The Baytown Sun (Baytown, Tex.), Vol. 100, No. 29, Ed. 1 Sunday, February 9, 2020 Page: 3 of 32
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Uhe Wavtolun Sun 3A
Sunday, February 9, 2020
Community Conversations
i
7
$
-Nave
Ella Jane Cox
72 from complications
enjoyed
Memorial
Veterans
Drive, Houston, 77038.
Like a snowball rolling downhill, the
New home for city utility
billing gaining momentum
Ernest Karl
Whitener III
Texas.
Ernie
the
first
and
was
responders in HAZMAT
procedure through the
talking about past trips
and events, laughing at
mishaps along the way.
His funeral service will
be held on February 10th
at 1:15 pm at the Veterans
Funeral Services, 10567
For over three weeks, the United Way of
Greater Baytown & Chambers County has
sought feedback on its programs from the
community. With five Community Con-
versation sessions in the bag and one re-
maining, an expected 80 to 100 will have
provided input. The information is being
used to help provide a roadmap to the
future for the organization that in many
of
His
and
Ella Jane Cox went
to be with her Lord and
Savior January 15, 2020.
She was 89 years old.
She is preceded in
death by her parents John
ly been discussed is population growth,
mental health and early childhood. The
United Way is being tasked with serving
an ever-growing population. There is also
an increase with homeless and mental
health issues that will require additional
resources. Early childhood such as day-
care has been a big topic throughout the
sessions as well.
Saturday there was a consensus toward
needing a replacement for the YMCA fa-
cility. It provided an affordable place for
OBITUARIES
Forinformation, call 281-422-8302
Baytown Sun photo by Michael Pineda
The United Way of Greater Baytown & Chambers County hosted one of its last Community
Conversation session at Sterling Municipal Library in Baytown Saturday. From left, Kim
Carter and Camille Gomes listen to Daryl Fontenot make a point during the session.
Final stop in United Way
tour Monday in Anahuac
))
5
BY MICHAEL PINEDA
michael.pineda@baytownsun.com
BY MICHAEL PINEDA
michael.pineda@baytownsun.com
Company:
Fire coming
from plant
was flaring
BY MICHAEL PINEDA
michael.pineda@baytownsun.com
I‘g I-”
“' 7
h 3c. - — — V
a fonuer Captain
in the US Army serving
from 1969 to 1978. He
was stationed at Fort
Benning, Fort Dix and
Baytown, Texas, where
he trained emergency
personnel. His last job
- .
E .08
I __F
i nm
grandchildren took him across
have found tenants. But billing has sup-
planted that idea.”
Presley named several reasons for his
support of placing utility billing in the
include: daughter Laura
Breedlove, son Chris
Whitener and his wife
homeland security. He
retired in 2018 in Bryan,
spending time with his
family whether it was
with his grandchildren
in D.C., his daughters
in Texas and Tennessee,
or his brothers and
country training
A flare at the Raven
Chemical Plant in Baytown
lit up the Saturday morning
sky in response to a Center-
point power outage.
There were reports of a
loud noise, smoke and fire
on social media along with
videos. Spokesperson Sean
Fitzgerald said there was no
fire, just a large intentional
ground flare in response to
a power outage. Center-
point reported over 1,000
customers lost power. The
website showed all power
had been restored later that
morning.
In a statement, Fitzger-
ald wrote, “Today at 4:50
p.m., local time, a regional
system-wide power outage
was experienced at the Ra-
ven Butene-1, LLC facil-
ity, a midstream process-
ing facility located here
(Baytown). As a result of
the power outage, the fa-
cility’s emergency system
was activated, and the pro-
duction units were inten-
tionally depressurized by a
ground flare that was visi-
ble to people in the area and
passersby. The Baytown
Fire Department and Emer-
gency Response were on
site to monitor this standard
emergency procedure.”
The statement added the
flare lasted for approxi-
mately 45 minutes at which
time the gas pressurization
levels returned to normal.
The ‘All Clear’ was sound-
ed at 7:45 a.m. No injuries
or property damage was
reported and on offsite im-
pacts. The facility returned
to regular operations Satur-
day afternoon.
Harris County Judge
Lina Hidaldo said she had
directed the emergency
management and pollu-
tion control departments to
continue to ensure safety
should issues arise.
The Harris County Pol-
lution Control Services
Department conducted air
quality readings in the sur-
rounding area, detecting
no readings of butane and
turning in a report of nor-
mal air quality.
pancreatic cancer,
surviving children
service to his country Military Honors will
Stephen Dallas Cox and
wife Cathy, Tina White,
Dallas Marie MacDonald
and husband Tim. Ella
had 18 grandchildren and
22 great grandchildren
who knew her as
Grammy.
Ella worked hard all
her life and passed on a
good work ethic to all
her children. Ella loved
people. She liked to
travel and make things
with her hands. Many
family members have
beautiful throws or items
she made with love. Ella
enjoyed reading and a
good puzzle book. She
was steadfast in her faith.
Her loving relationship
with Jesus is a wonderful
Catawba College in
1969. While serving at
Fort Hood he received
his Masters degree in
1977.
Ernie was a Vietnam
veteran, a first responder,
and a teacher. He spent
his professional life in
BLT holding
open auditions
tonight and
Monday night
Baytown Little Theater
will hold open auditions at
7 p.m. today and Monday
for its upcoming produc-
tion of “Second Samuel.”
Auditions will be at the
theater, 2 E. Texas Avenue
at North Main Street.
Anyone interested in be-
ing part of the production
crew is also encouraged to
come to the audition and
speak to the director.
It is not necessary to at-
tend both nights. Show
dates are March 27-29 and
April 3-5.
Director Fred White pro-
vided this synopsis of the
play:
It was a simpler time in
the late 1940s, especially
in South Georgia and spe-
cifically in a sleepy little
town called Second Sam-
uel. What had been called
the Great Depression was
quickly fading into memo-
ry. The war had been won,
the election was now over,
and “Give ‘em Hell Har-
ry” was still president. It
had been an exciting time
for sure, but the folks in
Second Samuel were ready
for things to settle down
and get back to normal.
Except—this was the sum-
mer Miss Gertrude passed
away, and deep dark secrets
were about to be revealed.
Nobody could have imag-
ined how the death of one
sweet little old lady would
turn the entire town upside
down, leaving everybody
in Second Samuel wonder-
ing if anything would ever
be nonnal again!
community. He be held at 2:15 pm at
Recent gifts to Sterling Library
Gifts to Sterling Municipal Library honored the
memory of the following persons during recent weeks:
MEMORIALS
HAZEL BURWICK: “Small Garden Style: A De-
sign Guide for Outdoor Rooms and Containers” from
Tammie Barta
JOE BUTRICK: “Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book:
Lessons and Teachings from a Lifetime in Golf,” “Un-
known Valor: A Story of Family, Courage, and Sac-
rifice from Pearl Harbor to Iwo Jima,” “A Crisis of
Peace: George Washington, the Newburgh Conspir-
acy, and the Fate of the American Revolution” and
“Eyewitness Travel: London: Inspire, Plan, Discover,
Experience” from the Marti family and Perras family;
“A Time for all Things: The Life of Michael E. De-
Bakey,” “Every Man a Hero: A Memoir of D-Day”
and “Good Evening, Friends: A Broadcaster Shares
his Life” from Highlands Community Bridge Group
MARY JUNE BYFORD: “Quantity and Quality:
Increasing the Volume and Complexity of Students’
Reading,” “Game Changer: Book Access for All
Kids” and “Getting Parents on Board: Partnering to
Increase Math and Literacy Achievements, K-5” from
Wayne and Sandy Arnett; “The Power of Showing
Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids
Become” from Carol Bartz
JIMMY RAY JOHNSON: “Great Hunting Rifles:
Victorian to the Present” from Ralph and Elisa Holmes
JUANITA CHRISTINE MULLINS: “Suppers in a
Snap” and “The Real Simple Method to Organizing
Every Room” from Ralph and Elisa Holmes
REV FR. JOSE “JOE” MUNDADAN: “Super
Simple: More than 125 Recipes for Instant, Over-
night, Meal-Prepped, and Easy Comfort Foods” from
Tammie S. Barta
CLARK ROBERTS: “Four Hours of Fury: The
Untold Story of World War II’s Largest Airborne In-
vasion and the Final Push into Nazi Germany" and
“Ship of Dreams: The Sinking of the Titanic and the
End of the Edwardian Era” from Class of ’59 friends
Carolina. Ernie graduated their families in North
with a bachelor from Carolina. He enjoyed
Jeanette, their two Texas A&M TEEX
children Ellie and Sam, program in conjunction
daughter Cara Hammond with the department of
Spurr Ketchum and Jenny legacy she leaves behind.
Bernice Robb, her son She was an amazing
Dallas Edward Cox, and Mom, Grammy, and
grandsons Brian Higgins friend.
and William White. A Celebration of Life
She is survived by her was held at 1 p.m. at
children: Johnny (Ed) Liberty Church, 200
Cox and wife Judy, Lee FM 2025 Cleveland, TX
Cox and wife Carolyn, 77327.
EmestKarlWhitenerlll a full-time career. He
passed away on February accepted a position on the
3, 2020, at the age of faculty of Lee College in
idea of moving the city’s utility billing bank building. One was a larger impact on
department to the Citizen’s Bank Building the growth of Texas Avenue. The addition
on Texas Avenue is gaining momentum. of utility building would bring more peo-
A presentation on the proposal was pro- ple to the area. It would increase the mu-
vided to Baytown Municipal Develop- nicipal presence and fill the city’s internal
ment board members. The idea was greet- needs.
ed with the same warmth given during the To Presley’s point about a municipal
Baytown Council retreat in January. Many presence, Mayor Brandon Capetillo not-
of those same council members were seat- ed studies in Texas have shown county or
ed on the MDD board for the presentation, city offices are a cornerstone in downtown
Scott Dailey with Element Architects led areas.
the presentation, going over three options. “This falls in line with the success sto-
One is a white-shell in which the building ries you see in Texas,” he said.
would be prepared for an occupant. The Nick Woolery said plans do not call for
second was a restaurant incubator and the a drive-in at the new location and there
third was utility office space. Dailey said was discussion regarding the imposition it
the current building is a cramped space would have on senior citizens or mothers
and moving to the vacant bank building with kids. The drive-in at the current loca-
would allow for a 20 to 30 percent staff tion is closed at this time. Board member
increase in future years as the city grows. Gary Englert asked Acting Director of Fi-
“This is a great use, a pragmatic use,” nance Gina Guillory if there had been any
he said. complaints. To date, there has only been
Assistant City Manage Nick Woolery one Guillory said.
said the MDD has $1.2 million budget- Woolery said there would be parking
ed. There is another amount of just under close to the door and parking would also
$400,000 for parking. The project itself is be available at Texas Avenue.
conservatively estimated to cost $2.5 mil- An estimated 310 customers visit util-
lion going all in. ity billing each day and there is also the
“It’s time to move on it,” board mem- online pay option. There would also be a
ber and councilman Chris Presley said, drop box for after hours.
“There was the White Box and I have al- No vote was taken on the item as it was
ways liked that idea and feel they could listed for discussion only.
and her husband Kevin,
his children Jake and
Allie, and daughter Amy
Whitener.
Ernie spent his
childhood living in
several cities on the
East coast. His family
eventually settled in
Clemmons, North
G,X ‛T I l|
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ways serves as a pulse for the community, kids activities and a swimming pool.
Saturday morning, an extra session was "I miss the access to youth programs,”
held at Sterling Municipal Library for Kim Carter, a longtime resident of the
those who might not have been able to par- Baytown area.
ticipate in a previous session. Attendance Gomes also said she would like to
was lacking but organizers were able to see more active living initiatives which
walk away with infonnation it needed as she felt are lacking a little bit and more
it begins to prepare for the next step in the sports that are not magnified such as youth
planning process. swimming
The final session will be at noon Mon- Throughout the session, feedback was
day at the Wellness Center at 2200 S. placed in categories. In reviewing the lists,
Main St. in Anahuac. there was a consensus the United Way has
Melissa Reabold, the local United Way a lot going for it.
CEO, said all the input will be compiled “It is very encouraging, there is more in
into a report and presented to the board, the positive column,” Gomes said.
She said it would take two days for the Carter said she gained a lot from the ex-
board to go through the infonnation and perience and helped open her eyes to all
decide the next step for the United Way. that is taking place in Baytown.
“We don’t know what it looks like yet,” “You go on about your daily life, you
she said. only think about the things that are hap-
There are some pretty good indications pening to you,” she said.
based on the sessions that have provided Carter added the session provide a look
some continuing themes in tenns of what at the whole spectrum.
the United Way is doing right and where it That spectrum will be under consider-
needs to focus on going forward. ation at the end of the month by the board.
Throughout the sessions, Be Well “There is also A.L.I.C.E. asset, limited,
Baytown has received accolades for its income, constrained, employed to talk
work in providing healthier lifestyles and about,” Reabold said. “There is poverty
options to the city. people don’t see.
Camille Gomes, a resident of Baytown "We will look at trends in spending,
for the past 20 years, noted mobility has to go with data collecting. Our role is to
also improved for the public. promote quality of life with other lead-
“When I first came here, there no trans- ers such as the city and county. We have
portation,” she said. to identify the gaps and work to improve
Among the concerns that have typical- quality of life.”
Highway 146 roadwork tion when they get confirmation of when
Set tO begin Feb* 17 A project to make major repairs to the
9 ' overpass that crosses North Alexander
It looks like travelers on Highway 146 Drive will detour both north and south-
will have another week before the detour bound traffic to the feeder roads for about
at Alexander Drive begins. 100 days—and close Alexander Drive un-
Baytown city spokesman Mark Miller der 146 for at least part of that time.
said the Texas Department of Transporta- The project was originally announced to
tion notified the city that the project has begin in October, but the city asked Tx-
been delayed at least until Monday night, DOT to delay it, since Highway 146 at the
Feb. 17, despite posted signs indicating timehadextratrafficbecauseofthelnter-
the closure begins Feb. 10. state 10 San Jacinto River Bridge repair
He said the city will share the infonna- project.
Fort Knox. He completed family requests donations
his Army career at Fort are made in his name to
Hood in Killeen, Texas, the following charities:
He was awarded the Houston Hospice on
Bronze Star during his Holcombe Blvd., the
tour in Vietnam. He Pancreatic Cancer Action
began his first responder Network, or the Gary
career as a volunteer Sinise Foundation.
the Houston National
Cemetery, 10410
Veterans Memorial
Drive, Houston, 77038.
In lieu of flowers, the
ambulance driver for
the Crosby volunteer
fire department. He
then became a certified
paramedic making
emergency medicine
22
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Bloom, David. The Baytown Sun (Baytown, Tex.), Vol. 100, No. 29, Ed. 1 Sunday, February 9, 2020, newspaper, February 9, 2020; Baytown, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth1468029/m1/3/: accessed July 12, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Sterling Municipal Library.