Wharton Journal

Curriculum system focus of WISD board meeting

By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

The board of trustees of the Wharton Independent School District will be getting an update on how well the district's new CSCOPE curriculum system is working as well as a potential look at how the system can be improved at the local level when the board meets in regular session Wednesday.

WPD sign could give new location stronger presence

By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

The Wharton Police Department's recent move put it in a more convenient location for the community, but made it harder for some local residents to find. That will change soon as the Wharton City Council approved purchasing a lighted sign for the front of the department's new location, 1407 N. Richmond Road.

Couple charged with sexual assault of child, promotion, possession of child pornography

By BRENDA SOMMER news@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

El Campo police have brought charges against a couple accused of photographing a child while the victim was being sexually assaulted. Linda Flores Moreno, 47, of Houston and Mario Moreno, 46, of Haltom City face charges in the attack on the child under the age of 14 that allegedly occurred in El Campo in January 2007.

Variety Show!

By JEREMY HEATH jheath@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

The Boys and Girls Club of Wharton has started a new event to showcase the talents of its members. On Tuesday, at the B&CG gymnasium, members will participate in the first Boys and Girls Club Variety Show. The event, which is scheduled to start at 7 p.m., is free and open to the public.

Warm up those vocal chords!

By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

Among the most anticipated events of Wharton's holiday season is the annual WCJC Music Department's Concert Choir and Chamber Singers presenting the annual Christmas Candlelight Concert. And this year's concert will feature an expanded public participation segment to wrap up the night. Those who want to enjoy, or sing along, can attend the concert, which is set for 7:30 p.

City to conduct first test of information delivery system on Thursday

By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

The City of Wharton will be testing the new communitywide information delivery system it has contracted with Connect CTY this week. Wharton Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Cooper said the city will be conducting its first test Thursday.

Motorcycle, SUV collide

By BARRY HALVORSON bhalvorson@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

The drivers of both a SUV and motorcycle involved in a collision Friday afternoon were cited by the Wharton Police Department for traffic violations. The wreck took place in the 400 block of East Boling Highway and happened around 2:19 p.m. on Nov. 28, according to a Wharton Police Department report. The investigating officer is listed as Patrol Sgt. Jason Barker.

Hurricane season is officially over, but the county planning continues

By SHANNON CRABTREE news@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

Monday morning's weak gray light officially marked the close of the 2008 hurricane season - and emergency management officials couldn't be happier. The time for concern is over. But planning for next year's potential crisis is already under way.

TxDOT launches redesigned Web site

12/03/2008

The Texas Department of Transportation redesigned its Web site to make informationgathering easier for Texans. "We just debuted it (Monday), so we haven't really had it out there long enough to get any public input," Yoakum District Public Information Officer Bryan Ellis said in a phone interview.

Dateline Wharton

12/03/2008

Celebration of Life tree Hospice Support Inc. is offering personalized ornaments for its Celebration of Life Christmas tree. Ornaments can be purchased in memory or honor of a loved one by filling out form and mailing your donation of $15 per ornament to: Hospice Support Inc., P.O. Box 1417, El Campo, TX 77437.

Police Blotter

12/03/2008

Assaults Assault family violence with a deadly weapon - Reported at 2711 E. Alabama, Wharton, at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. Aggravated assault - Reported at 2711 E. Alabama, Wharton, at 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. Assault family violence - Reported at 319 Texas St., Boling, at 12:06 a.m. on Sunday.

Wharton County Sheriff's deputy arrests 2 men in connection with Colorado County burglary

By BRENDA SOMMER news@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

An overloaded trailer with no taillights led a Wharton County Sheriff's deputy to arrest two suspects in a burglary in neighboring Colorado County. Deputy James Elliott was on patrol on Hwy. 71 in the Taiton area around 1:15 a.m. Wednesday when he saw a Lincoln Town Car towing an unlighted trailer with no license plate.

In Custody

12/03/2008

Alcohol, drug charges Rosita S. Hernandez, 57, 416 Ave. B, Van Vleck, was charged Monday with driving while intoxicated. She was released Monday on $2,000 bond. Joseph W. Neumann, 27, 192 CR 2401 Ganado, was charged Sunday with public intoxication and resisting arrest. He was released Sunday on $3,500 bond.

Wharton ISD needs more police officers

12/03/2008

Editor, the Journal-Spectator: The No. 1 concern for our children is a quality education in a safe learning environment. I have two grandchildren attending Wharton ISD schools - one at the junior high and one at Wharton Elementary. My granddaughter told me that fights occur at the junior high daily during lunch and after school.

Commissioners carelessly went over budget on Tahoes

12/03/2008

Editor, the Journal-Spectator: An article in Wharton's Nov. 29 newspaper shows that when given the opportunity to spend county money wisely, the Commissioners Court failed. Why bother having a budget if there is no intent to stick with it?

A HERITAGE AND A HOPE

PETER JOHNSTON — 12/03/2008

Last year at this time, I wrote a series of four columns based on "The Gift of Bethlehem." The first centered on Chinese research into the preeminence of the West over the rest of the world.

POKIN' FUN

'DOC' BLAKELY — 12/03/2008

A friend of mine got me to thinking the other day, which in itself is a scary thing. He said he had read, "Men are from Mars, women are from Venus." Maybe it's "Women are from Venus, men are from Mars." I wasn't paying attention as usual, which most likely proves the point of whoever the author was/is.

CAPITOL COMMENTS

SEN. KAY BAILEY HUTCHISON — 12/03/2008

President Kennedy once observed: "In a crisis, be aware of the danger, but recognize the opportunity." Today, America's credit crisis is roiling Wall Street and pushing the economy into a recession.

Political Cartoon

12/03/2008

WEDC's annual report released

12/03/2008

Wharton Economic Development Corporation Executive Director David Schroeder presented his annual report to the WEDC members Monday afternoon at a regular meeting in the Wharton Civic Center.

Texas State Securities Board offers guidance for those raising children or caring for aging parents

12/03/2008

AUSTIN - The Texas State Securities Board is offering a new investor education program to provide members of the Sandwich Generation - adults who are raising children while taking care of aging parents - with the information and tools they need to be financially prepared and protect their assets from fraud.

That used car sitting there could save a life - and garner a year-end tax deduction

12/03/2008

The end of the year is right around the corner, and for many people, part of wrapping up 2008 means looking for last-minute tax deductions.

Margaret Aber

12/03/2008

Following cremation, private family memorial services for Margaret Aber, 88, of Bay City, will be held at a later date. Mrs. Aber died Nov. 26, 2008 in Matagorda Nursin Rehab Center in Bay City. She was born June 23, 1920 in Pasadena to Kirby Beckham and Rose Spaulding.

Florence Jones

12/03/2008

Following cremation, memorials for Florence Russell Jones, 86, of Houston and formerly of East Bernard, will be held at a later date. Mrs. Jones died Dec. 1, 2008 in a Fort Bend health care facility. Contact Wharton Funeral Home.

Pearl Kuretsch

12/03/2008

Funeral services for Pearl Kuretsch, 86, of El Campo, will be held 10 a.m. today, Wednesday, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Wharton with Rev. Barry Sharp officiating. Burial will follow in Wharton City Cemetery. Mrs. Kuretsch died Nov.

Erwin Luther

12/03/2008

Erwin Hubert "Erv" Luther was born Nov. 2, 1939 in Brainerd, Minn., lost his battle with prostate cancer on Nov. 29, 2008 in Houston. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Luther and Martha Luepker; and sister, Maria Luther.

Monta Pool

12/03/2008

Graveside services for Monta James Pool, 98, of Wharton, will be held at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, at Wharton City Cemetery with Rev. Mack Mathis officiating. Military honors will be provided by American Legion Post No. 87 of Wharton.

David Stephens

12/03/2008

Funeral services for David Stephens, 44, of Houston, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church in Boling. Burial will follow in the Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church Cemetery in Boling. Mr. Stephens died Nov. 25, 2008, at St. Joseph's Medical Center. He was born Jan. 27, 1964 in Galveston to Dennis and Jean Allen Stephens.

Brahmas ousted from Class 2A playoffs

By ROLAND ORSAK sports@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

VICTORIA - Saturday night's Class 2A Region IV Division II quarterfinal football game at Memorial Stadium was a like a bad movie that East Bernard had seen before against Refugio. The Bobcats ended the Brahmas' season last year with a 21-14 decision.

Sports Scene

12/03/2008

Schoolboy Football Playoff Pairings

12/03/2008

Lady Tigers notch big win over Goose Greek

12/03/2008

Wharton's girls basketball team improved to 2-8 on the season after beating Goose Creek Memorial 63-18 last Tuesday night in Baytown. Wharton jumped out to a 16-4 lead after first quarter and went up 30-11 at halftime. The Lady Tigers outscored Goose Creek 15-2 in the third quarter to go up 45-13 and 16-5 in the final eight minutes of the game.

Brahmas effort comes up short against 'Cats

By MIKE KONVICKA mkonvicka@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

VICTORIA - Saturday's 28-20 Division II Region IV quarterfinal loss to Refugio was a gutwrenching for East Bernard players and coaches. The Brahmas played the now 13-0 Bobcats to the bitter end before time finally ran out. "We wanted it real bad because they beat us last year," said a tearful quarterback Matt Stelzel. "It was a very tough loss.

Tigers dealt 72-60 setback by Bay City Black Cats

12/03/2008

Wharton's boys basketball team dropped its season-opener to Bay City, 72-60, last Tuesday night at Black Cat Gymnasium. Bay City doubled up Wharton 24-12 after the first quarter, but the Tigers came back to make it a 50-30 deficit at halftime.

Bulldog cagers even season record to 2-2

12/03/2008

Boling's boys basketball team evened its season record at 2-2 after beating Wharton County-rival Louise, 48-34, last Tuesday in the Doghouse. Both teams scored eight points in the first quarter and Boling was up 20- 15 at halftime.

Line Drives win another championship

12/03/2008

The Line Drives, an El Campo based Select Baseball team, won another championship trophy two weeks ago at the 4th Annual Gobbler Classic at Big League Dreams in League City. The team included pitchershortstop Adrian Almeda of Wharton.

Line Drives to USSSA World Series

12/03/2008

El Campo's Line Drives Select Baseball team qualified two weeks ago for a USSSA World Series this summer. Pictured in their burnt orange and white uniforms are (kneeling, l-r) Sean Guidry, Chase Svatek, Jason Haller, Adrian Alameda, Joel Hernandez and Christopher Garcia; (standing l-r) players Ridge Whitley, Brylan Crivellari, Blaine Fuechec, Clay Kresta and Chad Quinn; (back row, l-r) Assistant Coach Jimmy Svatek, Manager Rafail Hernandez and Assistant Coach Jerry Guidry.

Addition

12/03/2008

In the Nov. 22 of the Wharton Journal-Spectator, two East Bernard volleyball players were inadverently omitted from the All-District 26-2A volleyball team as all-academic players They are Candice Dusek and Hillaire Blazek.

District 29-2A Football Teams

12/03/2008

District MVP Ryan Richter Sr. Industrial Of fensive Co-MVPs Matt Anderson Jr. Industrial Morris Tuck Jr. Hitchcock Defensive MVP Joe Lara Sr. Tidehaven Newcomer: Damion Foster So.

Ask Billie

12/03/2008

Do you like to wait? Many children are counting the days until Christmas. It seems a long time off to them and they do not like to wait. Many of us were in places of worship last Sunday and were reminded that this was the first Sunday of Advent in the church calendar. This is the time of waiting in Christian churches.

Knights serve 1,000 dinners

Photos courtesy of Dettling Jr. — 12/03/2008

More than 100 community volunteers shared their Thanksgiving Day holiday to serve nearly 1,100 guests at the Feast of Sharing 2008.

Svrcek, Kocurek exchange wedding vows in Houston

12/03/2008

Suzanne Nicole Svrcek and Clint William Kocurek, both of Richwood, were united in marriage at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008. Rev. Don Ruppert officiated at the double-ring ceremony held at Annunciation Catholic Church in Houston.

Cooking on the Colorado

Leigh Pless — 12/03/2008

Want to serve something new and scrumptious at your next party? These appetizers are mouth watering yet definitely doable, and will win raves from all your guests! Ceviche Santa Cruz 1 lb. red snapper, diced 3/4 C.

ACS car donations good for tax deductions

12/03/2008

The end of the year is right around the corner. For many people, part of wrapping up 2008 means looking for lastminute tax deductions.

Holiday remembrance

12/03/2008

Billye Sweeney letters Tree of Hope balls which will go on this year's tree. Since 1983, the East Wharton County Unit of the American Cancer Society has been accepting donations for $10, $25, $50 and $100 to hang Christmas balls on its Tree of Hope. Each ball has the honored or remembered loved one's name and each year of participation. Every penny of the donations goes to the American Cancer Society. Over the years, the unit has displayed the tree with balls at one of the local Christmas home tour houses, local businesses and at South Texas Medical Clinic for the most recent years. Sweeney paints the new balls with up to five coats of white paint to accomodate writing names and years on them. To purchase balls for this year's tree call Kathryn Adam at 532-3644.

Families hold special holiday gatherings

Carol Russ — 12/03/2008

I hope everyone had a wonderful and happy Thanksgiving Day. The weather was very nice and beautiful. Joe Carl and Karen Randle of Spanish Camp had a Thanksgiving Day breakfast at their home. Many family members and friend were present.

Yard of Month

12/03/2008

Wharton Garden Club has chosen the home of Chris and Cynthia Voulgaris for the December Yard of the Month. Cynthia is pictured here in a colorful flower bed sporting a Christmas-clad scarecrow. For a treat be sure to drive by 1411 N. Rusk.

Births

12/03/2008

Kylee Svatek Melissa Svatek of Wharton announces the birth of her child, a girl, born at 2:24 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2008, at Gulf Coast Medical Center. The baby was named Kylee Katherine Svatek and weighed 7 lbs., 4 ozs. Kylee's maternal grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Svatek of Boling.

Pvt. Shed graduates

12/03/2008

Army Pvt. Derrick L. Shed has graduated from Basic Combat training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is the grandson of Curtis and Linda Shed of Lane City,.

Opening ceremonies

12/03/2008

Kelsey Crafts and Autumn Olson hold the U.S. flag during opening ceremonies at the recent youth football championships held here. Both are cheerleaders for the Wharton Texans Football Teams.

Boys & Girls Club celebrates Thanksgiving

Photos courtesy of Boys & Girls Club — 12/03/2008

Pet safety concerns increase during holiday season

12/03/2008

Pets can be wonderful companions that show a lot of intelligence, but they still need you to protect them during the holiday season. The strange foods, unfamiliar situations and bright decorations can entice a pet into trouble just like it can a small child. With that in mind, the Wharton Stray Pet Outreach Team, S.P.O.T. and Dr.

Carol of Lights Christmas Parade Thursday

By SHANNON CRABTREE news@journal-spectator.com — 12/03/2008

El Campo and nearby residents may want to bring a blanket along as they line downtown streets Thursday night for the annual Carol of Lights Christmas Parade. With a "Country Christmas" theme this year, the El Campo Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture sponsored parade will wind its way through the heart of El Campo starting at 7 p.m.

Tree-m work

12/03/2008

City and county workers cooperated two weeks ago in rasing the Christmas tree on the Wharton County Courthouse lawn. The tree was lit at the Wharton Christmas Parade last Tuesday.

Christmas in Rosenberg scheduled for Saturday

12/03/2008

Christmas in Rosenberg will take place from 3-9 p.m. Saturday in the historic Downtown District. Children will be able to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, write their wish lists and mail them to the North Pole, where elves are busy getting toys ready for Christmas.

Music Calendar

12/03/2008

The Emotions play Friday night at Michael's Sports Bar in Bay City. Steel Country plays Saturday night at Ms Molly's in Columbus. Johnny Dee and the Rocket 88's play Friday night at Greek Bros. Saloon.

At The Movies

12/03/2008

Four Christmases A couple struggle to visit all four of their divorced parents on Christmas Day. Starring: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Jon Favreau, Mary Steenburgen and Dwight Yoakum.

Fiber-rich diets promote weight loss

12/03/2008

If you're working on improving your diet and enhancing your health, eating more fiber is a great place to start. Also known as roughage or bulk, fiber forms the structural framework of plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts.

Breast cancer, fruits and vegetables

12/03/2008

Eating fruits and vegetables may play a protective role against breast cancer. A study was conducted by John Pierce of the University of California- San Diego, called the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) trial in 1993.