Posts published in “Front Page”

Sergeant James Knox, new Galena Park Police Chief

Jun 14, 2018

Galena Park’s Interim Police Chief James Knox holding a new protective vest from armor- piercing rifle bullets to be issued to every officer in the department. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Galena Park, TX. — June 12, 2018 — The City of Galena Park has hired their 3rd Chief of Police in two years. Hiring a 30 year Galena Park police veteran, Sergeant James Michael Knox was sworn in Friday, June 8th.

After serving only 4 months, retired 30 year Houston Police Officer Richard “Rick” Gonzales was asked to resign. Gonzales said, “In February I got a call from former Sheriff Adrian Garcia who asked me for my resume. When I asked him what for, he replied, ‘The mayor of Galena Park is looking for a Police Chief and I need your resume immediately.’ Mayor Esmeralda Moya called me on February 22, 2018 and asked me to come to city hall the next day so she could swear me in as Interim Chief.

“I wasted no time meeting citizens, school administrators, heads of different departments, and business owners. The mayor said she was receiving good responses from the citizens regarding my presence in the community, and asked me to be the Chief as long as she was Mayor,” Gonzales said.

“I was under the impression I was to reduce crime and enhance the quality of life in the neighborhoods, I was doing that until the Mayor said for me to stop. I found the community tremendously divided, and my addressing issues of the community are not what the Mayor seems to want,” Gonzales said. Gonzales posted his resignation letter on his Facebook page.

Mayor Moya when asked about Gonzales’ short 4 month stint as chief, she said, “I was getting lots of complaints from officers in the police department about the way Gonzales was supervising and other issues we heard were going on. If true, this wasn’t what we wanted. I had to make a change for the betterment of the department and the city. I was going to ask him to resign because I didn’t want to fire him, and I think it’s best he resigned. I wish it hadn’t come to this but it did and we must learn from it and move on.”

New Interim Chief James Michael Knox is 57 years old. This will be his third time to serve as Interim Chief, having previously served as Interim Chief under Mayors James Havard and Bobby Barrett.

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East Harris County Emergency Service names Rep. Hernandez Legislator of the Year

Jun 14, 2018

Rep. Hernandez, middle, joined by North Channel Area Chamber staff and local emergency service district leadership during her recognition as Legislator of the Year. L to R, Jimmy Sumbera, Administrator, East Harris County ESD#50, Margie Buentello, president/CEO North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce, State Representative Ana Hernandez, Brenda Biggers, Commissioner ESD#50, William Anders, Commissioner ESD#12. (Photo by Allan Jamail for the NC Star)

Supporting First Responders

East Harris County Emergency Service recognized Rep. Ana Hernandez as Legislator of the Year during the North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce June Luncheon.

“When minutes count, our first responders go into harm’s way to get the job done. From tackling wildfires to providing on-site medical care when the unthinkable happens, their services can often mean the difference between life and death,” said Rep. Hernandez. “Supporting firefighters, peace officers, and ambulatory personnel in their mission to keep our communities safe is one of the most solemn responsibilities we have as state lawmakers.”

“I was incredibly humbled to have been honored as Legislator of the Year by the East Harris County emergency service districts while recognizing first responders,” Rep. Hernandez said.

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San Jacinto Pilot Club installs new leadership

Jun 14, 2018

San Jacinto Pilot Club new officers with District Governor-Elect Gail Wilson, left. Next to her, new president Julie Fallin, Karen Westbrooks, Carolyn Roberts, and Joan Van Fleet.

Wednesday, June 6, 2018, the San Jacinto Pilot Club installed their new officers for the 2018-2019 Pilot year. Pilot International’s Texas District Governor-Elect Gail Wilson was the installing officer for the evening’s banquet, held at the home of Jerry and Julie Fallin. Guests enjoyed a steak dinner while watching the sun set on Burnet Bay overlooking the historic San Jacinto Monument.

Officers for the 2018-2019 year, which begins July 1 are: Julie Fallin, President; Joan Van Fleet and Carolyn Roberts, Co-Secretary; and Karen Westbrooks, Treasurer. We wish all these officers the very best of luck this Pilot year.

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NC Chamber honors “Hometown Heroes”

Jun 14, 2018

Dr. ALAN LO and CEO JEANNA BAMBURG of the Bayshore Medical Center, with JIMMIE SUMBERA of Channelview Fire Department.

First Responders were honored, and thanked for their service, at a North Channel Chamber luncheon last Friday, June 1st.

Mike Williams gave an emotional talk about his experiences with First Responders, and then William Anders, commissioner of ESD12, made presentation to each First Responder that was present.

First Responders are firemen, EMT personnel, constable, sheriff’s deputies, and policemen.

Representatives from most of the local departments were present to receive a certificate of appreciation.

Also honored was State Representative Ana Hernandez, recognized as “Legislator of the Year” by the Emergency Services District.

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Furr High School holds ribbon cutting for new building

May 24, 2018

L- R: Councilman Robert Gallegos (blue shirt), Constable Chris Diaz, Representative Ana Hernandez, Interim Principal Rose Hernandez, HISD Trustee Holly Maria Flinn Vilaseca, Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan, Area Superintendent Jorge Arredondo, Interim Chief Academic Officer Noelia Longoria and School Support Officer Cesar Martinez. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Furr High School, Houston, TX. — May 18, 2018 — Furr High School’s Interim Principal Rose Hernandez began the Building Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, welcoming citizens, community leaders, and officials.

The ceremony began with Furr’s Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), led by Emily Gomez Cadet Colonel, posting the Colors. Commander Sergeant Major Isiah Galindo led in the pledge. Entertainment was given by the JROTC Drill team, led by Commander Grace Danas, the school band, the Sparkles dancers, and cheerleaders. Reflections on Furr were made by students, Angela Gomez, Caleb Elam, and Ernesto Salazar.

Principal Hernandez stated, “The Furr vision is to transform the outdated urban high school which was opened in the fall of 1961 into a next-generation, student-driven facility that addresses global and local challenges. With our new 182,000 square feet, three-story building design that holds flexible learning spaces that meets the needs of all learners, we believe we will do just that.”

“With our new state of the art facility, we will provide a personalized, rigorous academic experience that will encourage students to tackle issues from environmentalism to social justice by providing students with strong, positive mentorships, hands-on internships, and project-based learning.”

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Nadolney wins top prize in Rotary Fish Fry Raffle

May 24, 2018

THE WINNING RAFFLE TICKET is pulled from the tumbler at the end of the Fish Fry. It belonged to Rotarian Frank Nadolney. ABOVE, raffle chairman Shawn Silman helps announce the winner, after Fish Fry chairman Bill Bowes pulls it out.

A record crowd showed up at the Rotary Pavilion on Wallisville Road last Saturday, May 19 to participate in the 43rd annual North Shore Rotary Catfish Fry and Crawfish Boil.

Attendees are motivated by the opportunity to win a new car or truck in the raffle, but they also benefit from time spent with friends.

The Fish Fry is held every year to raise money for local community projects, scholarships, and the International projects such as Polio Plus.

In addition to the raffle, there was a live auction with a record 82 items, many of them selling for over a thousand dollars. The major sponsors for the event were Community Toyota, Bestway Oilfield, Blue Northern A/C, Channelview Education Foundation, Crawfish Shack, Galena Park Education Foundation, North Channel Area Foundation, and San Jacinto College Foundation, as well as 16 other businesses and individuals.

The North Shore Rotary Club typically raised several hundred thousand dollars at this event, and in turn provides scholarships, and supports groups such as Little League, Pct. 2 parks, and needy families at the holidays.

GUNS, THREATS AT LOCAL SCHOOLS

May 24, 2018

Precinct 3 Deputies turn out in force at Crosby High School after a threat was made on a bathroom wall. The threat is being thoroughly investigated and locals fed the offices special lunches as thanks.

Police investigate at Huffman, Crosby

CROSBY – In the wake of the shooting at Santa Fe High School, an incident in which a student brought a pistol to Hargrave High School in Huffman – Crosby was taking nothing for granted when a threat was found to be written on a bathroom wall indicating there would be a shooting at Crosby High School on May 30. Later that threat would allegedly be moved up to May 22.

The Superintendent’s Office issued the following statement at 11:55 a.m. on May 21:

“We have received a report this morning that a threat was written on a bathroom wall at Crosby High School. The threat alleges a shooting that would take place on May 30th. At this time, administrators and our school resource officers are investigating the threat to determine its source. We are asking that our staff, parents, and students be especially vigilant in the coming days. In the aftermath of any school shooting, hoax threats are often made. However, we are not taking lightly any threat made against student safety. The threat did not name a specific student or group of students. A thorough investigation is in progress and appropriate consequences will be taken once we have more information. We strongly encourage you to directly report any information you have regarding this or other safety threats directly to the school district or you can use the Crosby ISD app, which has an anonymous tip line for the reporting of information related to any type of threat. We will keep you updated on the situation.”

Later on June 21 at about 4:07 p.m.:

“The threat that was discovered in a boy’s bathroom this morning at Crosby High School is still being investigated. Because so many students had already accessed that bathroom before the threat had been reported, it has proven difficult to narrow down the person who might have originally posted the threat. Regardless, administrators and our school resource officers are exhausting all avenues to determine the source of the threat. We will update if there is new information.”

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Community newspaper teaches Journalism

May 24, 2018

Allan Jamail NC Star writer and Principal Sandra Rodriguez, at Woodland Acres Elementary Career Day.

Houston, TX. – Thursday, May 17, 2018 — Career Day at Woodland Acres Elementary School, of Galena Park Independent School District.

NC Star writer Allan Jamail presented the career path to journalism and the educational requirements for becoming a journalist to the 150 third, fourth and fifth graders in attendance.

Jamail said, “You need to prepare yourself while in elementary school, and after completing high school, then take journalism courses in college. A good background in English, along with language arts, humanities and social studies are needed. You must have excellent verbal and written communication abilities.”

He stressed the need for students to strive to perfect their skills in spelling, punctuation, pronunciation, grammar and writing. Journalists investigate to give the public accurate information on current events through the newspapers, magazines, television, radio and internet online websites. Their job is to thoroughly investigate and research important news stories and to present them in a clear and understandable manner.

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Jacinto City Council takes Oath of Office

May 17, 2018

L – R: Councilman Jimmy Rivas, wife Shelly Rivas, wife Mary Robinson, Councilman Gregg Robinson, wife Vickie Lee, Councilman Allen Lee and Justice of the Peace Judge George Risner. (Photo by Allan Jamail)

New Swimming Pool Grand Opening on Saturday, May 2

By Allan Jamail

Jacinto City, TX. – On May 10, 2018 at the city council meeting, Justice of the Peace Judge George Risner gave the Oath of Office to Councilmen Jimmy “JJ” Rivas, Gregg Robinson, and Allen Lee, all of them unopposed in the city election.

The city’s government is composed of a mayor and five council members serving a two-year term in staggered elections. Three of the five council members were on the ballot this year with the mayor, and two council member positions are up for election in May of 2019.

The monthly salary and benefits for mayor and city council was unanimously approved with council members receiving $350 in salary and $225 for auto expense. The mayor’s monthly salary is $400 with $300 auto expense. Councilman Allen Lee was approved as Mayor Pro Tem to act in the mayor’s absence.

Kyle Reed, Public Works Director said the city’s 2017 Consumer Confidence Report met the US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) safe water regulations. The city’s main source of drinking water is purchased from the city of Houston, coming from Lake Houston. The lake water is pumped to a water purification plant that treats and tests it to insure it meets the EPA guidelines before it’s distributed to Jacinto City’s consumers.

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Galena Park Commissioners sworn in

May 17, 2018

L-R: Commissioner Barry Ponder and wife Cheryl Ponder, Ruben Balderas, Commissioner Veronica Garcia, Sergio Moya, Mayor Esmeralda Moya, Commissioner Rodney Chersky and wife Samantha Chersky, Commissioner Zenaida Granados, Ofelia Castillo and Judge George Risner.

By Allan Jamail

Galena Park, TX. – On Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at 6:00 PM, Mayor Esmeralda Moya called the Galena Park Commission meeting to order. After a prayer and pledge to the flag the Commissioners unanimously approved the reading of the Minutes of the April 17th and May 1st meetings and the Accounts Payable through May 15th.

On a unanimous vote of approval the Commission approved Resolution R052018 accepting the results of the May 5th General Election.

Re-elected for a new two year term is, Mayor Esmeralda Moya, Commissioners Rodney Chersky and Barry Ponder. Newly elected Commissioners to begin their first term to serve are Zenaida Granados and Veronica Garcia.

Jamal Humphries, a candidate who lost in his race against Rodney Chersky, made a public comment. Humphries said, “I’m not crying about the results of the election nor are these sour grapes but, I want to point out the fact there were four voters who voted in the election that wasn’t on the Harris County’s approved voters list. I don’t know how this could have happened, but I’m concerned about it and will be monitoring future elections for irregularities”.

There was a standing room only attendance so the Mayor adjourned the meeting and invited everyone to come out front of city hall to witness the swearing-in and oath of office to the Commission by Justice of the Peace George Risner.

After the swearing-in ceremony Mayor Moya said, “On this day, we gather because we have chosen progress over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.”

“The City of Galena Park is a community where citizens work hand in hand. We the people of Galena Park are the keepers of this legacy. We the people of Galena Park have the responsibility to protect it and to demand a greater effort, greater cooperation and understanding from each other. We must inherit these values to our children and the children of our children who will continue with the work we have started today.”

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Rotary Club recognizes Officers of the Year

May 17, 2018

L-R: Bryan Clements, GP/JC Rotary Club President, Pct 2 Deputy Constable Cpl. Mark McGinnis, GP Sgt. Mike Knox, GP Chief Rick Gonzales, JC Patrolman Ali Kamali and JC Chief Joe Ayala (Photo by Allan Jamail)

By Allan Jamail

Galena Park, TX. – On Tuesday, May 15th, 2018, the Galena Park/Jacinto City Rotary Club recognized Law Officers of the Year from police departments of Galena Park, Jacinto City and the Precinct 2 Constable’s Office.

Galena Park Interim Police Chief Rick Gonzales, since taking office in February, chose Sergeant Mike Knox, a 30 year veteran of the department, as the Officer of the Year. Gonzales said, “Sgt. Knox is my Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the department this year. Our department wouldn’t be the same without him; I quickly learned I could depend on him to take care of any assignment given.”

Jacinto City Police Chief Joe Ayala named Patrolman Ali Kamali as his officer of the year, calling him a true public servant. “His recognition comes due to his outstanding service to the community, he has a big heart and makes it a habit to check on the concerns of our elderly and at times he goes out of his way taking expenses out of his own pocket to make it better for someone in need,” Ayala said.

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