BISD official stories contradict in ongoing audit
Transcription
BISD official stories contradict in ongoing audit
Vol. 17, No. 1 50 cents March 22-28, 2012 gReyhound moving on The Independent Voice of Southeast Texas unbelievable Beaumont must bid farewell to bus depot Page 10 A Life sentence Man stabbed, shot, beat father to death Page 14 A RecoveRy in oRange Fire station re-opens after 1,280 days Page 7 A BISD official stories contradict in ongoing audit debacle Page 5 A March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 2A Pre-Owned 2001 Honda Odyssey EX 2004 Volkswagen Beetle GL 2011 Chevrolet Aveo LT W2LT $7,248 +ttl $8,994 +ttl $15,000 +ttl 2008 Toyota Camry Solara SE 2007 Mazda CX9 Sport 2006 Nissan 350Z Touring $15,550 +ttl $16,970 +ttl $17,750 +ttl 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring stock id: pF6987 2009 Volkswagen Beetle S stock id: F20451a2 stock id: F20422a 2010 Scion TC stock id: pF6810a stock id: pF6848a1 stock id: m20059at stock id: pF6986 stock id: F10984B stock id: pF7008 $17,770 +ttl $18,945 +ttl $17,779 +ttl 3355 EastEx FrEEway • Exit Lucas coming or going • (409) 899-2103 comE tEst drivE any oF our prEviousLy ownEd cars, trucks or suv’s today! March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 3A March 22-29, 2012 The Examiner 4A DO YOUR CHILDREN NEED TO FILE A 2011 TAX RETURN? As a parent, you expect to file a tax return every year. But do you check to see if your children need to file a return of their own? The filing requirements for children vary depending not only on the amount of income they have, but also on whether their income comes from working, investing, or both. If your child had wage income only during 2011, a tax return is required if wages exceeded $5,800. If the child earned less than $5,800 but employers withheld taxes, a tax return must be filed if a refund is to be claimed. RYAn C. HARkeY, CPA, IS A PARTneR AT POllAnS & COHen P.C. If your child had net self-employment earnings of $400 or more in 2011, a return is required and a selfemployment tax is due. Income tax could be due if earnings exceeded $5,800. If a child had investment income only during 2011 (such as dividends and interest), reporting is required if the total exceeded $950. If your child has both earned and unearned investment income, a return is required if the total was more than the larger of $950 or earnings plus $300 (up to $5,800). If your child’s investment income for 2011 exceeded $1,900 and your child is under age 19 (age 24 if the child is a fulltime student), the amount over $1,900 will be taxed at your top rate. You may elect to include your child’s unearned income on your tax return in certain circumstances, rather than filing a separate return for the child. Be aware that a working child can make contributions to an individual retirement account, either a regular IRA or a Roth IRA. A contribution to a regular IRA will be tax-deductible, reducing the tax if your child owes any. A contribution to a Roth IRA won’t be deductible so it won’t lower a child’s tax bill, but the offsetting benefit of tax-free withdrawals later on may still make it a wiser choice. Contributions to 2011 IRAs may be made any time up to April 17, 2012, the filing deadline for 2011 tax returns. & 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: [email protected] www.theexaminer.com Don J. Dodd, publisher and CEO [email protected]; (409) 832-1400, ext. 223 MANAGING EDITOR Jerry Jordan — ext. 225 • [email protected] METRO EDITORS Jennifer Johnson — ext. 231 • [email protected] Fred Davis — ext.227 • [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS Michele Brooke • [email protected] Melanie Dishman • [email protected] Albert Nolen • [email protected] Robert Sloan • [email protected] Brenda Cannon Henley • [email protected] SPORTS EDITOR Chad Cooper — ext. 241 • [email protected] COPY EDITING AND PAGE DESIGN Joshua Cobb — ext. 224 • [email protected] Amber Vasquez — ext. 234 • [email protected] GRAPHICS Justin Rabb — ext. 228 • [email protected] SALES Diane King — ext. 240 • [email protected] Joey Armstrong — ext. 229 • [email protected] Taryn Sykes — ext. 245 • [email protected] Dana Craig Moore — ext. 237 • [email protected] Felisha Davis — ext. 244 • [email protected] The Examiner is audited by: CIRCULATION Donna Littrell — ext. 242 • [email protected] Kirk Dickey — ext. 238 • [email protected] BUSINESS Receivables: Taryn Sykes — ext. 232 • [email protected] Web site/Business: Brent Morton — ext. 221 • [email protected] ARCHIVES Edna Hetzel — ext. 243 • [email protected] On the Inside Focus on gun safety as sales increase.................8 A 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. Who Is This? Greyhound leaving Beaumont ..........................10A Apple shops Texas deal ....................................11A NASCAR: Surprise ruling on fines ..................24A Remembering Mark A. 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As the Independent Voice of Southeast Texas, we look forward to continuing to provide the area with indepth coverage of local news. This little cowboy comes from Stillwater, Okla., but was raised in Nederland. As a born thrillseeker, he leaned more toward the iron horse than its flesh and blood equivalent and grew up riding motocross and BMX. This former Market Basket bagger would go on to obtain a business management degree from Lamar University, and manage a business is what this high-octane kid does today. Answer on page 27 B March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 5A ‘Caught in a lie’ BISD official stories contradict in audit debacle By Jerry Jordan Managing Editor Seeking an explanation for Beaumont Independent School District trustees seeing a different Comprehensive Annual Financial Report/audit (CAFR) than what was presented to the Texas Education Agency, trustee Mike Neil says he caught superintendent Carrol Thomas and assistant superintendent for business and finance Robert Zingelmann in a lie, and it was all recorded on the district’s video system. The audit in question was marked as a “DRAFT” but submitted for approval by Zingelmann during the January board meeting. At that time, he implored trustees to move forward with approving the “DRAFT” version saying they were only accepting the document and not verifying its contents or accuracy. He was concerned the district would miss the deadline to file the audit with the state. But then changes were made – changes board members didn’t see – and the audit was submitted to the TEA, complete with the signatures of board president Woodrow Reece and secretary Terry Williams, even though the other board members never signed off on the new document. The discrepancy, which included a $2.2 million difference in the amount of cash the district had in its accounts on Aug. 31, 2011, wasn’t made public until information about both audits was published in The Examiner two weeks ago. However, that was not the story Thomas and Zingelmann told the board. And now, to hear Zingelmann and Thomas tell their version of events, there were at least three audits floating around. “There were several different versions, and it was a Botley many-day process to update the CAFR,” Zingelmann told the board. “What happened that day was what the board received was not the most current version. The board received a version that had errors that had not been corrected on the most current version. During that report, we were not aware that the board had the older version. TEXAS 805 P ark Photos by Jerry Jordan BISD trustees meet to discuss why an audit not approved by the board was submitted to the Texas Education Agency proclaiming that it had been. Thomas is questioned about the audits as Trustee Tom Neild looks on. “I did not go onto the agenda to verify the CAFR the board was looking at was the most current. So during the presentation we were under the impression that we had given the board the most current CAFR that had a lot of these errors corrected already.” Although Zingelmann said he wasn’t aware the board didn’t receive the correct audit, he was the person who supplied the electronic PDF file to the computer department so they could e-mail a link for the audit to the board members. Several board members, including Neil, Janice Brassard and Tom Neild, all confirmed they received the audit Jan. 15 – the day before the meeting where the faulty audit was approved. Additionally, at the January meeting, those same board members requested more time to review the Superintendent Carrol Thomas tries to explain himself after trustee Mike Neil catches him in a lie. audit and go over the numbers that were being presented by independent auditor Gayle Botley. Again, that is when Zingelmann expressed the urgency of moving forward with the audit even though he has now admitted he didn’t know what the board was looking at. “We are going past the deadline if it is not voted on tonight,” Zingelmann said in Janaury. During the January meeting, Zingelmann also openly lied to trustees when he said the board was only “accepting the opinion of the auditor” and not voting on the final document, which was pointed out by trustee Neild. Pradaxa “As it is presented to the board and that you are accepting the opinion of the auditor,” Zingelmann said in response to a question from Brassard about doubts she had with the contents of the audit. At the time, Neild also pointed out the wording being used was not consistent with the explanation Zingelmann was providing the board. Neild said the item on the agenda stated to approve the audit, “not to consider, not to think about, but to approve. The way this is stated is that we, as board members, are approving that document See AUDIT on page 6 A Clay Dugas board certified personal injury trial lawyer Hablamos Español serious or Fatal side eFFects • B eaumont • www . claydugas . com • 409-813-1111 March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 6A AUDIT from page 5 A when we have not had time to review it.” Zingelmann tried to correct his previous statements in the March meeting but Mike Neil again pointed out that he wasn’t being truthful with the board. “In January, we brought a report to the board for approval,” Zingelmann said at the March meeting. “In that report were several errors. What happens is the external auditor audits our books; that’s our general ledger. Once that is complete we take those numbers, the district takes those numbers and transfers them over to the CAFR. We do this through several different ways. We do this through electronic transfers, and we do it through manual transfer. “What we had, we had several issues with that report and I am going to go over both of them. One of the issues we had is we converted our financial software from an old system to a new system. However, we ran the fiscal year on both systems so when we closed the year and had to convert that to the CAFR, there’s conversion that didn’t take place correctly. So those numbers were put into the CAFR, many of those mistakes were noticed and were starting to be corrected and were saved.” “They thought you had the most current copy. You did not have the most current copy,” Thomas said, seeming to indicate that in January, he knew there were multiple drafts. “Then they went and sent it to the TEA; there were minimal corrections from that Photos by Jerry Jordan Trustee Brassard tells Zingelmann he made the board look like ‘.idiots.’ particular copy.” Botley told the board he was made aware of the changes before the documents were sent to TEA in January, but some board members wanted clarification because they understood that Thomas had not been made aware of the changes until March. Brassard called out Zingelmann saying she went to Thomas after The Examiner first broke the story this month about the two audits, and that was when the district began looking into the issue. “I got a copy of the documents, both the document that was sent to TEA and the document that was given to us,” she said. “I went over it and it took me six hours. I then came down to Dr. Thomas’ office to show him what was being talked about and asked him if we could get an explanation, at which point, as far as I know, the investigation was launched. “The problem had already hit the press before anybody had bothered to talk to Dr. Thomas to figure out what happened.” Brassard was even more concerned that Reece and Williams signed a document that was “attached theoreti- paring BISD’s financial information. cally to the document that you (ZinThat fact was also pointed out by gelmann) presented to us at the board Williams, whose name is on the fraudmeeting saying that we had approved ulent document sent to the state. And that document. Now we are given because of the discrepancies found by another document. It sure makes a Neild and the newspaper, the state bunch of people look like idiots.” demanded answers from the board as When it was his turn to speak, Neil to why it received a document that was called Botley back to the podium and altered after board approval. asked when he became aware changes Williams, who said prior to the were made to the audit. meeting that he was angry about “Before we sent it to TEA,” Botley changes being made without his said. knowledge, made it clear he wanted Thomas’ first reaction was to tell someone to be held accountable. Neil he was wrong, saying, “There is “If this had happened anywhere something you said that is totally other than BISD, whoever did it would incorrect – that we knowingly sent have been fired,” Williams said. “We that. That is totally, totally, totally don’t need to go through this again. I wrong. We did not knowingly send have been doing this secretary deal for that.” probably the last 15 years now, and we In the very next breath, Thomas never had this problem. I don’t like it.” said, “My first to know anything was Following the meeting, Neil said it when she (Brassard) brought it to my was apparent to him that either Thomattention.” as or Zingelmann was lying about the Brassard had just said she was the audit, when it was changed, and how first to tell Thomas about the problems the audit was sent to the state without with the audit, and one of board review. Thomas’ two statements con“I think it was very obvifirmed that. ous someone was lying when Neil pounced on Thomas’ you compare Botley’s statecomments saying, “You just ment with those of Thomas told me that you weren’t and Zigelmann during the aware of it until Ms. Brassard meeting,” Neil said. brought it to your attention, Neither Thomas nor Zinand I don’t care if it is signifigelmann attempted to clarify cant or not significant, if we why there was $2.2 million approve an audit and it changless in the cash account for es, it should come back to us Williams the audit sent to the state than to be approved, and I bet you the state the one approved by the board. The agrees with that.” cash account should have been the Thomas then said it was the practice amount of money the district had at the of the district in the past to change the end of the 2010-11 fiscal year, accordaudits after the board had approved ing to a local auditor who reviewed them, but a previous article in The both documents for the newspaper’s Examiner revealed that has only been original investigation. the case for the past two years – since Jerry Jordan can be reached at (409) Zingelmann has been involved in pre- 498-1074, or at [email protected]. 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Photos by Jennifer Johnson 866-347-0053 • 8110 eastex frwy • beaumont Visit our website www.camelliahomestexas.com Orange fire station completes its recovery from Hurricane Ike By Jennifer Johnson Metro Editor The 1,280 days city of Orange firefighters spent moving from pillar to post without a fire station to call their own felt like years at times, but Orange Fire Chief David Frenzel said the wait was worth the heartache as he looked upon the city’s newest fire station with awe and appreciation. Tears welled in the veteran firefighter’s eyes as he stood in front of a crowd of about 100 guests and friends Friday, March 16, and officially opened Central Fire Station No. 1 for business. “Some might say this is a dream come true; but my dreams are never this grandiose,” Frenzel said of the stateof-the-art new firehouse. “This is like heaven for me.” When Hurricane Ike bombarded Orange in September 2008, the city’s main fire station took on 30 inches of water, destroying the building. Although Frenzel and crew tried desperately to save their workstation, engineers declared the building irreparable and the firefighters were forced to find alternate shelter. The crew was housed in the library for a time, then moved on to a small trailer where they remained until the unveiling of Plan for Fall Financial Aid Apply by Mar. 31 Mayor Brown Claybar (left) shares in celebrating the new firehouse with Orange Fire Chief David Frenzel. the new Central Fire Station. And the new station, which cost nearly $5 million to construct, offers an array of extras Frenzel said he is still flabbergasted by today. For starters, the new building is three times its former size and comes equipped with technology the Orange Fire Department didn’t have before. “This is quite a homecoming,” he said of the two-story firehouse, which comes complete with a kitchen, comfortable sleeping areas, lounge areas, and of course a new shiny firefighter’s pole. 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Or go to http://bit.ly/j55Ijo (409) 880-8888 • (409) 880-8888 • BeACardinal.com 504-883-7952 www.savardcompanies.com March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 8A Gun safety important as firearm sales go up in area TECL 28475 By Fred Davis Metro Editor 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 1640 Industrial Park Drive • Nederland, TX 77627 Headed to the Beach! Cosmetic Procedures Botox • Restylane Chemical Peels Microdermabrasion Laser Hair Removal Cellulite Reduction Weight Loss Injections: B12 • HCG L-Carnitine Lipoden Weight Loss, CosmetiC & surgiCaL Centers of ameriCa 409-212-8866 • 318 N 23rd St. • Beaumont www.wlcsca.com • facebook.com/weightlosscenters People in Southeast Texas and across the country are out buying guns, and are doing so at a record clip. While the reasons for the run on guns varies from person to person, there is one thing universal to gun buying that remains true – gun safety and making sure that each new gun owner knows exactly what they are getting into and most importantly, knows how to operate their newfound weapon of choice. Joe Paul, a Port Arthur police officer for the past 19 years and a former Marine, has been a gun enthusiast for most of his 42 years, and with his military and law enforcement training, he knows how to correctly use a firearm. He oversees the firearms training for the Port Arthur Police Department, which includes requalification training as well, so that the officers are well-versed in using their gun, whether it’s a pistol or a rifle. Paul also runs a business on the side that trains civilians in order to obtain a concealed carry permit, as well as provides a gun safety course that gives fundamental and crucial information as to how to properly use and care for a firearm. “During these economic times, you’ve got a lot of first-time gun buyers buying guns to protect and defend themselves,” said Paul, who’s been running his business, F.A.S.T. Company, for the past two years. “But it’s important that people buying guns know how to use them.” This brings up gun safety and how paramount it is for folks just learning the nuts and bolts of operating a gun, regardless of the size or type of gun it is. “Most people buying guns (for the first time) don’t know how to work the gun, clean the gun, break down the gun,” said Paul, “and that’s one of the biggest problems I have as a police officer, is people having Landon and Alaina Fragstein of Deweyville weapons – they’re untrained, and they bring these weapons home with kids in the house. So what I try to tell people in my classes is to educate the gun-holder and educate the family about the gun, because the most important thing is keeping the children safe.” Sonia Bozen has seen the gun boom pop off personally as the co-owner and manager of BZ’s Gun Shop in Groves, which has been in the gun business for 37 years. Bozen, 42, said gun sales at her store have increased dramatically over the past year, and a lot of that, she said, has to do with mainly two thing – families trying to keep their homes and family safe from intruders, and because it’s an election year. “The big thing is the start of the election year, and we had a big month last month,” said Bozen, who is no stranger to using a gun after her mother and father started the gun shop years ago and practically raised Bozen around guns. “My distributors and I deal with some of the biggest distributors in the country. They’ve had record sales, and manufacturers, they can’t keep up with the demand,” Bozen said. “I’d say within the past year, selling guns has also gone up because of the crime, and you’ve got people stealing because the economy is so bad. The fact its 2012 is another reason for gun sales. “And the end of the world, of course,” said Bozen with a laugh. Lisa Williams is another woman who has been around guns most of her life, and she’s the owner of a pistol and a rifle. At 51, gun safety is something she’s practiced all her life, especially when she was a young mother and the family had guns in the house. “We always kept the guns away from the children, but they also knew about the guns and when they were little, they shot the .22,” Williams said, adding that she stressed how important it was for her kids not to touch the guns, and fortunately, her kids knew better and they didn’t have any accidents with guns. Williams attended one of Paul’s concealed carry and safety courses a few weeks back at the behest of her sister, Judy Ferguson, 53, a firearm neophyte who had owned a gun for two years and never fired it. Williams said the class was a revelation to both women. “What really impacted me were the laws that go into being able to carry a weapon,” said Williams, who admits there was a lot more to learn than even she anticipated. “But for anyone who’s never been around a gun, they definitely need to take a gun class, just to realize it is a weapon and you need to learn gun safety. Always treat a gun like it’s loaded; and people don’t realize that. I See GUN on page 9 A March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner Courthouse calm, quiet a week after gunman’s deadly rampage By Fred Davis Metro Editor One week after a deadly shooting left a 79-year-old Deweyville resident dead and three others injured, life is slowly getting back to normal at the Jefferson County Courthouse. “It’s been good, pretty quiet though; there’s a somber mood around here since it opened back up,” said Jefferson County Sheriff Mitch Woods on Tuesday afternoon, March 20, as he was walking through the courthouse. “That’s to be expected, and there’s probably still some anxiety, but it’s finally getting back to normal.” The courthouse was closed last Thursday after one of the most brazen attacks in county history saw 41-year-old Bartholomew Granger shoot and kill Minnie Seabolt, 79, after he shot both his ex-wife and his 20-year-old daughter, who Photo by Jerry Jordan Sheriff Mitch Woods said he’s proud of the way law enforcement responded to the shooting at the county courthouse. he also ran over with the 2001 GMC pickup truck he was driving. Granger remains in the Jefferson County Correctional Facility on two bonds totaling $4 million. Those bonds are for murder and aggravated sexual assault, said Woods. Granger was on trial last week for the aggravated sexual See calm on page 13 a 9A Gun from page 8 A know people who have been shot cleaning their guns, and these people have handled guns all their lives.” Tom Swope, an officer with the Beaumont Police Department who works at the gun range and helps train Beaumont officers, said in addition to gun safety and always keeping guns out of the reach of children, there’s the mental aspect to owning a gun and knowing when to use it. “Having the right mindset is very important,” said Swope. “If someone in the middle of the night breaks into your house and there’s a situation where you need to use your weapon, does that person have the right mindset to point that weapon at another human being and pull the trigger? That’s something that’s very important and needs to be looked at because you don’t want the bad guy to take your weapon and use it on you.” Williams and her sister, who according to Paul, shot better than the men at his most recent class, left with a much better understanding of when they can use their gun, how to use their gun, and just an overall better comfort level with their gun than they had before the class. But Williams, who said she’s not sure if she wants to get her concealed carry license even though she’s qualified to do so, said the responsibility of carrying a gun is far too great to take lightly and must be taken into consideration when buying one. “I’m not scared of guns, and I go target shooting, which is a lot of fun, but to be in a mess where somebody’s beating on your car window, that would scare me so bad I don’t even know if I would grab my gun. But after being in the gun class, you really have to think about whether or not you could shoot another human being. So carrying a gun is a major responsibility.” we need inventory & will pay casH for CArs & trucks! CAll brAd or dAve for details. Allen Samuels 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 March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 10 A we would like to thank all the sponsors For making the 18th annual girls’ haVen gumBo FestiVal a huge suCCess! Cajun CheFs krewe kings FOX 4 • The Examiner • Lamar Advertising • Cumulus Clear Channel • SETMA • Southeasttexas.com Quality Mat • YMBL Valero Photo by Jerry Jordan riChest roux Exxon Mobil • Beaumont Bone and Joint • Texas State Optical • Jason’s Deli Signs International • Coca-cola Bottling Company • Triangle Waste Solutions Southwestern Printing Finest Filé Cook Parker LLC • Regina Rogers • SETX Gastroenterology CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth • South Hampton Resources, Inc. • Controlled Fluids, Inc. • Market Basket Cayenne Cooks American Valve and Hydrant • United Steel Workers Local 13-423 Daniels Building and Construction • Schaumburg and Polk • Bill Clark Pest Control Hygeia Enviro-Clean, Inc • Five Point Credit Union • Nina Leifeste, DDS • Dr. Jeremy Roebuck HIS World Christian Martial Arts • Capitol One Bank • Tejas Truck & RV in-kind sponsors Eastex Farm and Home • Crabtree Barricades United Communications • Boy Scouts • Beaumont Fire Department • Rich Courville Texas 80 Proof • Long Neck Road • Lamar PA • David Kaiser • Stone Cold Band Southeast Texas Water • J&V Construction • The Texas Coffee Company • Del Papa Distributing Cheddar’s • Dana Melancon • Cook Parker LLC • Waste Management • AGS Rentals United Rentals • Sanitary Supply • Liberty Golf Cars • Acadian Ambulance Services thank you to all the teams that participated in the 2012 girls' haven gumbo cookoff! A BIG thank you TO THE BOY SCOUTS, THE LAMAR HONOR SOCIETY, THE LAMAR AMERICAN MEDICAL STUDENTS, WEST BROOK STUDENTS, AND ALL OTHER VOLUNTEERS FOR THE EVENTS. grand Champion - Beaumont EMS people’s ChoiCe - PRN Medical poultry 1st - Beaumont EMS 2nd - Acadian Ambulance 3rd - SETMA seaFood 1st - PRN Medical 2nd - SETMA 3rd - Guardian Force ComBination Booth theme 1st - Beaumont Fire Dept. 1st - Stewart Title 2nd - Constable Wiggins 2nd - Constable Wiggins 3rd - Thermacon 3rd - Acadian Ambulance According to the Jefferson County Appraisal District, the Greyhound station at 650 Magnolia is valued at $111,000. Greyhound hitting the road, leaving Beaumont By Jerry Jordan Managing Editor The Greyhound Bus Station and its iconic sign will soon vanish from Beaumont, and the building that has housed the transportation facility for decades will be sold, a spokesperson for the company has confirmed. Greyhound will officially close its doors and relocate operations Tuesday, March 27 – going from Beaumont to the Gateway Travel Plaza at 1480 West Freeway (Interstate 10) in Vidor. The reasons given for the move centered primarily around comfort for travelers, said Tim Stokes, Greyhound spokesperson. “The main reason for the move is that they believe the location is better for passengers,” Stokes said. “They will be free from waiting outside, and there is food service available at the new location. There are a lot of things that passengers didn’t have (at the current location). “There is also easy connectivity to the highway and, in essence, this is a benefit for our passengers.” Stokes said Greyhound evaluates its routes and schedules each year, but it is unlikely the service will return to its current location as the company intends to sell the property on Magnolia Avenue. According to the Jefferson County Appraisal District, the Greyhound station at 650 Magnolia is valued at $111,000. “We do own the facility, and it will be placed on the market for sale once we vacate the area,” Stokes said. In a press release, Greyhound’s area sales manager Robert Hawkins stated, “With this move, we believe the location will provide passengers with a more convenient and accommodating travel option. From this agency, passengers See BUS on page 11 A March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 11 A Apple seeks Texas leverage $304 million investment and 3,600 jobs at stake By James Shannon Special to The Examiner The March 9 announcement by Gov. Rick Perry that Apple would expand its presence in Texas with a $304 million investment in Austin that will create more than 3,600 new jobs was greeted with predictable fanfare. A key part of the deal for the new campus that would more than double the size of Apple’s workforce in Texas over the next decade was an investment of $21 million in state taxpayer dollars over 10 years through the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF). Perry said the Apple deal “adds to the growing list of visionary high-tech companies that have found that Texas’ economic climate is a perfect fit for their future, thanks to our low taxes, reasonable and predictable regulations, fair legal system and skilled workforce.” Perhaps overlooked in the hoopla was a single sentence near the end of the announcement from the governor’s office: “The agreement is contingent upon the finalization of contracts and a local incentive agreement with the City of Austin and Travis County.” In the following week, however, it became apparent that this contingency was a key factor as Apple openly shopped the deal to Mesa, Ariz. The Austin City Council is expected to approve a waiver of real and personal property taxes on the new development worth at least $8.6 million over 10 years; Travis County is expected to offer additional incentives that may need to be substantial after Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said, “There is no doubt we would be neck and neck and provide anything Austin could provide and then some.” There is already a significant Apple presence in Austin, with a customer support center BUS from page 10 A have easier access to Greyhound’s services and can connect to the company’s 3,800 locations throughout North America.” Beaumont City Manager Kyle Hayes said he had heard rumors that Greyhound was leaving the city for some time, but no one from the company had ever contacted him or indicated they had concerns. “The city has never really interacted with Greyhound, so I don’t know how many riders they have at that location or what the impact will be,” Hayes said. “There has been no contact between the city and Greyhound, now or in the past that I am aware of; I know I have setx BIZ a weekly column from the editor of the BUSINESS JOURNAL that has grown to 3,500 employees over the past 20 years. A report from Kevin Johns, Austin’s director of economic growth and redevelopment services, indicated the Apple expansion would create 650 new full-time jobs with an average salary of $63,950 by the end of January 2015, with another 2,985 jobs added through 2021. The company would build a 200,000 square-foot structure, followed by an 800,000 square-foot expansion as needed. Although the Austin project cannot be characterized as a done deal just yet, a March 15 report from Bloomberg suggests Apple will proceed with the Texas deal after it extracts maximum concessions from government entities here. The report suggested the Arizona bid faltered after Apple failed to obtain unspecified “tax policy assurances at the state level” and faced issues on its preferred site, which is controlled by the state land department. Apple is the world’s most valuable company with a market capitalization of $546 billion and a reported $100 billion in cash reserves and about 64,400 employees worldwide. jim mary, aamS® jOHN D TUCKEr, aamS® Financial Advisor Financial Advisor 4347 Phelan Blvd., Ste. 100 Beaumont, TX 77707 (409) 898-8721 4027 Eastex Freeway Beaumont, TX 77706 (409) 899-4068 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 [email protected]. never had any meetings with anyone from Greyhound. And if they ever had contact with any of the council members, it was not passed along to my office. “I had heard a rumor six months or so ago, I guess, that they were moving, but we weren’t contacted.” According to police reports, crime has been an issue at the current location with vagrancy, numerous assaults, robberies and thefts over the years. Additionally, the Greyhound location at the Chevron gas station (across from the Flying J Truck Stop) at Highway 62 and Interstate 10 in Orange is being closed. That location is being consolidated with the location in Vidor. Katie Tillman Riggs came to The Oaks at Beaumont on October 21st, 2009 after a fall that left her unable to care for herself. Mrs. Riggs is dedicated to strengthening her legs and enjoys her time spent in The Therapy Department. She is making great improvement and is growing stronger every day. “They were very patient and understanding and gave me a chance to help myself ”. Her goals include being able to take care of herself again. “I would like to thank The Oaks at Beaumont staff for the care, love, and support I have received from day one!” Congratulations Katie Tillman Riggs on a job well done. The Oaks at Beaumont 4195 Milam • 409-842-4550 To learn more about The Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Please contact: Kari Minton, Admissions Director March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 12 A Local bank running low on deposits … of blood By Fred Davis Metro Editor In trying to buck a bothersome trend that’s plagued the area the past few months, Lifeshare Blood Centers is putting on their best Dracula impersonation – they want your blood. Interim executive director Robert Taylor said on Wednesday, March 21, that the Lifeshare location in Beaumont is struggling with blood donations as fewer people come into the center to donate, thanks to Mother Nature wreaking havoc as of late, ultimately postponing or canceling blood drives. “What we’re seeing, and this is not just in Beaumont, but blood donation is just down,” said Taylor, who is no stranger to the need for blood considering he spent most of his career as a hospital administrator before moving to Lifeshare 15 years ago. Taylor, who lives in Shreveport, La., worked as the executive director of Lifeshare’s north region, which encompasses Shreveport, Monroe and Texarkana. Taylor came out of retirement recently to take over the spot vacated by former Beaumont Lifeshare executive director Debbie Madar, who retired this week after 21 years with Lifeshare, including 12 in Beaumont, to move to Houston to be closer to her family. “She left big shoes to fill,” Taylor said. “Debbie did an outstanding job.” Taylor said he has no plans on taking the job full time and will proceed in the interim capacity as long as he’s needed, adding that right now there is no timetable on when a new executive director will be named. And Taylor’s first item of business is trying to get people to donate blood. According to Taylor, the center needs about “2,900 units” of blood each month to satisfy the hospitals in the area. A unit of blood is one pint. “Weather has definitely had something to do with donations being down,” Taylor said, “and our O-negative blood, we have very few units of that. And that’s the kind of blood, in the case of an accident, hospitals will use that if they don’t have time to crossmatch, so it’s very important that we get the word out to our community. It’s not just O-negative; almost all blood types are low.” Taylor knows this area well and, traditionally, Beaumont has been strong about its donations, so the idea of the Beaumont center running low on blood donations seems foreign. “This is unusual because we don’t normally have to go and do this,” Taylor said of reaching out to the public for blood donations. “It’s things like weather, beyond our control, that have happened and caused some of this.” Taylor said the Beaumont Lifeshare location gets the bulk of its blood from both the drives, which include the large mobile units that travel throughout Southeast Texas, as well as the from those who go into the center and donate. “We have very dedicated donors,” Taylor said. He’s also encouraged by the young people, especially high school students, who have done well in giving blood when their schools have blood drives. “We had a blood drive at Kountze High School today, and we predicted 75 would donate and we had 78, so we’re very proud of our young people in the area,” Taylor said. While all blood types are needed, Taylor said the O and B types are in dire need, so anyone with those blood types in asked to come in, spend 30-40 minutes and help save a life. “Spend 30 minutes with us and you’ll save three to four lives,” Taylor said. And if you can’t get to the Lifeshare Blood Center in Beaumont, which is located at 4305 Laurel, Taylor encourages calling (409) 838-5289 to find a local blood drive or where the mobile unit may be. “This is your community blood center, so we need people to come on out, roll up your sleeves, and donate blood because you never know who’s going to need it.” CASH 1120 I-10 South Beaumont, TX 77707 409-840-9696 www.cowboypolarisbeaumont.com 3 EXTREME MACHINES. 1 EXTREME EVENT. Warning: The Polaris RANGER and RANGER RZR are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers must be at least 12 years old and tall enough to grasp the hand holds and plant feet firmly on the floor. Drivers and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts. Always use cab nets. Be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never drive on public roads or paved surfaces. Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Check local laws before riding on trails. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. Polaris adult models are for riders 16 and older. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing, and be sure to take a safety training course. For safety and training information in the U.S., call the SVIA at (800) 887-2887. You may also contact your Polaris dealer or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc. pAid for junk or wreCked CArS & truCkS 656-7575 March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner CALM from page 9 A assault charge that alleges he sexually assaulted his daughter, Samantha Jackson, who is mentally handicapped, and law enforcement officials said he tried to get into the courthouse on at least two different occasions last Wednesday morning. Woods said he’s very proud of the job the courthouse security did in preventing Granger from entering the building. “That whole incident proved the value of Granger perimeter security, and the system we have in place is doing a good job,” said Woods. The veteran lawman said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges are possible. Woods added that there are indications Granger wanted to do some serious damage and he had “specific targets in mind and people he was after.” There are safety sourC sourCe sour Ce apparel Clothing: Rasco • Bulwark • Lapco Wrangler • Carhartt & More! 13 A still some loose ends to tie up, including sorting through witness statements and any interviews that have not been completed, before the case is handed over the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. While Granger’s daughter remains in the hospital in critical condition, Woods said he’s proud of those who acted so bravely last week to prevent a chaotic and dangerous situation from spiraling further out of control and claiming more innocent victims. “I can’t say enough to all those that responded,” Woods said, pointing out all the bailiffs, deputies, courthouse security and Beaumont police officers who were also outside during a shift change. In all, seven Beaumont officers and two Jefferson County sheriff ’s deputies exchanged gunfire with Granger. “These were people willing to put themselves in harm’s way.” Come CheCk out our huge inventory of safety and flame-resistant Clothing Workboots: Wolverine • Ariat • Tony Lama Justin • Magnum • Georgia Twisted & More! 409-892-5761 •5050 College street NEED ExTRA cASH? We are looking for experienced, responsible, dependable people to deliver The Examiner on Thursday evenings. Reliable Transportation, Proof of Auto Insurance, Texas Driver’s License & Social Security Number are a must. If you NEED ExTRA moNEy, PLEASE cALL DoNNA AT (409) 832-1400. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 14 A Guilty verdict is quickly followed by life sentence By Jerry Jordan Managing Editor After finding him guilty, jurors hearing the murder case filed against Cedric Granger took little time sentencing him to life in prison for murdering his 73-year-old father by shooting him in the face, stabbing him six times in the neck and bludgeoning him in the head with a dumbbell. During the trial Wednesday, March 21, Granger took the stand but never denied his involvement in his father’s death – instead he blamed the use of PCP for his actions. He also, for the first time ever, claimed that his father physically and Granger sexually abused him. “I was sexually abused, molested by my dad and physically abused,” Granger told jurors before they broke for lunch. “I just want the jury to know the truth. I never denied my actions.” In the same breath, Granger talked about how much his father loved him and helped him in life. “He did for me more than he did for my other brothers and sisters,” Granger said. “He loved me.” Granger said he once made an outcry to a doctor when he was a juvenile and then claimed the outcry was “doctor-patient privilege.” “I wasn’t pressing charges against my dad,” he said. Several of Granger’s family members in the audience broke down crying and left the courtroom after hearing his revelations of abuse. Many did not return following a short break taken by the court. Granger has a troubled legal history – being certified as an adult for crimes he committed when he was 16. At that time he was charged with aggravated assault and pleaded guilty. He also pleaded guilty to charges of possessing cocaine. He told the jury that he never carried a gun while selling drugs because he was afraid: “I could get hard time.” “I never asked for leniency, just telling my side,” he said. “I feel sorry for what I did.” The trial took place in the court of Judge Layne Walker. FIRE from page 7 A more than 20,000 feet of living space and administrative quarters. “This is a wonderful day for me, for my firefighters, and for the city of Orange,” Frenzel said. One of the assets Frenzel is most proud of at the fire station has to be the fact that the building is 100 percent bought and paid for – without any money from Orange taxpayers. Though grants and assistance from the BushClinton Recovery Fund, the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, Temple Inland and the federal government, Central Fire Station’s $4.8 million price tag was paid before the ribbon cutting ceremony this past week. “I love coming to work every day,” Frenzel told the crowd who gathered to celebrate the building’s opening. “This is a great place to work, and I don’t Frenzel plan on leaving any time soon.” Orange City Manager Shawn Oubre said he, for one, hopes Chief Frenzel stays put. “He and I are both ‘old school.’ We believe in leaving something better than the way we found it, and I think that’s exactly what we’ve done here,” Oubre said. “Frenzel is an asset to this Photos by Jennifer Johnson community, and I’m proud to have him on our staff.” Attending the fire station dedication alongside Oubre and Frenzel were longtime Orange Mayor Brown Claybar, representatives from the Stark Foundation, the Bush-Clinton Recovery Fund and the architect responsible for the design, and assorted dignitaries from Orange and Jefferson counties. “This culminated from a lot of hard work from a lot of people,” Oubre said. “And it’s quite a successful product.” Jennifer Johnson can be reached at (409) 832-1400, ext. 231, or by e-mail at [email protected]. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 15 A March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 16 A NEWS SHORTS Man arrested after vehicle pursuit in the 1700 block of Bean Court. Investigators determined at that time there was some type of disturbance Beaumont Police and the U.S. Mar- involving a black male, believed to be shall’s Office were in the area of the Jeremy Kneeland, and a 25-year-old Tyrrell Park neighborhood searching white female. for 35-year-old Patrick Tyler on Wednesday, March 21, who was wanted in connection with an outstanding felony warrant for continuous sexual assault of a child. The offense carried an $80,000 bond. Officers had received information that Tyler was in that neighborhood and located a vehicle matching a description of the suspect’s. A short vehicle pursuit ensued, which ended in the 1500 block of Euclid, after officers tried to stop the auto. Two occupants bailed out and ran on foot. Officers pursued and were able to catch up to the passenger, identified as 21-yearold Mark Pearson. Pearson had outstanding warrants including one for From left, Vernon Pierce, customer aggravated assault. service director, Entergy Texas Inc., Just a couple hours and Dr. Paul Szuch, president, Lamar later, Beaumont Institute of Technology Tyler Police would catch their man. Tyler was apprehended within blocks of where investigators were initially searching for the fugitive. Entergy Texas Inc. and the Lamar Institute of Technology plugged into the future Wednesday, March 21, with the unveiling of a newly installed elecBeaumont Police Detectives have tric vehicle charging station in the named two persons of interest in the institute’s parking lot. It is the first double homicide that occurred on Bean electric charging station Entergy has Court on March 18, 20-year-old Travis installed in the Golden Triangle. Two Kneeland and his brother, 24-year-old other stations are already installed, one Jeremy Kneeland. each at Texas A&M University in ColOn March 19, Jeremy Kneeland lege Station and Sam Houston State gave enough information to investiga- University in Huntsville. A fourth will tors regarding the crime to obtain a be installed at Lamar University. warrant on him for capital murder. “Electric vehicles are gaining widePolice reports state the motivation for spread acceptance as an important the crime appears to be retaliation technology solution for the nation’s from an earlier fight. Travis Kneeland energy future,” said Vernon Pierce, had not been arrested as of press time. customer service director, Entergy According to reports from BPD, Texas Inc. “But infrastructure must be victims 27-year-old DaShondra Guil- in place to support the evolution of the lory and 25-year-old Israel Manuel technology. We hope our donation of were shot at the residence they shared EV chargers to schools in Texas will ‘Charged Up’ over electric car station Suspects named in double homicide help start that process.” The charging stations are currently capable of providing a full charge to any electric vehicle on the market. They were donated by Entergy and paid for by Entergy shareholders. Missing man found dead in Orange ditch Southeast Texas Arts Council honors the Stark Museum of Art The Stark Museum of Art, located at 712 Green Ave. in Orange, was named the Outstanding Arts and Humanities Organization for 2011 by the Southeast Texas Arts Council. The award recognizes the many years the museum has worked to inspire and enrich the lives of those who have visited. In the awards presentation, the council cited the museum’s outstanding collection and noted that the museum has been renovated with new state-of-the-art lighting. For more information about The Stark Museum of Art, call (409) 886-ARTS (2787) or visit www.starkmuseum.org. Officers of the Orange Police Department responded to a vehicle in a ditch at the end of Chasse Ridge Drive on Wednesday, March 21, to discover the auto belonged to a missing elderly resident. Officers checked the surrounding area and discovered the body of the missing subject, 75-year-old Appleton Lonnie Stroud, about 100 feet from the vehicle, in a very deep, water-filled ditch. The area had recently been covered with water from the heavy rains. Justice of the Peace Pct. 1, Judge David Peck, responded to the The sixth annual Black, Red, and scene and ordered an autopsy; however, at this time no foul play is suspected. Green Banquet & Ball is coming up for the 100 Plus Black Women Coalition of Beaumont Inc. The event will be held this year at the Beaumont Plaza Holiday Inn & Suites on Saturday, Two locals finished first and second March 31, starting at 7 p.m. for the respectively at the Rodeo Houston BP banquet and 9 p.m. for the ball. Super Series Bull Riding Championship on March 17 at Reliant Stadium. Beau Schroeder of China won first The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at place with a score of 84.5 and earned McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge is $56,200. “This is the best rodeo in the hosting Marsh Madness! on Saturday, state of Texas,” he said. “I can’t wait to March 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The come back next year and do it again.” Cody Teel, 19, of Kountze finished public is invited to attend this free second and earned more than $18,500. event. There are a series of presentaTeel has been riding for six years and tions and programs, including Birds of is coming off a big win in Hobbs, Prey with shows at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; N.M., to win the Hobbs Tuff Hedeman and Fire in the Marsh, Crabbing, Life Championship Bull Riding title, which in the Marsh, Paddling in the Marsh is a Championship Bull Riding Event and Live Butterfly Release at 1:30 p.m. Marsh Madness! is hosted by the (CBR). Teel’s accomplishments include Tex- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service with the as Youth Bull Riders Association Jr. help of Samson Energy, the Friends of Bull Riding Champion 2006, 2008, Anahuac Refuge, Cadence Duck Calls, Texas High School Rodeo Association Lamar University Texas Academy of 2007-10; State Champion Bull Rider Science, Ben Rogers Visitor Center, 2009-2010, Sam Houston State Univer- Earthquest, Sabine Pass ISD, U.S. sity-College National Finals Rodeo Coast Guard Auxiliary, National Park Champion Bull Rider 2011 and P.R.C.A. Service and the Texas Parks and Wild2011 Texas Circuit Finals Average win- life Department. For more information or directions, call (409) 267-3337. ner and Year-end Champion. Save the date Two locals win big at Rodeo Houston Marsh Madness! 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. [email protected] Free In-home Estimates March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 17 A 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 Sewing Machine Repair • One Day Service • Repair All Makes & Models 6110 39th St. • Groves 409-962-7483 David Thornhill Photos by Jennifer Johnson Thairapy co-owners Suzanne Shirley and Ginger Crisp want to be good citizens as well as good entrepreneurs. A cut for a cause President – Southwest Building Systems, Silsbee LIT Alumnus “As an alumnus, I know that people who go to LIT will get the education needed to make good employees. That’s why I’ve put four other LIT graduates on our payroll.” David Thornhill, Class of 1993 By Jennifer Johnson Metro Editor When Thairapy co-owners Suzanne Shirley and Ginger Crisp started pondering what their next endeavor would be, it didn’t take long for the duo to decide to take on a philanthropic fete benefiting the local women and children’s shelter. Shirley and Crisp have been in business in Beaumont for about eight years now, operating a salon in Beaumont’s West End. “We knew that we wanted to be present in the community, to give back to the place that has given so much to us,” Crisp said. “Beaumont has been really good to us.” That spawned Thairapy’s first (but definitely not last, Crisp noted) fundraiser. On Saturday, March 31, every cent earned from haircuts will be forwarded to Women’s and Children’s Services for use in their everyday expenses. Women’s cuts will be $50, men’s $30, and children’s $20. The prices are a little higher than normal, Crisp said, to try to meet a goal of $3,000 to give to the shelter. “This is the first time we’ve ever done anything like this, so we’re kind of getting our feet wet right now,” Crisp said. “We’ve given to plenty of organizations over the years, but this Thairapy haircuts benefiting the Women’s and Children’s Shelter 5955 Phelan, Suite M Saturday, March 31 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Call (409) 860-4930 for an appointment Walk-ins welcome planning of an event is totally new to us. In the future, we hope to do even more.” Shirley said the salon will have six hair stylists and three assistants on duty March 31, all ready to give a quality cut to those coming in to support the cause. “We’re all mothers here. We wanted something to benefit children, as well as women, and we can’t think of a more worthy cause. These women are basically in hiding, and we just want them to know that their community cares about them.” Walk-ins are welcome on the day of the event, or call ahead for scheduled appointments with no waiting at (409) 860-4930. Jennifer Johnson can be reached at (409) 832-1400, ext. 231, or by e-mail at [email protected]. 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. Was your business hit hard by the hurricanes? We can help. HBRC offers free and confidential business consulting Rethink…rebuild…reinforce your business www.hbrc.uh.edu • 1-877-660-7826 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. Let in the light “Government ought to be all outside and no inside. … Everybody knows that corruption thrives in secret places,and avoids public places, and we believe it a fair presumption that secrecy means impropriety.” – Woodrow Wilson, U.S. President Last week was what is known as Sunshine Week in Texas – a time when governmental agencies are supposed espouse the importance of open dialogue and access to public documents and foster a more open relationship with the public. But why should there be a week to commemorate such an idea when government is supposed to be open to the people 365 days a year, save a few holidays and weekends? And it may come as a surprise to some but as members of the media, this newspaper and others supplying the news across the state are no different from ordinary citizens when it comes to accessing the inner-workings of government. The records, documents, data, financial expenditures and reimbursements are just as open to John Q. Citizen as they are to the media. The only real difference between a citizen and a journalist is the journalist will usually fight harder, longer and louder when denied the basic rights of access guaranteed under Texas law. For years, The Examiner has fought a continuous battle with BISD over public information. It has not been easy, and it has not been cheap. However, every dollar spent and every hour exhausted has been worth it so the public will know how its money is being spent. But the fight is not limited to BISD. When Beaumont City Attorney Tyrone Cooper cut a backroom deal for an NBA superstar, The Examiner stepped up and called him out, and at least some information about the secret deal came to light. Vidor Independent School District fought The Examiner on an open records request all the way to the Travis County District Court before throwing in the towel. The district learned that this newspaper will never give up. For those wanting to get information from a public entity, all you should have to do is ask, according to the law. All public entities must comply, and they are not allowed to assess exorbitant fees or take months to provide the information – but reality is usually different. Luckily, if someone feels the law is being violated, there are remedies. According to Texas Government Code Section 552, public entities must “provide information.” Some take that to mean they have 10 business days, but that is not the law. The law gives 10 days to ask the attorney general if the information is public, not to fulfill the request. Contrary to the beliefs of many public employees and elected officials, the records they fight so hard to keep hidden away aren’t theirs to hide. They belong to the public, and you should never be hesitant to look at how your tax dollars are being spent, where your elected officials are going on city business or how much money they are giving out. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner Why are my property taxes so high? In the early 1960s in Texas, education. Today, the state homeowner paid lower prop- pays just of 30 percent, with erty taxes on their homes than the rest of the cost of public homeowners in 45 other states. education borne by local property taxes on your Currently, Texas prophome and business. erty taxes are among While the mantra of the highest in the “no new taxes” at the nation. There are sevstate legislative levels eral reasons for this is one of the villains in change. escalating property First of all, the photaxes, it certainly is ney “no new taxes” not the only one. mantra, which has Another culprit is the been the by-word of Carl increasing number of politicians seeking a seat in the Texas Leg- Parker exemptions. While admittedly many good islature, has led to arguments can be higher and higher taxes on your homestead as well made for every exemption as higher fees for almost from property taxes on the books, they do in fact, each everything you can imagine. In the 1940s when the Leg- and every one, increase the islature made a serious com- taxes on your home or busimitment to public education, ness. One of the larger exempour state was paying more than tion games is the one played 65 percent of the cost of public to supposedly attract new businesses to a particular area. Too often large exemptions from taxation are offered to an industry or business to locate to a particular area. Not only does such an exemption add an additional tax burden to the local folks who do not have exemptions, but in many instances, it is downright unfair to many of the local businesses. A prime example of such is the huge exemption from taxation given to the giant Cabela’s store in Kyle, Texas, a small town just outside of Austin. While Cabela’s built a mega-sporting goods store and created some jobs, it certainly did not benefit local mom and pop shops that sold rod and reels or fishing gear. In fact it forced the mom and pop shops that sell sporting See parker on page 19 a Expensive care can hurt patients The biggest challenge in fixing American cruel and a crying waste of money. health care isn’t finding more money. It’s • MRIs for athletes with minor pains. MRIs learning not to spend money on the wrong can detect tumors and help doctors confirm things. The solution, conservatives say, is their suspicions. But they also find “problems” simple: Have patients bear more of the costs that, while best ignored, nonetheless provide a now being covered by private or government pretext for expensive medical intervention. insurers. The concept has merit, except for As an experiment, Dr. James Andrews, a this: How on earth can we mortals sports medicine orthopedist in Gulf know we don’t need something when Breeze, Fla., did MRI scans on 31 fit the god wearing the stethoscope says and happy professional baseball pitchwe do? ers. He found abnormal shoulder cartiGuidelines are needed, and this is a lage in 90 percent of the athletes. job for government working with medBased on the scans, he could have ical experts. To advance the process, operated on nine out of 10 of them — here are examples of some low-hangtotally unnecessarily. ing fruit of waste, ripped from the Insurers pay over $1,000 for an MRI news: Froma scan. The operation to fix the insignifi• Obesity surgery for teenagers. The Harrop cant problems highlighted costs a lot New York Times reported on a 17-yearmore. old — 5 feet tall and 271 pounds — • Regular bone density tests for all who could have lost her excess weight through women over 65. By the time women hit age diet and exercise but didn’t try very hard. So a 65, bone loss leading to osteoporosis progressNew York state program for low-income people paid $21,369 for an operation whereby a es very slowly. If their bone density is found to surgeon placed a silicon band around her stom- be normal for their age, they don’t need bone density tests every two years, which Medicare ach to curb feelings of hunger. After losing only 34 pounds, the girl began covers, according to The New England Journal again downing chips and chocolate with aban- of Medicine. And when all this testing finds only mildly don. She was almost back to where she started. Psychological factors often underlie serious lower bone densities, the women are often overweight problems. Until obese young people prescribed bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax. — who have time on their side — deal with the Bisphosphonates can cause rare but gruesome emotional part, subjecting them to surgery is See Harrop on page 19 a March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner Doonesbury By Garry Trudeau 19 A PARKER from page 18 A goods, hunting clothing, archery equipment, etc. to help finance a major competitor that likely will put them out of business. The city of Port Arthur granted huge tax breaks for major refining operations in the area. Theoretically, had the city not done so, refinery expansions would have gone to some other location. Also, the exemption of charitable or religious organizations adds to the tax burden. While I realize I’m now treading on sacred ground to even dare suggest the Baptist Church, the VFW or the American Legion facilities be taxed, just imagine how much we could lower the average homeowner’s tax bill could be were we willing to tax everything. As a matter of fact, a good argument could be made that it is unfair for an atheist to help subsidize churches he does not believe in. Recently, the state Legislature folded into law what I consider one of the most egregious tax breaks ever enacted. In the recent session, the Legislature gave tax exemptions on Chamber of Commerce buildings. The theory presented was that businessmen in a community pay lots of taxes; therefore, a building dedicated to promoting business should not be taxed. This appears to me to be an extremely dangerous trend. What’s next? Should HARROP from page 18 A side effects. They make far more sense for older women with osteoporosis. • Stents for patients with stable heart pain. Patients showing symptoms of a heart attack often undergo angioplasty, involving the insertion of a metal tube called a stent. But about one in eight angioplasties are done on patients with stable angina who are showing only minor chest pain, according to an article in The Journal of the American Medical Association. For these patients, another study showed, stents didn’t do any more good than oral medications — and the operations themselves pose some risk. One doctor in Maryland union halls be taxed? If all lawyers in a community got together and created a Taj Mahal to promote the law business in a particular county, should it be taxed? If you’re tired of your taxes continuing to go up year after year, maybe it’s time you, as a citizen and homeowner or business owner, begin to ask your elected officials about some of these matters. Even better, we should all, as citizens, begin to ask our elected officials, particularly, those in the Legislature, to at least start having open discussions and explore new ideas of fair ways to support the essential services of government. Currently, the subject of taxation or raising revenue is such a taboo that the only political conversation we hear at election time is how we can balance our budget by simply cutting out the waste. Invariably, what I consider waste is someone else’s necessity. A good example of this is the Texas leadership’s shortchanging of our children’s future by cutting education funding and endangering women by abolishing vital services to screen for cancer and other serious illnesses. 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. reportedly extracted $3.8 million from Medicare for implanting nearly 600 medically unnecessary stents. I almost forgot to mention double CT scans, whereby hospitals administer two computerized tomography scans to a patient in the course of a single day. CT scans are both expensive and expose patients to high levels of radiation. Medicare pays whatever. A hospital in Tulsa, Okla., was found to have double-scanned 80 percent of its Medicare chest patients in 2008. Note that the above examples involved not only wasted money but subjected patients to potentially harmful “treatments.” Want to curb medical spending? We’ve hardly scratched the surface. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 20 A Community support goes a long way for CASA By Jennifer Johnson Metro Editor Every day in Southeast Texas, another child is thrust into the court system, though they’ve done nothing wrong. Some of the circumstances that bring the youth into that situation are neglect or abuse at the hands of those who are supposed to be loving guardians, but every case is different. What doesn’t seem to change is that all across the U.S., there aren’t enough volunteers to step in and help the children through the difficult process ahead of them. But organizations such as Advocates for Children Inc., a CASA Program, try to help as much as possible. According to information on file with CASA, last year in the United States, more than 500,000 children were in foster care or institutions at an average annual cost of $16,479 per child. In Texas alone, each social worker carried an average caseload of 50 children. Each child without a CASA representative, or court appointed special advocate, spent an average of 24.2 months in multiple placements in the foster care system. But advocates try to give a more one-on-one experience for the children they serve, getting to know the child in Jane Stephenson, executive director of Advocates for Children Inc., a CASA Program, preps for one of many fundraisers for the organization. order to look after the best interest of the child. Advocates for Children is a nonprofit organization consisting of volunteers who advocate for abused or neglected children in Orange, Newton, Jasper, Hardin, Sabine and Tyler counties. The children they serve are generally placed in foster care by the courts, and a CASA is assigned to familiarize themselves with the child’s case and report to the court what is in the best interest for this child. It is serious and needed work, with the agency’s 40 volunteers currently tending to 242 children in 158 separate cases. While the judges review all the infor- mation they receive to decide the future placement of a child, a CASA representative is always working with the child to seek a safe, permanent placement for their charge. To become a CASA volunteer, participants must go through at least 30 hours of intensive training, be certified by a judge and commit to work at least 10 hours per month on a child abuse or neglect case for a least one year. A volunteer must be at least 21 years of age, submit to CANRIS and criminal checks, and complete an extensive application, which allows the organization to check references. Volunteers should be committed and diligent in their efforts for these at-risk children. Jane Stephenson, executive director of Advocates for Children Inc., said she would welcome any interested CASA volunteers, as the agency is now registering for its next training class. More information on becoming a volunteer can be obtained from the CASA office at 2120 Gloria Drive in Orange, or by calling the office at (877) 586-6548. “The program is always seeking volunteers,” Stephenson said. “No matter how many we have, it never seems to be enough.” Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southeast Texas Inc., based in Beaumont, is also actively seeking volunteers. Volunteer coordinator Wendy Frederick said CASA of Southeast Texas can be reached at its 2449 Calder Ave. address or by phone at (409) 832-2272. Serving Jefferson County and other nearby areas, the Southeast Texas CASA program will be registering for volunteer classes in April. The funding Making a lasting impression on the life of a youngster can pay off many times over, for both the child and the adult who puts forth the effort. Unfortunately, not every child has an adult mentor looking out for their best interests, and that makes what the CASA volunteers do on a daily basis needed – and appreciated. But in order to train the volunteers into becoming what they need to be, funding is necessary. In these economic times, federal and state funding has dwindled but enterprising volunteer agencies such as Advocates for Children and Southeast Texas CASA have stepped up to the plate to secure community support for the programs. In “Tee it up for Tom and The Kids 2012,” CASA of Southeast Texas orchestrated the annual Tom Mulvaney Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, March 19, at the Beaumont Country Club. Dozens showed up to support the cause, with all the proceeds benefiting the local CASA program. “Judge Mulvaney saw the possibilities in everyone. Though wise enough to know how a case would likely end, he offered sincere encouragement to CASA’s children and their parents, never giving up hope. Judge (Mulvaney) had dreams for the future of children in CPS care that a parent would have for his own children. His positive attitude was a blessing to us all,” recalled Randi King, Family Law Division Chief of Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, of the namesake’s legacy. Advocates for Children Inc. also had a recently successful fundraiser wherein the annual Chili’s Pancake Breakfast, held in Orange, drew in customers from all over the Golden Triangle. Stephenson said a total of $6,000 was raised that one morning, with all the proceeds going to provide training for new volunteers. Beaumont Community Players presents Director: Bryan Brassard March 22, 23, 24*, 24, 29, 30, 31*, 31 *Matinee Performance The Betty Greenberg Center for Performing Arts For tickets 409-833-4664 beaumontcommunityplayers.com Standing from left, Ruelle Parker, Jerry Wayne Pilsbury, Sylvia McDuffie, Bobby Hollis, Mike Cunningham and Rusty ‘Stupo’ Merrell were just some of the dozens of volunteers who took part in the Sabine Area Labor Council and Sabine Area Building Trades Annual Golf Tournament, which was held Monday, March 19, at Brentwood Golf Course. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 21 A S PORTS Pair of stakes ends Delta’s thoroughbred season By Chad Cooper Sports Editor Two stakes races were held on closing night of the 2011-12 thoroughbred season at Delta Downs, and while it was 19-1 longshot Wicked Vow upsetting the field in the $60,000 Au Revoir, it was the 8-5 favorite Amazing Saint who stole the show with a dominant performance in the $60,000 Bonne Chance on March 17. Veteran rider Gerard Melancon kept the 5-year-old mare near the front of a quick pace set by Tracy Hebert and Miss Noon by Doon with the 1/4 fraction of 22.34 and the halfmile at 46.32. Once the front-runner tired, Melancon made his move and cruised to a 3 1/4-length win to cover the mile in 1:39.46 over a fast track. Sweettalkin Hottie rallied from 10 lengths back to finish second with See the Stream good enough for third. The $2 win ticket returned a modest $5.20 on such a strong runner. Bred in Kentucky, trainer Brent Delahoussaye claimed the daughter of Stephen Got Even for $30,000 back on Feb. 15. Amazing Saint won for the eighth time in 26 starts for earnings of $156,362. She is a perfect 3-3 at Delta, and Melancon has been in the saddle all three trips. Wicked Vow shook things up some two races later as the 6-year-old Oklahoma bred rallied to win the Au Revoir by two lengths in 1:39.93 over the mile course at 19-1 odds. Ridden by Billy Patin for trainer Ronald Mattieu, who claimed the gelding for $15,000 in his last start, Wicked Vow won for just the seventh time in 48 starts Assiniboia Downs in Canada. Finishing second was Sir for earnings of $148,427. The Maxwell followed by Brendyn gelding was 0 for his last 8 Jo. The $2 win bet returned starts, and his last win $40.20, exacta $307 and tricame at fecta paid $1,158. Gerard Melancon and Amazing Saint cruise in the Bonne Chance. The veteran rider kept the 5-yearold mare near the front and cruised to a 3 1/4-length win to cover the mile in 1:39.46. Wicked Vow upsets the field at 19-1 to win the Au Revoir. Photos by Nicole Walker Final standings The 2011-12 thoroughbred season has come to an end and with 904 races in the books, and Tracy Hebert won his second consecutive riding title with 84 wins in 442 starts for earnings of $1,785,59. Hebert was second for most of the season until Gerard Melancon was injured in late January and missed more than six weeks. Rounding out the Top 10 were Diego Saenz (68), Don Simington (58), Gerard “G-Money” Melancon (57), Colby Hernandez (54), David “Chip” Bourque (50), Kevin Smith (45), Jansen “Lil Gee” Melancon (44), Chris Rosier (41) and Eddie Martin Jr. (38). Texas native Karl Broberg earned his first training title as he saddled 44 winners in 190 starts for earnings of $679,486. Rounding out the Top 10 were Sam Breaux (37), Keith Bourgeois (30), C.J. Woodley (26), Brian House (24), Shane Wilson (23), Brett Brinkman (22), Joey Foster (22), Thomas Amoss (17) and James Schultz (15). Leading owner title for the season belonged to End Zone Athletics Inc., which also includes Karl Broberg. They sent out 15 winners in 46 starts for earnings of $194,842. Quarter horse season The 46-day quarter horse season at Delta Downs will begin Friday, April 27, and run through Saturday, July 14. Live racing will be held every Wednesday-Saturday with a first post time of 6:45 p.m. A total of 27 stakes races are scheduled including the Louisiana Laddie and Lassie Futurities on Saturday, May 26, Firecracker Futurity and Derby on Saturday, July 7, and closing night will be headlined by the Lee Berwick Memorial Futurity. The stakes action will begin opening night with the $50,000 John Alleman Memorial for older Louisiana bred horses going 350 yards. Chad Cooper can be reached at (409) 832-1400, ext. 241, or by e-mail at cooper@theexaminer. com. DaviD Self MotorS 409-296-9600 • 1-800-323-3591 2005 Dodge Quad Cab R2500 Diesel. 4x4 $18,888 Financing Available! Deals of the Week! Warranties Hwy. 124 • Winnie • davidselfwinnie.com 2010 Ford F250 Lariat 4x4 FX4 Pkg., Leather, Loaded $36,777 March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 22 A S portS A dejected Victor O’Donnell Bellator 61 Horeshoe Riverdome Bossier City, La. Photos by David Block A sellout crowd at the Horseshoe Riverdowm in Bossier City, La., watched plenty of action from Bellator 61, and four of the middleweight tournament fights were shown live Falcao with a hammer-fist on Paraisy on MTV2 and the preliminary card on spike.com. Lake Charles native Josh Quayhagen headlined the preliminary card on March 16 and defeated Brent Taylor via unanimous decision (3027 x3). Quayhagen improved to 3-0 while Taylor dropped to 4-2. The quarterfinals of the middleweight tournament, which will determine who moves on to face champion Hector Lombard, saw plenty of drama including one of the year’s best knockouts. Brian Rogers (9-3) was a trending topic on Twitter after knocking out Vitor Vianna (12-3-1) via a flying knee at the 4:14 mark in the first round. It’s plastered on YouTube — and it’s a must see. Other winners in the middleweight tournament were Maiquel Normany Paraisy nearly connects with a front-face kick. Falcao (29-4) over Norman Paraisy (10-2) via unaniBrian Rogers celebrates after a flying knee KO. mous decision (30-27 x3), Vyacheslav “Slava” VasiLake Charles native Josh Quayhagen levsky (16-1) over Victor O’Donnell (11-4) via unanimous decision (29-28 x3), and Bruno Santos (13-0) over Giva Santana (17-2) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). Also on the undercard, Derrick Krantz (11-5) defeated Eric Scallan (104) via submission (D’arce choke) in the first round, Jason Sampson (9-1) defeated Jeremy Myers Vyacheslav (3-4) via submission (rear-naked choke) in the third round, and Trey Vasilevsky dominated Victor Houston (9-0) defeated Jeremiah Maiquel Falcao with a leg O’Donnell for Riggs (7-6) via submission (armbar) kick on Norman Paraisy three rounds. in the first round. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 23 A S PORTS Baseball Cardinals get first conference win The Lamar Cardinals clawed their way into the Southland Conference win column after being swept on the road by Central Arkansas and losing the first two home games with UT Arlington. According to Lamar head coach Jim Gilligan, the pivotal point in the Cardinals’ 4-3 victory over UTA on March 25 came when he got ejected from the game by home plate umpire Shaylor Smith in the top of the ninth inning. With Gilligan still soothing his temper in his office just behind VincentBeck Stadium’s third base dugout, freshman shortstop Wayne Stanley drilled a single down the left-field line to drive in pinch runner Joe Arechiga with the winning run with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning. “Give this win to Scottie (Hatten, the Cardinals’ 12th-season assistant coach),” said Gilligan. “He stuck with Stanley when I probably would’ve pinch-hit (Seth) Dornak in that situation.” Stanley, a 6-foot-1, 151-pounder from Lumberton who had only three hits in 11 at-bats entering the game, improved his batting average to .357 by going 2-for-3 at the plate, and he helped the Cardinal defenders turn a season-high four double plays. In addition to moving to 1-5 in the league, the Cardinals improved to 7-12 on the season with the win over the University of Texas at Arlington. The Mavericks, who won the first two games of the weekend series, fell to 13-8 overall and 3-3 in the SLC. The Cards took a break from league play when they traveled to play at No. 5 Rice on March 21. Lamar returns to SLC play March 23-25 to play at Northwestern State in a three-game set. Lamar will host Rice on Tuesday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m. LAMAR LOOP Football Lamar University’s football team opened spring training Wednesday, March 21, some six weeks later than it did last year on Feb. 7. Coach Ray Woodard’s Cardinals, who are coming off a 4-7 campaign in 2011, will conduct 4 p.m. practices on Friday and Saturday. After that, the Cardinals will go to a Monday through Thursday practice schedule, unless later altered by weather conditions. Most of the spring workouts will be held in Provost Umphrey Stadium, although some may be held at the adjacent Vernon Glass Field of Champions practice facility. The Cardinals will conclude spring training with the playing of the annual Red-White Spring Game, tentatively set for Tuesday, April 17, in Provost Umphrey Stadium. “I’m excited about getting spring training started with our new coaches under tow,” said Woodard. “I’m looking forward to seeing how the new coaches relate to our returning players and how the players react to the new coaches.” Earlier this month, Woodard announced the additions of former NFL All-Pro player Bill Bradley, former Lamar offensive coordinator Larry Kueck and former Trinity High School athletic director and head football coach Chuck Langston to his Cardinal staff. Bradley, who starred at the Uni- versity of Texas before going on to the Philadelphia Eagles, will be the Cardinals’ defensive coordinator, while Kueck, who has coached at Marshall University, SMU, Southern Mississippi and the University of Mississippi as well at Lamar, will be an offensive assistant. Langston, a Beaumont West Brook graduate and four-year letterman at center for Oklahoma University, will serve as director of football operations. “We have a number of starters coming back on both sides of the ball, and we’re excited about seeing how all of the pieces fall together in preparation for this next season,” said Woodard. “Hopefully, a lot of questions will be answered between Wednesday’s first practice and the playing of the spring game.” Among the quality players departed from the 2011 Cardinals are wide receivers J.J. Hayes and Marcus Jackson, quarterback Andre Bevil, offensive lineman Cameron Epple and linebackers Asim Hicks and Darby Jackson. Lamar will open its 2012 football See LAMAR on page 28 A March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 24 A S PORTS Surprise reversal of penalty ignites controversy Wowie-zowie!!! Yeah, it sounds like something Daphne from Scooby Doo might say, but after what I just read from National Stock Car Racing Chief Appellate Officer John Middlebrook, I can’t help but believe I am now living in a cartoon world. In case you somehow missed the shocking news from Tuesday, March 20, Middlebrook was the last person who could overturn NASCAR’s penalties against Jimmie Johnson’s crew chief Chad Knaus for alleged cheating at Daytona, and he did exactly that, reversing the suspension and rescinding the point deductions. No, he didn’t give them back their $100,000 fine and Knaus and car chief Ron Malec are still on probation, but who freaking cares? The real meat behind the penalties that NASCAR handed out were the 25-point deductions for Johnson and co-team owner Jeff Gordon and the suspension for Knaus and Malec. So, Knaus and Malec go on to live another day and even though Knaus is $100,000 light in the wallet, he is laughing all the way to the ATM. How could this happen? We were all sure that Middleton would uphold the three-judge appellate ruling from last week. Is there something sinister behind Middleton’s ruling? Did someone pay him off? Or, is he repaying his old buddy and co-owner of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet, Rick Hendrick? At this point we may never know, but what we do know is there isn’t a higher authority than Middlebrook, and his ruling stands. However, we can take a look at Middlebrook and, for those NASCAR conspiracy theorists out there, they can read between the lines. Middlebrook spent a lifetime at General Motors – 49 years, to be exact. That makes NASCAR inspects the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Photo by Jerry Jordan with Jerry Jordan www.kickinthetires.net him a GM loyalist, and Hendrick fields Chevrolets. At Middlebrook’s retirement ceremony, Hendrick was one of the speakers – there were a total of six. That means Hendrick must have been in a pretty special category of people. Middlebrook worked with and around Hendrick for more than 20 years as he was the VP of Global Sales and Service. Hendrick owns numerous automobile dealerships selling General Motors cars. Specifically, his Hendrick Automotive Group owns 10 Chevrolet dealerships, including Jeff Gordon Chevrolet in Wilmington, N.C., and Jimmie Johnson Chevrolet in San Diego, Ca. 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 Jimmie Johnson and crew chief Chad Knaus Last but not least, Middlebrook didn’t take the position of commissioner for the money. According to the official NASCAR Sprint Cup Series rulebook, he gets paid a paltry $1 a year. What better way to repay your friends than being able to help them on their way to another championship trophy? As I previously stated, the conspiracy theorists are frothing at the mouth. But in fairness, let’s look at the history of Middleton since he has been in his current position as the high and mighty over all things NASCAR. File photo Going into this most recent appeal, Middlebrook had reduced three of three penalties – some more than others, but still reductions nonetheless. Most everyone, including NASCAR and Hendrick, have said Middlebrook is one of the most honest and fair people around and that he has great integrity. So which is it, conspiracy theorists? I guess the answer could be both – maybe we should take this argument one step beyond conspiracy to ridiculous. NASCAR penalized the Hendrick team to make it appear as if it was hard on rule violations after an in-car video showed Knaus telling Johnson to destroy the car if he won the race at Talladega last year. But NASCAR knew all along there was no real violation at Daytona so they let the system play out with full-knowledge Johnson would ultimately win his appeal. The whole Daytona penalty issue was a ruse to throw conspiracy theorists off the scent, let NASCAR continue its secret support of Hendrick and put Johnson back up on a pedestal as champion, all while keeping Dale Earnhardt Jr. from ever becoming a champion. After all, “everyone” knows Hendrick gives Dale Jr. subpar equipment and crew chiefs. So, the secret is out. It’s all a big conspiracy and the endgame is to run Dale Jr. out of the sport. OK, back to the real reality and not the reality of NASCAR conspiracy nuts. How about this? The system worked. There was an alleged violation. It was appealed and ultimately the penalty was overturned because Hendrick and Knaus proved their case. Does that mean there wasn’t some sort of “gray area” that Knaus was entering with the C-post issue that brought this about in the first place? No. And I bet NASCAR will probably enact the “Knaus rule” in the coming weeks. Regardless, it’s over, done and finished so let’s move on to Fontana and get ready for the Auto Club 400 – it’s Johnson’s home track, so he’s guaranteed a win, right? That’s it for this week. Tune-in to Kickin’ the Tires Live this Saturday at 5 p.m. on KWUD 102.3 FM or 1490 AM for all the updates from Auto Club Speedway. And don’t forget to check out www.kickinthetires.net. Also, you can win tickets, VIP pit passes and luxury hotel accommodations for the upcoming race weekend at Texas Motor Speedway by registering online and at the South Texas State Fair – sponsored by Kinsel Ford, The Examiner Newspaper, Embassy Suites DFW South and Kickin’ the Tires. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 25 A KINSEL THE EXAMINER The Independent Voice of Southeast Texas register at the south texas state fair (at the examiner booth in the exhibit hall) register online too! kinselford.com theexaminer.com • kickinthetires.net tickets to the samsung/mobile 500 Weekend april 12th-14th! tickets & hotel stay! pit passes! Vip Vip pit passes embassy suites dfW south March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 26 A Range Leger’s ooting Sh 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 S PORTS The good and bad news on fishing at Sabine Lake A few days ago I pulled my boat up to the ramp on the Sabine Pass side of the causeway bridge and notice something a little strange. The ramp was closed. It looked like something out of a Third World country. Apparently it’s already coming unglued, and it’s not even more than a few years old. The wind was blowing about 20 mph out of the southeast so it’s basically useless to put in there anyway. The waves were crashing over the bulk head. So I did what I normally do — put in at the Robert Sloan photo protected and very nice ramp on the Louisiana side of the Johnson bayou. Last weekend, causeway bridge. we caught most of our trout I wrote a column a few about 200 to 300 yards off the months ago about the shoddy Louisiana shoreline. The best Texas boat ramps at the cause- lures were Egret Bayou Chubs way bridge. At that time, we in black/chartreuse or splithad two working ramps at that tailed chartreuse Gulps. We location. That column cen- fished them on 1/8 or 1/4 tered on how bad those par- ounce lead-head jigs. ticular ramps are, but I didn’t Guide Jerry Norris says his expect them to disintegrate best catches of trout and reds this soon. are coming from fresh There is good news slicks, or by fishing to report on Sabine 100 to 200 yards off Lake fishing. But first, the Louisiana shorethe bad news — there is line in 6 feet of water. a ton of freshwater in He’s been using black/ the lake right now. red split-tailed AssasThat’s due to all the sins on 1/4 ounce jig runoff moving into the Robert Sloan heads. lake from the Neches Outdoors Right now, catches and Sabine rivers. And of big trout are few the most recent rains and far between. If we won’t help the situation. The can go a week or so without a good news? Fishing is a lot substantial amount of rain, the better than you might expect. lake will clear up enough for Last weekend I fished on Sat- some serious trophy trout fishurday and Sunday. Both days ing. The trout are out there; we had enough trout, reds and it’s just a matter of finding founder to make a trip well them when they’re feeding. worth the effort. The Sunday Meanwhile, the flounder weather was the worst of the bite all over the lake is excelweekend. The wind was honk- lent. Sherry Schwarzna at ing at about 20 mph. The Causeway Bait Camp reports water was brown and very that a guy stood on the boat fresh. I had my doubts as we ramp right outside the store left the boat ramp. But at the and caught 27 flounder a few end of the day, three of had nights ago. She said he was nine trout to four pounds, four using live mud minnows on reds and three flounder. That’s bottom. Many of the flounder not bad for fishing in some- being caught are under the thing akin to gale-force winds. 14-inch minimum length limThe ticket has been to drift it. But there are quite a few out while fishing jigs on the lower there that are big enough to lake reef. Another option is to drop right into the cooler withdrift away from the Louisiana out measuring. shoreline up close to Madame Some of the best areas to This is all that is left of the causeway bridge boat ramp at Sabine Pass. The end of the ramp is washed out and boat trailers were getting tore up. target Sabine flounder are at the mouths of bayous feeding into the lake. What I’ve been doing is staking out on a point and fishing Bayou Chubs up close to the bank. The outgoing tide is usually best. Another good thing that’s happening on Sabine right now is the pier fishing under the lights. The good news is that the public fishing pier at Walter Umphrey State Park, adjacent to the causeway bridge, is now lit up like a Christmas tree every night. The bad news is that those lights are not nearly bright enough. In fact, they barely put out enough light to tie on a hook. Whoever came up with the plan for the lights on this newly rebuilt pier totally screwed up. However, it’s better than nothing. I talked to a friend of mine that fished off his pier the other night. It’s on the lower end of Pleasure Island. He caught a box full of solid trout, along with a few reds. But on the following three nights, he struggled to catch anything. If you’re going to fish off the piers or the bank at night, the best bait is definitely a live mud minnow. They can be bought at the Causeway Bait Camp. Live mullet will also work. Sherry says they can’t get live mullet right now. But mud minnows are in good supply. By the way, if you’re looking for a good pizza, live bait or a fishing report, give the Causeway Bait Camp a call at (409) 985-4811. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 27 A S portS Bass move into shallows as lake levels rise Over the past several months, there has been little written about the pursuit of largemouth bass. With all three of the big lakes being extremely low on water there was a constant danger to boaters. Now that the levels have begun to rise and with the springtime and warm weather, the scenario has begun to change. Bassing will continue to get more attention for the next few months. Our plentiful rains have not filled the big lakes, but they are definitely on the rise. What that means is that feeding fish including the black bass will follow the rise Billy Halfin into shallow-water feeding areas. That is the case Outdoors on most of the popular fishing waters but not on all of them. Even on the exceptions there will be some of the bass that will follow what is normal for them to do. Lake Livingston Lake is a unique basing lake. Largemouth black bass on Livingston are rarely if ever active in water over 10 feet deep. Certainly there will be exceptions to any rule, but for more consistent bass action, go to areas with structure under 10 feet deep. This, Toledo Bend largemouth HR&G photo of course, makes Lake Livingston a prime place for topwater lures as well as spinner lures. Yes, plastics are also good choice at times, but the topwaters and spinner lures are a lot of fun to use when the bass are in a striking mode. Lake Livingston has long been loaded with shad, thus the great white bass and catfish fishery. The largemouth also feed upon those shad as well as the bream that are also numerous in the lake. Only the bass know for sure, but I believe that’s what makes the lighter colors for the lures more attractive to the black bass. A good plan of action is to locate some points that run from the shoreline out to deeper water. Also any type of structure such as bulkheads, old stumps, boat docks, or any other vegetation make good locations. Then if you are a boater, keep the boat in or around water 10 feet deep. Cast lures into the shallows or toward the bank. This technique has paid off for me no matter the time of year or whether the lake’s water level was rising or not. I’ve noticed through observation that Toledo Bend’s black bass will move toward the shallows before those on Sam Rayburn. There is also plenty of evidence that the bass fishing in the shallows begins further up the lake above the Pendleton Bridge and then that action follows on down to the lower end. The north end of the lake is, for the most part, more shallow than that toward the dam. That shallow water will warm more quickly, thus earlier shallow-water action. Lures such as the chartreuse orange or red Rat-L-Traps begin to be the go-to lures. These offerings will remain productive from now until the upcoming spawn is over. The orange belly, gold side, and black back Rogue or similar topwater shallow diving lures are the choice of many Toledo Bend anglers. These lures are especially deadly during the springtime warm days. They usually take more fish when they are retrieved very slowly. Don’t overlook the chartreuse spinner lures. These lures are very versatile and may be fished in various water depths Plastics have long been really good choices along drop-offs when the largemouths are moving toward the spawning areas. I prefer either the Texas rig on the whacky rig around isolated structure or drop-offs into submerged creeks. Sam Rayburn’s black bass seem to begin moving into their nesting areas later than on the other lakes. This makes them more catchable with the use of plastics or deep diving crank lures. The Carolina Rig has long been one of the more productive rigs on Sam Rayburn. The use of lizards or plastic worms in the 6 to 8 inch length are good choices. Watermelon, chartreuse and pumpkin seed seem to be the more used colors. Deep diving crankbaits fished along old roadbeds, grass with creeks nearby, and drop-offs are good choices. There will not normally be fast action, but the fish that are there will be larger. It is getting to be largemouth black bass time all over the place. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 28 A Succulents P A C K An Im Al I m E A n I T T U R n S T O I S T E E I T S I S S CO nf ER En CE P O K E S E Pl Ay E C U l E S l A P f A n T S E A R C H S A T E I T H PE Rf OR mA nC ES I n A S P O T m U T m P A C T DI SC y l A I l A U T m A l l P R E E m I E A n n A n C l E R G y T A X I E D S I T A R S HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTHEAST TEXAS C H I C A S E T C E T E R A D E m O T E T H R E E C A R T A m l I n C R U n C H TI mE D U E l S H E m H O O G m O n S T E R A B C B R E V E l S E n D S U P P R E R E T A G H O E T E T R A C R O W D Pl EA SE RS S Q U E E Z S I R S A C U f f A S T A m E n S T S l O T I n P A n C A K E BR EA Kf AS TS T n T A l T A R S U m O S A R I A n E E D l E X E R C l U T C A E n E I D G A P E S f I R m G A S S O l I D S I R E C R U m P l E ZO nE C O R A V E D E A R n S T H S Q U A S H Bl OS SO mS E K E S O T I E R O U I S I n C A R E S D O A T A n R O A D m A P P I n C H RU nn ER A C T U A T E E n T H U S E D J A m SE SS IO nS C O V E n T R y Crossword solution – Puzzle on page 37 A If you have a tendency to forget to water and otherwise “abuse” your plants, succulents are for you. A succulent is a plant that retains water and has thick, fleshy water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves, their stems or their roots. You are probably familiar with cactus, aloe and agave. There are hundreds more lovely succulents available around town when you start to look. It is addictive. Christina LaDee, a local avid gardener, recently gave a program on succulents. Upon hearing this news, her friend and fellow gardener, Helen Solinger asked her why. Now they are both self proclaimed “succulent addicts” and Solinger recently planted more than 40 succulents to add to her collection. They both like the plant shapes and colors, which make you think of a desert sunset. Pet of the week Adoption fee $95 for mixed breed dogs and puppies, and $150 for pure breeds. This includes the first round of vaccinations, bordetella vaccination, worming, flea treatment, spaying or neutering, and a veterinary wellness exam. All animals will be spayed or neutered before going to their new home. Adoption is a 15-year commitment. Please adopt responsibly. For information, call the Humane Society at (409) 833-0504 or visit 2050. My name is Lynne. I am a 9-month-old female plott hound mix. I weigh 34 pounds and will be a medium dog when full grown. I came to the shelter as a stray and now I am looking for a great, active family. I am good with kids and other dogs. Plott hounds are very intelligent, alert, confident and eager to please. Please come see me and take me home. 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 Last summer her love affair with succulents began when she spotted a neglected Hen-AndChicks succulent in the corner of her deck. “It was healthiest plant Garden the still alive on our Gate deck. And there I was, hooked on with Helen Joette Reger succulents.” adds that they seem to grow pretty slowly, but that’s good in a lot of ways. If you make a dish garden, See GARDEN on page 34 A LAMAR from page 23 A 15 finish of the season with a 14th place tie with a 9-over 225. Purdue’s Paula Reto won medalist honors with a 9-under 207. LU freshman Nghi Ngo tied for 25th with a 13-over 229. Other Cardinal golfers were sophomore Katelyn McDougal (T44, 233), sophomore Lauren Van Gerven (T63, 241) and senior Sarah Nicholas (T68, 245). The Lady Cardinals will compete in just one more tournament before next month’s Southland Conference Championship. Lamar will open play in the HBU Husky Invitational at Riverbend Country Club on Apr. 2. schedule on Sept. 1 with a road game at former rival Louisiana-Lafayette, now a member of the Sun Belt Conference. Woodard’s Cardinals will face a second Football Bowl Subdivision school when they travel to Honolulu, Hawaii, to play a Sept. 15 game against the University of Hawaii. The Cardinals’ home opener in 16,000-seat Provost Umphrey Stadium is set for Sept. 8 against Prairie View A&M University. Their Southland Conference opener will be in Beaumont against Southeastern Louisiana Men’s tennis University on Sept. 29, and their 2012 HomeThe Cards dropped a 7-0 match at No. 43 coming Game will be against McMurry Uni- Arkansas (13-5) on Tuesday, March 20, in versity on Oct. 13. Fayetteville. For season ticket information, Lamar (4-5) did have two non-conference call the Lamar ticket office at wins before the setback with Arkansas as (409) 880-1715. they defeated UMKC (1-9) by the score of 6-1. Rob Lee won his second consecuMen’s golf tive match at No. 1 singles with a 7-6 (1), With senior M.J. Daffue 6-3 triumph over Grant Fleming. Denis taking home the individual Ermilov, Carlos Valdenebro, Bruno Snytitle on March 17, the rest of der and Mikko Rajamaki also won at sinthe Lamar men’s golf team progles for the Cardinals. vided plenty of support to lead the “We played very solid in both doubles and Cardinals to the team title of the annual Borsingles,” said head coach Scott Shankles. der Olympics at the Laredo Country Club. “We did a great job holding serve throughout Lamar, who also won the Border Olympics doubles. That proved to be the difference.” in 2007, picked up its first team title since The Cards also defeated Marist, 4-3, at the winning the 2009 Southland Conference Championship. The Cardinals (870) and No. Thompson Family Tennis Center on March 31 Baylor Bears (875) were the only two 15. Bruno Snyder’s three-set victory at No. 4 teams to shoot a cumulative score under 880. singles snapped a 3-3 tie. Lamar opens a four-match homestand by Daffue, who won for the fourth time in his Lamar career, finished with a 5-under 211. taking on Alcorn State at 10 a.m. March 24. Other Cardinal golfers who played were Xavier Feyaerts (T3, 216), freshman Luke Women’s tennis The Lady Cards defeated McNeese State Jerling (T11, 221), senior Kevin Hesbois (T18, 223), sophomore Stephane Dubois 6-1 at home March 16 then dropped a non(T60, 232) and freshman Gustaf Burenstam conference tilt to South Alabama, 6-1, on March 18. (T29, 225), who played as an individual. In the win over McNeese State (1-9, 0-4), Lamar will have two weeks off from competition before playing in the Insperity Alessandra Pennesi won her seventh straight singles match for Lamar, taking a 6-3, 6-2 Augusta State Invitational on March 31. decision over Marcella Castaldi at No. 5 sinWomen’s golf gles. Carolina Salas, Natalia Mayagoitia, The Lady Cards competed in the Insperity Carolina Maso and Helene Czudek also won Lady Jaguar Intercollegiate in Augusta, Ga., their singles matches for the Lady Cardinals. LU (4-6, 2-2) will next host a two matches last weekend and finished ninth with a team total of 926. UTSA won the team title with a on Saturday, March 24, beginning with Southeastern Louisiana at 10 a.m. and UT 16-over 880. LU junior Julie Aime posted her sixth top Pan American at 3 p.m. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 29 A The STaTely & SporTy MaxiMa Michele Brooke Auto Writer The flagship Nissan Maxima continues to set the bar for Nissan sedans, combining breakthrough sports sedan styling, a driver-oriented cockpit, ample comfort and luxury for passengers and an advanced drivetrain anchored by Nissan’s legendary VQ-series V6 engine. For 2012, the iconic Maxima receives a refreshed exterior – with a new front grille design, new rear combination lights, and new 18-inch and 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Inside, the roomy Maxima interior’s enhancements include a new meter cluster illumination color (white), new Dark Piano hairline trim, a new Atlantic Cherry wood tone trim and a new Cafe Latte interior color. There’s also a new audio segment display and new audio/ HVAC knob design. The other big news for the 2012 Maxima is the addition of a special Limited Edition package, which offers smoked appearance headlights, High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights, a compass in the rearview mirror, 18-inch aluminum-alloy Dark Hyper Silver colored wheels, a rear spoiler, dark satin chrome front grille, fog lights, outside mirrors with integrated turn signals and metallic trim on the center cluster, center console and door armrest grips. The 2012 Maxima is offered in two well-equipped models Utilizing Nissan’s advanced ‘D platform’ as its foundation, the 2012 Maxima features a standard 3.5-liter VQ-series V6 engine rated at 290 horsepower and 261 pound-feet of torque. presence that distinguishes it from other mid-size sedans. Maxima’s exterior is highlighted by the flow of its powerful and beautiful surfaces, like the undulation of a wave. Dynamic presence, The look starts with Maxima’s luxurious interior aggressive stance and powerOn the road or standing ful fender volume. Maxima’s stance is created still, Maxima offers a dynamic – Maxima 3.5 S and Maxima 3.5 SV, each featuring a standard 290-horsepower 3.5-liter DOHC 24-valve VQ-series V6 engine. by its sporty proportions that carefully balance wheelbase and overall length, along with a wide front and rear track. The look is accented by 18-inch or available 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels – with new designs for 2012 – and See auto on page 32 a 2011 DODGE CHARGER 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA 2009 CHRYSLER 300 2007 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 2010 FORD MUSTANG 2008 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 30 A ‘We may not have the same goals’ Remembering Mark A. Wilson, MD Last year, I thought, “this will be the a part of SETMA told us that it was a last.” It had been two years since SET- waste of money with no benefit for MA’s co-founding partner Mark A. Wil- patient care. We believed it was the son, MD, passed away. I had written a future of health care. But it was hard. number of articles about him and I In May 1999, Mark was emotionally thought that it was enough. But as down and I asked him what the matter March 23, 2012, approaches — the was. He said, speaking of our progress third anniversary of with electronic records, Mark’s death — his “We’re not even crawlfather has announced ing yet.” Remember, that on that day at 3 we purchased the EHR James p.m., there will be a in March 1998, but it Holly, graveside memorial to was an empty box. It M.D. celebrate Mark’s life took us until Jan. 26, and the placing of the 1999, to build the funcbeautiful markers on his tionality that allowed grave and on the Wil- Your Life, Your Health us to start using the son-cemetery plot. new tool. During that A number of memo10-month period, we ries surround this event for me. The first were paying for the transcription seroccurred in 1983. Mark had moved to vice we had developed with which to Beaumont in 1982. He and his partner document a patient encounter, we were started Medi-Quick Inc. chain of clinics paying for the HER, and we were payand had created controversy in South- ing a number of staff to develop the east Texas (If you Google Medi-Quick content of the EHR. Needless to say, the Inc., it still yields results). I first saw pressure was enormous, so much so that Mark in a Baptist Hospital Medical at the time of Mark’s lamentation about Staff Executive Committee Meeting. I health records, I was confident that we remember how young he was. He was could not succeed financially. In May not yet 30 years old, and he seemed like 1999, I feared that we would go banka teenager. rupt. And I could not tell anyone. In 1995, I got to know Mark well as In response to Mark’s comment, I we began discussing the formation of said, “You are probably right, but let me SETMA. On Aug. 1, 1995, we launched ask you a question. When your oldest SETMA. The general opinion was that son first turned over in bed, did you Mark Wilson and Larry Holly could not lament that he could not crawl, or did work together successfully. When Mark you shout to your wife and say, ‘Our passed away, we were the only two son just turned over in bed?’” He smiled founding partners left in SETMA. and I continued, “If in a year, all we are Through hours and hours of conversa- doing is what we are currently doing, I tions, sometimes loud and contentious will join your lamentation. but today, I but always resolved with understanding am going to celebrate that we have and collegiality, Mark and I came to started.” We agreed that from then on understand that we had common inter- we would celebrate what we were doing ests and common goals in healthcare. while we were accomplishing what we In October 1997, we attended the wanted to be able to do. Celebration Medical Group Management Associa- became the core of our philosophy. In tion annual meeting in Washington, August 2007, this event was the subject D.C. In a daylong pre-conference ses- of an article in Health Data Managesion on strategic planning, Mark and I ment Magazine titled “Vision and Celcontinued our dialogue. As we walked ebration.” out of a session, Mark said, “You know In January 2000, the first of more Larry, you and I may not have the same than 130 articles about SETMA goals.” I agreed and asked him, “What appeared in a national medical magaare your goals, Mark?” He stated his zine. Family Practice News and then goal in what has become SETMA’s Health Data Management in July 2000 Mission Statement. After he told me his wrote articles about SETMA and ours goals, I opened my notebook and in a use of EHR. We were on our way. In box outlined in ink, I had written, word January 2003, SETMA was named for word, Mark’s goals, which were Microsoft Clinic of the Year. In Novemtitled “My goals.” ber 2003, SETMA was named PhysiOn March 30, 1998, we signed our cian Practice Magazine, Southwest first check for electronic health records. Clinic of the Year, and the next year, the It was for $675,000. I remember that same magazine named us runner up our accountant told us that we had lost National Clinic of the Year. In 2006, our minds and a physician who was not SETMA was awarded the prestigious HIMSS Davies Award, and the list continues to grow. In 2002, SETMA began to receive invitations to “tell the SETMA story” at national meetings. The American Medical Association, the Massachusetts Medical Association, the Toward Electronic Patient Record Institute (TEPR), the Health Information and Medical Management Society (HIMSS) and many others began requesting SETMA’s story be told. On SEMTA’s Web site at www.setma.com under In-TheNews SETMA Presentations, there are more than 40 presentations made in the past 10 years about SETMA’s work. In 2003, I gave Mark a framed poster titled “Priorities.” It is a beautiful picture of a little boy with hands in his back pockets looking over a beautiful lake. The inscription states, “A hundred years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, what kind of house I lived in or what kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child.” Little did we know that Mark had less than six years to live when we hung that picture outside his office door. Mark had always been devoted to his three children, but he did begin to leave office earlier and he was important in the lives of his three children and in the lives of countless other young girls who were ministered to by Girls’ Haven. In 2005, Mark wrote me a letter. I wish I could find it; I know where I put it, but alas, it is not there. In that letter, Mark said that he wanted me to become an expert in national health-care policy and transformation of health care. Mark had always had a vision of SEMTA becoming a local and regional resource for health-care information, but now he saw the opportunity for us to become national spokespersons for the future of health care. We were already well on our way but, Mark’s support was a major factor in the future of SETMA. On April 12, 2007, two SETMA partners announced that they were leaving SETMA. They had been starting businesses that competed with SETMA for several years and without our knowledge had been going to companies with whom we had contracts and negotiating their taking over those contracts after leaving SETMA. During this “exit” meeting, they announced that others were leaving with them and that this was a “tipping point” and that within six months SETMA would no longer exist. April 12, 2012, will be five years since that prophesy, and SETMA is stronger and larger than ever. One of the eight physicians has returned to SETMA. And three others continue to speak of SETMA as being the best job they have ever had. The fracture of relationships is never a pleasant thing, although no one took their prophesy seriously. On July 30, 2007, eight physicians left SETMA. Four left to form a new group and four left coincidentally but not related to the first four’s departure. I remember thinking, now nothing could be worse than this. But little did I know that it could. Nine days after this exodus, Mark called and asked to come to my home. This was unusual and I wondered if maybe he was discouraged and also wanted to leave. I was not prepared for what he told me. As Mark and I sat in my living room, he said, “I have terminal cancer.” At first, it was as if he had told me, “I have a cold.” But as I sat silent, and for two hours listened to Mark, it sunk in. This was as bad as I could be. As Mark talked about his symptoms, diagnosis and future, only two things gave him emotional distress: his children and being a physician. He grieved over the loss of both. I never doubted that SETMA would not only survive but succeed in the absence of the eight physicians who had left, but now … I was not afraid that SETMA would not survive Mark’s loss, but I did know that the comfort and camaraderie that we had shared would be sorely missed long after the end of his life. Our relationship, which others said could not survive, had become pivotal to both of us. In a very real sense, the loss of Mark was like the loss of my father two years before. I was 17 when I left home for college and I never lived again in my father’s home except as a brief guest. My father had never been involved in my career or business but his presence had always been like a safety net. I felt certain that if I were about to make a mistake my father would step out of the shadows and shake his head and say “No.” Mark was not a father to me, but we shared a relationship that while neither of us really “needed” the other, we enjoyed the confidence that if either of us were about to make a mistake, the other would step up and say by the shaking of the head, “No.” In the five years since his diagnosis and the three years since his death, there have been numerous times that I reached for the telephone to tell Mark about some new enterprise or adventure SETMA was undertaking. I never touched the telephone before remembering, but the desire was there. I often visit Mark’s gravesite and often stand there and talk about SETMA’s new adventures. I so want to tell Mark how far we have come and how we have fulfilled his vision of being national leaders in See holly on page 32 A March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 31 A You still owe after account ‘write off’ Pinterest, a media-based social networking service We are all likely cognizant of the only. At present, prospective users can major social networking Web services, receive an invite from current Pinterest as they have become an integral part of users, or can apply for an invite at the many of our daily lives. I have written top of the main page. While some conabout Facebook, Twitter and Google temporary blogs mention that invites Plus in this column, and have accounts are almost instant and automatic after on all three. I use Facebook and Google requesting one from the Pinterest Web Plus almost daily but admittedly have site, I received the following obviously not been on Twitter in several months. automated response to my invite I have been seeing a lot of refer- request: “ Hi! Thanks for joining the ences recently about another social Pinterest waiting list. We’ll be sure to networking service, Pinterest (pinter- send you an invite soon. In the meanest.com), which is different than the time, you can follow us on Twitter. You other major social networking services can also explore a few pins. We’re in that it is based on excited to get you pin“themed image boards” ning soon! — Ben and composed of images the Pinterest Team.” (and other media) Once registered, PinIra uploaded from the terest requires the user Wilsker to link his Pinterest members’ computers or media found online. If account with either a media is found online, Facebook or Twitter it is added to the ownaccount. Technology er’s image board In exploring the through the use of a Pinterest Web site, I “Pin It” button. When viewed dozens of visiting Pinterest for the first time in “boards” composed of a mix of media, order to write this column, my first each known as a “pin.” The pins were impression was that it is millions of mostly photos and other images, but billboard-looking pages used by indi- also included embedded videos and viduals (mostly women) to post images discussion threads. On mousing over of interest, and by businesses to create any of the images, three buttons appear virtual catalogs of their products. offering the user options to “RePin,” According to its listing in Wikipe- “Like” and “Comment.” The RePin dia, Pinterest is a fairly new social process allows the viewer to add the medial Web site launched in March image to his or her board, and the Like 2010, and is managed by Palo Alto, button works similar to the Like funcCalif., based Cold Brew labs. Member- tions on other social networking Web ship for full access to the Web site is sites, indicating the number of viewers required, and available by invitation who liked that particular media item. Web sites pinterest.com blog.pinterest.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pintrest www.makeuseof.com/tag/pinterest-pointtwitter-opinion/ https://pinterest.com/about/terms/ www.bizjournals.com/boston/blog/ startups/2012/02/pinterest-copyrightissues.html /en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Pintrest#Copyrighted_content en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pintrest#Use_by_ scammers Q. I had a credit card account that was written off several years ago. I have now received a letter from a debt collector stating that if I don’t pay, I will be sued. How do I owe any money if the account was written-off? Should I just ignore this? A. Basically, when an account is written-off by a creditor, the creditor has made the decision not to take any further efforts to colKnow lect. It does not Your mean, however, that you no longer owe Rights the money. In fact, the account is often with Richard transferred to a debt Alderman collector who will continue collection efforts. The debt collector can request payment and can file a lawsuit, assuming that the time is within what is called the “statute of limitations.” In Texas, the limitations period for filing a lawsuit for a credit card debt is four years from when the account went into default. If it has been more than four years since you defaulted, the debt collector’s threat to file suit probably violates federal debt collection law. If it has not been more than four years, they have the right to sue if you do not work out a payment plan. I suggest you try to work out a payment plan you can live with, and do not ignore any legal papers you receive. If you do, a judgment will be entered against you for the full amount they request. The Comment button allows the reader to post a comment under the image or other media device. The comments are all interlinked, and clicking on the name of the person who left the comment will open that individual’s board. At random, I clicked on the name “Jennifer” on a comment left on another’s board, and it opened Jennifer’s board. Jennifer’s board shows her personal activities and interests, as well as records her participation on Pinterest. In Jennifer’s case, she has created 15 of her own sub-boards, had 132 “pins” and 50 “likes.” Her personal board has 15 major areas of her individual choice: “My Style,” “Equus,” “Movie & Theater,” “Food & Drink,” “Funny,” and several other sections. Having my own sense of humor, I clicked on Jennifer’s “Funny” listings and opened up her collection of funny images and quotations. The header on her Funny page indicates that there are six followers of her Funny page, and 12 of her funny images have been “pinned” or used by Q. My checkbook was stolen during a break-in of my home. I called the bank and it said that because I didn’t have any checks outstanding, I should just close the account. A collection agency is now asking me to pay some of the checks the thief wrote that bounced. Do I have any liability? A. If your checks were stolen and your signature was forged, you have no liability on the checks. A forged signature does not impose any liability on the person whose signature was forged. In fact, under the law, the thief’s forgery of your name actually operates as his or her signature and they are the ones from whom the collection agency should be trying to collect. I suggest you contact the collection agency, in See tech on page 34 A See rightS on page 34 A March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 32 A Auto Holly from page 29 A from page 30 A low-profile performance tires. Maxima’s exterior also imparts a strong premium presence. The large, wraparound L-shaped headlights add a unique dimension to the overall design. The upturned headlight shape combines with a new grille design, large bumper opening and bulging “catamaran-style” hood to give Maxima a formidable expression, setting the tone for the rest of the vehicle. Smoke-colored High Intensity Discharge (HID) Xenon headlights and a dark chrome grille finish are available with the optional Sport Package and new Limited Edition Package. The powerful Maxima form continues along its profile, with careful layering of the bumper, hood and fender parting lines. The polished, elegant motion spreads from the deep-waisted rear fenders through distinctive Maxima-style C-pillars and high trunk lid. At the rear, Maxima features a 12-LED L-shaped taillight design, with a pair of side marker bulbs. The rear combination taillight design has been refreshed for 2012. Another unique styling feature is the available Dual Panel Moonroof, which combines a front section that moves like a normal moonroof (positioned farther forward than typical) and a fixed translucent rear section that provides light to rear seat passengers. The Dual Panel Moonroof includes dual power sunshades for both the front and rear glass sections, adding a level of convenience. It is offered as part of the Premium Package. Maxima is available in a choice of nine exterior colors, including new Java Metallic and Dark Slate and carryover Crimson Black, Brilliant Silver, Super Black, Tuscan Sun, Winter Frost, Navy Blue and Ocean Gray. Maxima’s interior design provides the feeling of a sports car with controls ergonomically close, yet with ample roominess and comfort for both driver and passengers. The instrument panel features “Daytime Illumination” electroluminescent meters with a new illumination color (white) for 2012 and there is extensive use of chrome surrounds for the gauges, vent rings, vent knobs and audio switches. The threespoke steering wheel features a unique “parallel” pattern steering wheel stitching (versus the traditional baseballstyle stitching) on Maxima Sport and Premium Packages. A unique shiny gray stitch color is included with the Sport Package. The driver’s seat includes an available manual thigh extension and additional padding in the side bolsters. The seat is also available with heating and cooling functions and premium leather-appointed surfaces with special health-care affairs. Mark would be thrilled that the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Medicine has elected me an adjunct professor of Family and Community Medicine. He would be thrilled at the recognitions SETMA has received. In his last days, we had applied for Medical Home recognition. He would like the fact that we are a Tier Three (the highest) NCQA Medical Home. He would love the fact that we are a Joslin Diabetes Affiliate. The public reporting of quality metrics by provider name would have scared him like it did all of us, but he would have done it. Mark would be proud of the other accreditations we have received. As I prepare this article, I received an invitation to be on the Advisory Board for a conference in Washington, D.C. in September titled “Diabetes Innovation 2012 – Connect, Care, Cure.” The six members of the Advisory Board are recognized national leaders in healthcare transformation. Mark would have loved the note forwarded to me last night, March 13, from the IBM global director of Healthcare Transformation, who said, “Hi, Susan. Nice video — Dr Holly and the SETMA COGNOS solution are now folk heroes in Australia — sort of a ‘Mary Watson’ folk hero. The Minister of Health loved the slides on SETMA and the empowering of the patient with data and the story of personalizing data to the individual and lots of interest in Wellby Kiosk as well. Susan, can you send the team in Australia the COGNOS SETMA information and the video? Thanks.” Australia?! Mark would be proud. The SETMA Foundation was formed before Mark became ill, but he never saw it performing as it does today. I told Mark once, “Until, I met you, I had never known a man who was more generous than my father, but you are.” Mark would have been overwhelmed at SETMA’s partners giving the foundation in excess of $2 million by the end of this year. As we all stand by his gravesite on Friday, March 23, 2012, at 3 p.m. in the afternoon, we will remember Mark A. Wilson, MD. And in remembering him, we will be thankful that we could all be known as “Friends of Mark.” The instrument panel features ‘Daytime Illumination’ electroluminescent meters with a new white illumination color for 2012. The fuel economy rating for this mid-size is 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. stitching. Also available are power lower lumbar and memory functions. Maxima is available with two different rear seat layouts – a 60/40 fold-down rear seat with access to the trunk, and a fixed rear seat with center armrest pass-through (Sport Package and Premium Package). Two interior colors are offered: Café Latté and Charcoal. Comfort and convenience features include a standard moonroof, eightway power drivers seat and 4-way power adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic temperature control, cruise control with illuminated steering wheel mounted controls, Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Ignition, power windows and door locks, AM/FM/CD6/MP3 audio system with eight speakers, Bluetooth Hands-Free Phone System and available USB connectivity. Two well-equipped models, plus packages The 2012 Maxima is offered in two well-equipped models. In addition to the long list of standard features found on every Maxima 3.5 S model, Maxima 3.5 SV adds leather-appointed sport seats, Bose premium audio system with nine speakers (including two subwoofers and a center channel speaker), XM Satellite Radio (XM subscription required, sold separately), HomeLink Universal Transceiver, fog lights and outside mirrors with turn signal indicators. A number of packages are also offered, including the aforementioned Limited Edition package and the Sport package, whose equipment includes a sport-tuned suspension, 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, rear spoiler, HID Xenon headlights, heated outside mirrors, automatic entry/exit system with two-driver memory, heated front seats and steering wheel, paddle shifters, metallic finish trim, premium leatherappointed seats, plus smoked headlight covers and dark chrome grille. The Premium package includes the dual panel moonroof with rear roof window and front and rear power retractable sunshades, HID Xenon headlights, heated outside mirrors with reverse tiltdown feature, automatic entry/exit system with two-driver memory, heated front seats and steering wheel, paddle shifters, premium leather-appointed seats, Atlantic Cherry wood-tone trim, 7-inch color monitor and more. Tech Packages are available for Maxima SV, SV Sport and SV Premium and include an advanced Nissan Hard Drive Navigation System with voice recognition, XM NavTraffic with real-time traffic information, XM NavWeather (XM subscription required, sold separately), streaming audio via Bluetooth, 7-inch touch screen color monitor. Other available packages include a Monitor package, HID Xenon Headlights, Cold Package and 19-inch summer tires. To learn more, visit your local southeast Texas Nissan dealer or www. nissanusa.com. Dr. James L. Holly is CEO of Southeast Texas Medical Associates, LLP (SETMA) in Beaumont. March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 33 A R ELIGION Let’s eat and make merry Listening with your ears and heart My son was lost and now is found We can learn so much save that which was lost.” from the story Jesus told The love demonstrated in about the prodigal son and the three parables in Luke’s his family. Today we read gospel, Chapter 15, is a from Luke 15:3-10. seeking love. Love “So He spoke this strides across hills in parable to them, saysearch of a lost sheep. ing, ‘What man of Love gets down on you, having a hundred its knees and gropes sheep, if he loses one as it seeks a lost coin. of them, does not And love raises, leave the ninety and trains, loses, seeks Pastor nine in the wilderness, and then runs out to Delmar and go after the one, embrace a lost son. Dabney which is lost until he God is love. It was 1925-1994 finds it? And when he God in Christ’s has found it, he lays it description of Himon his shoulders, rejoicing. self. John 3:16 shares it. “For And when he comes home, God so loved the world that he calls together his friends He gave His only begotten and neighbors saying I have son…” God has this pursuing found my sheep, which was love with probes into all the lost. Likewise there will be dangerous places of the world more joy in heaven over one and pushes into all of the dinsinner who repents than over gy corners seeking those of us ninety and nine just persons who have lost the way. No who need no repentance. Or, one of us is too much for Him what woman, having ten sil- Who comes searching. And ver coins, if she loses one no joy is greater than that coin, does not light a lamp, when what is lost is found. sweep the house and seek Hear me fellow Christian. diligently until she finds it? It is time for every child of And when she has found it, God to join a search party she calls her friends and and to help seek and to save neighbors together, saying, that which is lost. rejoice with me, for I have And my unsaved friend, it found the piece, which I lost. is time for all of us to move, Likewise there is joy in the in repentance, toward that presence of the angels of God searching love of God. over one sinner who repents.” Lost! Found! The only Now, let’s go to Verse 23 difference between those two and 24 and read the words of is the amazing grace of our the prodigal’s father. “Let us God in Jesus Christ. If you eat and make merry for this are lost and want to be found, my son was lost and is now it begins with this prayer. found.” Lord, I am willing to be It is a fearful thing to found. Find me before I know that you are danger- destroy myself. Track me ously lost. There is a panic down and wrap me around and a dread in that, perhaps with Your redeeming love, only experienced people can which never lets go. tell about. I have experienced Then, having prayed that, this type of “lostness” on you need to find a Christthree occasions in my life. centered church and become What is less fearful, but just a vital part of it. as dangerous, is to be lost Grant it, Master. In Jesus’ without knowing it. name. Amen and amen. God’s heartbroken word is for any of us who are not The Rev. Delmar Dabney saved and are hopelessly was a spiritual inspiration in lost. And God provided the Southeast Texas for many years solution for us. Before we before his death in 1994. This other messages from his were even born, or ever knew and daily television show, “Coffee that we were lost, God in with Pastor Dabney,” are feaChrist came to “seek and to tured here regularly. As a writer for many years, I have tried to I thought that was a shame. She is beautiful, learn to listen with my heart when people never in any trouble, and really deserved the speak. What I mean by that statement is I want award she was to be receiving in front of her to hear more than just the words people are peers. She even had a bright red formal dress saying to me. One can learn a lot by facial to wear and she was excited. There is such a expressions, the tone chosen, and points of thing as too much love and protection, and emphasis. The same exact words can seem so often, a child in this situation will rebel and go different in print or when spoken verbally and the other way just as soon as they get the first clearly in love, in hate, or somewhere in opportunity. between. Often, when the same thoughts are The second teen I have been talking with put into print, they can seem cold, harsh, or left her home and moved in with another famcritical, when perhaps the intent was not meant ily simply because she could not bear the conto be so damning. ditions where she lived. This girl is dynamic, This past weekend I have had occasion to very beautiful, and has a bright, inquiring speak with and learn a great deal about four dif- mind. She can and will be something special ferent teens, all of whom are good kids, not in with just the right direction, support and guidany serious trouble, and well loved and cared ance. Teachers and church leaders have tried to for by parents and other family members. I trust be helpful, but there are limits. I pray that this I was listening with my heart. is a right choice for her at this time in All four of these good kids are strugher life. She has so much to offer if she gling with some very real issues and can just make it to adulthood. need love, direction, guidance, and help I know both a boy and girl, not relatto reach adulthood and become contribed and not connected by a relationship, uting members of society. For our older that have stated their intentions to move readers of this column, it is not the same out of the parental home, get a place of world in many ways you and I grew up their own, and make a charming, funin when neighborhoods were safe, filled life for themselves. Only problem Brenda school chums were lifelong pals, and is in both cases, they have no reputable Cannon home meant something special. job, no vehicle, and are still in school. Henley One of the teens is a beautiful girl, Other students that have left home and Senior just now 15, and really a stunning young Correspondent live alone to fend for themselves have lady whose father is so super strict that to The Examiner tempted them. You might be surprised at he hardly lets her out of his sight. His the number of young teens that live motives are perhaps good. He loves her and alone these days. One told me recently, “Yea, it wants to protect her from all evil, and espe- was a lot of fun to live in the trailer by myself cially that of the masculine gender. Boys call for about a week. And then, I wished I could the home and want to speak to the daughter, just go home, but I can’t.” much to his despair. One even dared to ask her What the other kids see is immediate freeout on a date. The father said “No,” loudly and dom, no boundaries, and lots of fun. There are clearly when the date was to be to a teacher/ few rules because these parents are too busy to sponsor event where adults would be present. rear them. Out of sight, out of mind. Little do He said the only condition he would permit his the youngsters realize that these kids often do daughter to attend is if he and his wife accom- not have a good meal to eat, worry about the panied her to the ball, which happened to be a little electric bill being paid, and have to ask military one. The daughter, I failed to mention, others to pick them up and give them a ride to is a top sharpshooter and the best marksman in where they are going. That’d not even menthree Atlanta area high schools. She has never tioning sickness, new clothing, insurance, and been allowed to hang with her friends or stay trips because these items haven’t crossed their over without an intense investigation and tons thinking patterns as of yet. of rules. She said it was far to embarrassing for Adults in many cases want to help their own the parents to accompany her to the military and other children so much that they make life ball and that she would prefer just skipping it too easy. Everything is handed out on a silver and staying home. See HENLEY on page 34 A CHURCH NOTES Singles adult retreat in Lumberton Singles Christian Connection at 1534 Highway 96 S. in Lumberton is holding a singles adult retreat on emotional healing April 20-21. Along with nine guest speakers, including featured speaker Dusty Wells, there will be a concert by Dove award nominees Beyond the Ashes from Nashville, Tenn. The event begins at 5 p.m. Friday, April 20, with registration for $45. For more information, visit www.singleschristianconnection.com or call (409) 8604400. Sunday • 10:30 AM Tuesday Family Prayer 7:00 PM Wed. Night • 7:30 Bible Study Everyone Welcome! Pastor Michael LaBrie Gospel Tabernacle 1225 Glendale • Beaumont 409-866-2000 www.GospelTabernacleBeaumont.com March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 34 A HENLEY from page 33 A platter and there are no consequences for bad choices or mistakes. It is simply easier to say “yes” rather than a firm “no” to hard questions or ill-advised behavior. I know in my heart I wish I could give my children the tools they need to make good choices, but I also know that my words of advice would likely fall on deaf ears. There are other young people God has put in my path that I want to help, but there are limits to that help. In some cases, these young individuals have to learn principles for themselves. We cannot do it for them. C.S. Lewis, one of my favorite authors wrote, “Experience, a brutal teacher, but my God, do we learn.” And learn, we do, more by our bad choices and the consequences that follow, in some cases, than by the good ones we make. Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788. TECH from page 31 A others on their boards. As with all other images on Pinterest, each of the images has the same three buttons available, as did all of the images on the front page, allowing viewers to RePin, Comment or Like her images. In doing a quick search for local content, I entered “Beaumont” and found hundreds of boards with the key word “Beaumont” in their name; many were individuals, organizations or businesses, but many were also cities with the name Beaumont. I found the Beaumont-based African Violet Society, a local commercial photographer, and the local Beaumont Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), as well as several others. In looking at the CVB board, with its 16 sub-boards and 150 pins, a viewer can readily see some of the charm and attractions of Beaumont, and appropriate task and function of the CVB. Local museums, restaurants, special events, theater, shopping, architecture, art, religious activities, local sports, local businesses, and other local items of interest are highlighted. I found the “Beaumont Made” board listed under the CVB very refreshing, as it listed Douget’s Rice, TexJoy Seasonings, Seaport Coffee, Jason’s Deli, and a video history of famous Beaumont photographer Keith Carter. Pinned to the CVB’s “Local Flavor, Beaumont Style” board were images and other information about local restaurants and foods including Suga’s, Rao’s, Major League Grill, Chaba Thai Bistro, Koi Japanese Sushi GARDEN from page 28 A topiary or wreath, it will hold its shape for a long time without much work on your part. Also, some succulents are so sculptural that a single plant can be striking in a pot by itself.” Well, as these things go, Solinger spread her enthusiasm to another friend and gardener, Jan Pearce, by sharing some succulent plants. Pearce realized that this is the perfect plant to put at her new beach house. If any plant can suffer, endure and even thrive in the windy, salty climate there, it would be a succulent. The mechanics of succulents’ water saving are interesting: Their impervious outer skin, interior mucilaginous substances inside, and a waxy and hairy or spiny outer surface create a humid micro-habitat around the plant. No matter what kind of succulent you grow, there are some general rules for their happiness. Succulents prefer bright light or sun if outdoors. Too Bar & Lounge, and the Beaumont Farmers Market. While Pinterest offers a great deal of content from millions of people, businesses, and other organizations, it is not without controversy. A recent article in the Boston Business Journal titled “How your business could get sued for using Pinterest” explains why the Boston Business Journal removed all of its boards from Pinterest, citing the Pinterest users agreement. According to the Pinterest Users Agreement (pinterest. com/about/terms), “By making available any Member Content through the Site, Application or Services, you hereby grant to Cold Brew Labs a worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, royalty-free license, with the right to sublicense, to use, copy, adapt, modify, distribute, license, sell, transfer, publicly display, publicly perform, transmit, stream, broadcast, access, view, and otherwise exploit such Member Content only on, through or by means of the Site, Application or Services. ... You represent and warrant that: (i) you either are the sole and exclusive owner of all Member Content that you make available through the Site, Application and Services or you have all rights, licenses, consents and releases that are necessary to grant to Cold Brew Labs the rights in such Member Content, as contemplated under these Terms.” According to the Boston Business Journal article, this agreement opens the user to possible legal action by stating, “ Unless you know you have a “worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual, non-exclusive, transferable, royalty-free license,” you’d better tread carefully. Similar concerns much light will show as scorched leaves while too little light will cause the plant to stretch with super elongated stem and widely spaced leaves (etoilation). They prefer daytime temperatures around 75-85 degrees and nighttime around 55 degrees but are tolerant of extremes. As Solinger suggests on water, “I’ve learned a few things since discovering succulents. Over-watering is the fastest way to kill a succulent, but ‘low water’ doesn’t mean ‘no water.’ They are drought-resistant, but they will be better with regular watering. Just make sure they are in a soil that drains well.” The potting soil should be a fastdraining mixture with perlite to increase aeration and drainage. Fertilize during the summer growing season. Helen, with her usual wit and sense of humor adds, “On the other hand, if planting 40 plus succulents doesn’t give us a rainy, humid summer, nothing will. When I single-handedly end the drought, I expect thank-you notes.” have been expressed by others in regards to the legal rights of items pinned on Pinterest. Another issue, which has also come up on the other social networking services including Facebook and Twitter, is that scammers and phishers (identity thieves) have set up shop on Pinterest, a fact that caught the interest of such Internet security companies including TrendMicro and Symantec. In the past few weeks, scam images bearing the logos and images of reputable, well known companies have appeared in Pinterest boards. These rogue boards are offering incentives, such as high value gift cards for completing a survey (a common identity theft ploy). Clicking on the link connects to the scammer’s Web site, where the victim enters his personal information, which is then used by identity thieves. Victims are then encouraged to re-pin the original images (spread them further around Pinterest), in exchange for additional gifts or free products. Of course, the free products and gift cards are never delivered, and the victim’s identity is stolen. It needs to be repeated that scams like these are not unique to Pinterest, and do commonly occur on the other social networking services as well. Pinterest offers a lot of potential as both a social networking service and as an advertising and promotion media. I plan to get involved on Pinterest and play with it for a while; it looks like a lot of fun, but I will be careful about what I do on the site. Listen to Ira Wilsker’s weekly radio show on Mondays from 6-7 p.m. on KLVI 560AM. RIGHTS from page 31 A writing by certified mail, and let them know the situation. If you have filed a claim with the police, include the case number. Also, demand that the collection agency stop all further communication. Under federal law, they must then stop calling you. Q. I have a power of attorney for my 87 year-old mother. The nursing home where she is staying has started sending her bills directly to me. Am I responsible for her debts because of the power of attorney? A. If they are sending you her bills to pay on her behalf, you should not be concerned. On the other hand, if they are sending bills to you for her obligations, you need to make it clear that you are not a responsible party. The power of attorney gives you the right to sign documents and act on behalf of your mother. It does not impose any liability upon you for her debts. For you to be responsible to the nursing home, you must agree to pay. Unless you have signed something or otherwise agreed to pay her bills, you have no liability. Q. My ex has stopped paying child support. Is it true that someone who doesn’t pay his child support may lose his driver’s license? Do I need an attorney? A. Under the law, a court has the right to suspend any professional license, including a driver’s license, of a person who does not pay child support as ordered. In fact, a court may even throw the person in jail. I suggest you contact the child support division of the attorney general’s office, which can help you enforce your support order. Q. How do I get a copy of a living will? Does it have to be notarized to be valid? What does it cost? A. For a free copy of a living will, just go to my Web site below and click on “Wills, living wills and powers of attorney,” section under Legal Topics. A living will, formally called a “Directive to Physicians,” does not have to be notarized but must be signed by two witnesses. You may make several originals and give them to a number of people to insure that it will be available when needed. For example, you can give one to a family member, one to your physician and one to a close friend. Do you want to know more about your legal rights? Visit my Web site at www.peopleslawyer.net. March 22-28, 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 0.51) 6 Medium — Puzzle No. 1 3 5 2 1 8 7 6 4 2 5 3 8 2 1 4 1 2 4 7 8 3 1 5 7 4 2 Puzzle 1 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.51) 8 6 5 7 4 Hard — Puzzle No. 2 1 2 2 Puzzle 2 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.72) 51) 3 3 2 3 1 4 3 9 7 Puzzle 3 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.58) 5 1 2 7 7 72 3 16 9 5 4 3 3 8 6 4 26 7 5 8 4 2 2 9 8 4 2 5 4 5 57 41 6 2 7 4 2 1 8 6 2 18 3 2 4 6 5 8 1 8 32 2 1 3 2 1 4 5 6 9 8 3 7 5 7 1 4 7 1 6 7 Puzzle 3 (Medium, difficulty rating 0.58) 3 7 58) 4 5 1 7 Medium — Puzzle No. 3 6 2 7 2 1 2 1 3 7 2 8 9 6 3 2 3 4 1 7 2 9 7 6 6 8 4 4 6 5 1 7 5 9 For solutions, visit www.theexaminer.com 1 7 Puzzle 2 (Hard, difficulty rating 0.72) 7 times-bloody fistfights so that they start the new year clean. In northern Vietnam,7much 2 Said one villager to a Reuters rides on a man’s phallic aim: reporter, “Everything is solved An annual spring fertility festi9 5 4 3 1 here, and after(ward) we are val in Vietnam’s Phu Tho all friends.” province is capped by a sym5 8 ren- • In a tradition 7 believed to bolic X-rated ceremony have originated in the eighth dered G-rated by wooden century, the village of San 2 4 6 stand-ins. At5midnight on the Bartolome de Pinares, Spain, 12th day of the lunar new year, marks each Jan. 16 with the a man 7 holding a wooden4 phal-2 festival of Saint Anthony, lus-like object stands in total commenced in style by villagdarkness alongside 3 2 4 a woman 6 5 holding a wooden plank with a ers riding their horses through in the streets (“Las hole in it, and the 1act is large fires 3 Luminarias”). As horses jump attempted. As the tradition Puzzle 2 (Hard, difficulty ratingthe 0.72) flames, according to belief, goes, if the man is successful 6 9 8 they become purified, demons at penetration, then there will are destroyed, and fertility and be good crops. Following the 3 9 7 ceremony, villagers are ordered good health result. (Apparentto “go 2and be free,” 7 which, ly, no horses are harmed, and according to a February report an on-the-scene priest blesses each for its courage.) by Thanh Nien 9 News Service, 5 4 3 1 means uninhibited friskiness Latest Religious Messages during the lights-out period. 5 8 7 • Prophet Warren Jeffs, of a breakaway Mormon cult, is Cultural Diversity 2• In the 5remote state of serving 4 life (plus 6 20 years) in a Meghalaya, India, a matrilin- Texas prison for raping two eal7 system endows the women 4 2 underage parishioners, but with wealth and property insists that his power has not rights 3 and relegates 2 4 the 6men to been 5 diminished. He was discislow-moving campaigns for plined in December for making equality. A men’s rights1advo- a phone3call to his congregation cate, interviewed by BBC announcing several decrees, News in January, lamented including barring marriages 6 9 favoring8 from taking place until he can even the language’s of women, noting that “useful” return to “seal” them and pronouns seem all to be female. hibiting everyone from having The system, he said, breeds sex. (Since Jeffs retains his generations of men “who feel “messiah” status among many useless,” falling into alcohol- church members, and since ism and drug abuse. In mater- life-plus-20 is a long time to nity wards, he said, the sound wait, and since the cult is recluof cheering greets baby girls, sive, it is difficult for outsiders and if it’s a boy, the prevailing to assess the level of sexual sentiment is “Whatever God frustration in the compound.) • Recovering alcoholic gives us is quite all right.” The Ryan Brown recently moved husband of one woman interviewed said, meekly, that he his licensed tattoo parlor into “likes” the current system — The Bridge church in Flint or at least that’s what his wife’s Township, Mich., which is one more indicator of the Rev. translation said he said. • Each year, the town of Steve Bentley’s nontraditionChumbivilcas, Peru, celebrates al belief that mainstream relithe new year with what to gion had become irrelevant to Americans might seem most people. Tattooing is a “Festivus”-inspired (from the “morally neutral” practice, Seinfeld TV show), but is Bentley said, although Brown, actually drawn from Incan tra- of course, does not ink tattoos dition. For “Takanakuy,” with lauding drugs, gangs or the a background of singing and devil. (The Bridge has also dancing, all townspeople with loaned out its plentiful floor grudges from the previous 12 space in a shopping mall to months (men, women, chil- wrestling, cage fighting and dren) settle them with some- auto repair facilities.) Lead Story 3 9 • In December, Pennsylvania judge Mark Martin dismissed harassment charges against Muslim Talaag Elbayomy, who had snatched a “Zombie Mohammad” sign from the neck of atheist Ernie Perce at last year’s Halloween parade in Mechanicsburg, Pa. (Perce was mockingly dressed as an undead person, in robes and beard.) In tossing out the charge (even though Elbayomy seemed to admit to an assault and battery), Martin ruled that Sharia law actually required Elbayomy to take the sign away from Perce. Judge Martin later explained that the technical basis for the ruling was (he-said/he-said) lack of evidence. (The December ruling did not attract press attention until February.) Questionable Judgments • Jack Taylor, 18, of Worcester, England, was given a lenient sentence in January for an August burglary he admitted to. He and another youth had tried to steal a resident’s motorcycle but damaged it in the process. Since he was remorseful, made restitution, observed a curfew and did community service, he was released by the judge when he secured fulltime employment. (However, the employment, the court later learned, was as a slaughterman in Norway, where he was to take part in the culling of Alaskan baby seals.) • According to a municipal street sign in front of Lakewood Elementary School in White Lake, Mich. (filmed in February by Detroit’s WJBKTV), the speed limit drops to 25 mph on “school days only,” but just from “6:49-7:15 a.m., 7:52-8:22 a.m., 8:37-9:07 a.m., 2:03-2:33 p.m., 3:04-3:34 p.m. (and) 3:59-4:29 p.m.” See Weird on page 37 A March 22-28, 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 [email protected] Dear Annie: Five years ago, an encounter with a large, vicious dog put me in the ER and left me with lasting scars, physical and otherwise. I’m almost 20 now. I can pet and play with small, quiet dogs, but larger ones strike panic in me. I cringe when I hear barking. I still have nightmares and sometimes feel phantom pains where I was attacked. Spending time with my parents’ medium-sized dog doesn’t help, especially since it has bitten people before, and my family still treats it like the best dog in the world. I never got professional help, because I was told shortly after the attack that I needed to “get over it.” I feel no one understands my fear because it’s an American tradition to love dogs. Besides, I don’t have money for therapy. What can I do? — Terrified Dear Terrified: were well groomed to represent our establishment. If a prospective employee appeared looking like something the dog brought home from a weekend fling, there was no way he would be considered. Tattoos, long hair, whiskers or a junkyard of iron piercings on their face and ears are simply not appropriate when looking for an emissary for your business. Young adults looking for employment might consider presenting a better image of themselves. — Oregon Dear Annie: I cannot believe the gall of some of the retired people in my area. Some white-haired old guy actually tried to muscle his way in front of me in the grocery checkout line today. My items were already on the belt, and the people in front of me were paying when I looked up and this old whitehaired guy behind me says, “I’m just going to go in front of you” — not “May I?” or “Would you mind?” Just because you are retired or old does not give you the right to do whatever you want. I was on my lunch break. My time is just as important as yours, and you probably have more of it than I do. You should be offering to let the working people of the world go in front of you. After all, we support your butt by paying Social Security taxes — something that probably won’t exist when I retire. — Hermitage, Penn. People who tell you to “get over it” do not understand the extent of the problem. Your fear is not irrational. You were viciously bitten, and such a trauma is difficult to overcome. The fact that you can pet and play with small dogs is quite an achievement, all considered. If you regularly encounter larger dogs and wish to work on your fear, please know that low-cost therapy is available. Ask your doctor, and check your church and United Way. You can even search online for tips on overDear Hermitage: coming phobias. Feel better now? Retired Dear Annie: people have already worked I need to respond to “It’s hard and paid their share of Only Hair.” As a former busi- taxes, so let’s not get into that nessperson, my company argument. And we hear the See ANNIE on page 37 A hired only employees who By Darby Conley March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner Annie from page 36 A 37 A selfishness and possessiveness. It’s OK to talk to her about a child’s need to become independent and how parents should not deprive the child of this progress toward maturity. But the two of them are rather enmeshed right now, and there’s not much you can do. We hope Lisa finds the perspective to realize the emotional damage she could do to their relationship. REAR-END COLLISIONS By Mike Nothnagel and Byron Walden/ Edited by Will Shortz Weird 1 22 A c ro s s 1 S p a n i s h g i rl s 7 L a b e l fo r unmentionables? 1 5 B u rro , e . g . 2 2 L o we r 23 Like some collisions 2 4 “ F o r re a l !” 2 5 H e ro o f a n o l d Scottish ballad 26 When the p re s s u re ’s o n 2 7 Av a i l s o n e s e l f o f 2 8 F a c e -o ffs 29 Bottom line? 3 0 Yo o fo l l o w e r 3 1 H e a rt 32 Godzilla, e.g. 34 Epitome of simplicity 36 One of the “ D e s p e ra t e Housewives” 3 7 F o rm a l / i n fo rm a l re p l y t o “ W h o ’s t h e re ? ” 4 1 D a re d e v i l Knievel 42 Lampoons 45 Big media event 4 7 H i k e t h e p ri c e o f, p e rh a p s 49 Cultivate, in a way 5 0 F o u r fro n t ? 5 2 S n o o p s (a ro u n d ) 5 3 Wi d e l y p o p u l a r s h o ws , s a y 5 5 B u n t i n g i s p a rt o f it 5 9 O l d F re n c h c o i n 60 Beknighted souls? 6 1 R o y o f c o u n t ry music 6 2 D ra ft p i c k ? 6 3 An a ffro n t For any three answers, call from a touch-tone phone: 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 each minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800814-5554. 6 4 S o u rc e s o f p o l l e n g ra i n s 6 8 L e t t e r-s h a p e d opening in some pistons 6 9 Di a p e r w e a re r 7 1 S o m e m o rn i n g fu n d -ra i s e rs 7 3 “ T h e C l o s e r” a i re r 7 4 “ _ _ _ m e !” 7 8 L a s t p l a c e y o u ’l l see a bachelor 79 Jumbo combatants 8 0 M e y e rb e e r o u t p u t 8 2 S u ffe re d a fi n a n c i a l setback, slangily 8 3 Irk 8 5 Ge n _ _ _ 8 6 L a t e ra l l i e s 8 8 It i n v o l v e s a t ri p to the u n d e rwo rl d 9 0 S t a re s s l a c k jawed 91 Stuck 92 Al dente, say 9 5 It ’s n o t l i q u i d 9 6 It ’s n o t l i q u i d 9 7 B l u e m a t e ri a l 9 8 Da n d e r 9 9 C a r s a fe t y fe a t u re 1 0 1 Da t a s t o ra g e device 1 0 6 Wa s m a n i c 108 Pulls down 1 0 9 De c a l o g u e possessive 11 0 B o x e r A l i 111 M e x i c a n cooking i n g re d i e n t s c a l l e d “ fl o re s d e calabaza” in Spanish 11 5 B a re l y g e t s 11 8 _ _ _ ra t 11 9 E c h e l o n 1 2 0 A rl e s a ffi rm a t i v e s 1 2 1 M u rd e r, _ _ _ 1 2 2 S p e c i a l d e liv er y 1 2 4 H a l f b ro t h er o f Athena 1 2 5 1 9 5 0 fi l m in w h i c h F ra n k Bigelow i n v e s t i g a t e s h is o w n m u rd e r 1 2 8 H a wa i i a n s o u v e n i r? 1 3 0 K o fi o f t h e U . N . 1 3 1 D ri v e r ’s a i d 135 Diamond substitute 1 3 7 F i rs t e s t a t e 1 3 9 P u t i n t o m o tio n 1 4 0 R a h -ra h 1 4 1 C ro s s e d t h e t a rm a c 1 4 2 O c c a s i o n s to tr y o u t ri ffs 1 4 3 P e e p i n g To m’s home 144 Raga i n s t ru m e n t s 2 3 4 5 6 from page 35 A 25 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 23 26 3 1 E. T. S . o ff er in g 3 2 F o r mer F o r d 28 29 30 o ff er in g , f o r sh o r t 32 33 34 35 3 3 Ru n s th r o u g h 41 42 43 44 3 5 D o esn ’t g et tau g h t a lesso n ? 47 48 49 50 3 6 A b er d een h illsid e 3 7 D ir t 53 54 55 3 8 S to r y tellin g S tu d s 60 61 3 9 N ew Yo r k lak e 64 65 66 67 68 4 0 F r eezes o v er 4 3 Th ey mig h t b e 71 72 h eld at a sew ag e p lan t 78 79 4 4 M emb er s o f a Co n n ecticu t 83 84 85 86 tr ib e 4 5 A isle o r w in d o w, 88 89 90 e. g . : A b b r. 92 93 94 95 96 4 6 P ar t o f a med ical b ill 98 99 100 4 8 P h ar maceu tical co mp an y th at 106 107 108 d ev elo p ed M etamu cil an d 111 112 113 114 115 D r amamin e 5 1 Clu mp o f g r ass 119 120 5 4 To y p ian o so u n d 5 6 Remed y f o r acid 124 125 126 127 r ef lu x 131 132 133 134 135 5 7 S easo n al h elp er 5 8 P etitio n s 139 140 6 1 Req u est 6 3 U n mo v in g 142 143 mach in e p ar ts 6 4 Cr o ss 6 5 8 8 - A cr o ss, f o r 7 7 N ew sw o r th y 9 6 P o etr y co n tests one 1 9 5 0 s tr ial, 9 7 A r ea n ear Little 6 6 P ar t o f a. m. in f o r mally I taly 6 7 S co ttish in v en to r 8 0 I tem o f w in ter 9 9 Ban k o ff er in g s, an d r o ad b u ild er sp o r ts eq u ip men t in b r ief Jo h n Lo u d o n _ _ _ 8 1 Climb , as a r o p e 1 0 0 Ch an g e in 6 8 H o o k ed ( u p ) 8 4 Ro ad d esig n er, M ex ico 6 9 J. F. K . , e. g . e. g . : A b b r. 1 0 1 I t can h elp y o u 7 0 Ver y ser io u s, as 8 6 I talian tu r n o v er g et in sid e an accid en t 8 7 Co n f in e so meo n e’s h ead 7 2 H ab itu al teeth 8 9 Water in th e O ise 1 0 2 F o llo w ed g r in d in g 9 0 A tten d ee 1 0 3 Jamaican co ff ee 7 3 A lig n ed 9 2 P r imar ily liq u eu r 7 5 Ch an g e, as 9 3 S y r ian ’s n eig h b o r 1 0 4 Bo n n ie an d k ey b o ar dNo. k ey s03189 4 “S id e b y S id e b y Cly d e S o n d h eim, ” e. g . 7 6 D o s + tr es co n temp o r ar y RELEASE DATE: 3/25/2012 RELEASE DATE: 3/25/2012 RELEASE DATE: 3/25/2012 same complaints about stayA Special Place in Hell 36 at-home moms and people (1) John Morgan, 34, was with flexible work schedules, 45 charged in February in Port St. but those folks might also Lucie, Fla., with embezzling 51 have restrictions on their time. over $40,000 from a trust fund Here’s our best suggestion: that had been established for No one should be rude to his daughter, who has special 69 others or expect to jump the needs because of cerebral pal- 73 line. Those who can manage, sy. Because of the theft, she is 80 please try to go at less busy unable to have dental work times to banks, post offices Dear Annie: necessitated because a care and other places that are only provider failed to lock her I own property out of state. open during business hours. wheelchair, sending her I use it mostly in the summer, 101 The rest of you, please be tolsprawling face-first. (2) Police but it’s checked on at least erant. 109 officer Skeeter Manos, 34, was once a month. My neighbor D o wn 116 charged in February in Seattle 1 O K s e t t i n g i n th e there is married to a woman Dear Annie: summer with embezzling over 121 who is no longer friends with 2 G o (t o ) I have been best friends $120,000 from a fund for the 128 3 P ro t e c t e d a g a in st me, but we are civil to each with “Lisa” for more than 25 4 C l a m b a k e d i sh families of four colleagues 136 5 S k e we d years. We are both single other. The problem is, the wife who had been shot to death in 6 P i c k s u p mothers. Her 16-year-old son, thinks she’s entitled to dig up 7 Im p re s s c l e a r ly the line of duty. Manos’ alleged 8 S e wi n g m a c h in e “Dean,” is friends with my and take or remove any of my p a rt s expenditures included several plants, shrubs, gravel, etc. 9 O rt s 17-year-old son, “Jon.” trips to Las Vegas. 1 0 P o e t i c p e ri od Every season, I check the gar1 0 5 I tem at I have begun to notice that 11 H i g h -_ _ _ 1 0 7 Co r n u 1 2 L e t t e r a ft e r d elta Lisa is overly attached to den to make sure nothing else 11 2 H amlet People With Issues co n f id a 1 3 Ta n g e n t , e . g. Dean. When we go some- is missing. 1 4 F re n c h we a p o n What Do You Mean, I’m Not 11 3 M an y B I took great pride in my 11 4 ed ica 1 5 F e e l s fo r where after work, she says Mentally Stable: Ms. Fausat 11 6 M P u t in 1 6 E n t e rt a i n s she can’t stay because Dean garden of perennials and n 17 Diploma, e.g.: Ogunbayo, 46, filed a federal 11 7 soP omeo litica A b b r. wants her home. He’ll call or enjoyed the fruits of my hard w r itin g s lawsuit against New York City’s 1 8 N e i g h b o r o f M o . ou _ text that it’s time for her to work. Last fall, I noticed the 1 9 M a n c h e s t e r ’s S t. Administration for Children’s 11 22 34 Zh Co llect _ _ _ C h u rc h leave, and she happily com- daylilies were pulled right out For solution, 1 2 5 Car to o Services because it had taken 2 0 “ N o b o d y e l se is ar acte coming” plies. She asks Dean for per- of the ground. She also dug up see page 28 A away her kids (aged 13 and 10 ch b y M el 21 Choir voice No. 0318 at the time) in 2008 for quesmission before going any- a hosta that had been in that REAR-END COLLISIONS By Mike Nothnagel and Byron Willlooked Shortz spot forWalden/ yearsEdited — by and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 where on weekends. tions about Ogunbayo’s mental great. She obviously does her REAR-END COLLISIONS By Mike Nothnagel and Byron Walden/ Edited by Will Shortz 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 22 23 24 16 17 18 19 20 21 Jon has been accepted to a stability. The lawsuit, for “reckdirty work when her husband 25 22 23 24 few out-of-state universities, 26 27 lessly disregard(ing)” her “right Across 6 4 S o u r c es of polle n 122 S pe c ia l de live r y 31 E . T. S. offering home. She Former simply helps g r a i nabout s 2528 26 I crlram excited him e n isn’t 1 S pand anish A gi Ha 29 30 31 27 to family integrity,” asks the os s s . o ffe ri n g 1 2 2lf Sbr p eothe c i a l rdof e l i v e r 32 y 3 1 E . T. SFord 6 4 S o u r c e s o f p o l l124 offering, for Athe na to my garden. 6 8 L e t t e r-sha d 7 L aliving be l1 fSopan r on herself g r a i npe s howi s h ghis i r l s own. 3s hort 2 F o rm e r F o rd 124 Half brother of 28 29 30 31 o p e nLisa, i ng in som e city to pay her $900 trillion. u nm e nt i o n a b l e s ? 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 125 1950 fhilm in o ffe ri n g , fo r 6 8 L e t t e rs h a p e d A t e n a 7 L abe l f o r I h1went police, and pistons 33 Runs F r a nk to the 1 5 Bever, ur r o , eunm .says g. e n t i o she s hthrough o rt o p e n i nwherg i n s o m e whic n a b l e sis ? going 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 1ige 2 5 low 950 film in B 6 9 D i a p e r we a r e r 41 42 43 44 45 46 35 Does n’t get p i s t o n s 2 2 Lo we Update 3discuss R u n s t h ro uthis gh w hsuggested ich Frank I 3taught 15r B urDean r o , e . g . goes, and right they ever inve stiga s his lesgseon? 71 Som B i g e lte ow 6 9e Dmi or a p ning er wearer 41 42 43 44 45 46 2 3 Li ke22s om e er 3 5 Do e san ’t t L ow own im 47 48 49 50 51 52 f u nto d1 -Sraojoin ise rm s o r nthe with The officer nthe vur e sde t i grneighbor. a t e s h i s 36 Aberdeen hills ide t a u g h t a l e s s o n ? 7 m e i n g cnow, ol l23 i s iL oni kshe Sherwin Shayegan of Bothwants e some n urder o wiia n m 48 49 50 51 52 7 3 “ T h e Close fu n d - r a” i s e r s 128 Ha wa 37 Dirt 3 6 A b e rd e e nby, h i l l sit i d e 53 47 2 4 “ F o r r e acol l !”l i s i o n s 54 55 56 57 58 59 said the souve ?a i i a npolice dropped a i r7e3ra“ Tmaster’s ell, Wash., has apparently been 1 2 8 if Hnir aw army. She found h e C l o s e r ” 38 Storytelling 3 7 Di rt 2 5 He r o24o “F f aonr or leda l ! ” 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 u vbe e n i r U. ?considered 130 Kof si oof the N. 7 4 “ _ _ _ ma ier!e”r would a t ethreat, Sprogram c ot25 t i sHhe br oa lol affor da n o l the 60 61 62 63 3Studs 8 S t o ry lling d acting out again. News of the military that 1 3 0 K o f i o f t h e U . N . 131 Dr ive r ’s a id e ! ” ll you’ u d s lake 39 NewS tYork 61 62 63 2 6 W he n t hSco e t t i s h b a l l a7d8 L a s7t4 p“l_a_c_e m may 64 65 66 67 60 1 3 1mbesides, Dond r i v e r ’s a i d the husband s e e7the Dia Weird first mentioned, in 2007, 8a Lbaasctime the p llor a c e yhe o u ’135 l l and by 68 69 70 pshe r e s26 s urcan 3 9 Ne w Yo rk l a k e We h’se no nfinish the 40 Freezes over substitute 135 Diamond 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 e ssseul rf eo’sf o n 7 9 J u m b ose e a b a c h e l o r 0 F remight e z e s obe ver 2 7 Av a i l s oprne not know 43 T4 hey an adult “troll” who hung out graduates, and she s t i tte u t anything. e 7 9 Jucan mnts b o then 137 F ir sts uebsta 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 4held 3 T hat e y amsiewage ght be 2 8 Fa c e27 - o Ava ff s i l s o n e s e l f o f c o m b acta 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 o m b a t a n t s 1 3 7 F i r s t e s t a t e This has been going on for 8 0 M e y e r be e r output 139 P ut into m otion at high schools and befriended h e l d a t a s e wa g e 28 F ac e o ff s live wherever he’s stationed plant 2 9 B ot t o m l i n e ? 78 79 80 81 82 1 3a 9h-Pr ua h t into motion 8 0e re M de yae r b e e r o u t p140 ut R p l a n t of a tom l i n e ? 8 2 S u ff 44 Members 78 79 80 81 82 years. Every season gets more 3 0 Yoo f olB l ootwe r his male students, especially ath—29 for entire military 8 2 S u ff e r e d a 1 4 0 R a h r a h f i n a n cia l 4 4 M e m b e rs o f a Connecticut 141 C r osse d the 83 84 85 86 87 3 1 He a 30 r t Yoo f o l l o w e r fi n asla n c ingily al Can o n noutside ecticut e t b a ck, tribe ta1r4m1 aCc r o s s e d t hIe bought 83 84 85 86 87 letes, ultimately beseeching 31 H e a r tWhen I sjokingly career. se t b a c k , said s l a n g i l y frustrating. t ri b e t a r m a c 3 2 Go dz i l l a , e .g . 142 Oc c a sions to tr y 45 Ais le or window, 32 G o d z i l l a , e . g . 8 3 I r k8 3 Ir k 88 89 90 91 camera l eand o r wileft n d o w, 1 4 2r iff O csc a (not s i o n s t oinstalled) t r y 4e.5g.A:i sAbbr. 3 4 Ep i t omfuture e of them for piggyback rides. In 88 89 90 91 his wife love 8 5 G e would n _ __ out 34 E pi t o m e o f e . g . : Ab b r. o u t r i ff s 85 Gen ___ simplicity 92 93 94 95 96 97 s ishe mp l i c ireplied, ty 46 Part of ao fmedical 143 P1 e4e3ping Tom ’ssaying 8 6 L a t8e“Who rLallie sa l lsays her a note I had consome cases, he jumped on that, 92 93 94 95 96 97 4 6 P a rt a m e d i c a l P e e p i n g To m ’s 6 a t e r i e s 3 6 On e36 of t he billb i l l hom eh o m e 8 8 I t i8n8v oItlve “he’s De s p eO“D rnateeesopfetrhaet e married?” i n vs oal vtre ip s a t r i p tacted the police, but it hasn’t 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 without permission and was getting 48 Pharmaceutical 144 R a ga t o t h e 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 4 8 P h a rm a c e u t i c a l 144 Raga to the H o us e wHiove u sse”w i v e s ” company instrium u n d e r uwnor c o m p a nthat y tShe hat d eld r wbusiorld n s ter nts uany m e n t s difference. made arrested and ordered to get 3 7 Fo r m ior n fmoar lm/ ianlf oit’s Ia lF/know not my 106106 107 108 109 110 37 r m9a0l S developed 107 108 109 110 t a9r0e sS sla developed t a r ecsk-s l a c k r e p l y t or ep “W l y ht oo ’s“ W h o ’s j a w Metamucil e dj a w e d when ignores M eOut” t a m u cand i land and treatment and to stay away Down tness, he r e ? ”t hebut D o w nall the “Keep 111111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 r e ? ” I remember Dramamine 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 Dra m a m i n e 9 1 S t u9c1k S t u c k 1 OK tting 4 1 Da r e41 deof vialrLisa’s 1 se OK s e t tin i n gthe i n t h e 51 Clump D edevil “No Trespassing” signs. Any from schools. He reportedly of gras s one boyfriends broke 5 1 C l u m p o f g ra s s 9 2 A l 9d2e nAte sum m r mer K n i e veK l nievel l ,d esa n tye , s a y s uem 119119 120 121 122 123 120 121 122 123 54 Toy piano 5 4 To y p i a ns oound sound suggestions? began his piggyback “career” 9 5 I tI’s9 5n owitnessed 2( to) Go (to) Itt ’sliquid n o t l i q u i d 2 Go 4 2 La s p o o n sher. upm42po Lon with am acid 5 6 R e m e dfor y fo r acid 124 125 128 129 130 124 125 126 126 127 128 129 130 3 Pc— rte o tde cAt e d inst athe g a i n sEnd t 56 Remedy n o t l i q u i d 3 P r ote at ga 4 5 B i g 45 m eBdii ga m e veedni at e v e9n6t I t ’s9 6n oItt ’sliquid of in 2004 with incidents in reMy fl u x Rope reflux breakdowns, depression and l ake m b dish ake dish B l utee rm H i kper i tchee opfr,i c e9o7f ,B l u9e7 ma iaalt e r i a l 4 C la4mCba 4 7 Hi ke47t he 134 135 136 137 138138 5 7 S onal e a s o nhelper al helper 131131 132132133133134 135 136 137 57 Seas Washington and Oregon, and pstalking. e r ha psper h a p sI would er S kde w e d to 5 S ke5we 9 8 D a 9n8dnot eDr a n dlike 5 8 P e t i t i o n s 58 Petitions c k End: s up 4 9 C ul t49 i vaCt eul, tiinv aat e , i n a9 9 C a 9r 9s aCf aertys a f e t y 140 141 6 PDear ic6ksP iup 139139 140 141 though there were periods of 6 1 R e q u e s t see her go through that again. 61 Reques t w a y way 7 Iemssp rcele s sa cr ly learly f e a t u rfe e ature 7 I m pr 6 3 Un m o v i n g t? 143 144 1a0t a1 stor D a t aa ge s t anyorage 5 0 Fo f rFoou ntmy ?r f r o nplace dormancy, it flared up again the wife is 142142 143 144 8 Are S e wm i nagcyou m a c h i nsure e 63 Unmoving 1 0 1 Dto Isur50 it say m a c h i n e p a rt s 8 S e wing hine machine parts s 5 2 Sn oo52psS(no aroopusn(da)r o u n d ) d e v i c ed e v i c e pa r tsp a r t this? 64 C ro sbe s recently as he traveled to Mondoing Could it local 64 Cros s thing? If so, what? 53 Wi d e l y p o p u l a r 1 0 6 Wa s m a n i c 9 O r t s 5 3 Wi d e l y spo pular 1 0 6 Wa s ma nic 9 Or ts 6 5 8 8 -A c ro s s , fo r 1 0 8 Pdown ulls down 65 88-Acros s ho ws , sho ayw s , s a y 1 0Worried 1 0 P o e t i c p eor r i o d some tana, Bismarck, N.D., and 7 7 Ne w s w o rt h y 9 6 P o e t ry c o n t e s t s 1 0 5 It e m a t a bak er y 1 2 6 A ir in g animals other culo n e s , for Friend 10 P oe tic pe r iod 105 Item at a b a k e ry 1 2 6 A i ri n g 77 News worthy 96 Poetry contes ts 55 B un t i n g i s — p a r t o8f P u1 l0l9s D one ecalogue 1 9 5 0 s t ri a l , 11 H i g h - _ _ _ 5 5 B un t i ngi t i s p a r t o f 1 0 9 D e c a l ogue 9 7 A re a n e a r L i t t l e 1 0 7 C o rn u n i t 1 2 7 Year n ( f o r ) 6 6 P a rt o f a . m . 1950s trial, 11 High___ Minneapolis (perhaps to out97 Area near L ittle p o s s e s s i v e i n fo rm a l l y 107 Corn unit prit? We strongly recommend 1 2 7 Ye a rn (fo r) 66 Part of a. m. it It a l y 12 Letter after delta 67 Scottish inventor s s e ssive 11 2 H a m l e t 1 2 9 U n h ip 59 O l d F r e n c h c o i n p o11 Italy 12 Le tte r a f te r de lta 67 Scottis 8 0informally It e m o f w i n t e r 0 Boxer Ali 112cHamlet 129 Unhip 9 9 B a n k o ffe ri n g s , Dear Worried: 5 9 Ol d 60 Fr eBnek ch coin o n fi d a n t 1 3 Tainstall n g e n t , e . g . that camera a n d hroinventor a d band u i l d e r 80 Item run restraining orders). (Fondof winter o x e rMAli you s p o rt s e q u i p m e n t 1 3 1 Ru le th at en d ed n i g h t e d 11 0 B 111 99 Bank offerings , 13 Ta1nge exican andJ oroad i n b ri e f h n Lbuilder o u d o n _ _ _ 8 1s ports 1 3in 1 R1 9u 4l e7 t h a t e n d e d 11 3 confidant Many Bics 6 0 B e k ni ghs ou t e dl s ? 4 F rnt, e n ceh. g. weapon 111 M e x iccoaonk i n g C l i m bequipment , a s a ro p e J ohn Lo koudon ___ 113 Many Bics ness for piggyback rides is not 14 find F r1e5ncF heout we aopon 1 0 0inCbrief hange in what’s going on. If s ou 61 lLisa s ? R oy ois an extreme helicop6 8 Ho e d (u p ) i n 1 9 4 7 81 Climb, as a rope 11 4 M e d i c a l s u ff ix e l s f r c o o k i ng f country 8 4 R o a d d e s i g n e r, ingredients 1 3 2 S o u th A mer ican 100 Change M e x i c o in 68 Hooked (up) 114 su ffi x F e1e6lsE nf or 6 1 R oy o f m c ouus ni ct r y 6 9 Jto . F. K. , e . ghus. 84 Road e . g .des : Abigner, b r. i n git’s r e dcie 11 6 PMedical ut in 1 3tu 2 bSo t e r t aproof, ins a l nts lterribly e d “ f l o r e s d15 e you eru t h A m e ri c a n a widely practiced obsession, Mexico get talk the ter and 1 0 1 It c a n h e l p y o u 69 J . F. K. , e. g. e. g. : Abbr. m u s62 i c parent, 116 Put in 16 Ente r ta ins s o m e o n e ’s car e c a l l e dc a“lfalor 7 0 Ve ry s e ri o u s , a s b a ez sa ”de in 8 6 It a l i a n t u rn o v e r t u b e rar e in it: Draft pick? 17 Diploma, e.g.: 101 It g e can t i n shelp i d e you 1 3 3 Bills 70 Very s erious c a l achild. b aSzpaa”n iin a ndiscuss a c c i d e,n tas it 868Italian s h And 17 band 6 2 Dr a f63 t pi 11 7 sPomeone’s o l i t i c a l c a re Diplom ab,r.e . g.ask : him toaccident 7 C o n fiturnover ne A band unhealthy Acnka?ff r o n tfor the s o mins e oide n e ’s h e a d 1 3A 3 bBbir.l l s a re i n i t : though the legendary illustraget S p11 a n5i sBha r e l y g e t s w ri t i n g s 117 Political Abbr. 878Confine 7an 2 Ha bitual teeth 9 Wa t e r i n t h e Oi s e 1 0 2s omeone’s 6 3 An For a ff rany o ntthree answers, 18 Neighbor of Mo. head b b r. actr ess Followed tor R. Crumb liked to receive 1 3 4 IA talian hise s M wife. Youg rialso Dean knows he controls writings n d iteeth n g can 899Water a r e8ly_ _ge _ ts r a t the 18 with 0 A t t e nin d ethe e Ois e 102 Ne 1 9ighbor M a n c hof t e ro. ’s S t .72 Habitual 1 0 3Followed J a m a i c a n c o ffe e 1 2 3 Z h o u _ _ _ call from a touch-tone 11 5 B 11 1 3Eleo 4 It anloi ar an a c t re s s For any three answers, grinding 7 3 A l i g n e d 123 Z hou ___ 1 2 4 C o l l e c t 11 8 _ _ _ ra t 9 2 P ri m a ri l y _it _ste Cto hr ’s u r cSthe ht. 90 Attendee them in lieu of sex, according 11 9 E c hit’s e l o n not 19 take queur M a nc_he phone: 1-900-285-5656, police. This is relationship. We know 103 Jl iamaican coffee call from a touch-tone El ech o ner o ra 1 3 5 Ben ’s targ et 75 Change, as 3 S y ri a n ’s n e i g h b o r 1 0 4liqueur $1.49 each minute; or, 11 9 E c1 h2 e0 lon Collect 1124 25 C a rt o o n ___ 929Primarily 2 0 “CNhur o b ocdhy e l s e i s 73 Aligned Arles Bonnie and phone: 1-900-285-5656, B ebnarc ian h e r ’s t a rg e t to an ex-girlfriend in the 1994 1 31 63 5Bar k e y band oas a rd kit’s e y s 939Syrian’s with a creditor,intention card, 1-800h a ra c t e r vo iced c o m i ne lse g ” is and ff i r m astunt t i v e s 20 trespassing 4 “ S i d e bneighbor y S i d e b y 104 Bonnie 75 theft, Change, C l y d e and $1.49Lisa’s each minute; 125c Cartoon “ Nobody 1 2 0 A r l e sato 814-5554. bcharacter y M e l B l an r id ir oanri faig a rb n s. S o n dby h eSide i m , ” eby .g. 7keyboard 6 Do s + t re s c o n t e m p o ra ry keys 1 C hoir voice with a credit card, 1-800v oc i c e d 1 31 83 6GB 1 aMtive u r d se r, _ _ _ c 2om ing” a ff1i2r m 94 “Side Clyde movie “Crumb.”) the law76 Dos Dean’s development out of 21 against 814-5554. by Mel Bl a n c 1 3 8 G ri d i ro n fi g s . Sondheim, ” e. g. + tres contemporary C hoir voic e 1 2 1 M u r d e r, ___ 38 A LegaLs PUBLIC NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF JEFFERSON BY REQUEST OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS’ COURT (RESOLUTION DATED FEBRUARY 21, 2012), THE SHERIFF OF JEFFERSON COUNTY IS OFFERING THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED REAL PROPERTIES FOR SALE AT A PUBLIC AUCTION. THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT 10:00 O’CLOCK A.M. ON THE 3rd DAY OF APRIL, 2012 ON THE STEPS OF THE JEFFERSON COUNTY COURTHOUSE IN BEAUMONT, TEXAS. A bidder at the sale must be registered at the time the sale begins with the sheriff, deputy sheriff or agent conducting the sale. C C Texas House Bill 335 has required bidders at tax sales to preregister and obtain a certificate from the Tax Office. There may or may not be redemption periods outstanding on properties being offered for sale. NOTE: Additional taxes, penalties, and interest may have accrued since the date of judgment which constitutes an additional tax lien not extinguished by the Sheriff’s Sale. Given under my hand February 22, 2012. Sheriff of Jefferson County, Texas SHERIFF SALE April 3, 2012 1. CAUSE: A-123455 ACCOUNT: 011750-007400 STYLE: NEDERLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DIST. VS WALLACE A. THIBODEAUX, SR. ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: LT 35 BLK 3 CENTRAL GARDENS A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 114 1ST AVE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $75,840 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 2. CAUSE: E-130611 ACCOUNT: 046650-052700 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS THE VAN HEUSEN COMPANY ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/04/2007 DESCRIPTION: NORTH LT 1 & 2 BLK 61 LT3 NW 90’ A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: ----ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $5,340 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $5,340 3. CAUSE: D-130621 ACCOUNT: 053400-366900 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS AMICK S. BONEAU ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 10/02/2001 DESCRIPTION: N 1/3 OF LT 5 BLK 322 CITY OF PORT ARTHUR A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2424 BLUBONNET AVE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $730 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $730 4. CAUSE: E-130661 ACCOUNT: 006451-004700 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS DELORES GILES, TRUSTEE ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 02/04/2003 DESCRIPTION: BOOKER HTS L1 B4 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2720 WASHINGTON BLVD ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $4,520 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $4,520 5. CAUSE: E-131613 ACCOUNT: 046350-000800 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS NORYOUR AKINS ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 01/06/1998 DESCRIPTION: NOB HILL L8 E25’ L7 B1 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 625 E. GILL ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $1,860 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $1,860 6. CAUSE: E-131802 ACCOUNT: 271430-003600 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS LEONA HINES JONES ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 11/07/2000 DESCRIPTION: PL D30 T68 OUT OF T69 J DRAKE A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 180 MANNING ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $750 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $750 7.CAUSE: A-133089 ACCOUNT:006450-019200 STYLE: BEAUMONT INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DIST VS A.G. RANDOLPH ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/01/2007 DESCRIPTION: BOOKER HEIGHTS L30-31 B11 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: HARRIOT ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,350 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $2,350 8. CAUSE: B-134897 ACCOUNT: 035200-013100 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS NELL COLEMAN MOORE ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/01/2007 DESCRIPTION: LAMAR L25 B11 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1175 IOWA ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $3,390 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $3,390 9. CAUSE: A-134899 ACCOUNT: 038200-000300 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS MARY ESTHER S. YANTIS ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: LONG L2 B2 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1030 MAGNOLIA AVE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $3,960 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 10. CAUSE: E-135476 ACCOUNT: 023350-018700 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS MS INDIE R. SANDERS ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 09/06/2005 DESCRIPTION: GOLD HILL 2 L5 B10 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2139 POPE STREET ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $1,960 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $1,960 11. CAUSE: E-135587 ACCOUNT: 053400-189600 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS PAULINE ANDERSON ANDRIS ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 04/01/2008 DESCRIPTION: LT 5 BLK 171 CITY OF PORT ARTHUR A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2610 5TH ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $980 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $980 12. CAUSE: E-137995 ACCOUNT: 046650-054200 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS LAWRENCE DAVIS, JR. ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: NORTH L5 B62 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2070 LINSON ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $1,700 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $1,700 13. CAUSE: A-139527 ACCOUNT: 012250-020700 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS LYNDON M. DUCHAMP, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/06/2003 DESCRIPTION: W W CHAISON L7 B27 N ½ L8 B27 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 4160 ECTOR AVE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $3,680 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $3,680 14. CAUSE: B-142907 ACCOUNT: 008700-001500 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS JOSEPH M. MIKESIC, JR., ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 09/06/2005 DESCRIPTION: CALDER L7 W ½ L6 B2 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner 1179 NORTH ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $8,550 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $8,550 2950 CHARLES ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,500 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $2,500 15. CAUSE: E-144717 ACCOUNT: 053400-194400 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS WILLIAM MEHOLICK, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 06/01/2010 DESCRIPTION: LT 12 BLK 175 CITY OF PORT ARTHUR A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2245 PROCTER ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $1,410 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $1,410 21. CAUSE: A-154368 ACCOUNT: 062500-009400 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS EDWARD J. KREMLING, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 D E S C R I P T I O N : SUBURBAN ACRES L8 B9 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: ------ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,550 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $2,550 16. CAUSE: E-144762 ACCOUNT: 068000-030300 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS DAISY BELL WILLIAMS, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 06/01/2010 DESCRIPTION: WEST OAKLAND L6 B15 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 3633 ST. JAMES BLVD. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $1,470 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $1,470 17. CAUSE: A-146400 ACCOUNT: 053400-392800 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS ANITA GAY ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: LT 3 BLK 349 CITY OF PORT ARTHUR A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2201 19TH ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $980 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $980 18. CAUSE: A-146896 ACCOUNT: 020650-000200 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS WILMER LAND, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 D E S C R I P T I O N : FLETCHER L3 L4 B1 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: LEE ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $1,490 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $1,490 19. CAUSE: B-147381 ACCOUNT: 000700-001200 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS HOWARD JOSEPH HOLST ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 03/01/2005 DESCRIPTION: THOS ALEXANDER L6 B2 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 4492 PARK ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,450 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $2,450 20. CAUSE: D-151477 ACCOUNT: 268427-006400 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS JACK HOWELL, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 06/03/1997 DESCRIPTION: PL D27 T75 OUT OF T24 H. WILLIAMS JR. A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 22. CAUSE: A-156035 ACCOUNT: 011550-010700 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS G. S. RUSHING ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: CARVER TERRACE L11 B8 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 3485 W. EUCLID ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $1,370 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 23. CAUSE: E-158172 ACCOUNT: 010200-003200 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS LINDER CERIL, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: CARDINAL MEADOWS L1 B4 TR 1 116X70’ A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1455 HILLEBRANDT RD. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $5,010 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 24. CAUSE: A-158216 ACCOUNT: 062500-009300 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS EDWARD J. KREMLING, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 D E S C R I P T I O N : SUBURBAN ACRES PT L7 B9 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: -------ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $3,540 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 25. CAUSE: A-158843 ACCOUNT: 038750-008500 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS HARRY K. SPRINGFIELD, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: LUCAS ACRES E PT OF N ½ L10 N ½ L11 B3 .50 AC A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 3075 CHARLES ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $6,140 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 26. CAUSE: D-158902 ACCOUNT: 068000-036800 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS LYDIA WILLIAMS, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: WEST OAKLAND L5-6 B18 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 3445 GLENWOOD AVE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,940 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 27. CAUSE: B-160828 ACCOUNT: 003350-007800 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS SHIRLEY WILLIAMS ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: BMT IMP CO. TR A1 N137.39’ OF LT 28 LT33 LT40 LT45 BLK B A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 3985 MAIDA RD. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,460 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 28. CAUSE: A-162348 ACCOUNT: 018150-002100 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS ABRAHAM RAHAM, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: DRIVING PARK L22 B1 & ADJ 10’ ALLEY A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 4141 KENNETH ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,500 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 29. CAUSE: B-163274 ACCOUNT: 001950-019800 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS EMELDA GUILBREAUX, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 D E S C R I P T I O N : ARLINGTON L9 L10 L11 B33 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 820 MADISON ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $5,940 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 30. CAUSE: A-167991 ACCOUNT: 010850-062900 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS JAMES EUGLON, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: CARTWRIGHT L10 B66 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1140 ROBERTS ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $12,530 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 31. CAUSE: A-171627 ACCOUNT: 048600-014200 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS HORACE JANISE, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: OGDEN S½ L11 N ¾ L12 B11 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2240 NECHES ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $16,800 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 32. CAUSE: E-178051 ACCOUNT: 300041-013600 STYLE: COUNTY OF JEFFERSON VS ESTATE OF ADLES HEBERT ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: ABST 41 TR 144-A T F McKINNEY .514 AC A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 313 PINE ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $25,500 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 33. CAUSE: A-180839 ACCOUNT: 053500-000400 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS JAMES C. LUCE, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: LTS 18 TO 20 BLK 1 PORT NECHES A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 208 PINE ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $40,960 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 34. CAUSE: A-183055 ACCOUNT: 247406-000600 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS JACOBS WELDING AND MARINE, INC., ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: A WILLIAMS PL D-6 TR 45, TR 6, TR6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E1.867AC A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 3290 CONCORD RD ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $54,490 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 35. CAUSE: D-183790 ACCOUNT: 010850-093900 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS JOHN WALLACE GOODHUE ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/07/2010 D E S C R I P T I O N : CARTWRIGHT L8 28 ¼ FT L9 B94 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2990 AVENUE B ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $21,650 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 36. CAUSE: D-184696 ACCOUNT: 000560-012500 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS JOHN HOWARD PIPES, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: LT 8 BLK 19 AIRPORT #2 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 3412 AVENUE E ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $12,000 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 37. CAUSE: A-184736 ACCOUNT: 048850-000400 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS JESUS HERNANDEZ, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: N 54’ OF LT 3 ORANGE ACRES (54’ X 300’) A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 2100 ORANGE ACRES DR. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $5,180 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 38. CAUSE: A-185288 (a) ACCOUNT: 021850-002700 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS ROBERT MACK FINK ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: FRENCH HTS E100’ OF W300’ L7 TR 11 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: --------ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,760 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 39. CAUSE: A-185288 (b) ACCOUNT: 021850-002300 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS ROBERT MACK FINK ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: FRENCH HTS E100’ OF W300’ LT 6 TR 7 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 5325 PINE BURR BLVD ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $6,880 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 40. CAUSE: B-185583 ACCOUNT: 035000-052900 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS JOE WOODS, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: LT 20 BLK 22 LAKEVIEW A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 5233 10TH ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $2,430 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 41. CAUSE: D-186065 ACCOUNT: 053400-133900 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS RICK L. MOODY, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: LTS 13 THRU 20 & W 12’ OF LT 21 BLK 110 CITY OF PORT ARTHUR A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 500 AUSTIN AVE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $59,580 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 42. CAUSE: D-186184 ACCOUNT: 012100-012800 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS JONES EVELYN ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE:05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: CHAISON L10 B15 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1210 ASHLEY ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $1,960 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $50 43. CAUSE: D-186241 ACCOUNT: 044750-008900 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS FRED B. FIELD, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: LT 1 & LT 2 BLK 10 MONTROSE 2 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 8848 LOUISIANA AVE ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $25,590 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 Continued on page 39 A March 22-28, 2012 The Examiner LegaLs Continued from page 38 A 44. CAUSE: A-186349 ACCOUNT: 014700-011000 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS EUNICE DUNCAN, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: COUNTRY CLUB TER L37 B5 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1804 RIVERCREST ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $33,810 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 45. CAUSE: D-186825 ACCOUNT: 053400-230900 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS EXZELTA WATSON ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 DESCRIPTION: LT 8 BLK 205 CITY OF PORT ARTHUR A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1815 6TH ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $24,060 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 46. CAUSE: D-187616 ACCOUNT: 005250-027200 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS TED RANDALL SANDERS, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 05/03/2011 D E S C R I P T I O N : BLANCHETTE 1 L5 B32 A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1250 AVENUE G ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $29,380 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 47. CAUSE: A-187681 ACCOUNT: 053400-533900 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS VINEY DIXON, ET AL ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: F91’ OF LT 9 BLK 481 CITY OF PORT ARTHUR A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 147 15TH STREET ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $21,610 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 48. CAUSE: D-187704 ACCOUNT: 260419-003500 STYLE: JEFFERSON COUNTY VS SANG CHRETIEN ORIGINAL SHERIFF SALE DATE: 12/06/2011 DESCRIPTION: PL D-19 TR 49 A WILLIAMS A P P R O X I M A T E LOCATION: 1150 LASALLE ST. ADDITIONAL TAXES DUE: -0CURRENT YEAR VALUE: $60,210 MINIMUM STARTING BID: $500 NOTICE INVITING BIDS 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., April 12, 2012 for furnishing all plans, a d m i n i s t r a t i o n , superintendence, labor, services, materials, tools, equipment, supplies, transportation, utilities, and all other items and facilities necessary therefore, as provided in the Contract Documents for the construction of: driveways, pavement and sidewalks SURFACE RESTORATION DUE TO UTILITY CUTS REHABILITATION PROJECT 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 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. 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. A MANDATORY Pre-bid Conference will be held at 2:00 p.m., on April 2, 2012 in the First Floor Conference Room at City Hall. 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 prebid conference, interested bidders should obtain forms of proposal, contract, bond, and specifications at the Public Works Department/ Engineering Division Office, Suite 200, City Hall, Beaumont, Texas. Complete sets of said Contract Documents may be purchased at $40.00 dollars per set and are obtainable from the City Engineer, P. O. Box 3827, Beaumont, Texas 77704. No refund will be made of any charges for sets of Contract Documents. A full set of Contract Documents is available for inspection without charge at the office(s) of Associated General Contractors, American Marketing Co., and F. W. Dodge. Plans and contract specifications will be available on March 29, 2012 CITY OF BEAUMONT, TEXAS, OWNER By: Tina Broussard - TRMC City Clerk NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters Testamentary for the Estate of John H. Powell, Deceased, were issued on March 21, 2012, in Cause No. 104819, pending in the County Court of Jefferson County, Texas, to Susan L. Long. All persons having claims against this Estate are required to present them within the time and in the manner prescribed by law to: Susan L. Long c/o S. L. Greenberg Attorney at Law P. O. Box 3708 Beaumont, TX 77704 39 A by the City Clerk of the City of Beaumont, 801 Main Street, Room 125 until 2:00 p.m. , local time, Thursday, April 5, 2012 and all bids will be opened and publicly read in the City Council Chambers on that date for: Six (6) Month Contract for Water Treatment Chemicals Aqua Ammonia 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_ bidlists.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: BF0312-18 Bid Closing Date: April 5, 2012 Tina Broussard, TRMC City Clerk NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE OF CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original Letters of Independent Administration for the Estate of David Adams, Deceased, were issued on March 21, 2012, in Docket No.104,697 pending in the County Court of Jefferson County, Texas, to: CHERIE ADAMS and ROBERT D. ADAMS, as C o - I n d e p e n d e n t Administrators. The address of the appointed Resident Agent is as follows: c/o William H. Yoes THE YOES LAW FIRM, L.L.P. P. O. Drawer 7584 Beaumont, Texas 77726-7584 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. DATED the 21st day of March, 2012. Respectfully submitted, THE YOES LAW FIRM, L.L.P. 3535 Calder Avenue, Suite 235 P. O. Box 7584 Beaumont, Texas 77726-7584 Tel: (409) 833-2352 Fax: (409) 838-5577 William H. Yoes State Bar No. 22157000 ATTORNEY FOR THE ESTATE OF DAVID ADAMS NOTICE TO BIDDERS Sealed bids will be received 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, APRIL 5, 2012 and all bids will be opened and publicly read in the City Council Chambers on that date for: SIX (6) MONTH CONTRACT FOR WATER TREATMENT CHEMICALS FLUOROSILICIC ACID 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: BF0312-17 Bid Closing Date: APRIL 5, 2012 Tina Broussard, TRMC City Clerk Assumed Names Jefferson County Graham, Devin Dba Graham’s Pressure Washing 2031 E 15th Port Arthur, TX 77640 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80495 Hopper, Jason Dba Hopper 118 Hilldale DR Nederland, TX 77627 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80496 Casses JR, Joseph Casses, Diana Dba Casses Cajun Companies 2328 Cox ST Port Arthur, T 77640 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80497 Dixon, Michelle Kelley, Lydia Dba The Ebony Misses Social Club 3900 Highway 365 #253 Port Arthur, TX 77642 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80498 MM Merrill Construction LTD Dba Windstar Builders 7945 Eastex Freeway Beaumont, TX 77726 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80499 Whitley, Ellen Payne Dba Imagine Art Studio 104 Matthews Lane Lumberton, TX 77657 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80500 Jones, Faleasha Dawn Dba Yayaa’s Reflections 4835 Shoestring Road Sour Lake, TX 77659 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80501 Hall JR, Howard Thomas Dba Boomtown Film and Music Festival 2535 Laurel Beaumont, TX 77702 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80502 Allen, Addie Dainell Dba Committee to Elect Addie Dainell Allen for 9695 Gross Street Beaumont, TX 77707 Filed 1/17/2012 cert no 80503 Robertson,Susan Dba Peebles Beauty Supply 3306 13th ST Port Arthur, TX 77642 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80504 Williams, Nicole Dba Williams Catering 1220 East 18th ST Port Arthur, TX 77640 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80505 Taylor, Cathy Louise Dba Cathy’s Provider Services 2215 Magnolia ST Beaumont, TX 77703 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80506 Richard, Ateya Meshell Dba Smuve Complexions 5085 Woodland Park Beaumont, TX 77708 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80507 Fontenot, Stacie Dba Z Fit Studio 3911 Tolivar Canal RD Beaumont, TX 77713 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80508 Heartfield, Rhonda Kaye Dba RKH Rentals 13515 Thousand Oaks Beaumont, TX 77713 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80509 Dirden, Janet Benjamin Dba Proactive Caregiver Consulting Services PO Box 5442 Port Arthur, TX 77640 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80510 Clary, Charles E Dba Eddie’s Automotive 8179 HWY 124 Beaumont, TX 77705 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80511 Ennis, Jerome Valvzno, Robert Dba XPRT Radio 6070 Suzanne CT Beaumont,TX 77706 Filed 1/18/2012 cert no 80512 Farshad, Laurie Dba The Law Office of Laurie Farshad 398 Pearl Street Suite 915 Beaumont, TX 77701 Filed 1/19/2012 cert no 80513 Browne, Elaine Dba Cadeau 1080 Twenty-Second Street Beaumont, TX 77706 Filed 1/19/2012 cert no 80514 Noel, Nathan Dba Noel Tax Pros PO Box 1923 Nederland, TX 77627 Filed 1/19/2012 cert no 80515 Segeada, Emanuel Di Dio, Michael Stephen Dba Triple Siete’s Family 2490 Calder Avenue Beaumont, TX 77702 Filed 1/19/2012 cert no 80516 Sabih, Mostafa Dba Best Import Salvage 5705 Washington BLVD Beaumont, TX 77707 Filed 1/19/2012 cert no 80517 Wan Xing INC Dba King Palace Café Chines Buffet 365 Durden Drive Silsbee, TX 77656 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80518 Guidry, Joseph L Dba Guidry’s Lawn Services 5730 Roadrunner Beaumont, TX 77708 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80519 Dancer, Janet Dba Janet Dancers Just for Fun Photography 13397 Mesa Lane Hamshire, TX 77622 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80520 ANBR Inc Dba The Royal Stop 8350 Gladys Beaumont, TX 77706 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80521 Holland III, Ransom H Dba HaULS MADE EZ PO BOX 12214 Beaumont, TX 77726 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80522 Gulf Copper & Manufacturing Corporation Dba GC Energy Services Group 7200 HWY 87 East Port Arthur, TX 77642 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80523 Mason, Heidi Dba Rollins Real Estate 5475 Westchester Lumberton, TX 77657 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80524 Pickney, Tracy Dba Facial Impressions 1300 Rosedale DR Port Arthur, TX 77642 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80525 Graves Quantis Dba Champ’s Boxing & Fitness 6095 W Windmere Beaumont, TX 77713 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80526 Woods, Jodi Dba Skin Society 1002 Helena Ave Nederland, TX 77627 Filed 1/20/2012 certno 80527 Heufelder, Robert Dba High Output Offroad 1820 N 31st Nederland, TX 77627 Filed 1/20/2012 cert no 80528 Latta, G Dba Captain Carpet 8294 Latta RD Beaumont, TX 77705 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80529 Verdine, David Verdine, Tammy Chance Dba This N That 2728 64th Street Port Arthur, TX 77640 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80530 King JR, John L Dba United Together as 1 Promotions – UTA-1 2271 Hazel APT #5 Beaumont, TX 77701 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80531 Hughes, Thomas S Dba Medicare Champion 5925 Phelan BLVD Unit I STE 115 Beaumont, TX 77706 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80532 Hawthorner, Ashley Dba The Blackboot Connect 1425 Washington BLVD Beaumont, TX 77707 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80533 Contreras, Sergio Dba Restaurant El Abe Jo 2129 Jefferson DR Port Arthur, TX 77642 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80534 Harrison, Brandon K Dba Trendsetters Classic Kuts 2630 Main Street Groves, TX 77619 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80535 Bottley, Vanessa Chilo, Glenda Dba H.O.N.E.Y. Foundation 1740 Rena ST Beaumont, TX 77705 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80536 Odom, Nikki Dba South East Texas Heavy Equipment & Truck 1050 HWY 365 Port Arthur, TX 77640 Filed 1/23/2012 cert no 80537 Cornett, Allison M Dba Dooder Buds Boutique 13143 FM 365 Beaumont, TX 77705 Filed 1/24/2012 cert no 80538 Douglas, Colin Goodman, Christopher Dba At Your Service 1380 Royal ST Beaumont, TX 77701 Filed 1/24/2012 cert no 80539 Betar JR, Lloyd J Betar, Heather Christine Dba L&C Hay Sales 21148 Burrell Wingate RD Beaumont, TX 77705 Filed 1/24/2012 cert no 80540 Nederland Hardware Supply LP Dba DK Wholesale Supply 390 Park Street Suite 500 Beaumont, TX 77701 Filed 1/24/2012 cert no 80541 Richard, Mary Dba Mary Richard Self Provider 1230 SO 9th ST Beaumont, TX 77701 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80542 Petrotex Fuels INC Dba Cowboy Truck Stop PFI #17 24740 IH 10 Hamshire, TX 77662 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80543 Harris, David Dba David’s Trucking 2522 Ave C Nederland, TX 77627 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80544 Fussell, JR. Terry Joe Dba Just Windows 1965 Leight ST Beaumont, TX 77793 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80545 Roy, Clay Dba Golden Triangle Voices of Brotherhood PO Box 313 Port Arthur, TX 77640 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80546 Henslee, Betsy Dba Betsy Henslee Insurance 4852 Dowlen RD Beaumont, TX 77708 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80547 Williams, Cynthia Dba Angel Eyes Janitorial 1610 Fairway Beaumont, TX 77703 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80548 Brooks, Joseph M Dba Cables Ready 6362 Phelan BLVD Beaumont, TX 77706 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80549 Brooks, Joseph M Dba Zydeco Technologies 6362 Phelan BLVD Beaumont, TX 77706 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80550 Brooks, Joseph M Dba Zydeco Computer Technologies 6362 Phelan BLVD Beaumont, TX 77706 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80551 Frank, Stacey Dba Edward J’s Lawn Maintenance 804 S 14th Street Nederland, TX 77627 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80552 Lers LLC Dba Pools U Love 3555 Westmoreland ST Beaumont, TX 77705 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80553 Cooper Fulton Entertainment Dba You Only Live Once 5800 Westchase Loop Lumberton, TX 77657 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80554 Sipaque, Antonio Dba Tony & Sons Auto Service 2795 Eastex FWY Beaumont, TX 77701 Filed 1/25/2012 cert no 80555 Reado, Weldon Reado, Cheri Dba Catering Masters 760 Prairie ST Beaumont, TX 77701 Filed 1/26/2012 cert no 80556 The Examiner • March 22-28, 2012 795 Willow Beaumont, TX 77701 Change Service Requested PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BEAUMONT TX PERMIT NO 208 PULLING FOR When you bank with CommunityBank, you’re working with neighbors who live and work where you do. Not only are we interested in getting your business, we’re interested in doing right by it. The decision makers are the people you see at church, school meetings, in the grocery store and in the gym. Since we’re all part of the community, it makes sense to pitch in and build it together. That’s just another reason why community banking is simply better. bank green with paperless eStatements. Sign up online today. communitybankoftx.com
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