group of volunteers that evaluates and oversees the delivery of all workforce training and employment services in Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties. The board’s overall mission is to identify opportunities and create partnerships that effectively link employers and job seekers in order to improve the economic future of the area. Through its centers and mobile unit in Beaumont, Port Arthur, Orange and Silsbee, it brings together a myriad of programs for easy access for employers and job seekers alike. For more information about Workforce Solutions, go to www.setworks.org. 2011 STAR Outstanding Service Awards were presented to Hardin County Judge Billy Caraway (left) and WSSET Board Chair Pat Avery (right). May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 21 A S PORTS Several local footballers head to NFL camps The official start to the 2012 NFL trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. Breeding season is still several months away but is on point as his sire won the Preakseveral local players got the call last ness. He’s hit the board in five or six weekend to join teams as starts but has gotten himself in undrafted free agents or were trouble in several of those racinvited to participate in an es. Best races came in New upcoming camp. York. The only local drafted was former Kelly standout Kheeston Bodemeister: Jockey Mike Randall. Listed at 6-foot-5, 295 Smith and this son of Empire pounds, the senior defensive Maker has the best Beyer Speed The Figures heading into the Derby, tackle was taken by the Miami Dolphins as the eighth pick in which likely makes him the the seventh round, 215th over- Bottom favorite for trainer Bob Baffert. all. Randall started every game Line Smith may take him off the lead during his junior and senior some because he has a front with seasons at the University of Chad Cooper running style horse and there is Texas and had 34 tackles last Sports Editor plenty of early speed in this season. race. This colt looked amazing Two former Ozen standouts, Ben in his win in the Arkansas Derby, and Wells and London Durham, will head he is bred to run all day as his sire won to Washington and Seattle, respective- the Belmont. ly. Wells began his college career at Texas then transferred to Stephen F. Creative Cause: You’re not going Austin where he played defensive back to find a more consistent horse than the last two years. Durham this son of Giant’s Causeway. Joel spent his college Rosario will get the mount for trainer career at McNeese Mike Harrington, whose colt has never State. finished worse than third in all eight Tramain Thom- starts. Beaten only by a length by Hanas, a safety from sen and Union Rags in the Breeders’ East Chambers Cup Juvenile last year at Churchill who played at Downs. Arkansas, signed a free agent contract Daddy Long Legs: Mystery colt with Miami. The who has three wins in five starts, one 6-foot, 205-pound safety led the Razor- in the $2 million UAE Derby. His only backs last season with five intercep- start in the states came last year in the tions. BC Juvenile where he finished 19 Safety Darrell Jenkins, who prepped lengths behind the winner. Colm at Newton, will attend a three-day O’Donoghue will ride for Aidan camp this weekend in Washington. He O’Brien. too played at McNeese State. Daddy Nose Best: The son of Scat Kentucky Derby Daddy began his career as a sprinter, It’s time for the 138th running of the then trainer Steve Asmussen put the most exciting two minutes in sports — colt on the turf for seven races before the Kentucky Derby. Coverage begins winning the Sun Derby at Sunland at 10 a.m. on NBC Sports, which is the Park. Jockey Julien Leparoux has been old Versus Network, and main cover- aboard in the last eight but chose age begins at 4 p.m. on NBC and the Union Rages, so Garrett Gomez gets race will go off at 5:24 p.m. Here are the call. He hasn’t competed against the Top 20 contenders in alphabetical the best of horses, but he should thrive off the fast pace. Could be a good long order: shot to use for exotics. Done Talking: This son of Broken Alpha: Rajiv Maragh will ride the son of Bernardini for the first time for Vow rallied from 13 lengths back to Bodemeister win the Illinois Derby, but don’t read too much into that race. He finished 20 lengths behind Hansen in March, so he will need a big improvement here to compete. Sheldon Russell gets the ride for trainer Hamilton Smith. just two races in 2012? He beat rival Alpha by a neck in his last start, so this could be the horse to beat. Hansen: This gray son of Tapit has never been worse than second in his six starts. He won his first three starts then gave up a lead in the Blue Grass, losing to Dullahan. His front-running style isn’t going to help him in this race. Ramon Dominguez rides for Michael Maker. Dullahan: Veteran rider Kent Desormeaux looked impressive on the son of Even the Score in a nice win in the Blue Grass, but that race came on the Polytrack. Going back three races, he had trouble in the start in the BC Juvenile and rallied to finish fourth, so I’ll Have Another: This $35,000 there is plenty of upside. His 0-3 purchase has never raced outside the record at Churchill is worrisome for state of California. Trained by the trainer Dale Romans. respected Doug O’Neill, Mario Guiterrez rides. I would be shocked if this El Padrino: The son of Pulpit was son of Flower Alley finished first. cruising right along for trainer Todd Pletcher but then threw a clunker in the Liason: Trained by Bob Baffert, Florida Derby. His best win came on a this son of Indian Charlie has not had sloppy track, and the weather looks an easy road in 2012. The colt didn’t perfect for Saturday. Never underesti- finish the Lewis Stakes then finished mate a Pletcher horse, but this one has fourth and sixth, respectively, in the regressed over his last three starts. San Felipe and San Anita Derby. MarRafael Bejarano gets the call. tin Garcia is aboard, but that won’t make a difference here. Gemologist: Now this Pletcher horse doesn’t have a loss on his record. Optimizer: This son of English ChanThe son of Tiznow is a perfect 5-5, and nel just barely had enough graded earnhis Beyer Speed Figure has increased ings to sneak in the Top 20. Positives? in each start. Javier Castellano has See COOPER on page 26 A been in the saddle in his four starts, but DAVID SELF MOTORS 409-296-9600 • 1-800-323-3591 2010 Ford Fusion Gas Saver! 4-cyl., A/C, Auto - $17,999 Financing Available! Deals of the Week! Warranties Hwy. 124 • Winnie • davidselfwinnie.com 2006 Jeep Wrangler 4x4 Hard Top Auto, A/C, 6 cyl., 13k mis. - $20,955 May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 22 A S PORTS Men’s golf team wins conference tournament Senior M.J. Daffue successfully defended his Southland Conference individual title last week at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club, leading the Lamar men’s golf team to the title at the 2012 Southland Conference Championship in McKinney. The Cards needed one playoff hole to capture their 24th team title in men’s golf after starting the final round seven strokes behind Central Arkansas. Lamar shot a final round 292 (+4) on the par-72, 7,346yard Pete Dye Signature Course to catch UCA and force the playoff. Senior Kevin Hesbois, who helped the Cardinals win their last team title in 2009, knocked down a 10-foot birdie putt on the first playoff hole to get the Cards out to the lead. None of the five UCA players could manage a birdie, and Lamar claimed the crown after Daffue tapped in for the clinching par. “This is a very difficult golf course, so I thought we would do well since it’s a ball striking golf course and that’s what we’re good at,” said head coach Brian White. “I told the guys all we can do is go out and play a great round. If we shoot even par, we’d have a good chance to win. It was stressful to go into the playoff because we actually had built a four-stroke lead and then gave it back as we had three guys three putt on 17. It’s very satisfying to get this win, though, because I believed we had the best team coming in.” Daffue had already locked up the individual title, becoming the first player to success- behind both Stephen F. Austin and Northwestern State, who are tied for the eighth. The top eight teams will advance to the conference tournament on May 23-26. The Cards will play their final non-conference game of the season on May 8 when they visit Houston Baptist (1824) at 3 p.m. Lamar defeated HBU 6-5 at home back on March 13 and lead the all-time series 19-9. Football Photo by Rick Yeatts fully defend his individual title since McNeese State’s Tim Graham won three straight from 1977-79. The 2011 Southland Conference Player of the Year finished the 54-hole tournament at even-par 216. Other LU golfers that competed were freshman Luke Jerling (T5, 223), senior Xavier Feyaerts (T7, 224), senior Kevin Hesbois (T20, 230) and redshirt junior Erik Knudsen (T29, 235). The win gives the Cardinals the Southland Conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Regionals. Lamar has gone to 10 of the last 11 NCAA Regionals as a team. The league then announced the all-conference team and Lamar was the only school to have four players on the unit. Daffue was named first team, while Jerling and Feyaerts were named to second team and Hesbois to the third team. LAMAR LOOP Jerling was also honored as Freshman of the Year. “I was disappointed M.J. did not win Player of the Year,” said White, who earned his third Coach of the Year award. “It’s beyond me that a player could win the conference championship and two other major college events against unbelievable competition and not be voted Player of the Year. In my mind, he’s certainly Player of the Year.” Southeastern Louisiana’s Philipp Westermann, who finished third at the conference tournament, was named Player of the Year. Baseball The Cards won their second consecutive conference series when they defeated rival McNeese State in two of three home games last weekend at Vincent-Beck Stadium. Lamar won the first and third games by the scores of 4-1 and 6-0, respectively, while losing the middle game 5-4. In the 6-0 win, junior righthander Eric Harrington pitched his league-leading fourth complete game with a five-hit shutout, which included five strikeouts and one walk. After his performance, the SLC named him the Pitcher of the Week on April 30. Junior first baseman Brad Picha was honorable mention for Hitter of the Week. Picha went 6-11 with 4 RBI in the three-game series with McNeese State and is currently first on the team in RBI with 28 and third in batting average (.291). The Cardinals (18-24 overall, 10-14 Southland) open a three-game series at Texas State (25-17, 13-11) at 6:30 p.m. on May 4. LU leads the all-time series, 39-27, but Texas State is 16-3 at home this season and defeated Lamar two of three times last season, outscoring the Cards 23-14. Lamar is tied with Texas A&M – Corpus Christi for ninth, which is one game back Receiver Marcus Jackson became the first Lamar University football player since the sport returned to the university in 2010 to sign an NFL contract when he signed a free-agent deal with the Atlanta Falcons on April 29. From Tyler, Jackson caught 24 passes for 432 yards and six touchdowns in nine games for the Cardinals last season after missing two games with an ankle injury. In his two seasons at Lamar, Jackson hauled in 65 passes for 1,159 yards and 14 touchdowns. Jackson played for Lamar coach Ray Woodard at Navarro College before coming to Lamar after Woodard accepted the LU job. “I’m very excited for Marcus,” Woodard said. “It’s a great opportunity for him. He’ll give it everything he’s got. With his athleticism and intelligence, he has a good chance.” Jackson turned in a strong performance for pro scouts at Lamar’s pro day in March. “I want to thank Marcus for all he has done for me and for our program,” Woodard said. “It’s something special for him to be the first player from our See LAMAR on page 26 A proudly SErving our community SincE 1974 Rebates & tax CRedits available Residential Heating & Cooling CommeRCial & industRial installation & RepaiR FaCtoRy tRained teCHniCians www.reedservice.com #TACLA003287C 4725 Washington Blvd. • Beaumont 24 Hour Emergency Service 409-842-0336 wE SErvicE all makES & modElS. reedservice@reedservice.com Free In-home Estimates May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner S PORTS Wild horse and burro adoption The U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will hold a wild horse and burro adoption at Ford Park on Interstate 10 in Beaumont May 3-5. The three-day event will feature more than 50 spectacular animals. These are adult and yearling horses and burros that once roamed free on public lands in the West. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range in order to maintain healthy herds and to protect other rangeland resources. The adoption program is essential for achieving these important management goals. Adoption begins with a competitive bid Thursday, May 3, at 2 p.m. First-come-first-served adoptions follow until 6, then again Friday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, May 5, from 8 a.m. to noon. Application approval is required and can be done on site. To qualify to adopt, one must be at least 18 years old with no record of animal abuse. Adopters must have a minimum of 400 square feet of corral space per animal, with free access to food, water and shelter. A 6-foot corral fence is required for adult horses and 5 feet for yearlings. All animals must be loaded in covered stocktype trailers with swing gates and sturdy walls and floors. BLM staff will be on hand to assist with the short application process, answer any questions and load horses. The standard adoption fee is $125, as set by law. Bidding will start at that amount. BLM pays a one-time $500 careand-feeding allowance to adopters of horses at least four years old. The allowance is paid in full after one year when adopters receive official ownership title for their horse or horses. All standard adoption conditions and fees apply. A limited number of eligible horses will be available. Younger horses, burros and trained animals are not eligible for this incentive. For more information, call (866) 468-7826 or visit www.blm.gov/ nm/oklahoma. 23 A Taylors Toastin Papa holds strong in John Alleman Memorial Stakes Taylors Toastin Papa (inside) holds off Heza Gonna Dash in the John Alleman Memorial. By Chad Cooper Sports Editor The 2012 quarter horse season at Delta Downs opened with two stakes races and two sets of trials last weekend. Opening night, Taylors Toastin Papa won the $50,000 John Alleman Memorial Stakes (restricted Grade 3) by leading gate to wire and holding off last year’s winner Heza Gonna Dash by a neck April 27. Under the guidance of veteran rider Donald Watson and trainer Kevin Broussard, the 5-year-old son of Toast to Dash covered the 350 yards in 17.480 for a speed index of 95. The 2-1 favorite returned $6.80 on a $2 wager. Blue Louisiana Jolla was another neck back for third. The race was restricted for Louisiana bred 3-year-old and older. The victory by Taylors Toastin Papa marked the eighth of his 26-race career and his second consecutive stakes win for owner Gerald Libersat, for career earnings of $157,541. Also held last Friday were two trials for the $66,400 Alabama Futurity for 2-year-old Alabama bred runners at 330 yards. The fastest time belonged to Alabama Eye Man in 17.160 with Donell Blake riding for trainer Ray Robbins. The remaining nine qualifiers including time, jockey and trainer are Sneaky Quick (17.169, Jesse Chavis, Trey Ellis); Catch a Heart (17.193, John Hamilton, Doug Weeks); Wendels Halo (17.337, J.R. Ramirez, Ray Robbins); The Punkin (17.337, Jerry Yoakum, Bobby Nixon); All American Halo (17.389, Alfonso Lujan, Danny Joe Eldridge); Roll a Six (17.441, Raul Ramirez Jr., Darrel Soileau); Ks Thunder Tiger (Jesse Chavis, Buddy Baker); Kisses for Papa (17.757, Orlando Baldillez, Ray Robbins); and Sl the Magic Won (17.814, Alfonso Lujan, Danny Joe Eldridge). The final will be held May 19. Opening weekend was closed out with the $22,100 Delta Dash on April 28 and the short 250-yard dash was won by Eyesa Western with jockey Randy Edison in the saddle for trainer/owner Anireal Chavira. Photos by Coady Photography Eyesa Western rallied to win the Delta Dash with jockey Randy Edison in the saddle The 7-year-old Texas-bred son of Eyesa Special broke second in a full field of 10 then rallied to win by a neck over 25-1 long shot Louisianaschoolboy in 13.041 (101 speed index). Heza Gand Ds Dash finished third. The win by the 3-2 favorite marked the ninth of his 51-race career with earnings of $102,840. The undercard saw six trials for the $85,195 Louisiana Graduation Stakes, which will also be held May 19 for 3- and 4-year-old Louisiana bred non-winners going 350 yards. The fastest runner was Jls Game Boy in 17.426 with Raul Ramirez Jr. riding for Darrel Soileau. The remaining nine qualifiers are Sheezespeciallyfast (17.487, Donald Watson, Kevin Broussard); Lil Jess Oak (17.631, Donald Watson, Kevin Broussard); Maxed Out Game (17.648, John Hamilton, Heath Taylor); Redhot Patriot Jet (17.648, Jose Vega, Francisco Vega); Dd Gold Digger (17.695, Eddie Cox, Phillip Calais Jr.); Toast to Rose (17.703, Raul Ramirez Jr., Miguel Rodriguez); Eyesa Fast Dash (17.719, Martin Rubalcava, Guadalupe Garza Jr.); Sheza Dashin Ash (17.725, John Hamilton, Heath Taylor); and Silver Express (17.752, John Hamilton, Kenny Roberts). Trials Trials, trials and more trials will be held this racing week at Delta Downs as seven will take place May 3 for the $81,002 Old South Futurity for open bred 2-year-olds racing at 330 yards. The Old South Futurity was last held in 1993 and was once a premier event on the quarter horse racing circuit. The final will be held Friday, May 25. There will be 11 trials on May 4 for the $252,317.50 Louisiana Lassie Futurity for 2-year-old Louisiana bred fillies at 330 yards and 10 trials on May 5 for the $225,337.50 Laddie Futurity, which is for Louisiana bred 2-year-old colts and geldings at 330 yards. The finals of each will be held Saturday, May 26. Live racing continues every Wednesday-Saturday with a first post time at 6:45 p.m. There’s an exception on Saturday, which is the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby. First post time this Saturday is 6:15 p.m. The 138th running of the Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 5, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. This first leg of the Triple Crown series has a post time of 5:24 p.m. Coverage begins at 4 p.m. on NBC. Chad Cooper can be reached at (409) 832-1400, ext. 241, or by e-mail at cooper@theexaminer.com. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 24 A S PORTS Keep a shotgun handy East Texas squirrel season open through May 31 be instant lights out. That hot bullet might be just a little bit overkill, but is works fine. I do not recommend using any rifle other than an air rifle if you are hunting on public land. Those little .22 bullets can travel a long distance and become a hazard to others that are in the woods. It does not make for a pleasant hunting trip to hear whining ricocheted bullets coming from nearby. The answer to this problem is the use of either one of the new powerful air rifles or a scattergun. The shotgun has long been the more popular choice for squirrel hunting. That’s especially the case where the little .410 or 28 gauge is selected. Both of these guns are great, especially in leafy woods, for See HALFIN on page 27 A 25th Silver Anniversary Saturday, May 19, 2012 8:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. • Registration 8:00 A.M. One in One Hundred Gun Club $75 Until May 18th, 2012 50 Bird Shoot $100 on May 19th, 2012 100 Bird Optional 4 or 5 Man Teams $50 Sponsorships • For more information, call DUBC Headquarters 409-835-7943 Range “FUN SHOOT” ooting Sh Leger’s Even though it seems that fewer According folks are squirrel hunters now, the to the season is open in most East Texas TPWD, counties as of May 1. Out in the Hill the gray Country, there is no closed season squirrel is for squirrels. Hunters that enjoy still smaller or stand hunting during the Hill and faster Country deer season will normally than the see numerous fox squirrels. East fox squirTexas offers both fox squirrels and rel, and its gray squirrels, depending to the type agility and of terrain where you are hunting. skittishWith so much green vegetation ness have now on the trees, seeing a squirrel given it a may be difficult. That’s especially second the case when it lies flat and holds name – cat tight to a big limb. Windy days are squirrel. especially tough on hunting. During dead still mornings or afternoons it is possible to locate the bushy tails at fairly long distances. Whenever the years, the .22 rifle has been a they are active on still days, it is choice squirrel stopper. They are possible to not only see the squirrels relatively inexpensive to shoot, and move but also the leaves shake. youngsters can enjoy using them. The .22 caliber has no recoil Many times I have heard to speak of. I’ve had good them in the trees long before success hunting squirrels I could see them. using all of the three bullets For the outdoors folks that offered. Shorts, long or long enjoy both hunting and fishrifle ammo are all squirrel ing, and there are a good getters. Even some of the number of us, it is possible to low velocity bullets do fine. I enjoy either fishing at dawn or dusk and hunting during Billy Halfin do prefer to use hollow mid-morning or mid-after- Outdoors points when using a .22 caliber for small game. The holnoon. On the other hand, low points seem to make some folks might choose to be squirrel hunting at dawn and then more clean kills. The .22 caliber heading afloat. Either way there is magnum is much more powerful than the regular .22 caliber. Ammo plenty of action available now. Deciding what type of firearm to is much more expensive to buy, use can depend upon the type of though. When a .22 magnum hollow area that you plan to hunt in. Over point hits a squirrel, it will definitely Quality Guns & scopes We give CHL Classes & Renewals We Sight in Rifles Tuesday - Saturday • 10am - 5:30pm 409-866-0871 • 409-860-GUNS CARLITO’S A TASTE OF MEXICO FOR THOSE WHO LIKE IT HOT 2610 COLLEGE BEAUMONT 409-839-8011 Texas Offroad & Suspension • Lifts • Drops • BeDLiners • tint • ALL Accessories • suspension service (ALL vehicLes) 203 S. Hwy. 69 • nederland 409-727-3804 May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 25 A S PORTS CCA TEXAS STAR TEXAS FORD DEALERS TILSON HOMES CAPITAL FARM CREDIT 2012 STATE OF TEXAS ANGLER’S RODEO Including STARKID and STARTEEN Divisions! Robert Sloan photo Kayaks come in all shapes and sizes, and there is more gear for them than you can imagine. The right kayak for the job Kayaking is the go-to adventure sport in Southeast Texas. It’s relatively cheap to get into, you don’t have to buy gas and you don’t have to pay a boat registration fee each year. The kayak craze began over a decade ago in Texas and has swept across the state with a tidal wave of enthusiasm. It’s really became popular in East and Southeast Texas because we have so many places to use them. Some of the top spots are Keith Lake, McFaddin National Robert Sloan Wildlife Refuge, the Neches River, Village Creek, Sam Ray- Outdoors burn and Toledo Bend. So where do you start with a kayak? For the fisherman and hunter, you want a well-rounded kayak that adapts to a variety of conditions by combining small kayak maneuverability with long kayak speed and plenty of storage. For example, let’s take a look at the Ocean Kayak Trident Angler. It’s 13 feet long and weighs 56 pounds. You can buy this yak in camouflage or khaki colors. It comes with a comfortable seat, two flush mount rod holders, adjustable foot braces, a large bow hatch and a large tank well behind your seat. Buy this yak and you’re ready for trout and reds along the coast, and bass, crappie and catfish on the lakes and rivers. And with the camo model, you’re good to go for duck hunts on the lakes and the coastal marshes. There are a few things you definitely want to pay close attention to when buying a kayak. They include a comfortable seat, plenty of storage, a good paddle and a rudder. See SLOAN on page 26 A The latest in kayaking? Less paddling, of course. The Hobie MirageDrive kayak folks have a new idea – get rid of the paddle. Welcome to the world of the Hobie MirageDrive. The ungainly paddle is replaced by the sheer efficiency of the pedal. With the largest human muscle group now in play, kayaking becomes easier and more efficient than ever. Two pedals drive a pair of underwater fins – much like a penguin’s flippers. Whether snapping up to speed with a quick burst or steadily covering expanses of water, the MirageDrive allows effortless freedom and function. The MirageDrive has revolutionized kayak fishing. How? It has freed up your hands for fishing and allows you to fish more efficiently as you maneuver your kayak with your feet. This efficient mechanism allows you to go faster and further with less effort than a paddle and the entire time you can have your fishing pole in your hands. CC Mem A b Ages ers 6-17 Fis h ST FREEAR ! $ 1,000,000 IN PRIZES & SCHOLARSHIPS MAY 26 – SEPT 3 12 DIVISIONS 20 BOATS 5 TRUCKS Sign up for STAR no later than May 25, 2012 to be automatically entered in the STAR “EARLY BIRD” drawing for fabulous prizes including a SHOALWATER 21’ CAT, MERCURY 150 L Optimax Motor, and McCLAIN Trailer (courtesy of MillerCoors) Must be 21 years of age or older to be eligible to win the BOAT PACKAGE. By entering the CCA TEXAS STAR you have a chance to win a 2012 FORD F-150 “TEXAS EDITION” XLT SuperCab, Boats, Prizes, Scholarships and more! (PHOTOS ARE FOR REPRESENTATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY) Entry Forms Available at: Texas Ford Dealers, Capital Farm Credit locations, Shipley Do-Nuts locations Instant Entry Available at: Academy Sports + Outdoors, Peggy on the Bayou, SGS Causeway, Sportsmans Supply, Stingaree Marina 713.626.4222 ccatexas.org startournament.org May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 26 A S PORTS SLOAN from page 25 A dle. This is a lightweight high tech paddle that can be broken down into two pieces. The best paddle manufacturers push the envelope using the latest materials, processes and design innovations to produce the most efficient and reliable kayak paddles. This is where you don’t want to go cheap – buy the very best paddle you can afford. And while you’re in the buying mode, don’t forget a good pair of gloves. A rudder is your best friend on a kayak. It keeps you going straight when paddling from point A to point B. In short, don’t buy a yak without a rudder. It used to be that most kayaks were sold with rudders. Nowadays it’s an option that might cost a couple hundred bucks. Pull the trigger on the rudder and you’ll be much happier. You can control the rudder with hand or foot controls. What I’ve come to depend upon when yaking is to stuff most of my loose gear in a waterproof zip up bag. In that bag I’ll have a towel, flashlight, GPS unit, a change of dry clothes, mosquito repellent, sun screen, cell phone, camera, first aid kit, flare kit, an extra hat, munchies and, of course, toilet paper. I don’t leave home without that bag. It’s a lifesaver. Something else that kayakers have picked up on are the soft sided coolers that can be used for stashing water and energy drinks. They also make handy coolers for transporting fish. That’s enough to get you started. Other gadgets you might want to check out include an anchor, running lights, a paddle leash, racks for transportation, a GPS holder, depth finder and the list goes on and on … Seat comfort tops my list. An uncomfortable seat will drive you crazy and leave you with an aching back at the end of the day. Remember this – when kayaking, you’ll be doing lots of sitting. My favorite kayak and the one I’ve had for a number of years is the 12 foot Native Watercraft. I like it for various reasons, but topping the list is its first-class seating. It’s almost like a lawn chair. It’s built with a suspension mesh stretched over a lightweight aluminum frame. You can actually remove it from the yak for sitting around a campfire or having a shore lunch. Also, while in the boat, your butt will stay dry. Another kayak that has taken comfortable seating to new heights is the Nucanoe Frontier. You can actually clamp a padded swivel seat into the cockpit. Sweeeeet! When it comes to storage, you’ve got two options. One is a covered hatch; the other is an open tank well. The Tarpon 140 Angler comes with fore and aft covered hatches. That’s good, but makes getting to fishing tackle cumbersome. The best option is to go with a forward hatch and open tank at the stern. Or you can go with the Native Watercraft option, which is like a canoe – wide open. The only disadvantage to an open cockpit is that if you roll over, you lose some gear. You might think that a paddle is well, a paddle. NOT! They are kind of like fishing poles. Some are hightech, lightweight and a joy to use. Others are like swinging a mud-filled bamboo pole around all day. One of the best I’ve used Robert Sloan can be reached is the H2O Performance Pad- by e-mail at sloan288@aol.com. Lone Star Indoor Gun Range concealed Handgun licenSe Hours: Tues - Fri 10am - 7pm • Sat 10am - 6pm 409.755.4867 • 4940 Hwy. 69 • Lumberton • Lonestargunrange.net Take Charge Indy: Never overlook any horse in the Derby that’s ridden by Calvin Borel. His front running style is a tad concernfrom page 21 A ing, but this son of A.P. Indy has been improvHe’s trained by Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. ing since his fifth-place finish in the BC JuveThis colt really has no business running the nile last November. Could be a player with race. Will have the highest odds on the board, decent odds. at least 50-1. Trinniberg: This son of Teuflesberge has Prospective: He finished 13th in the BC never race further than 7 furlongs, and he has Juvenile last year at Churchill, and his wins one running style — fast. If he shakes lose and have come in Tampa Bay and Canada. Another no one challenges him, then maybe, just maysuper long shot. Luis Contreras will ride the be. I don’t think that scenario happens, and this son of Malibu Moon for Mark Casse. horse will be done before they get to the halfmile pole. Rousing Sermon: This son of Lucky Union Rags: Trained by Michael Matz, the Pulpit has two wins son of Dixie Union will likely be the co-favor— a maiden special ite with Bodemeister. He began his career by weight at Delmar and dominating in three starts then began his a $100,000 stakes at 3-year-old campaign by romping in the FounSanta Anita. Top Beytain of Youth. He came rolling late in the Florer Speed Figure was a 91, and that came at ida Derby but came up just a length short Hollywood Park. Doesn’t stand a chance. behind Hansen. Going to be tough. Julien Leparoux had his choice of a few horses and Sabercat: I love this horse for a couple of wanted this one. reasons. For one, I watched him win the $1 Went the Day Well: The son of Proud Citimillion Delta Jackpot last November with zen began his career in England then went to friend Gerard Melancon in the saddle. I was Florida and won the Spiral Stakes. I like jockey disappointed in trainer Steve Asmussen, who John Velazquez, and Graham Motion is a top didn’t give the mount to Gerard; instead Corey notch trainer, but I need to see more here. Will Nakatani has ridden this son of Bluegrass Cat be his fourth start of the year, so this colt in the last two races. After an ugly eighth in the should be fit. Rebel Stakes, this colt improved to finish third in just his second start of the year. I would love Coop’s pick: Bodemeister for this horse to claim victory, but he will need Chad Cooper can be reached at (409) 832-1400, rapid early quarter-mile fractions. ext. 241, or by e-mail at cooper@theexaminer.com. COOPER LAMAR from page 22 A program to sign with an NFL team. Hopefully, we’ll have many more in the future.” Quarterback Jeremy Johnson has decided to transfer after one season at Lamar. Johnson, who spent a redshirt season at West Virginia before playing at Lamar last year, has three years of eligibility remaining. “This is a decision he feels is best for him,” said Woodard. “I wish him luck. We will continue to build and coach the players that want to be here at Lamar University.” The former Silsbee High School star appeared in six games for the Cardinals last season, completing 16 of his 36 passes for 225 yards with three touchdowns and one interception. Johnson also rushed for 217 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The move leaves Lamar with two quarterbacks – redshirt sophomore Caleb Berry Examiner file photo and junior college transfer Marcus Jackson scored Lamar’s first touchdown in 2010 Ryan Mossakowski. against McNeese State. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 27 A S PORTS Sale Ends May15th HALFIN from page 24 A taking squirrels. Larger gauges do fine. It’s just that they have many more pellets than are necessary to kill a squirrel. I prefer to use No. 6 shot, 3-inch .410 ammo for squirrels. For the younger hunters, the short brass ammo will do just fine with little recoil. OK, so now it’s time to head into the woods in search of some squirrel stew, dumplings or just plain fried squirrel. There are, however, several woods dwellers that could make your hunt uncomfortable. There are those banana spiders that build their webs across walking trails. I don’t believe that they will actually harm you, but they could make me harm myself trying to get them off me. There are also plenty of ticks and chiggers (redbugs) out this year. Deer ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, which is a bad scene. I recommend spraying any opening in your clothes with a strong repellant such as Off. Last, but certainly not least, is that the snakes are on the move. Wooded brush areas should be checked closely before walking through them. Also check closely before reaching for a dead squirrel to retrieve it. Sometimes those big rattlesnakes eat squirrels. Copperheads are much more common in the woods, but there could be cottonmouth water moccasins around creeks and sloughs. Any wooded area that holds water may be good places to check closely before crossing. I can’t finish this article without notifying the flounder anglers that a fair run is taking place in and around Lake Sabine. Lead-head jigs with grubs, plastics and tipped with shrimp are good choices. The new Nearly Alive has come to the front as a fluke catcher. Billy Halfin can be reached by e-mail at bhalfinoutdoors@aol. com. Fragrances, Jewelry and Handbags All Reg. Priced Styles Brighton Not Included 15% off Ladies Tops All Regular Priced Items Choose From a Variety of Styles! Wrangler Ladies Jeans Aura, Premium Patch, Rock 47 and Ultimate Riding Jeans Regular $36.99 & Up 5 $ off Yellow Box Sandals $39.99 – $89.99 Grazie Sandals All Regular Priced Styles $39.99 – $89.99 10% off Justin Gypsy Ladies Boots Regular $79.99 Choose From Lots of Styles! 6999 $ Corral Ladies Boots All Regular Priced Snip & Square Toe Styles Reg $169.99 – $399.99 10% off All Other Ladies Boots & Shoes • Take an Extra 10% off our Everyday Low Prices Beaumont • 409-347-1770 • 6185 Eastex Freeway On U.S. Hwy. 69 • In front of Parkdale Mall Store Hours: Mon. – Sat. 9am – 9pm, Sun. 12 – 6pm S H O P O N L I N E AT C AV E N D E R S . C O M Now Availa ble in Girls Size s! Large Selection of Ladies Sizes 12-19 May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner S E X I S T W R I T T A D S A N E T H I S S P E N H S P O T S E P T A L P I X Y W O V E U S E R D G O O U K G E N E E E R E D K T R N E H E E N E L I E S I S S S A K S T A E I E C R L E E S T A N I R T O N E T W O E R A L D O R A A S E S E S U L R A A T S E I A V A S T Y S O F A T S H T E E W A T B A T M Y H E R O R E M S G A G E L E T I O T I R A D K O I E N N A C A A R V N E A I V E S E E T T H C A N A T O S O C H R E A S N E R A V T A I N T T O V E C S O S E O S T E O I D C A S O V E L O T D W I W A N A L R S A B H E S A R C N U E O P S I T S E N E S I X N O W O V E N E S T O L O I S I S N T M O S S E I N E A R N O H A I R E E L E R S U N U N U U I R D I O T O O D F L A T S E N N A D E E R S T E T I T E M T E S T E R HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS A M E L I A Crossword solution – Puzzle on page 37 A 28 A Pet of the week COMMUNITY LISTINGS Secret artists’ create works at AMSET’ It has been two years since the last unveiling of the Art Museum of Southeast Texas’ (AMSET) Treasure Auction. On Thursday, May 10, AMSET will reveal a spectacular collection of decorative fine art created by this area’s most talented “artists in hiding” at The Secret Artist in You: Treasure Auction 2012. Chaired by Melanie Dishman and Albert Nolen, The Secret Artist in You will feature fine art, paintings, drawings, mixed media and sculpture. Nearly 20 masterpieces will be painted, sculpted and drawn by the area’s most talented artists including Colleen Burns, Carlo Busceme IV, Lynn Castle, Robert Clark and Jerry Thacker, David Dishman, William Elliot, Scott Fisher, Suzanne Garrett, David Granitz, Annie Green, Jamie Paul Kessler, Greg Landry, Summer Lydick, Tim Robtoy, Elena Sandovici, Michael Snowden, and Adele Wells. Artwork will be on view in AMSET Café Arts on May 4 through May 9 for sealed, silent bidding. Each piece in the live auction on May 10 will open with the highest sealed bid and go to the highest bidder. Guests are invited to the museum at 6:30 p.m. for cocktails and dinner. The live auction, with professional auctioneer Scott Droddy, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Reservations are $35 per person for AMSET members and $40 per person for non-members, and includes admission, dinner, drinks and a roaring good time. Funds raised at The Secret Artist in You: Treasure Auction 2012 will support the museum’s educational programs and upcoming exhibitions. For more information, log on to www.amset. org or call (409) 832-3432. 7th annual Kinsel Ford Beaumont Jazz+Blues Fest Come meet me at Adopt-a-thon this Saturday, May 5, at the Humane Society of Southeast Texas! I am one of the many pets in need of a home. My name is Gretchen, and I am back at the shelter because my new owners are getting a divorce. I am a 6-month-old spayed female golden retriever/Lab mix. I weigh 36 pounds and will be a medium-size girl when full grown. I was originally dumped in the shelter parking lot by my first owner. I’m beginning to think no one will ever love me. I am good with other dogs and children. I am very sweet and shy. I will make a great family pet. Please come see me and give me a forever home. Adoption is $95 for mixed breed dogs and puppies, and $150 for pure breeds. All animals will be spayed or neutered before going to their new home. For information, call (409) 833-0504 or visit 2050 Spindletop Ave. in Beaumont. Pet of the week sponsored by A l l P Aw s V e t e r i n a ry C l i n i C Suzi Hahn, DVM 409-838-2510 • In front of Humane Society Jazz legend Najee will headline the seventh annual Kinsel Ford Beaumont Jazz+Blues Fest presented by the City of Beaumont and the Southeast Texas Arts Council on Saturday, May 12, at the Beaumont Civic Center. Door proceeds benefit the Southeast Texas Arts Council. It will be a full evening of jazz and blues artists Texas Johnny Brown, Jack Edery & Ultrasuede featuring Paul Orta, Barbara Lynn, Mad Maude & The Hatters, Briefcase Blues – Blues Brothers Tribute, Jimmy Simmons, Dean James, The Robert White Band, The Flava Band, and Silas Feemster. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Reserved seating is $15 and $10. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, the Beaumont Civic Center and all Ticketmaster outlets. Call (409) 838-3435 ext 1. Visit www.beaumontjazzfest.com for a schedule and list of performers. For more information on Najee, visit www.najeemusic. com. Pancakes for Tigers Munchie’s Olé of Silsbee will host a Pancake Breakfast on Tuesday, May 8, to support local youth furthering their education. Funds raised will be used as scholarship money for Silsbee High School grads. Tickets are $10 each. Munchie’s Olé offered to host the event, donating food and time, and local leaders including Sheriff Ed Cain and wife Sonia Cain, Mayor Hebert Muckleroy and wife Mary Muckleroy, and Silsbee ISD Superintendent Richard Bain will participate in the event by waiting tables. Call Dianne Wright at (409) 880-5876 for advance tickets Spindletop Spin Approaching its seventh year, the impact of the Spindletop Spin continues to exceed expectations. The Spindletop Spin will kick off with four routes Saturday, June 2, at 7 a.m. with hundreds of riders from across Texas and Louisiana lined up under the Crockett Street arch. The bicycling adventure features 16, 27, 53 and 100-mile routes for the avid cyclist to the amateur rider. For more information, contact Cindy Torrans at www.spindletopspin.com or (409) 839-2332. Gladys City celebrating of Beaumont before the boom Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum will be the site of a rowdy and raucous celebration of Beaumont before the boom, The Boomtown Ruckus, on Saturday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the museum grounds. “The Ruckus is our chance to tip our hats to Beaumont history from the Civil War to just before the oil boom of 1901,” said museum director Mark Osborne. “From cowboys to cattle ranching and soldiers to shootouts, we have packed the day with something for everyone.” The day will feature activities for children and adults, including re-enactments of robberies, shootouts and other scenarios involving lawmen, outlaws and saloon girls. Some of the “outlaws” will face a jury of their peers in mock trials presided over by Jefferson County Precinct 7 Justice of the Peace Brad Burnett with local attorney Charlie Shelton acting as prosecutor and event goers serving as the jury. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors 60 and older, and $2 for children 12 and younger. Anyone registering for the contests in advance, as well as the children’s bicycle parade, will receive free admission. Likewise, anyone attending the Ruckus in period costume will receive free admission. Free spaces for non-profit food vendors and local artisans are available. Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum is on Highway 69 at University Drive in Beaumont. For more information, visit www. gladyscity.org or contact the museum at (409) 880-1750 or info@gladyscity.org. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 29 A Modern Convertible: 2012 Volvo C70 Michele Brooke Auto Writer The 2012 Volvo C70 is a head turner. As much an elegant coupe as a sporty convertible, the C70 is dressed in sharp, clean lines. The C70 reveals traces of the S60 unveiled in early 2010. This brings the C70 closer to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The headlamps and the décor around the fog lamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced. From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting “V.” The enlarged iron mark and the enlarged air intake reinforce its astute look, while the shoulder line swings up towards the rear to give an impression of dynamism. panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look, and the surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality. The exclusive instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car’s premium feeling has been emphasized still further. The seats are upholstered in soft hide and attention to the finish of the various details makes driving a more pleasurable experience. Center stack The center stack’s floating theme flows smoothly with similar elegant, soft curves all the way to the rear seat. The storage space between the seats 19-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the has also been designed with the help of open road. Scandinavian design tradition’s most renowned hallmark: smart functional- C70 Inscription ity. Our Volvo C70 included the Inscription Package, which is like icing on the Engine cake. The Inscription Package ups the The Volvo C70 utilizes a 2.5L 5-cyl- power to an impressive 250 horseinder double overhead-cam turbo with power and 275 pound-feet of torque. intercooler engine. This engine proOutside, the C70 Inscription Step Inside duces 227 horsepower at 5,000 rpm includes a number of head turning The interior creates a unique ambi- and 236 pound-feet of torque at 1,500- design features. A unique gloss-black ence in the Volvo C70. The instrument 4,800 rpm. Fuel economy averages grille slots beautifully between active 2012 Volvo C70 dual Xenon headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights. Chrome surrounds the headlights and grille, giving the car a truly distinctive face. Stunning 18-inch black “Midir” wheels incorporate polished rims and spokes. The C70 Inscription is available in just two colors: Ice White and Black Sapphire Metallic. Beautiful Scandinavian design has been a hallmark of the C70’s interior See auto on page 30 a 2010 PONTIAC G6 2010 JEEP LIBERTY 2008 BUICK LUCERNE 2010 DODGE CHARGER 2011 DODGE RAM 2009 GMC SIERRA May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 30 A Another competitor for expensive telephone service As a user of alternative telephone services for several years, I have been very satisfied with their performance. All of them use some variety of VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, to send voice-grade telephone conversations over the Internet, terminating at the recipient’s local phone service (landline or cellular), which ultimately connects the call to his or her local phone. Over the years I have used the voice features of Yahoo! Messenger, Google Phone, MagicJack and netTALK, and found the best to use were Google Phone and netTALK. I use Google Phone as an adjunct to my cell phone and to make long distance calls from work without incurring significant long distance phone charges. From home, for almost two years, I have been using a netTALK DUO (the DUO signifies that it works either by a direct connection to a router or to a live USB port), and have been very satisfied with its cost, functionality, clear call quality, and most of all, its U.S.-based live technical support. Almost two years ago I wrote about the then new netTALK DUO, which eclipsed its main competitor, MagicJack, because it could work without a computer (connected directly to a network port on a router) and was fax compatible. While both MagicJack and netTALK DUO offered unlimited local and long distance calling for a low annual flat rate (about $25 to $30 per year), I switched from Magic- Ira Wilsker Technology Jack to the netTALK DUO because the MagicJack model available at that time required an active USB connection in order to send and receive calls, and since I shut down my computer when it is not being used for a period of time, I lost my telephone connection for much of the day. Since the netTALK DUO connected directly to my router, it was always on even when my computer was shut down, giving it a distinct advantage over the MagicJack. Just to be fair, sometime after I switched to the netTALK DUO, MagicJack came out with a new model that offers similar connectivity (USB or router) as the DUO. In the time that I have been using the netTALK DUO, it has almost always functioned flawlessly, allowing me to conserve cell phone minutes by using the DUO from home during prime minutes, and also using my DUO connection to send and receive faxes, both local and long distance. It would be totally practical and feasible to “Fire your phone company,” a slogan used by netTALK, and use the device as a sole or primary home phone service without a hardwired connection to the local phone company, enabling substantial savings. I pay my local phone company more for a month’s local phone service than I pay netTALK for a year of unlimited local and long distance phone service! Once set up, my wired and cordless home phones connect to my netTALK DUO device as easily as plugging them into a wall jack. The only time that I lost phone connectivity with my DUO over the past two years was when an automatic “push” software upgrade to my DUO failed, causing it to lose its connection. I contacted netTALK’s technical support, and they remotely upgraded my device, restoring service. I sent an e-mail to the executives of netTALK complimenting the technicians who did such a professional job. In recent weeks, I saw announcements that netTALK had introduced a new device, the netTALK DUO WiFi that allows the device to connect just like the DUO, by live USB port or direct router connection, plus provides for an alternative, fully functional connection via the common WiFi wireless connections that are so widely available. Eager to try this new technology, I ordered one and now have it to play with. Retailing for $64.95, the new netTALK DUO WiFi includes 12 months of unlimited local and long distance phone service (including the U.S. and Canada). Additional years of service can be purchased for $29.95. In the box is the device, smaller than an average size cell phone, with a phone jack and network connection on one end, and a combination USB/power connection (standard USB cable with micro USB plug on one end) and a reset button on the other end. On the top edge is a multicolor LED that indicates the status of the device. Also in the box is an Ethernet cable, USB to micro USB cable, AC adapter, easy setup guide, and support information. There are six steps listed on the “Easy Setup Guide” (seven steps if using the online guide to configure the WiFi feature), and I am performing those steps as I type this. Step one is to locate the user name and password that is on a peel-off sticker inside the box. Step 2 is to activate the DUO WiFi by connecting to the netTALK Web site. During the simple registration process, an E911 service address is created, which enables proper connection and identification to the local 911 service. Following the 911 process, the user can select a local phone number or arrange to transfer an existing phone number to the netTALK device; I decided to select a new phone number in my area code. One issue common with both MagicJack and netTALK is a dearth of local phone numbers in my 409 area code, only having local numbers for the Galveston and Texas City areas, almost 100 miles west of my location, but I selected a Texas City local phone number; it took a few minutes for the network to create my new phone number. Step 3 was to connect my telephone to the netTALK DUO WiFi; I have a multihandset cordless phone, which I connected to the phone jack on the device. Step 4 is to connect the device to either a live USB port, router port, or WiFi. I already have my original DUO connected to my router, See tech on page 31 A Auto from page 29 A since it was launched in 2006. The C70 Inscription follows this tradition while adding a host of luxurious appointments. Driver and passengers will immediately notice the gorgeous Sovereign Hide upholstery. The dashboard is covered in leather and features contrasting stitching. Unique Inscription floor mats, handbrake lever and front headrests further distinguish the C70 Inscription from the C70. The C70 Inscription is a limitedproduction vehicle. Production volume globally is just 2,000 units annually. The U.S. will see just 500 examples of this exemplary automobile. ••• To learn more about this sleek convertible, visit www.volvocars.com/us. The instrument panel has a wider, sleeker look, and the surface of the panel has a new texture. Fuel economy averages 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the open road. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner TECH from page 30 A so I decided to connect this one to my existing wireless network. The instructions to connect to WiFi direct the user to www.nettalk.com/ wifiguide, which repeats initial steps already completed (which can be skipped), and the steps to configure it for WiFi; the six steps in the Easy Setup Guide for USB or router connections are simple and fast, and none of the WiFi specific steps (below) are necessary. It needs to be noted that for those who may travel with the DUO WiFi, it can store information on up to 12 WiFi networks, allowing instant connection to each as necessary. The Web site (Step 4), required the downloading and installation of a “DUO WiFi Management Tool” (both Windows and MAC versions available), a 1.8 mb file that installed the proper drivers on the computer and then rebooted the computer; this tool enables the user to configure the DUO WiFi for a wireless network. Step 5 is where the device is connected to the computer via USB, and to the telephone. If all goes well, the LED on the device will flash orange while connecting and then green when completed, followed by a single ring of the phone. Step 6 is selecting a WiFi network using the DUO WiFi Management Tool. The management tool attempted to detect and configure the DUO WiFi automatically, but since I have a hidden SSID and sophisticated encryption on my wireless-N router, the management tool required me to connect manually and enter my SSID, encryption mode and key, and other information, which quickly enabled the wireless connection between the DUO WiFi and my wireless-N router. For public-access WiFi, the DUO WiFi Management Tool will automatically configure the device. The seventh and final step is “Get Ready to Make Calls 31 A Web sites www.nettalk.com/en/duowifi www.nettalk.com/en/wifi-faqs www.nettalk.com/wifiguide www.nettalk.com/en/wifi-setup www.nettalk.com/en/wifi troubleshooting Over Wi-Fi.” Instructions are to disconnect the DUO WiFi device from the computer (and phone, if using a different phone), connecting the USB cable to the AC power adapter that is supplied, and the device will connect via WiFi, indicating success (after a minute or two) with a green LED on the device, and a single ring of the phone. Regardless of the mode of connection, USB, router or WiFi, the netTALK DUO WiFi is very feature rich including the unlimited local and long distance calls to the U.S. and Canada (first year included then $30/year), free DUO to DUO calls anywhere in the world, inexpensive flat rate or per minute calling to other countries ($5.85 extra per month for unlimited calls to Puerto Rico and Mexico, $10 per month extra for unlimited calls to the 60 countries listed at www.nettalk.com/callplansinternational), free 411 directory assistance, enhanced 911 service, fax compatible, Videophone application, call waiting, caller ID, three-way calling, call forwarding, and conference calling. Since the new netTALK DUO WiFi can easily provide phone service almost anywhere there is some type of Internet connection, is totally portable, so reasonably priced, and so feature rich, it could be an excellent alternative to more traditional phone service. With this netTALK device, as its commercials say, you really can “Fire your phone company!” and save substantial money. Listen to Ira Wilsker’s weekly radio show on Mondays from 6-7 p.m. on KLVI 560AM. 32 A May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner STARs Program and SETMA’s Solution, Part 2 Continued from April 26, 2012, edition of The Examiner Each of the STARs measures’ con- alerts you to the presence of a high-risk tent can be reviewed by clicking on the medication in the patient’s medication “view button” next to the measure. list, but also recommends a substitute You will then be able to review who to medication. fulfill the measure. Remember, if the measure is in black or grey, you do not Continuity medical education have to review it; it has either been As part of SETMA’s CME program, done or does not apply. If it is in red, our chief medical officer, Dr. Syed you need to review it and to complete Anwar, is writing short descriptions of its performance on this particular each medication. These can be patient. deployed by clicking on the name of Where there are multiple ways of the medication, which appears at the satisfying a measure such as in colorec- bottom of the template. tal cancer screening, all options will be display. The date of the metric being Atrovent last met will be shown under “Date of The study behind the news analyzed Last Test.” Remember, compliance is data collected between 1991 and 1993 by calendar year, not “in last twelve as part of a large study into the decline months.” This means that if a patient is of mental functioning in people aged seen on Dec. 12, 2012. and they had a over 65. The new research re-analyzed fecal occult blood on Dec. 18, 2011, the participants’ records to look at how they have had a test in the past 12 their mental decline was linked to their months but not the use of drugs with “anticholast calendar year linergic” side effects (such and are thus not in as dry mouth, reduced James compliance for the mucous secretion and conHolly, year 2012. stipation). Anticholinergic M.D. The standard for drugs block the chemical Medicare Advanacetylcholine, which is tage is that women involved in the transmishave a mammo- Your Life, Your Health sion of electrical impulses gram every year. between nerve cells. The Different meadrugs in question have a sures measure different functions. range of applications, from blocking Every patient with diabetes should hay fever to improving breathing in have a dilated eye examination annu- some chronic lung conditions. ally. This metric specifically addresses Researchers found that the 4 percent of patients by age. All patients over the people who used drugs with definite age of 65 should have an annually anticholinergic effects had a small but dilated eye examination. The value of significantly greater decline in mental electronics is that you do not have to ability compared to people not using remember all of the nuances; the sys- these drugs. People using drugs with tem remembers them for you. definite or possible anticholinergic effects had an increased risk of death High risk medications within the two-year period. Most of the high risk medications The next metrics is care for older are taken from the HEDIS metrics in adults. Your Life Your Health for April which there are five categories of 19 reviewed SETMA’s questionnaires “potentially” high risk medications, for functional status, pain, fall risk, which include several hundred medi- stress and wellness. cations. SETMA has tracked these for Each of these assessments can also the past five years. In the HEDIS mea- be reviewed at www.setma.com under sures, there are two categories: the first Electronic Patient Management Tools, are patients who are on one potentially Specialized Tools, Patient-Centered high-risk medication and the second Medical Home Annual Questionnaires, are patients on two or more. In the or by visiting www.setma.com/PatientSTARS program, the measure is only Centered-Medical-Home-Annualon those who are on at least one “high Questionaires.cfm. risk medication,” as the HEDIS list has The next three measures are sets of been modified from “potentially” high metrics that are related to hypertenrisk to high risk. The threshold for sion, cholesterol and diabetes. Later, meeting this element of the STARS there are three measures that relate to program is that there must be fewer the prescribing of medications for than 9.3 percent of your patients on hypertension, cholesterol and diabetes. any one these medications. The next two measures have to do NOTE: The STARs metric not only See holly on page 33 A May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner Holly from page 32 A 33 A The metric for fall risk assessment for STARs is annually, but it is such an important issue SETMA modified it to the less precise “regular” to encourage more frequent assessment of this issue. Quality care metrics are increasingly giving patients and providers the opportunity to determine the standard of care being followed in care delivery and the quality of care being received. The Medicare Advantage STARs program is one of the positive advances in health care. with osteoporosis in women who have had a fracture and with the treatment of patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. The last three measures have to do with prescribing of medications for three conditions: diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol. One metric calls for all patients to be on an ACE or an ARB. Sometimes that is not appropriate but we live with Dr. James L. Holly is CEO of Southeast the metric until we are able to influ- Texas Medical Associates, LLP (SETMA) in ence its being changed. Beaumont. May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 34 A R ELIGION I am a hard rocker … Both my maternal and I noticed it right away. He was paternal grandmothers rocked lying down, full-length in the in old wooden rocking chairs, swing overlooking the Gulf, and I clearly remember swing- and he is 6-foot-2, so I knew ing back and forth on the old right away that the swing metal glider behind Mama was not to be just mine Cole’s house. She had placed alone. Ike got that swing, the glider near the back of the but this past year, he spent house where the afternoon hours in the workshop and shade gave us some relief built me another one on my from the hot Georgia sun and new porch. It is also big where we could observe her enough for him to lie beautiful garden growing. It down and rest comfortably. was there that I learned the We sit out there in the swing basic facts of life and that she many early evenings and disloved me with an uncondi- cuss our day and the days to tional and undying love. come. The grandOne thing I rememkids all love their ber vividly about Mama turn on the swing Cole is that she never and often snuggle hesitated to answer any up between the two of question my busy little us or with whichever is mind could come up there for the time. We with at the time. And I have the long, deep thought that she thought conversations I rememBrenda it was important to have ber from my youth. Cannon detailed conversations I also have rockers Henley with me just as long as I all throughout my Senior wanted to talk. We Correspondent house. I have a small moved gently back and to The Examiner green one, kind of forth as we carried on plush and soft, in the these in-depth discussions that office and when I am tired of I still remember to this day. typing, I take a break in my How my heart longs to have very own chair. I told the salesjust 15 minutes more of those man when I bought it that I nearly perfect times in my life. wanted it for a short person. He And I’d love to be able to eat laughed and asked what that something gathered from that might mean. “I don’t want my beautiful garden right there on legs to stick straight out when I the glider as we talked. sit down,” I explained. “Since I So, I suppose it is fair to say am barely 5 feet tall, I want a I inherited my love of move- short chair.” He found the perment and that I have had a nice, fect one and I enjoy it greatly. big swing in each of the homes In the living room, I have a I have had as an adult. Ted built nice new rocker that Ted says me a wonderful, big swing that “floats in the air.” Neither of us he hung carefully on the back really knows exactly how the deck of the beach house. He chair is made, but it does seem made the swing as a birthday to float both backward and forgift for me one year and called ward as in rocking, but also me while I was still working in from left to right and at angles. the office to show it to me in a I fear it will break one day, and phone photo he had taken. I will be very sad. I am also Only one thing was wrong, and very cautious as to who I let sit in that chair. My bedroom holds the special treasure. In that room of our house, I have the one and Sunday • 10:30 AM only thing left of my Mama Tuesday Family Prayer 7:00 PM Cole’s. I have her treasured Wed. Night • 7:30 Bible Study old, small, platform rocker. Everyone Welcome! My mother had it recovered in soft brown leather and it was Pastor Michael LaBrie in Georgia when Hurricane Gospel Tabernacle Ike took everything else I had 1225 Glendale • Beaumont of hers. After mother died, I 409-866-2000 brought that one item home www.GospelTabernacleBeaumont.com with me to keep. I said that it is all I had left of my grandmother who reared me, but that is not entirely true, and I realized it recently. I still have the many lessons she taught while we rocked or swung gently, I have the insights she shared, and hopefully, some of her abundant love and wisdom. I have the wonderful memories, and no storm can take those from me. Jesus felt that rest and relaxation were important for Him told His disciples; in Mark 6:31, he said, “Come ye apart and rest for a while.” We should each determine a place we enjoy being, where we can come apart and rest from the busy day’s activities. We all need a quiet place where we can find serenity and peace. For me, it is in one of my rockers or my swing, if I am not on the beach or some body of water. Recently, I found an interesting article titled, “Rockers are happier and have less stress.” I read every word of the article — twice. The author had done extensive surveys, compiled data, and was convinced that people who rocked for some minutes every day were happier and filled with less stress and anxiety. Basically, they rocked it out of their lives. My Mama Cole knew that many years ago, and I have been practicing it every day of my life both subconsciously and consciously, so for all of you who have ever told me to be still, forget it. I plan to be a hard rocker until I die. Now turn that music up and let me be. The Bible: Designed to get our attention For many years, I have people had better bow in been blessed to share repentance before the Lord. thoughts from one book with But the parables also my hearers. The one book is come with enormous devasthe Bible, the Word of God. tation into the lives of those It is a marvelous book. It of us who have already serves many functions. It is accepted Christ and are in not primarily a book of inspi- the kingdom. This is because ration although God often these parables seem to be uses its truth to lift our spirits especially designed to and our aspirations. uncover all false religion, to Actually, by its own testi- shatter our complacency and mony, it is a very challenging to eradicate religious pride. book, even a very upsetting Then, too, those who are book. God designed it that already within the kingdom way. It is His purpose to get have the equipment to our attention, turn us around, receive the message of and set us right side up again Christ’s parables. Our ears by the redeeming and trans- have been remade so that the forming truth contained sound that reveals the myswithin its pages. tery of Jesus’ salvation and In the Book of Hebrews His Father’s love is able to there is a description of the penetrate our usual defenses. Word of God that So we will share catches the impact of these devotionals the awesome power with the prayer that this book has. It is, God will use them to “living and active, fill our lives with the sharper than any twospirit of repentance edged sword, piercing and of redeeming to the dividing of soul faith. It is our fervent and spirit, of joints hope that they will Pastor and marrow, and disleave us with the Delmar cerning the thoughts overwhelming recogDabney and intents of the nition that the grace 1925-1994 heart.” (Hebrews of God is as wide as 4:12) It is this chalall humanity and is lenging and upsetting word powerful enough to break that we will be examining down the most stubborn of today. defenses. This same writer to It is dangerous to suggest the Hebrews put it this way, that there are certain parts of “He is able to save from the the Bible that are more like a uttermost to the uttermost, two-edged sword than oth- them that come to God by ers, but in fact, as we read Him.” The marvel of this the Bible and allow it to be message is that none of us lived out in our lives, there are too wicked or too sinful are parts of it which are more to be convicted and convertupsetting than others. The ed by its truth. parables of Jesus, which we We will discover that will examine, have an espe- there is assurance and a place cially sharp two-edged qual- in the kingdom for both the ity about them. On the one exceedingly wicked and the hand, they must be very dis- latecomers. Yes, there is sufturbing to those who are out- ficient grace for the murderside the kingdom of God. er, the liar, the thief and for For they announce that, the person who has wasted sometimes contrary to most of his life in sin. appearances, the rule of God It is my prayer that these in our world is real and columns will not only help to someday it will be revealed bring you to Christ, but will for all to see. This means that while there is still time such See DABNEY on page 37 A May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner Su•do•ku 35 A • Fill the cells in such a way that each row, column and 3x3 subsquare has digits 1-9. • Some digits are already given as clues. Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.47) 2 Medium — Puzzle No. 1 5 4 9 5 3 4 8 1 6 3 7 3 7 4 1 8 9 4 2 1 7 Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.47) 7 9 5 difficulty 1 rating 4 0.71) 6 Puzzle 2 (Hard, 47) 6 7 9 5 Hard — Puzzle No. 2 1 7 3 5 6 2 8 3 9 5 Puzzle 3 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.39) 3 4 7 3 2 9 3 7 19 5 3 2 7 6 3 9 7 2 4 2 4 1 7 5 7 8 4 5 9 9 2 8 5 4 3 9 8 94 4 67 6 5 2 1 1 72 5 9 3 2 3 7 4 1 4 9 6 9 7 71 3 1 Puzzle 3 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.39) 5 9 1 2 Easy — Puzzle No. 3 4 3 9 2 4 3 5 4 3 7 3 8 7 8 3 9 7 4 5 9 7 2 3 6 4 1 7 2 9 8 For solutions, visit www.theexaminer.com 9 4 1 7 9 5 3 7 93 3 5 2 6 3 2 4 3 2 4 Puzzle 2 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.71) 9 5 Milliseconds are Money in service countrywide to make assisted-suicide house calls — provided the client qualified under the nation’s 3 laws. (Euthanasia, legal strict in the Netherlands since 2002, is available 5 to3people who suffer “unbearable, interminable” pain and for which at least two doctors certify there is “no cure.” 4 Panels6of doctors, lawyers and ethicists rule on the applications.) In April, a research 3 2 9 ship will begin surveying the Atlantic Ocean floor off of Nova 2 7 6 Scotia as the first step to building, by 2013, a $300 million 2 4 1 line7 conprivate fiber-optic necting New York and London financial markets so as to speed up current transmission times 5 — 8 by about five2milli-3 seconds. Those five milliseconds, though9(according1 to an 6 3 April report in Bloomberg Latest Religious Messages Business Week), will 5enable 7 • Two1 lawsuits filed in Los the small groupdifficulty of firms rating that 0.71) Puzzle 2 (Hard, are underwriting the project Angeles recently against the 7 2 of the relifamily (and who will have exclusive founding gious Trinity Broadcasting use 9 of it) to5earn millions of dollars per transaction by hav- Network allege that televangePaul and Jan Crouch have ing their3 trade sales 2 arrive 9 five lists spent well over $50 million of milliseconds before their comworshippers’ donations on petitors’ 2 sales 7 would6 have “personal” 3 expenses, includarrived. ing 13 “mansions,” his-and2 4 1 7 5 3 jets, and a hers private Cultural Diversity $100,000 mobile home for • Brazil’s Safety Net for the Poor: Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, the Mrs. Crouch’s dogs. The jets most celebrated plastic sur- are necessary, the Crouches’ geon 5 in8the country, apparently 2 3 lawyer 4 told 6the Los Angeles Times, because the Crouches earned enough money from receive well-off clients 9 that he 1 can 6 3 more death threats now “give back,” by funding than even the president of the United States. Allegedly, the and inspiring more than 200 5 7 1 clinics to provide low-income Crouches keep millions of dolwomen with enhancement lars in cash on hand, but 7 to 2their lawyer, that procedures (face lifts, tummy according tucks, butt lifts) at a reduced, is merely out of obediand sometimes no, charge. A ence to the biblical local anthropology professor principle of “ow(ing) told ABC News, for a March no man anything.” • High-ranking Vatican dispatch, that “(i)n Brazil, Cardinal plastic surgery is now seen as administrator something of the norm” (or, as Domenico Calcagno, 68, the reporter put it, “(B)eauty is fired back at critics in April (considered) a right, and the after an Italian Web site poor deserve to be ravishing, reported his extensive collection of guns and love of too”). • In a March interview on shooting. He told reporters Bolivian television, Judge that he owns only 13 weapons Gualberto Cusi, who was and that, “above all,” he recently elected to Bolivia’s enjoys “repairing” them Constitutional Tribunal from rather than shooting them the indigenous Aymara com- (although, he admitted, “I used munity, acknowledged that to go to shooting ranges”). occasionally, when deciding tough cases, he relied on the Fine Points of Florida Law (1) In April, the Tampa Aymaran tradition of “reading” coca leaves. “In moments Police Department issued prewhen decisions must be taken, liminary security guidelines to we turn to coca to guide us and control areas around August’s Republican National Convenshow us the way.” • In February, the Life-End tion in the city. Although the Clinic in the Netherlands Secret Service will control the announced that six mobile actual convention arena, Tameuthanasia teams were placed pa Police are establishing a zone around the arena in which weapons will be confiscated (including sticks, rocks, bottles and slingshots). Police would like to have banned firearms, too, but state law prevents cities from restricting the rights of licensed gun-carriers. (2) South Florida station WPLG-TV reported in March that vendors were openly selling, for about $30, verbatim driver’s license test questions and answers, on the street in front of DMV offices. However, when told about it, a DMV official shrugged, pointing out that test-takers still had to memorize them to pass the closed-book exam. Questionable Judgments • Perp’s Remorse: (1) Jason Adkins was charged in March in Cynthiana, Ky., with stealing electronic equipment from the home of a friend. According to police, Adkins admitted the break-in but said he felt guilty the next day and returned the items. However, he then admitted breaking back into the home two days after that and re-stealing them. (2) Ivan Barker was sentenced in March in England’s Stokeon-Trent Magistrates Court for stealing a laptop computer and cigarettes from the home of a wheelchair-bound man of his acquaintance. Barker subsequently visited the man and apologized for the theft, but then, during that visit, Barker stole the man’s new replacement laptop computer and more cigarettes. • At a March town meeting in Embden, Maine, residents turned down proposals to rename its most notorious street “Katie Road.” Thus, the name will remain, as it has for decades, “Katie Crotch Road.” Some residents, in addition to being embarrassed by the name, also noted the cost of constantly replacing the street signs stolen by giggling visitors. (A Kennebec Journal report noted uncertainty about the name’s origin. It might See WEIRD on page 37 A May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner 36 A Annie’s withMailbox Kathy Mitchell & Marcy Sugar Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column. Write to Annie’s Mailbox, c/o Creators Syndicate, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Ste. 700, Los Angeles, CA 90045 or e-mail your questions to anniesmailbox@comcast.net Dear Annie: Last year, our youngest brother, “Don,” was diagnosed with throat cancer. Within three months, it had spread over his entire body. Don is only 58, married with two children. When he was initially diagnosed and having a terrible time, his wife told people he was acting like a big baby. He drove himself to treatments or had a neighbor or brother-in-law take him. When the treatments didn’t help, he had to give up his job. His wife told the rest of us that her husband didn’t want to see us, although her family was allowed to stop by. She and her son (by a previous marriage) told Don that they were taking him for a drive, and she dumped him at the hospice about 40 miles away from home, even though there is a perfectly good one much closer. Four days later, she called my sister and said they had to do this because Don’s condition was so bad. The next day, my sister went to visit. She said Don was alert, but very depressed. His wife had had the phone removed from his room. Don had no idea that his family and co-workers had been trying to reach him. The co-workers had even taken up donations to help. He thought no one cared. Now his wife has told the staff that he cannot have any guests unless she brings them. The workers at hospice are only following the wife’s wishes and have threatened to call security on family members who try to visit. What can be done about a person so evil that she would allow him to die alone like this? — Indianapolis Dear Indianapolis: This sounds like a nightmare. Hospice follows the instructions of the person with power of attorney. Try contacting the social worker at hos- pice and ask whether someone will check on Don to see whether he can receive phone calls. If your brother is of sound mind, he can ask for the phone to be put back in his room. And if you can temporarily set aside your differences with Don’s wife, call her and ask whether there is anything you can do to help, and whether you can accompany her to see Don. We hope the entire family will support one another through this. Dear Annie: My husband is extremely overweight. He has back problems, and his knees ache. I have discussed the dangers of heart problems, the increased chance of diabetes, etc., but he really doesn’t care. Unfortunately, it has affected the way I look at him. Seeing his belly folding over his belt is NOT a turn-on. It is disturbing to see the one you love neither care what he looks like nor see what he is doing to our marriage. How can I get him to realize the severity of this? — Concerned Dear Concerned: Your husband knows he is overweight, but the idea of diet and exercise is probably more effort than he is currently willing to put forth. Your criticisms are not going to create an incentive, so please find another tack. He should see his doctor about his weight and perhaps get a referral to a nutritionist. If you are in charge of the meals at home, make sure they are healthful. Invite him to join you for a walk after dinner or any other activity that is pleasurable. Above all, he needs to know you love him regardless, and that your concern is because you want him around longer, not because you want him to be more attractive in bed. We See ANNIE on page 37 A By Darby Conley May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner ANNIE from page 36 A 37 A Bipolar Support Alliance (dbsalliance.org) for information and suggestions. INFRACTIONS By Tracy Gray / Edited by Will Shortz WEIRD 1 2 3 4 5 20 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 21 from page 35 A Ac ro ss 5 3 Fa ith th a t c e le b ra te s 111 Ab b r. o n m a ny 15 B ecome fi xed 23 24 RELEASE DATE: 5/6/2012 RELEASE DATE: 5/6/2012 RELEASE DATE: 5/6/2012 know that is not a trifling mat- Dear Annie: refer to how the road splits in b o th Je su s a n d fo o d la b e ls 26 27 16 T he R ams of t he 1 It h a s e y e s th a t c a n ’t Mu h a m m a d N.C .A.A. 11 2 Se e 1 0 5 -Ac ross ter, but please start from a less two, forming a “Y” shape. On 33 se e 30 31 32 34 For the past 20 years, I have 5 Flip s 5 7 Su p e rla tiv e ly stro n g 11 3 An c ie n t Ba lkan 17 “Di t t o!” pressured place. the low side, the name might sent my nieces and nephews 1 3 Stu d e n t o f m o ra lity 6 1 In itia lly re g io n 18 George B ush’s chi ef 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 refer to an early settler who of st aff John birthday cards with $50 checks 2 0 Ph ilip p in e m o n e y 6 4 Sc a re d y -c a t, m a y b e 11 5 Stin k o Dear Annie: 45 46 47 48 would sit on her front porch 19 Person doi ng a 6 5 Sa c re d m u sic 1 2 0 Lik e so m e — until they graduated college. c ific strin g s pract i ce run c o m p o se r _ _ _ Pä rt in te rp re ta tio ns 50 52 without underwear.) 51 “Michigan” said the boss I have also sent high school and 22 12 Pa Fin e wo rd fo r 24 Poet i c “al ways” 6 7 Trig in v e rse 1 2 2 With 1 2 7 -Across, • Lumpkin County, Ga., took a portion of the tips from college graduation, shower, lib ra rie s? 57 58 59 60 61 31 B i bl i cal suffi x c la ssic a l wo rk 6 8 Co u n ty su b d iv isio n : judge David Barrett, apparthe waitstaff. I have been a wedding and baby gifts. 2 3 With 2 6 -Ac ro ss, th a t’s th e so urce of Ab b r. 32 Dr. ___ 64 65 66 lik e g ra n d c h ild re n th e Eu ro p e a n 7 1 With 7 7 -Ac ro ss, ently frustrated by an alleged 34 ___-garde server for 25 years. The hourly My kids are in their early Un io n ’s a n th em 68 69 70 71 73 a c h b o ttle s h ig h -e n d re ta il 35 Nei ghbors of C rape victim’s reluctant72 testirate is often less than $4. I teens. This practice is no longer 22 56 Be 1 2 5 Da n c e r Du n can c h a in Se e 2 3 -Ac ro ss not es 75 77 78 mony at 76a trial in February, have been required to share reciprocated by one sister-in- 2 7 De c k o u t 1 2 6 Milita ry d e p ot s 7 4 Ne ig h b o r o f Bu lg . 36 W hat l et t i ng off 1 2 7 Se e 1 2 2 -Ac ross 80 82 blurted out in court81 that she st eam mi ght resul t my tips with the busboy, the law. The kids will say, “Auntie 2 8 Ba d re c o rd p a rt, fo r 7 5 Bo ta n ic a l b e a rd s in 1 2 8 Th e y h a v e scal es 7 7 Se e 7 1 -Ac ro ss sh o rt was “killing her case bartender and even other serv- forgot my birthday again.” I tell 86 87 (against 88 89 37 Operat i ng wi t hout 1 2 9 Ga v e , a s a h ot 7 8 Gro v e the accused rapist),” and to ers. Never have I known of a them it’s nice to get a gift, but 2 9 “ Fo r sh a m e !” ___ p o ta to 91 92 93 94 95 8 0 Po litic a l p a rty th a t dramatize the point, pulled out 38 Z i gzagged business owner taking a por- they shouldn’t expect one. But 3 0 Anp lac iec en t p a rtin g wo n 3 9 e le c to ra l 1 3 0 Pe te r, e .g . 98 99 100 101 102 103 39 Trouser part s v o te s in 1 9 4 8 his own handgun and offered it tion. This is highly unethical. it makes me furious that this 3 3 With 4 4 -Ac ro ss, 42 ___ mi ssi on 8 2 “ Ap p a re n tly ” 105 106 107 108 109 Do wn to her, explaining that she — Hard Worked and Broke particular sister-in-law has e x e c u te , in a wa y 46 New faces on bases 8 6 Pa n a c h e 1 Bin d 3 6 Ke e n o b se rv e r 111 112 shoot her113 114 might as well lawyer 47 B rewer ’s vessel 8 7 Th e y ’re fit fo r k in g s stopped sending gifts. Money 4 0 Pre fix with c y c le 2 Ph n o m _ _ _ Dear Annie: and queens because the chances for con48 Gherman ___, 120 121 122 3 Po ssib le c a n d idat e is not an issue for her. She is 4 1 Po n d fish cosmonaut who was 9 0 Po e t wh o wro te “ In fo r re h a b viction were dropping 126 rapidly. I have known “Molly” for just rude and thoughtless. 125 t he second human th e ro o m th e 4 3 _ _ _ -d ’Or, Qu é b e c 4 Old Ita lia n (Five days later, following 10 years. One of her roomt o orbi t t he eart h wo m e n c o m e a n d If it were my own sister, I 4 4 Se e 3 3 -Ac ro ss m a g istra te 128 129 g o / Ta lk in g o f 49 Jobs for dent i st s news reports, Barrett resigned.) mates is my current girlfriend would say something, but I 4 5 With 5 0 -Ac ro ss, 5 Wo rd with to p or pop Mic h e la n g e lo ” 52 Venae ___ of five years. Molly has always don’t feel it is my place to e u p h o ric 6 Fin e , in o ld slang 9 1 Wh a t’s le ft b e h in d 54 Musi cal wi t h t he Spectators 96 “Henry & 82Allowed B ei j i ng-t o-Shanghai 63No Fl y off t he handl e 7 “ 1 9 8 4 ” su p e rp ower been a good friend to both of address my husband’s sister. 4 8 An k le b o n e 9 4 With 1 0 3 -Ac ro ss, song “E asy t o B e di r. Out si de: P 65 Fl avor aki n t o 5 0 Se e 4 5 -Ac ro ss 8 Blu e -g ra y 1 9 9 9 Sh y a m a la n Hard” For the first83time in years, 97 us, but now I’m seeing a dif- How do I get over feeling One from Germany fennel 98 2009 Hi l a th rille r 9 Be fo o le d d u c t with th e o ld 55 T he Pi azzal e there was no Easter bunny at ferent side of her. She is short- slighted and hurt for my kids? 5 1 Pro bi opi c 84 Nat ure’s pi l l ow? 66 Qui ckl y accel erat e a d c a tc h p h ra se 9 8 Pa rt o f AARP: Ab b r. 1 0 Et _ _ _ (a n d o t hers) Mi chel angel o 85 Put back 68Central Iot as City Park in Macon, 99 Gender of tempered, passive-aggressive affords a vi ew of i t “ Mo th e r, p le a se , 1 0 1 Fu ry 11 “ Sta r Tre k : T.N.G.” — Nicer Aunt 88 And everyt hi ng el se, 100 L i ke a na 69Ga., Order ithis n t he court I’d ra th e r d o it 56 Det ai l ro le year because and a complainer. 1 0 2 _ _ _ Re c o rd s (o ld membran for short 70 Spri t e m y se lf!” 58 R &B si nger Hayes m u sic la b e l) 1 2 “ Th e Ma ry Ty l er the county comMolly nit-picks everyone to Dear Aunt: 102 R escued 89 Deat h personi fi ed, 72 ___ same mi nd Mo o re Sh o w” 59 Gl aci al format i on 1 0 3 Se e 9 4 -Ac ro ss any three answers, cry whoi n anci ent Greece near provocation. She conWe would hope that you For Em m y win n er 73missioner Prefi x wi t h resort call from a touch-tone 60 Part of A.B .S.: a t’s le ft 92 C ol oni al servi ce 106 Ot hers, i For1-900-285-5656, solution, 11 00 45 Wh runs the sponsorstantly complains about the gave your nieces and nephews phone: 76 Mut ed 1 3 Th e We st wa s part Abbr. With 11 2 -Ac ro ss, $1.49 each minute; or, 93 C ol ored part s 107 Up o f it 042979ing Fi sher organization wi t h a gri g 62 Worl d capiNo. t al once see page 28 A c o m p ro m ise a credit card, 1-800small, well-behaved dog that gifts because you wanted to, with 95 B onel i ke 109 C ousi n o 814-5554. occupi ed by France 81 Agi t at ed, aft er “i n” 1 4 Pro m ise s 1 0 8 La te r belongs to the third roommate. not because you expected a No. 0429 said he was tired 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 INFRACTIONS By at Tracy Grayreciprocal / Edited by Will Shortz of violent parents Molly not only balked payarrangement. And 1 2 3 4 hogging the Easter 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 By Tracy Gray / Edited by Will Shortz ing her $26 INFRACTIONS share for a fence, 21 22 your sister-in-law’s financial 20 egg hunt by “helping” their but was shocked to hear that in situation may not be as flush 23 20 21 22 24 25 15 B e co me f i x ed 3 Fa i tlandscaping, h t h at cel ebr at es 111 Abbr. on many Ac ros s to finish5the kids. (Two years ago, Olney order as you believe. We know you 23 24 25 o t53 h JFesus and celebr ates f ood l abel 26 27 28 29 16 Th R ams t heed 1 It ha sAcros th a t sc a n ’tcost b another 1 5e Be c o m eo ffix 111 A bbr.son m any aith that High School in Philadelphia its e yewould $15 112think she copped out as soon M u h a mmad . Ae . Ra A . m s o f th e S ee 105oss both J es us and f oodAcr labels s e e 1 I t has eyes that c an’t 26 27 28 29 1N6. C Th 30 31 32 33 34 35 barred players’ parents from apiece. Meanwhile, I’m donatkids 5 7 Su p e r l aM ti vel y st ong 113as uham m rad 17 “D i t everything tN.C.A.A. o!” Anci ent kan 112 her S ee Bal 105A cr os s got see 5 Flips 30 31 32 33 34 35 its boys’ junior varsity basketing all the labor. 57 Syuper latively s tr ong from 6 1 I n i t i a l l r egi on 1 7 “ Ditto !” 18 G eo rg e B u sh ’s ch i e f 113 A ncient Balkan the relatives, but even so, 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 ipsmo r a l i t y 13 S tude5ntF lof st n sh ’s c h ie f r egion 6 4 Sc a 61 r eof dIn y -itially cat , maybe 1o8f to Geaoffsomeone rgJo e h Bu 115you S t i nko 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 ball games unless they regisWe are all tired tiptoeing 13 S t udent of morality cannot dictate 20 P hilippine mo n e y 45 46 47 48 49 car edytinko 19 P er soonf sta d o iffn gJoah n 6 5 Sa c 64 r e dSmusi c cat, m aybe L115 i ke Ssome tered and vowed to obey a 20 sPtrin hi lippine mone y not to provoke 120whether 45 46 47 48 49 to give presents to 21 P aaround c ific g strying 1p9r act Pe irso ce nr udno in g a 65p oSser acr ed m us ict com ___ P är 120 Like i nt er pr et atsiom onse 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 21 P acific s trings code of conduct. her. Apparently, her boyfriend 22 F ine word f o r t yourinter children. But pr etations 24 P o etit ipcrawould “caltic wea yrus”n be 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 6 7 Tr i g i n vcom er sepos er ___ P är122 Wi t h 127Acr oss, libra si?ne word formonths 2i4b lPo e ticsu “ff a lwa y s” 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 of 22rieFeight saw the nice ig inver 127cr os s , 31 i cal i x you cl122 assiWith cal k Asent if wor she a Bcard, and 6 8 C o u67 n t yTrsubdi vi sis eon: libra rie s ? 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 3 1 Bib lic a l su ffix k s ubdivis 23 With 26-A c r o stoo, s, t hat ’sclas t hes ical sourwceorof Ab68 b r. County change, and they broke up,ion: or 32 D r.can _ _ _ tell her your husband 64 65 66 67 DABNEY Wi th h26-Acros the s our ce of A bbr. 3 2 Dr. _ _ _ like 23 ndc i l d r e n s , 7 1 Wi t h 7 7t he Ethat’s ur opean 64 65 66 67 Acr oss, 34 _ _ _ - g ar d e butgranot before Molly was diaglike gra ndchildren the Eur opean that much. 71 With 77A cr os s , 3 4 _ _ _ -g a rd e Uni on’s ant hem 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 25 Be a c h bottl e s h i g h - e n d r et ai l U nion’s anthem 35 N ei g h b o r s o f C 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 from page 34 A nosed disorder. 25 Bea chwith bottles bipolar highend r etail 125 Dancer 3 5 Ne ig h b o rs o f C Duncan chain notes 26 S e e 23-A c ro s s 125 D ancer D uncan chain 75 76 77 78 79 n o te s 26 Sallegedly ee 23-Ac ros s is taking medica- 126Dear Annie: She M i l i t ar y depot s 75 76 77 78 79 7 4 Ne i g h b or of Bul g. a t l e t t i n g o ff 27 De c k out bring you to a local segment of M ilitar y depots 36 Wh 74 N eighbor of Bulg. 3 6 Wh a t le ttin g o ff 27 Dec k out she disclosed tion, but tods my 127 S126 ee“Stressed 122- Acr oss 80 81 82 83 84 85 7 5 B o t a n i c al bear st eam mi g h t Loud r esu l t 28 Ba d re c ord p a r t , f o r 127 S ee 122- A cr os s Out from 80 81 82 83 84 85 75 Botanical bear ds ste a m m ig h t re su lt the family of God. Within its 28 Bad re cord pa rt, for in 128 T hey have scal es 7 Se e is 7 1 - Acr oss that 7she in her hussgirlfriend hort 128 They have s cales 77 Sconstantly ee 71- A cr os s TV” complained that 86 87 88 89 90 short fellowship, each of us can 86 87 88 89 90 37 O p er at i n g w i t h o u t 129 Gave, as a hot 8 Gr o78 v e G r ove 3 7 Op e ra tin g with o u t and7suicidal. 29 “ Fdepressed or 29 s ha“F mor e ! ”s ha me!” 129 G ave, hearing as a hot band’s loss giving _ _ _ _ _is learn to live helpfully and o 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 _ 8 0 Po l i80 t i cPaolitical l par t y tpar hatty that pot at potato 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 30 Anc ie30 nt Anc pa rient t i n g pa Since my is the 130her rting girlfriend headaches he 38 Z3ibecause wo n 3 9w el ect orelector al P130 et er,P eter, e. g. e. g. 8g zag Ziggz aed gged peacefully as citizens of on 39 al pla c e plac e 98 98 99 99 100 101 102 103 104 100 101 102 103 104 only one to whomv oshe Tr seru se p arr tpsa rts t e s ivotes n divulged 1948 3 9o uTro turns the TV up39so loud. in 1948 Christ’s great kingdom, and 33 With 33 44-A c r o s s , th 44-Acros s , 8 2 “ Ap p a r e nt l y” 42 _4_2_ _mi on n this Wiinformation, I “Appar think she Down _ _ssi m issio 82 ently” 106 107 108 109 109 110 106 107 108 110 ow n I Dalso thought I was losing 105105 e xe c ute ,exec in aute wa we can put the seeking of that , yin a way f awces 8 6 Pa n86 a c hP eanache 6 Ne fa coens bo an se b asse s nd hasobsaKee responsibility to take the 1 Bimy 1 Bind hearing, so46 INB44rew went to the 36 Ke e n36 e rvneobs r erve r 111111 112 113 114 115 116 116 117 117118118119119 112 113 115 kingdom first in our lives. 47 e w er ’s v e ssel 7 Bre we r ’s v e sse l 8 7 Th e87 y ’ rTe hey’ f i t fror e f ki it ngs f or kings 2 P hnom hnom ___ ___ necessary to ensure that 2 Pdoctor, who took one look in 40with P r efix c yc le 40 P re fix c y with c l e steps a n d q uand eensqueens 4 8 Gh e rm a n _ _ _ , Please join me in prayer. 48 G h er ma n _ _ _ , 120 121 122 123 124 120 121 122 123 124 3 Pblos ible candidate e scandi dat e Molly harm herself. At 3 P ossi 41 fis h c o sm o nt awu ht owh 41 P ond fisPhonddoesn’t hoe w my ears coand told me smo n au woa swa s 9 0 Po e90 t wPhoet o wrwot “Ir note “I n both f orof r ehab f or r ehab “Heavenly Father, we thank 126 127 e sen cdohnud man human 125125 126 127 the trhe oom the t h e th seco Québec tshouldn’t h e r o om the43 ___-d’Or, very she 4 Olmy 43 ___-d’Or, Q u é b e cleast, I talian canals were impacted d4I O t alldear i an You for Jesus, for His finished to ot rb ite th e teha rth w om en com e and t o o r b i t h e ar wo m e n come and 44 Molly’s S ee ros smother? m ragis 129 130 44 S etell e 33-A c ro33-Ac ss magi st at e tr ate and bits of tissue 128128 129 130 with wax goki/ng Talking of 4 9b sJof bosr fo r dt iest n tists g o / Tal of work, and for the conviction of 49 Jo d en s 45 Wi th 50-Acros s , 5 Wor d w ith top or pop 45 With 50-A cConcerned ross, 5 Wor d wi t h t op or pop ichelangelo” —euphoric 5 2n ae Ve n_a_to e__ _ _try to Min i c h eCalifornia lM angel o” paper that I had 52 used Ve the Holy Spirit that leads us 6 F ine, in old s lang e uphoric 91 W hat’s lef t behind6 F i ne, i n ol d sl ang 5 4 Mu sic a l with th e 9 1 W h a t ’s lef t behi nd 9 6 “ He n ry & Ju ne” rol e 110 Korean money 8 2 Be ijin g -to -Sh a n g h a i o ff th e h a n d le clean the wax. After M u si cal w i t h t h ethe 6 3 6F3l yFly 48 Ankle bone 7 “1984”out s uper pow er 54 9 6 “ H en r y & Ju n e ” r o le 8 2 B ei j i n g t o S h an g h ai 11 0 K o r e a n m o n e y o ff t h e h a n d l e into the kingdom. Amen and 48 Ankle bone 94 With 103A cr os s , so n g “ Ea sy to Be 7 “1984” super power Dear Concerned: d ir. 9 4 Wi t h 1 03- Acr oss, 114 Sl eep st ages n g “E a sy to Be 9 7 Ou tsid e : Pre fi x 6 5 Fla v o r a k in to 50 S ee 45-Ac ros s d i r. 8 Blue-irrigated gr ay nurse myso ears, 11 4 S le e p s ta g e s 1999 S hyam alan 8 Bl 9 7 O u t si d e: P r e f ix Ha rd ” I could 6 5 F l a v o r a k i n t o amen.” 50 S e e 45-A c ro s s ue- gr ay 1 9 9 9 S hyamal an H ar d ” 8 3 On e fro m Ge rm a n y fe n n e l 116 “Freedom ___ 9 8 2 0 0 9 Hila ry Swank thr iller Yes, assuming Molly’s 9 Behear 9 Be f ooled 51 P r oduct with the old 8 3 O n e f r o m G e r ma n y f e n n el 11 6 “ F r e e d o m _ _ _ 5 5 Th e Pia z z a le 9 8 2 0 0 9 H i l ar y S w a n k free” thriller f ool edclearly again. 51 P roduc t wit h t h e o l d b io p ic 8 4 Na tu re ’s p illo w? 6 6 Qu ic k ly a c c e le ra te 55 Th e P i azzal e free” ad cawill tchphrabe s e a source 98 P ar t ofof A Ahelp RP : A bbr. 10 Et ___ ( and other s ) Mic h e la n g e lo biopic 8 4 N at u r e ’s p i l l o w ? 6 6 Q u i c k l y accel e r at e mother 117 ___ L owry, a d c a tc hph r a s e The to 9 8 Pa r t o f A ARP : Abbr. 10 E t ___ i c h el anever n g el o The Rev. Delmar Dabney was ( anddoctor ot her s) toldMme 9 9 Ge n d e r o ffe nder 8 5 Pu t b a c k 6 8 Io ta s a ffo rd s a v ie w o f it “Mothe r, plea s e, 11 7 _ l_dren’s _ Lo wwri r y, t er 101 Fur y 11 “S tar Tr ek: T. N . G . ” chi 9 9 G e n d er o ff en d e r 8 5 P u t b ack 6 8 I o t a s aff o r d s a v i ew into of it “and M othenot r, p l e aan s e , additional problem. 11 put a spiritual inspiration in Southeast ry “S t ar Tr ek: T. N. G. ” even 8 8 An d e v e ry th in g e lse , 1 0 0 Lik e a n a sa l 6 9 Ord e r in th e c o u rt anything, c h ild r e n ’s w r ite r I ’ d rather do it 1 0 1 Fu102 5 6 Q-tips, De ta il r ole _ __ Recor ds ( old 118 C i t y i n Si ci l y 1 0 0 L i k e a n a sa l 8 8 A n d ev er y t h i n g e l se, 6 9 O r d er i n t h e c o u r t I’d ra themys r d oelf!” icurrent t 56 D et a i l m e m b ra n e fo r sh o rt r ol e Texas for many years before his 1 0 2 behavior _ _ _ R ecor ds label) ( ol d 7 0 Sp rite Molly’s indi11 8 C ity in S ic ily 5 8 R&suggested B sin g e r Ha y e s m us ic the earM arcanals. She 12 “The y Tyler 119 Si l houet t e on many memb r a n e f o r sh o r t 70 Sprite m ys e lf!” 1 0 2 Re sc u e d d a msel ’s 8 9 De a th p e rso n ifie d , 58 R &B si n g er H a y es m u s i c label ) “T he M y eTyl er ” 7 2 _ _ _ sa m e m in d 11 9a yel S ilh o u esitte l ow gn o n m a n y death in 1994. This and other Mar oor S how 5 9 Gla c ia l fo rm a tio n 103 be See 94A cr os s 12 letting cates she may not taking the force59of water clean 7 2 7_3_ _Presame For any three answers, 1 0 2 cRryesc u ed d a m s e l’s 8 9 D eat i f i ee cde, in ahnpc er ie nso t nGre mi n dre so rt e llo w saut ig nhor M oorEm e Sm how” G6l0a ci ma t i o n messages from his daily televie 9 4What’s - Acr osslef t y w inner fix with 121 Cahiyl d-care call from a touch-tone 1 0 3 Seor Paartl foofr A.B.S.: 104 For any three answers, n alonnciiaelnse t G eece c r y e rs, in Oaxaca her medication, she may E13mmyThe 9 2 iCo rvric e 1 0 6 Oth during 7 3 7P6r ef i xtew wiWes nner 1-900-285-5656, 1 2 1L eShan C h ild - c a r e a u th o r sion show, “Coffee with Pastor call fromphone: a touch-tone P ar t Ab of A .: 1 0 4 W h105 a t ’sWith l ef t 112- A cr os s , them Mu d i t h r e so r t t w as para t 60shower. b r.. B . SHope $1.49 each minute; or, 9 2 C o l o n i a l se r v i c e 1 0 6 O t h er s, i n O a x a c a phone:need 1-900-285-5656, Shan 9 3 Co lo re d p a rts 1 0 7 Up it to be 1adjusted. Please 123 CLe at scanner? t e d e r with a g rig 13 this T he West b r. rld c a p ita l o n c e 7 6 7M of itwas par t Dabney,” are featured here reguhelps. 9 uFish 6A2b Wo 0 5 Wi t h 112oss, comAcr pr om is e with a creditor,card, 1-800$1.49 each minute; 9 39 5CBo o l onreed U pu sin o f rust 1 2 3“___ C a t Bs eso” canner? lik ep a r t s 11 0097 Co 124 814-5554. c u piie d boyn ce Fra n c e 7 9 8F1i sh g rri g“ in ” 62 Wo rHear l odccap t al the Depression and of14i tP r om is es — I Can larly. com p r omi se with acontact credit card, 1-800Ager itawtei dt h, aafte 108 L ater Again 95 Bonelike 1 0 9 C o u si n o f r u s t 124 “___ Beso” 814-5554. o ccu p i e d b y F r an ce 1 0 8 La t e r 14 P r omi ses 8 1 A g i t a t e d , af t e r “ i n ” 38 A You can pick any poppy, all except one There are so many varieties of the poppy flower, and they are all gorgeous. This brightly flowering plant has huge blooms in red, pink, yellow, purple and shades in between. Most readily available in local Garden nurseries seems to be the Gate Oriental poppy and the with California poppy. Joette Reger The poppy of wartime symbolism is the redflowering corn poppy. The grown Europeans consider it a com- plants, mon weed with fields full of them as you drive down the highways. Wikipedia reminds us of the famous poem “In Flanders Fields,” by the Canadian surgeon and soldier John McCrae. Poppies have symbolized peace and sleep and even death at various times in history. Most poppies are simply as ornamental although some give us the poppy seed and poppy seed oil used in the kitchen. In ancient Egypt, the doctors would suggest eating the seeds of certain poppies to relieve pain. Poppies have a reputation of being possibly illegal to grow because of the opium connection in novels and old black and white movies. But according to the Aggie Horticulture Web site, Major John Kennedy of the College Station police department says that only one species of poppy illegal to grow is the opium poppy, Papaver somniferum. Poppies are fun to use when you want to bring bright color into your garden in the early summer. They can be found as annuals, perennials and biennials to fill your needs. The state flower of California, the California poppy, is a favorite with gardeners everywhere because of its huge, cupshaped blooms. Its flowers look delicate like paper, but they are hardy. Their blooms last from June until October if you treat them right. The Ori- May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner ental poppy variety only blooms for a few weeks, but you will get a true show of immense flowers in hot colors like pink and brick red. See POPPY on page 39 A Puppy comes with a warranty Q. My lease ended and I Q. I bought a new puppy. Shortly after we took it home it went month-to-month. My became very sick and died. landlord says I still must give Our vet told us the dog was 60 days notice before I leave. sick when be bought it. We Is this legal? I thought you only asked the seller for our money had to give 30 days notice back or a new puppy and she when a lease was month-torefused. What are our month? rights? A. This has become A. Whenever you a common question. As buy a “good,” whether it a general rule, when is a car, a pair of shoes, a parties have a monthtelevision, or a puppy, to-month tenancy, the law is the same. either party may end Unless you have a conthe relationship by givtract stating otherwise Know ing 30 days notice. On the seller gives you what other hand, parties Your the is called an implied warmay always agree to ranty of merchantability. Rights extend or shorten this Under this warranty, the time period. My guess seller automatically with Richard is that your lease has a guarantees that what Alderman clause saying that after you bought is “fit for its the lease period ends, ordinary purpose and will pass you become a month-to-month without objection in the trade.” tenant. It probably also says What this legalese means is that that even if you become a the seller guarantees that what month-to-month tenant, you you bought will perform as you still have to give 60 days expect and is in the condition notice. I don’t like such clauses other sellers would find reason- because tenants usually are not able. With a puppy, this means aware of them, but they probathe puppy is healthy. In my bly are enforceable. opinion, unless you have a conQ. My father recently passed tract that says otherwise - for example stating the sale is “as away. In his will, he left me his is” - if you can show the puppy home. He has owned the home was ill when purchased, the for more than 30 years, and owned it before he seller has breached this married for the warranty and owes you second time. a refund or a new pupNow his wife, py. I suggest you go my step-mom, back and try again says she has the to talk with the right to live in seller. If you still the house and are unsuccessful, I cannot sell consider small it. Is she right? claims court. A. Your stepmother is correct. As you seem to understand, the house was your father’s separate property and he has the right to will that property to whomever he wants. His wife has no ownership interest in the house. Because your father left the house to you in his will, you own the property. Your right to use or sell the property, however, is subject to your stepmother’s “homestead right” to stay in the house as long as she lives. The only way you will be able to sell the property is to get your step-mom to agree to move. Perhaps you can “buy out” her interest. Q. I owe a lot of money to credit card companies. I am afraid they are going to sue me. All of my money is in my retirement plan and an IRA. Can they take this money if they sue me? A. As I have said before, after you are sued, a creditor can garnish money in a bank account, such as checking or savings. A creditor, however, may not take your retirement or IRA funds. Under Texas law, money in a retirement account or an IRA, including a Roth IRA, is “exempt” and may not be taken by your creditors. I should add that under federal law, Social Security benefits are also protected. To see a list of all the property “exempt” from your creditors, look at my Web site below. Visit my Web site, www.peopleslawyer.net May 3-9, 2012 The Examiner LegaLs Legal notices NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received by the City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, 801 Main Street, Room 125 until 2:00 p.m., local time, Thursday, May 24, 2012 and all bids will be opened and publicly read in the City Council Chambers on that date for: ANNUAL CONTRACT FOR PAINTING AND RELATED SERVICES Bidding forms, specifications and all necessary information may be obtained from the Purchasing Division, City Hall, 801 Main, Room 315, Beaumont, Texas 77701. Vendors requesting bid packets should call the Purchasing Division at (409) 880-3720 or you may download the specifications from our website at: http://www. cityofbeaumont.com/ Purchasing/purchasing_ bids.htm Bids shall be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office, 801 Main, Room 125, prior to the above stated time. The City reserves the right to reject any or all bids, or to accept any bid or combination of bids deemed advantageous to it. Please make reference to Bid Number: BF0412-26 Bid Closing Date: May 24, 2012 Tina Broussard, TRMC City Clerk NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of DOROTHY I. HAMILTON, Deceased, were issued on the 24th day of April, 2012 in the Cause No. 105,001 pending in the County Court of Jefferson County, Texas, to: MILTON LEE HAMILTON. The post office address of the Independent Executor is: c/o James M. Black Attorney at Law 3535 Calder Avenue, Suite 300 Beaumont, TX 77706 provided in the Contract Documents for the Construction of: All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law. CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS 54-INCH INTERCEPTOR REHABILITATION – PHASE II DATED this 25th day of April, 2012 JAMES M. BLACK Attorney at Law 3535 Calder Avenue, Suite 300 Beaumont, TX 77706 Telephone: (409) 951-4732 Telecopier: (409) 951-4791 James M. Black Texas Bar No. 02372000 ATTORNEY FOR THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY I. HAMILTON, DECEASED NOTICE TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS AGAINST THE ESTATE OF ARLIS RAY HALL, DECEASED: Notice is hereby given that an order granting original letters testamentary for the estate of Arlis Ray Hall was entered on April 24, 2012, in Cause No. P16071 pending in the County Court of Orange County, Texas, to: NOVA DOLORES HALL All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law to the following: Together with all appurtenances thereto, being improvements for the City of Beaumont, Owner, Beaumont, Texas. Bids will be opened in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The Owner reserves the right, after opening Bids, to reject any or all bids or to make award to the lowest, responsive, responsible Bidder and reject all other bids. Bidders must submit Bid Bond, Cashier’s Check, Certified Check or irrevocable Letter of Credit issued by a bank satisfactory to the Owner, payable without recourse to the order of the City of Beaumont in an amount not less than five (5) percent of the largest possible bid amount as a guaranty that the Bidder will enter into a contract and execute bond and guaranty in the form provided within fourteen (14) calendar days after date of Notice of Award of the contract. Bids without required financial security deposit will not be considered. NOTICE INVITING BIDDERS Prevailing Highway-Heavy, Municipal and Utilities wage rates for Jefferson County, published as part of the Contract Documents and subject to revisions, shall govern or control minimum rates for work performed during execution of the contract. Also, qualifications being equal, citizens of the City of Beaumont shall be given preference in employment for work performed under the contract. Sealed proposals addressed to the City of Beaumont, Texas, will be received at the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, Beaumont, Texas, until 2:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, May 17, 2012 for furnishing all administration, superintendence, labor, services, materials, tools, equipment, supplies, transportation, utilities, and all other items and facilities necessary therefore, as A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, May 10, 2012, in the City of Beaumont Water Utilities Administration office located at 1350 Langham Road, Beaumont, Texas. Attendance at the Pre-Bid meeting is a prerequisite to bidding. Bids WILL NOT be accepted from any firm not in attendance at the Pre-Bid conference. Prior to the Adam Nichols Reaud, Morgan & Quinn, L.L.P. Attorney for the Estate 801 Laurel Beaumont, Texas 77701 poppy from page 38 A Many varieties drop their seeds, so count on them coming back the next year. A “must have” for the poppy is very good drainage. You could consider using poppies as a border anywhere you want to add lots of color. The poppy is easy to care for, durable and dependable, and such a handsome addition to your yard. To share your gardening news with Joette, call (409) 832-1400 or fax her at (409) 832-6222. Her e-mail is joreger@msn.com. 39 A Pre-Bid conference, interested bidders should obtain forms of proposal, contract, bond, and specifications at the office of Alan Plummer Associates, Inc., located at 3100 Wilshire Drive, Suite 270, Houston, Texas 77042. Complete sets of said Contract Documents may be obtained for a nonrefundable cost of $125 per full-size set or $85 per half-size set or, $85 for a CD that contains plans and specifications as an Adobe PDF. Contract Documents and plans must be paid for at time of delivery. A full set of Contract Documents is available for inspection without charge at the office(s) of Associated General Contractors, and F.W. Dodge. Plans and contract specifications will be available April 26, 2012. The Reference Number for this project is: WU0412-01. CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, OWNER By: Tina Broussard, TRMC City Clerk Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code that ARS Jamil Enterprises, Inc. dba Super Food Store is making application with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for a Wine Only Package Store Permit to be located at 1410 W Virginia in the City of Beaumont, Jefferson County, Texas. Officers: Aslampervez P Ali – Pres/ Sec Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of the Texas Assumed Alcoholic Beverage Code Names that Kulsom & Orange County Fatima, LLC dba Smith, David Carl Sip N Sip Texas Lone Daiquiri Shack Dba Star Photography PO Box 1488 #4 is making City, TX 77611 application with Bridge Filed 1/17/2012 cert no16823 the County Judge for a Mui, Vong, Thanh Wine and Beer Dba Vidor Nails North Main Retailer’s Permit 131 Vidor, TX 77622 at a heretofore Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 16824 unlicensed location of 5010 Bickham, Steven Alex Elements Café ad College Street in Dba Bakery 1055 Texas Avenue the City of Bridge City, TX 77611 Beaumont, Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 16825 Jefferson County, Texas. Ward, Wendy Officers: Sikander Dba Ward Pump & Value 7711 Guillory RD N. Hussain, Orange, TX 77632 Filed 1/19/2012 cert no Manager; 16826 Nasrullah Hussain, Manager Terry, Richard Jefferson County Grand Jury Dba Terry’s Security Systems 4747 Whitooak Orange, TX 77632 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no16827 Lee, Dedmon Dba Victory Formation 2306 John Baker Circle Orange, TX 77630 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 16828 Howard, Cade Dba The Grounds Guys of the Golden Triangle 5551 W. Round Bunch RD Orange, TX 77630 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 16829 Gray, Larry Dba Larry’s Tractor Sales & Service 1255 Hwy 12 Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 16830 Gray, Larry Dba Rockwood Tractor Sales & Services 1255 Hwy 12 Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 16831 Fredork,Wallore Wayne Dba South East Texas Home Improvements PO Box 129 Mauriceville, TX 77626 Filed 1/24/2012 cert no 16832 West, Doyle Dba West Transport 8189 Kestrel RD Orange, TX 77632 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 16833 Little JR, Joe Dba 4L Cattle CO. PO Box 241 Bridge City, TX 77611 Filed 1/26/2012 cert no 16834 Haywood, Demond Dba Twin Lawn Care 1907 Robin AVE Orange, TX 77632 Filed 1/26/2012 cert no 16835 Rahim, Abdur Dba Superstar 420 S. Main Street Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/26/2012 cert no 16836 Campbell, Jacqueline Dba Karnauil Foods 455 Lakeview Road Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/26/2012 cert nom16837 Worthy, Paula Dba The Tattered Hen 3305 Martha ST Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/26/2012 cert no 16838 Daigle, Lester J. Dba Bald D Ranch 2657 FM 1078 Orange, TX 77632 Filed 1/26/2012 cert no16839 Nelson, Yolanda Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/5/2012 Clark, Vickie Elaine Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/5/2012 Greenwood, Robert Dba Watchman Security Services 240 Floyd Circle #125 Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/30/2012 cert no 16840 Taylor, Leslie M. Dba Natural Granite & Marble 3450 N. Tram RD Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/30/2012 cert no 16841 Cook, Morrious McDonald, Velma Dba Another Level of Fashion 1006 16th ST Orange, TX 77630 Filed 1/30/2012 cert no 16842 Barfield, James R Dba Barfield Home Inspections and Pest Control, LLP 125 Magnolia Drive Orange, TX 77632 Filed 1/31/2012 cert no 16843 Moung, Sokhan Dba Happy Donuts 495 S. Main ST Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/31/2012 cert no 16844 McIntrc, Bobby Stockwell JR, Alvie L Dba Tru-Flo Plumbing 545 Lyndale Vidor, TX 77662 Filed 1/31/2012 cert no. 16845 Bankruptcies Robertson, Paul Douglas Robertson, Rolunda Racquel Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/5/2012 Register, Thomas F. Register, Tammy R. Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/05/2012 Herrera, J. Felix Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/5/2012 Harrington, Jack E. Harrington. Cindy K. Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/6/2012 Myers, Eugene Wayne Myers, Denise Marie Chapter 13 Orange County Filed 3/6/2012 Reynolds, Farrisa M. Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/6/2012 Kraut, Donald A. Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/7/2012 Myers, Hilius J. Myers, Kimberly K. Chapter 13 Jefferson County Bell, Bernard J. Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/7/2012 Wilson, Ethel E. Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/8/2012 Strother, Chrissie L. Chapter 13 Orange County Filed 3/8/2012 Murphy, Robby C. Murphy, Christi L Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/2/2012 Cascio SR., Joseph L Cascio, Vicki G Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/2/2012 Guillory Jr., Leonard Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/4/2012 Shuford, Todd W. Chapter 7 Orange County Filed 3/9/2012 Fowler, Michael Chapter 13 Hardin County Filed 3/9/2012 Goodwin, Darren B. Goodwin, Keely M. Chapter 13 Jefferson County Filed 3/12/2012 Williams, Lacy K. Chapter 13 April Term, 2012 Jefferson County Filed 3/4/2012 Criminal District Court Cases indicted by the grand jury on April 26, 2012 Indict. 12-13954 12-13955 12-13956 12-13957 12-13959 12-13960 12-13961 12-13963 12-13964 12-13966 12-13967 12-13968 12-13970 Defendant Damon T. Delasbour Anthony Freeman Steven Charles Henry Steven Charles Henry Allan Michael Lowe Cynthia Lanell Luquette Nolan Rashod McMurray Vernesha Rachelle Minix Majed Nassar Tanner Rene Perron Austin Jewel Vensel-Nunez Joseph Bernard Samuel Jason Bernard Warrior Birth date 09-17-91 02-08-93 02-10-80 02-10-80 01-12-91 06-09-61 10-18-93 03-12-91 01-08-56 08-27-92 08-21-93 10-14-74 06-14-84 Charge Assault-Family-Felony Unauthorized Use-Mtr Veh SJ* Burglary-Habitation Evading Arr/Det Prv Conv Sj Tampering Physical Evidence DWI W/Child Passenger SJ Burglary-Habitation Abandon/Endanger Child SJ Assault-Aggravated Robbery-Aggravated Robbery-Aggravated Theft SJ Firearm-Poss Of By Felon Indict. 12-13971 12-13973 12-13974 12-13975 12-13976 12-13977 12-13978 12-13979 12-13980 12-13981 12-13982 Defendant Nolan Watkins Rodney Williams Francisca S. Villanueva Luis Armando Becerra Chemeka D. Daigle-Fontenot Brandy Nicole Bean-Plair Gregory Gonzales Dearronick Trey Martin Edwin Joseph Martin Raul Perez Glen Allen Engle Birth date 09-01-52 04-19-64 10-04-86 07-07-85 08-05-79 03-23-82 12-15-61 10-16-85 08-24-83 11-28-82 03-05-56 Charge Indecency- With Child Theft SJ Theft-Felony Control Sub-Delivery Poss Marijuana SJ Poss Marijuana SJ Poss C/S Pen Grp 1 SJ Man/Del C/S Pen Grp 1 Poss Marijuana SJ Poss C/S Pen Grp 1 SJ Tampering Govt Records *SJ = state jail felony An indictment is not an indication of guilt or innocence; it’s only a step in the criminal justice process that allows a case to go forward to trial. The Examiner • May 3-9, 2012 795 Willow Beaumont, TX 77701 Change Service Requested PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BEAUMONT TX PERMIT NO 208 QUICKER ANSWERS FOR When you bank with CommunityBank you’ll find your decisions are on a faster track. You get answers straight from the horse’s mouth, from people who are familiar with the market and can make decisions here and now for local businesses. You’re working with neighbors whose goal is to make great investments in our community. It doesn’t take long to see that community banking is simply better. bank green with paperless eStatements. Sign up online today. communitybankoftx.com
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