Transient workers' arrests prompt vendetta accusations in Bayou Vista Nov 15, 2008
Janek, who owns a concrete finishing company, said he hired the two workers off the street last week in Galveston and was letting the men live in his Bayou Vista home ... However, according to Galveston police records, Eric Jon Lockwood, 28, and Kyle Davis Smith 24, were not such good boys. (KHOU.com, TX)
Real Estate Close-Up: Houston Nov 15, 2008
Buildings in Houston suffered little damage, but displaced tenants from nearby Galveston and surrounding areas may seek temporary leases in the city. The fallout from the credit crisis also won't be reflected until the fourth quarter and beyond. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Business)
Cuba, Haiti and Texas hard hit in hurricane season Nov 14, 2008
Ike destroyed tens of thousands of homes when it smashed into the barrier island of Galveston on September 13, killing over 30 in Texas. Dozens of people are still missing from communities along the Texas coast, especially the remote Bolivar Peninsula. (Scientific American)
But the school must keep sending students away for clinical experience Nov 14, 2008
The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston will retain its academic accreditation as a medical school despite the loss of 3,800 jobs, institution leaders said Thursday. But doing so will require the school to continue sending medical students to health facilities elsewhere to gain clinical experience, officials said. (Houston Chronicle)
Penguins lay eggs at Moody Gardens Nov 14, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas In the midst of Galveston s recovery effort after , there was another sign of hope in the community this week. Two gentoo penguin eggs were recently laid at the Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid, signaling optimal conditions and behavior in the popular penguin habitat. (KHOU.com, TX)
Layoffs at Ike-damaged hospital, med school Nov 13, 2008
University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is running out of money ... AUSTIN, Texas - The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, a teaching hospital severely damaged by Hurricane Ike, will lay off about 3,800 workers nearly a third of its work force because it is running out of money ... The University of Texas Board of Regents said in a news release that the Galveston hospital would have no money to operate in about three months, at its current spending rate. (MSNBC -- Politics)
3800 workers will lose their jobs at Galveston's largest employer Nov 13, 2008
3,800 workers will lose their jobs at Galveston's largest employer ... A Galveston native, Renee Holt has been at UTMB for 12 years and doesn't "even want to think about" a Houston commute ... Largest employer in Galveston; seventh-largest in Galveston-Houston region. (Houston Chronicle)
Georgians came to the rescue after Ike Nov 13, 2008
Unbelievably, when it came time to take my credit card information and billing address, Merrill Franklin learned we were residents of Galveston Island and said, "I will send the parts to you with tomorrow's mail, but I can't accept your money." ... Galveston Island, Texas. (The Augusta Chronicle)
UTMB's woes a hard hit for League City Nov 13, 2008
LEAGUE CITY Besides Galveston, no other city may feel the impact of mass layoffs at the county s biggest employer more than League City ... The economic impact of the medical center and its hospital reaches far beyond the Galveston Causeway ... A 2006 study commissioned by the medical branch and conducted by the University of Houston-Clear Lake Center for Economic Education reported the medical branch accounts for $350 million in direct and indirect business volume in Galveston County. (KHOU.com, TX)
UTMB To Lay Off 3,800 Nov 13, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas -- The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, still reeling from Hurricane Ike, is laying off some 3,800 people ... "We are going to keep UTMB on Galveston Island.". (Click2Houston, TX)
Hundreds may be homeless in Galveston with FEMA vouchers ending Nov 12, 2008
GALVESTON Latina Vallery planned to stay in her Super 8 motel room until next week, when her landlord should be finished making repairs to her flood-damaged apartment ... Vallery is among hundreds of Galveston County residents checking out of hotel and motel rooms today because the Federal Emergency Management Agency did not extend their hotel vouchers ... The federal government started paying for hotel stays as soon as came ashore Sept. 13, causing major flooding in Galveston and leaving a... (KHOU.com, TX)
Regents meet on UTMB personnel matters Nov 12, 2008
The county s largest employer incurred $710 million in Hurricane-Ike related expenses and has been struggling to sustain a $70 million monthly payroll since the Category 2 storm slammed into Galveston on Sept. 13, knocking out the medical branch s major revenue streams, including the 550-bed John Sealy Hospital. Lawmakers last month stepped in to stop UT System officials from laying of 4,000 employees, some whose homes had been severely damaged by the hurricane, but they have yet to commit any... (KHOU.com, TX)
UTMB Opens New Bio Lab Nov 12, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas -- Almost two months since Hurricane Ike struck Galveston, ripping the island apart, University of Texas Medical Branch officials said Tuesday that it has a reason to celebrate, KPRC Local 2 reported. A brand new building at the university is the Galveston National Laboratory, a state-of-the-art bio lab ... Native Galvestonian Sen. (Click2Houston, TX)
Bolivar Ferry Service Resumes After Ike Nov 12, 2008
PORT BOLIVAR, Texas -- Ferry service between Galveston Island and Port Bolivar has reopened to the public after being limited to Hurricane Ike recovery personnel ... Ike slammed the Galveston area on Sept. 13. (Click2Houston, TX)
Benefit to help Ike victims Nov 11, 2008
Nearly two months after Hurricane Ike swamped Galveston and surrounding coastal counties, families are still picking up the pieces ... Clothes collected will be given to the Salvation Army and non-perishable food items will go to the Houston Food Bank, both meeting needs of displaced Galveston families ... I do hope that the people of Sealy and the surrounding area come out and support the American Red Cross for this and the people in Galveston and the surrounding counties, Karakos said. (Sealy News, TX)
Texas Sex Offenders Arrested For Hallow00004000een Parole Violations Nov 11, 2008
Simmons was convicted of indecency with a child by sexual contact in 1988 in Galveston County. Michael Todd Phillips, 46, of Dallas, was arrested on Nov. 3 for failing remain at his residence on Halloween night as required by the terms of his parole. (KWTX.com, TX)
Click for Full Story Nov 11, 2008
In Galveston, millionaire Robert Durst was found not guilty of murdering Morris Black, an elderly neighbor who Durst said he'd killed accidentally. Toronto's Roy Halladay won the American League Cy Young Award. (KWTX.com, TX)
Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry re-opened Nov 11, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas The Galveston-Port Bolivar Ferry opens to the general public today, giving peninsula residents living temporarily on the mainland 24-hour access to their properties. The county-imposed curfew, however, remains between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., giving authorities the right to question anyone venturing between the ferry landing and Rollover Pass Bridge. (KHOU.com, TX)
Authorities unable to ID possible Ike victim Nov 11, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas -- Authorities say they are stumped in their efforts to identify the body of a woman who possibly was washed from the Bolivar Peninsula into Chambers County by. The Houston Chronicle reports in its online edition Monday that authorities say the woman has been ruled out as being one of the 13 people from Bolivar who are still missing. (KHOU.com, TX)
Search continues for those still missing from Hurricane Ike Nov 10, 2008
GALVESTON It s been two months almost to the day since Ike's landfall, and clean-up in the hardest hit areas is still at a fever pitch ... "You can t give up when you're getting calls from family members, and you know that they'd talked with their missing loved one just a couple of days before the storm, said Bob Walcutt, Laura Recovery Center. Volunteers with the Galveston-based Laura Recovery Center began canvassing some of the hardest-hit neighborhoods soon after the storm. At that time, they... (KHOU.com, TX)
Beach Boys Help Raise Money at Hurricane Ike Benefit in... Nov 8, 2008
Beach Boys Help Raise Money at Hurricane Ike Benefit in Galveston ... After Hurricane Ike slammed into the city of Galveston, Texas on Sept. 13, 2008, some wondered how long it would take the town to rebuild ... On Nov. 1, former Trading Spaces host and Galveston native, Alex McCleod, returned to emcee the Beach Boys' "Stronger Than Ike" benefit concert and help with the rebuilding effort. (Fox News)
Presidio economy hurt in flood aftermath Nov 8, 2008
Hurricane Ike quickly dismantled the South Texas tourism hotspot of Galveston in mid-September. Meanwhile, a massive flood along the Rio Grande threatened to swamp at least a third of Presidio. (KSLA.com, LA)
Oklahoma gov pays off bet with steak dinners Nov 8, 2008
AUSTIN (AP) -- The Texas Longhorns' victory in the Red River Rivalry meant red, juicy steaks for emergency workers in Galveston. Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry sent 20 steaks to the Galveston County Emergency Operations Center on Friday to pay off his friendly wager on the Oct. 11 game with Texas Gov. Rick Perry ... Galveston and the Texas coast were hit hard by Hurricane Ike, which made landfall on Sept. 13 and wiped out hundreds of homes. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NCAA Football)
Cheaper gas may lead to Turkey Day travel Nov 8, 2008
Galveston prices dropped nearly 25 cents to $2. 11 a gallon. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
First artist poised to join Uptown revival program (7) Nov 8, 2008
The recent Galveston, Texas, resident will buy 1526 Washington Ave. from the City of Racine, he and city officials said ... Buy this photo at Scott Anderson Journal Times When Hurricane Ike hit Galveston in September, Noblique said Thursday, Basically, it took our shop, our gallery, our home, everything. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Homeowner Told To Wait Days For Heat Nov 7, 2008
"Galveston Island is part of our service area. We did send some service techs down there, which reduced the amount of personnel that we had in El Paso," said Parraz. Until then, Castaneda and her young child will have to wait to fully move in and make this their home. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
Postal Anthrax Aftermath: Has Biodefense Spending Made Us Safer? Nov 6, 2008
C. J. Peters, a virologist at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and a longtime USAMRIID researcher who knew Ivins, doubts the utility of such screening. I don t think it would have picked up Bruce, he says. (Scientific American)
Hurricane Ike Caused Underwater Damage To Galveston Nov 6, 2008
5, 2008) Conducting a rapid response research mission after Hurricane Ike, scientists at The University of Texas at Austin surveyed the inlet between Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, discovering the hurricane significantly reshaped the seafloor and likely carried an enormous amount of sand and sediment out into the Gulf ... The ongoing research could help coastal communities gauge the effectiveness of their sometimes controversial efforts to replenish eroding sand along shorelines while... (Science Daily)
Massive cleanup continues long after Hurricane Ike Nov 6, 2008
Crews remove boats last Friday that were deposited Sept. 13 by Hurricane Ike on the southbound lanes of Interstate 45 in Galveston, Texas. By Kevin M. Cox, Galveston County (Texas) Daily News, via AP ... By Oren Dorell, USA TODAY Hurricane Ike produced a staggering amount of debris, and it may take months for Galveston, Houston and coastal parishes in Louisiana to dispose of what some say is record destruction waste. (USA Today -- News)
Election Day Dispatches: It's Morning for the Kenyan Obamas Nov 5, 2008
The early-vote count comes from the heart of the district around Sugarland, DeLay's old hometown, while early-vote count from the Houston sliver of the district and Galveston, hit by Hurricane Ike, have not been released. By Hilary Hylton / Austin. (Time.com)
Search dogs find body near East Galveston Bay Nov 4, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - The body of a possible Hurricane Ike victim has been uncovered by search dogs and been sent to the Jefferson County morgue for identification. Justice of the Peace Tracy Woody said search dogs found the body about 1:30 p.m. Sunday in a large debris pile about four miles from East Galveston Bay. (KSLA.com, LA)
Beach Boys raise over $40K for Galveston Red Cross Nov 4, 2008
GALVESTON Dean Solomon may not have power in his Jamaica Beach home yet, but he was not about to let that hold him back from having a little fun at the Moody Gardens Beach Boys concert this past Saturday ... Mike Love from The Beach Boys played at Galveston's Moody Gardens ... Galveston's Mayor and Trading Spaces host Alex McLeod were among the 7,000 guests. (KHOU.com, TX)
UTMB future could hinge on tax district Nov 3, 2008
GALVESTON Whether they realize it or not, Galveston County residents face a hard and momentous question: Would they pay a tax to restore University of Texas Medical Branch health services to pre-Hurricane Ike conditions ... Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas, County Judge Jim Yarbrough and state Rep ... Even before the storm, lawmakers from elsewhere in Texas were resentful that their constituents paid taxes to fund their own hospital districts, on top of paying for indigent care in Galveston and... (KHOU.com, TX)
Final tally for Harris Co. early voting released Nov 3, 2008
Early voting also came to an end in Galveston County Friday. The clerk's office is still working on a final total of all the 12 days but released an unofficial number Saturday. (KHOU.com, TX)
Group pushing for Galveston casinos Nov 2, 2008
GALVESTON Hurricane Ike s storm surge had hardly receded before conspiracy theorists were circulating rumors that Landry s Restaurants CEO Tilman Fertitta was snapping up ravaged properties dirt cheap with designs to bring casino gambling to the island ... Debris from flooded buildings piles up on The Strand in Galveston on Friday as downtown merchants struggle to repair their shops and reopen ... In Galveston County, Fertitta-controlled companies have invested more than $150 million and operate... (KHOU.com, TX)
Indicted judge wants lie detector tests at trial Nov 2, 2008
McBroom accused the judge of physical sexual harassment over a four-year period starting in 2003 when he was the only U.S. District Court judge in Galveston, an island beach town 50 miles southeast of Houston. McBroom has said the alleged harassment culminated in March 2007, when the judge pulled up her blouse and bra and tried to force her to perform oral sex when they were interrupted. (KHOU.com, TX)
FEMA official admits slow response after Ike Nov 2, 2008
Johnson met this week with local officials in Galveston, the Beaumont-Port Arthur area and Houston to learn about their concerns. Inside KHOU.com. (KHOU.com, TX)
Officer struck by suspected drunken driver Nov 2, 2008
He was booked into the Galveston County Jail on bonds totaling $30,000. This story is available through KHOU, Ch. (KHOU.com, TX)
Aimco moves to profit in Q3 Nov 1, 2008
Hurricane Ike hit Galveston, Texas, on Sept. 13 and damaged 62 of Aimco s properties. The company said it was adjusting its full year FFO guidance from a range of $3. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Gasoline prices continue heading south Nov 1, 2008
Galveston gas stations reported prices nearly 31 cents lower per gallon this week to $2. 36. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Hurricane Ike boats hit the auction block Nov 1, 2008
GALVESTON -- During hurricane Ike hundreds of boats were tossed around like toys. Many of those boats were dropped on freeways and were even in the middle of neighborhoods. (KHOU.com, TX)
Hurricane Victim Identified Oct 31, 2008
(October 30, 2008)--The Galveston County medical examiner has identified a Hurricane Ike victim whose body was found on rocks near the north jetty of the Bolivar Peninsula as Walter Fisher, 70 of Port Bolivar. A fisherman found his body on Saturday. (KWTX.com, TX)
Galveston rents spike as housing dwindles Oct 31, 2008
GALVESTON Residents booted from hotels as their federal assistance ends will have trouble finding apartments and rental houses on the island. Stuck in long lines to obtain permits, many Galveston landlords have been unable to repair buildings damaged when roared ashore Sept. 13, flooding 75 percent of the island, said Buzz Elton, of the Galveston County Apartment Association ... Rental property must pass a Galveston Housing Authority health and safety inspection before tenants can move in. (KHOU.com, TX)
Old cruise ship may be possible Ike shelter Oct 31, 2008
The ship had been docked in Galveston since Sept. 28 and provided temporary housing for about 300 disaster relief workers hired by Belfor USA, a company contracted to clean storm debris from the port, said assistant harbormaster Mike Ziesemer. The last of the workers moved off the ship Saturday, Ziesemer said. (KHOU.com, TX)
Beach Boys bringing good vibrations to Moody Gardens on Saturday Oct 31, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, Galveston Island is in need of some relief both in the way of donations and in relaxation ... Their concert will be part of night-long benefit focused on Galveston s recovery ... A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to the United Way of Galveston to benefit the Galveston Chapter of the American Red Cross and Gleanings From the Harvest - Galveston Food Bank. (KHOU.com, TX)
Hurricane Ike Victim Identified Oct 31, 2008
PORT BOLIVAR, Texas -- The Galveston County medical examiner has identified a Hurricane Ike victim whose body was found on rocks near the north jetty of the Bolivar Peninsula. Fisherman found the body of Walter Fisher, a 70-year-old Port Bolivar resident, on Saturday, officials said. (Click2Houston, TX)
Texas floats plan to house Ike victims aboard ship Oct 31, 2008
The 1950s-era Regal Empress, with up to 1,200 available beds, left port in Galveston on Thursday and dropped anchor about 10 miles offshore, said Jim Bourke, the ship's agent ... His e-mail said the affected area has received only 262 mobile home or park model units for people displaced by Ike, which came ashore near Galveston on Sept. 13. (AL.com)
Local organization keeps kids swingging Oct 30, 2008
The devastation on the Gulf Coast of Texas caused by Hurricane Ike in September is just one example of how PIFB helps communities outside the Philadelphia area - like Galveston, Texas. There are 14 Little League programs in the Galveston district, many of which - like just about everybody in Galveston - lost everything to the hurricane. (Springfield Sun, PA)
Texas A&M Reaches $2.1 Million Settlement in Bonfire Suits Oct 30, 2008
The 5th Circuit panel upheld U.S. District Judge Samuel Kent of Galveston, who granted summary judgment to the defendants on qualified-immunity grounds. The agreed judgment that Smith signed Tuesday is not the first settlement in the bonfire cases. (Law.com)
New bio-defense lab on storm-prone Texas island Oct 30, 2008
The project enjoyed the strong support of three influential Texas Republicans: President George W. Bush, a former Texas governor; Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison; and the former House majority leader, Tom DeLay, whose district includes part of Galveston County ... "The University of Texas should consider locating its biohazards lab away from Galveston Island and out of harm's way," Ken Kramer, director of the Lone Star Chapter of the Sierra Club, said ... In addition, the leaders of the medical... (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Wife: Man accused of shooting at police had no gun Oct 30, 2008
GALVESTON A man accused of shooting at a police officer remained jailed Wednesday on a felony evading charge, but his wife said he wasn t carrying a gun. Police charged Courtney Terrell Jones, 27, of Galveston, with evading arrest with a vehicle ... A Galveston police spokesman said Tuesday that officers tried to stop Jones when he failed to signal a turn and that he evaded police in a car and on foot in the 3400 block of Sealy Street. (KHOU.com, TX)
County OKs temporary FEMA housing in floodplain Oct 30, 2008
Galveston County Commissioners gave a federal agency permission Wednesday to park temporary houses within a 100-year floodplain, opening the door for assistance for families who qualify for the program. The measure would assist families in unincorporated areas such as San Leon, Bacliff and Freddiesville, where many homes were destroyed when slammed the upper Texas Coast on Sept. 13. (KHOU.com, TX)
Residents frustrated with long building permit lines Oct 30, 2008
GALVESTON Scott Phillips spent almost three hours Tuesday waiting in line at the city s permit office, only to have it close for the day just as he got to the front of the queue. He came back at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, and by the time the office closed for lunch, he was eighth in line. (KHOU.com, TX)
Why repairs on blown-off roofs may not last Oct 30, 2008
But things are different in the coastal counties, including Brazoria and Galveston, where the state does do inspections. Mecheloni: And we cannot cut corners. (KHOU.com, TX)
Blunder at polls casts doubt on school bond Oct 30, 2008
Galveston County s director of elections confirmed the blunder where Precinct 277 voters were given a ballot that did not include the bond issues. That precinct is among a handful in the county that have more than one ballot because portions of 277 are not located in the Santa Fe ISD boundaries. (KHOU.com, TX)
Strange bedfellows push for $135M road bond Oct 30, 2008
When you do what s right for the citizens of Galveston County, there is unity, said Pct ... Galveston would see more than $12 million in roadwork, including enhancements to Stewart Road and the expansion of 61st Street ... Prop 3 would set aside funds to build a new agriculture extension building at Carbide Park in La Marque, build a new animal shelter that would be at Jack Brooks Park and convert part of the old county jail in Galveston s East End into a records storage facility. (KHOU.com, TX)
Week 9 District 24-5A Insider Oct 29, 2008
Dickinson 6-1 3-1 Clear Lake 5-2 3-1 Clear Brook 4-3 3-1 Clear Springs 5-3 2-2 Clear Creek 3-4 2-2 Alvin 2-5 2-2 Brazoswood 2-5 1-3 Galveston Ball 1-4 0-4 ... Galveston Ball @ Dickinson ... The Galveston Ball Tors are coming off a tough 21-17 loss to Clear Brook in which the Tors only had 167 total yards of offense. (The Insiders -- Texas Prep)
Layoffs at UTMB unknown Oct 29, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas --The president of the University of Texas Medical Branch has told employees he s unsure whether they will have jobs because a lot of people have a say in what happens to the Hurricane-Ike damaged academic medical center ... The Galveston County Daily News reports UTMB president David L. Callender told 600 employees yesterday that he did not have any answers about possible layoffs. (KHOU.com, TX)
THE WEEK AHEAD Oct 28, 2008
We expect that the stress in the Galveston and Houston areas will begin to abate and the headline in claims should fall gently back towards 470,000. However, the overarching problems in the labor market continue to increase, as evidenced by the elevated reading of 3. (Asia Times Online)
Culpepper's Commentary: Oklahoma State Game Oct 28, 2008
He also spent 16 years as a high school coach in Texas at Midland, Lufkin, Galveston Ball, Westfield and his hometown of Cleburne. He was selected to the Longhorn Hall of Honor in 1991. (InsideTexas.com)
Official: Body found on Port Bolivar jetty may be Ike victim Oct 28, 2008
Ray Tuttoilmondo, Galveston County Sheriff s Office spokesman, said Monday that a fisherman discovered the remains of an unidentified man at 1:50 p.m. Saturday. His body was found on the North Jetty, which extends from Port Bolivar and protects the ship channel in combination with the South Jetty at Galveston ... The man s name, age and cause of death were unknown, and a spokesman with the Galveston County Medical Examiner s Office wasn t immediately available for comment Monday. (KHOU.com, TX)
Chilly temperatures have Ike workers bundling up to keep warm Oct 28, 2008
They set up at the Galveston County fairgrounds. But even though the group claims they are tough country boys, every camper knows what to hate most about cold nights. (KHOU.com, TX)
Texas Officials Say FEMA 'insensitive' After Ike Oct 28, 2008
Ike came ashore near Galveston on Sept. 13, forcing evacuations of more than 1 million people from the Texas coast and killing at least 37 people statewide. Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. (CBS News -- US)
Storm fraud complaints down Oct 28, 2008
He attended a Galveston town hall meeting Oct. 22 in which residents complained about delays in processing their applications for recovery loans. "We have to find a happy medium," he says. (USA Today)
Ike Tent Shelter Closes In Galveston Oct 28, 2008
GALVESTON, Texas -- A tent city on Galveston that was home to as many as 800 displaced Hurricane Ike residents has closed ... The first tent city complex, at an old elementary school, opened shortly after Ike slammed Galveston on Sept. 13. (Click2Houston, TX)
