Howdy, yall. I guess Im gonna have to sell my horses and tractors at the ol Rancho Pequito. Thats right. None other than the infamous, and incredibly humble Gene The Weenie Green, has declared me All Hat and no cattle. I probably ought to just shut up and listen to The Weenie since I have a real knack for creating facts when the truth doesnt meet with my skewed point of view. By the way Gene, I dont buy the space for my column, its provided by the paper.
A few quick observations for our learned congressman. The only group trying to disenfranchise Texans is the Liberal Democrat Party. We, the people, are getting pretty fed up with that tired cliché.
The term tyranny of the majority and the drivel following, seems fine as long as the majority is Republican. However, all those years when the majority was Liberal Democrats, it didnt apply. Something is wrong with that reasoning, congressman, but then you are now the oppressed, arent you?
And there you go again! Telling us that those WEENIE democrats who skipped their responsibilities and ran to Oklahoma, stood against tyranny, and that is the definition of a hero. Boy, did you have to twist and turn to get that to work. I bet you look like a pretzel! Evidently, Hillary and Bill taught you quite well. We now have a new victim class in Texas: Democrat congressmen.
Poor babies!
Congressman, I am a registered Independent. I have never been a Republican. I dont control, nor do I own any Republicans. I believe the readers of this paper would like to know who you are referring to as, Lloyds
Republicans, I know I would. I have never even talked to a Republican Party person, although I will be talking to your opponent next year, you can bank on that! The line from a movie fits you here, congressman, Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.
Gene, I do not want anyone to think you are not a decent human being, because I think you may be. However, you have been around some pretty bad people in Washington Town and it seems to have rubbed off. Your politics are out of step with Texans, no matter how much you sound off about all your support of conservative issues for your district. The fact that you first notice a persons ethnic background, rather than they are Americans, shows that you are still a Liberal. Talk is cheap and irrelevant. If you truly believe you stand for conservative values, change your party affiliation. If you are just sayin the words, stay where you are. You are judged by the company you keep. As I told you once, already, you need to choose some new friends, Gene.
Folks, you make the call. Youve heard, or read, both sides. I have no political agenda and I trust you, but since Im not runnin for office, I have nothin to loose. Gene does.
Probably the best two things about The WEENIE readin and responding to my column is first, he does know how to read, and secondly, if hes readin Horsefeathers, he is takin time away from Washington, and therefore, stayin out of our business! Thanks, Gene.
You all let me know if I outa sell Rancho Pequito. Ive had quite a few folks tell me, Git em, cowboy! I may have to put a guard at the gate to keep it closed, sos all of Lloyds Republicans wont overwhelm the place.
I hope you all are enjoyin hearin from ol Gene The WEENIE. I know I sure am!
‘Til next time,
Your Pard,
Just a Ridin,
Lloyd
Posts published in “Day: July 17, 2003”

By BOBBY HORN JR.
HIGHLANDS A University of Texas basketball star, who grew up in Highlands, will soon be calling the NBA home.
T.J. Ford, who declared for the draft after his sophomore year at UT-Austin, was selected in the first round of the NBA draft. Ford was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 8th pick overall. This past week, Ford signed a four-year deal with Milwaukee which is estimated at $7 million.
Despite being six foot tall, short by NBA standards, Ford said that he doesnt expect to have many problems in making the transition to professional basketball.
Before going to UT, Ford attended school at Highlands Elementary and Junior School. In the summer before his high school freshmen year his parents, both of whom are Sterling graduates, moved to West Houston. At Willowridge High School, he led the team to two state championships and a 62-game winning streak.
As a Longhorn, Ford led the school to their first Final Four appearance in almost a half a century as well as leading the team in scoring, assists and steals this past season. He was also named the NCAAs College Player of the Year.

HIGHLANDS– The Highlands Chamber of Commerce held their installation luncheon and Awards ceremony last Thursday noon, and ended up with a new president, a new board (partially), and 4 important Public Safety and Service Awards to essential members of the Community.
Outgoing president Wanda Asbeck moderated the ceremonies, with the help of Lt. Jack Hagee of the Constables office, Judge Mike Parrott, and visiting Judge Reuben Guerrera.
The new president sworn in was banker Charlie Farrar. Other officers included 1st VP Vern Miller, 2nd VP Kim Harrison, Secretary Nancy Simpson, and Treasurer Diane Lester.
In addition to the installation, Awards were presented for community service. These included the top award, the Terry Davis Award, to Highlands/Bellaire firefighter Deacon Tittel. Deacon was cited for his service to two fire departments, his recognition as Firefighter of the Year by Bellaire and Harris County, and the offices and accomplishments he has held with the HVFD. He also has been active in community events such as the Sports Association, as a coach and board member.
Public Service awards went to Reserve Deputy Constable Joe Avalos; Highlands Firefighter Sean Matula; Sheriffs Deputy Keith Thornton, presented by District II Captain Michael OBrien; and the Business of the Year to Bouquets by Mae owner Rebecca Harrington.
Wanda Asbeck reminded the large crowd gathered for lunch that plans were underway for the annual Jamboree, scheduled for the first weekend in October.
Board members installed included Al Pyle, Gary Anderson, Linda Palmer, Calvin Evans, Kim Harrison, Debbie Langham, Nancy Simpson, Jerry Ickes, Wanda Asbeck, Weston Cotten, Roy Elliott, Gil Hoffman, Angela Barron, Vern Miller, Dianne Lester, Doug Dodds, Michelle Bitterly, Jim Strouhal, Lynn Kemplay, Dickie Woods.
The keynote address was presented by Judge Mike Parrott, speaking on Responsibility and the heroes of community service.
Presenters of awards included Jerry Ickes, Lt. Jack Hagee, Fire Chief Harvey Little, and Capt. Michael OBrien of the Sheriffs office.

By KAREN FREEMAN
Star-Courier
You can ask almost anyone in Huffman and they can tell you where its located
Go down FM2100 turn on Wolf Rd. and its right there, next to the park
And they would be right, however, if they told you the name of the Community Center is the I.T. May Community Center, on that count they would be wrong. I.T. May gave his name to the park that sits next to the Center, his wife Vera, gave her name to the Center. And last Thursday, as the doors of the new building swung wide to accept its vast number of guests, the building was officially christened the Vera Brummett Community Center.
Since the donation of the Park in 1969, the Center has undergone several changes. Perhaps you have been in the community long enough to remember it at its beginning. The 10 acres was purchased by I.T. May when he was just 20 years old. It quickly became a portion of what would later total over 4000 acres of prime rice field. And the acreage held another special appeal as it lay next to land once owned by his grandfather. Never one for publicity, May quietly donated the land so that area children would have a place to play ball. If not for a close family friend, Mays generosity may have never come to light. It was not until the dedication of the Park that I.T. was informed that the Park would bear his name.
The building most of us are familiar with measured just at 4000 square feet. The new one spans over 18,000 square feet, and architect Mike Swain did an incredible job of designing its layout. Beautiful arches of hand-brushed wood, polished tile and gleaming glass beckons visitors to its interior. A full sized kitchen and banquet room are available to the public for a nominal security fee, which is refundable if all aspects of the rental agreement are met. An intergenerational facility, the Center has something for everyone in the community. We offer all types of classes and instruction here at the community center, stresses Michelle Thompson, Acting Director. Our doors are open to all citizens; from the young to the retired community. I hope that everyone will come by to visit and take advantage of the many educational formats we have to offer.
From painting on canvas and making birdbaths to learning how to play card games and grow native plants, the classes at the Center offer a little something for everyone. Novices are welcome and if you have a special skill or talent, you are invited to join the staff of volunteers and spread your knowledge.
Commissioner Jerry Eversole was on hand to assist in the ribbon cutting, as were several members of the May family. Thirty-four years ago at the dedication of the Park, Commissioner Ramsey stated, Im sure there are going to be many happy youngsters for many generations to come
Thursday, Commissioner Eversole echoed this same sentiment when he stated, The value of this Center will be decided upon in the years to come as citizens of this community enjoy the facility. Once you enter the doors, then you will be the judge of its worth
Most impressive was the presence of Mrs. Vera Brummett May herself. And it would seem that Mrs. May shares I.T.s desire to remain behind the scenes. When asked if she would be speaking that afternoon at the dedication her reply of, Oh gosh, I hope not, brought smiles and chuckles from the many bystanders. While shy to speak in front of the masses, she is willing to share her thoughts and opinions on the Center for this publication. Mrs. Vera Brummett May states, I am extremely pleased and proud of the new Vera Brummett May Community Center. When my late husband (Irby Taft May) and I first donated the property to Precinct 4, we envisioned a facility that could be used and enjoyed by the entire community. I feel, and I am sure Irby would feel, that this Community Center and sports complex [not only] meets, [but] exceeds our expectations. I want to thank Commissioner Eversole, Architect Mike Swain, and the staff and employees at Precinct 4 for their hard work and the time expended to create this state-of-the-art gathering place for the community. Giving is a family affair with the May family, and we are proud and grateful to be the recipients of their generosity.
By BOBBY HORN JR.
CROSBY How dangerous is the air quality in Crosby? Now with the click of a mouse, residents can find out the exact levels of ozone in their community thanks to a new air monitoring site installed by the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Education Services Pollution Control Division.
The new equipment, which is a less sophisticated system than those found in Baytown or Highlands, is located adjacent to the Crosby Library. The monitor is part of a countywide system of monitoring site which measure levels of ozone as well as airborne pollutants, radiation, wind levels and temperature. The Crosby location, however only measures ozone, while the Highlands site, on Wallisville Road, road measures nitrogen oxide emissions, ozone, wind speed and temperature among its features.
According to a spokesperson for the countys pollution control division, ground level ozone is the air pollutant of greatest concern to area residents. Ozone is an odorless gas which forms through a chemical reaction between nitrous oxide and some volatile organic compounds.
Exposure to high levels of ozone can cause or worsen various respiratory symptoms. The include symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing head aches, nausea and throat and lung irritation, said Shirley Norris with County Judge Robert Eckels office.
Eckels office has created a system by which residents can receive e-mail alerts when the ozone level gets too high. To subscribe for these alerts. which also give warnings about ozone watches issued by the county, go to www.hcoem.org and select Subscribe to Ozone Alerts.
Norris said that this information is especially useful for parents, athletic coaches, school nurses. health care professionals and individuals with respiratory illnesses.
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality also monitors stations such as the one in Crosby and reports its findings on an hour to hour basis. These results can be found by going to the state agencys website at tceq.state.tx.us and selected air under the subject index.
BARRETT STATION Postal officials announced July 14th that customers currently receiving post office box service at the Barrett contact postal unit will have their service relocated to the Crosby Main Post Office at 133 Hare Road, effective July 31, 2003. The Barrett contract postal unit will be closed due to the expiration of the current contract on July 31.
All post office box holders will retain their current post office box numbers, and will continue to receive mail at the Crosby Main Post Office. Customers with post office boxes at the Barrett contract postal unit also have the option of having their mail delivered directly to their residence or business, provided an approved mail receptacle is made available and a Change of Address form is completed.
Full retail service is available at the Crosby Main Post Office, and limited postal services are available through rural letter carriers for customers served by rural letter carriers. Questions regarding this service change can be directed by telephone to the Crosby Main Post Office by calling (281) 462-2329.