Wallis News-Review

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to display in El Campo

Posted on July 13th, 2012

WNR photos by Joanie Griffin
A Fallen Soldier’s Battle Cross stands in the shadow of the American Flag.

On July 11-15 the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be displayed in El Campo at Wyatt Elementary.
The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall passed through Wharton County with several recognition and honor stops on the way July 10.
On July 11, the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall will be set up at Myatt Elementary at 501 W. Webb and Blossom Meyer in El Campo. Public viewing will be available from 4-9 p.m. on July 11. The Wall will remain through July 15 with public viewing from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. TAPS will be sounded each evening at 9 p.m.
On July 13, from 9 a.m. until noon there will be a salute and reunion for World War II veterans. Veterans will be honored with a ceremony and a reception to follow at the Veterans Hospitality Tent. All are invited to attend.
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Sealybration: Summer fun this weekend

Posted on July 13th, 2012

Sealybration brings family fun, outdoor entertainment and great live music to the BP&W Park, 1008 Main St. in Sealy this weekend.
This patriotic-themed event unites the local community and surrounding areas by promoting a family-filled weekend and showcasing our patriotism by portraying the beloved Red, White and Blue from Friday, July 13 through Sunday, July 15. It is sponsored by the Sealy Community Foundation, a local non-profit organization whose mission is serving as a voice for all non-profits with intent to advance education and charity.
This energetic weekend encompasses some of those “not to miss” activities which require lots of participation. This is the time to get some sun while having fun.
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Preliminary report issued on fatal glider crash near Wallis

Posted on July 13th, 2012

WNR photo by Johnny Griffin
The IAR Brasov glider that crashed near Wallis on June 17 is pictured after being removed from the impact site.

The preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) inspector concerning the glider crash on June 17 at the Greater Houston Soaring Association Wallis Gliderport was issued on June 29. The crash took the lives of Fred Blair, of Wallis, his daughter-in-law Matilda Blair and his grandson Andrew Blair. Fred Blair, a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in gliders was the pilot. The glider, an IAR Brasov model IS-28B2 glider, N6388V, was registered to and operated by Greater Houston Soaring Association. Read the rest of this entry »

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Family Fun at the Fun Fest July 28

Posted on July 12th, 2012

Fun Fest 2012 (formerly the Wallis Oldtime Fun Festival) will be held at the Wallis American Legion grounds on Saturday, July 28.

Once again exciting events have been planned. There will be rides and games for the kids, a children’s raffle, and a magic show beginning at 11 a.m. A BBQ Cook-off, pie in the face contest (with City Officials participating), dunking booth, paintball shoot, and more will continue throughout the day.
Hamburgers with all the trimmings, sausage in a boat and nachos will be served throughout the day beginning at 11 a.m. A Country Store/Cake Walk will be held inside, while snow cones, funnel cakes, cotton candy, lemonade and much more will be available outside. Music will be provided throughout the day.

For info on booth space contact Lori King at 979-257-9834 and for more information on the BBQ Cook-off contact Gary Korenek at 832-671-3737. A live auction will be held inside the air-conditioned hall, starting at 1 p.m.

If anyone has any questions, wishes to volunteer to work or would like to make a donation to the auction, please call 979-885-9716 or visit the website at www.wallischamber.com.

Proceeds from the Fun Fest go toward scholarships awarded to Brazos High School graduating seniors and the Community Playground Equipment Fund.

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Fred Blair

Posted on June 21st, 2012

Fred Blair, 68, of Wallis, TX died Sunday, June 17, in a tragic glider accident.
Fred was born on January 25, 1944, in Houston, Texas, though he spent his childhood fishing in the creeks and lakes around his childhood home of Palestine.
Mr. Blair retired from Houston Lighting and Power after 27 years. He and his wife, Lois, divided their time between Wallis, and Hosuton, where Fred has played the euphonium in the Houston Symphonic Band, and Davenport, Florida since retirement. He and Lois have enjoyed working at Disney World during the winter months for the past 5 years.
Aside from music and fishing, Mr. Blair loved to fly. He was an experienced glider pilot and instructor. He held his Private Pilot’s License - Glider, his Commercial Pilot’s License - Glider and his Certified Flight Instructor License - Glider. He had logged 775 hours of flying prior to Sunday.
Fred is survived by his wife, Lois Mann, of 25 years. He is also survived by his brother, John Blair, his three children, Shelley and Kelly Cauble, Rob and Wendy Blair, Brian Blair, and 6 grandchildren. He is also survived by Lois’ family of Randy and Tonia Tewell, Scott and Charlene Tewell, Ryan Tewell, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Fred was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Greater Houston Soaring Association – A Non-Profit Organization, P.O. Box 421, Wallis, TX 77485.

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Three die in crash at Wallis Gliderport

Posted on June 21st, 2012

WNR photos by Johnny Griffin
NTSB Investigator Tom Latson, left, and members of the Greater Houston Soaring Association stand at the impact site of a glider crash that killed three people near Wallis on Sunday afternoon.

Wallis residents Louis Heckmann, in tractor, and Garry Toman along with Don Golden with the Greater Houston Soaring Association remove the glider wreckage from the cotton field to the turn row on Monday morning.
By Johnny Griffin, Editor
A glider crash at the Greater Houston Soaring Association Wallis Gliderport took the lives of Fred Blair, 68, of Wallis, his daughter-in-law Matilda Blair, 32, and his grandson, Andrew Blair, 3, on Sunday afternoon. Matilda and Andrew lived in Houston.
Fred Blair was the pilot of the aircraft which crashed on takeoff shortly before 5 p.m. on Father’s Day.
According to National Transportation Safety Board Air Safety Instructor Tom Latson, the aircraft was under tow to the south on the gliderport runway. At a height of around 75 feet, one or both pilots released the tow rope. The glider went into an aerodynamic stall and made impact with the ground.
“NTSB and all of the first responders feel the horror and hurt of the victims and their families,” said Latson.
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Teen arrested in woman’s murder in Sealy

Posted on June 21st, 2012

On Monday June 18, at approximately 8 p.m., Sealy Police working in conjunction with the Texas Rangers detained a 15 year old male for the murder of Lisa Camille Land, a white female, age 30, who lived in Sealy.
On Friday, June 15, at approximately 5:02 p.m., Sealy Police responded to a disturbance at the Best Budget Inn located at 1241 N. Circle Drive in Sealy. Upon arrival officers discovered Land’s body. She appeared to be a victim of an assault.
At the time of the incident, the juvenile suspect was residing at Best Budget Inn with a family member. Investigation revealed the suspect is from the East Bernard area and had just recently taken up residency in Sealy. The suspect is currently being held at the Fort Bend County Juvenile Facility.
Sealy Police responded and were assisted by Texas Rangers, Austin County Sheriff’s Department, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Department, Sealy I.S.D. Police, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Austin County EMS and Sealy Fire Department.

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Mize trial set for November 5

Posted on June 21st, 2012

By Johnny Griffin, Editor
A trial date of Nov. 5 was set at a hearing in the 155th Judicial District Court in Bellville on Monday, June 18, concerning Theft charges against Karen Mize, of Wallis. Mize was the former Chief Clerk in the Precinct 4 Justice of the Peace office in Wallis. She was indicted in January for Theft by Public Servant of $100,000 or more, but less than $200,000. The Theft charge amount of $100,000-$200,000 is normally a Second Degree Felony, but the Public Servant aspect increases the charge to a First Degree Felony.
Following the hearing on Monday, Waller County Assistant District Attorney Ross Macha, said there will be a pretrial hearing on Oct. 9.
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Brandes wins Sheriff’s race, Clark takes Constable contest

Posted on June 1st, 2012

By Johnny Griffin, Editor
Jack Brandes has won the Republican Primary for the Austin County Sheriff’s race with a total of 2,499 votes. There will be no runoff, as Brandes compiled 56.09 percent of the vote against three opponents. Other candidates for the Sheriff’s race in the Republican primary were Paul Faircloth, 783 votes, Charles R. Holmes, 742 votes and Tobey Baggerly, 392 votes.
Incumbent James Clark won the Republican Primary for Austin County Constable Precinct 4 with 466 votes over challenger Matthew McArthur with 271 votes.
Neither Brandes nor Clark will face opposition in the November election.
In other contested Republican Primary races for Austin County, incumbent David Ottmer was defeated for Commissioner Pct. 1 by challenger Reese Turner. Turner received 658 votes to 594 for Ottmer. Incumbent Randy Reichardt received 518 votes for Commissioner Pct. 3 to retain his position over challenger Gary Kollatschny, who received 351 votes.
There were no candidates for Commissioner in Precincts 1 or 3 in the Democratic Primary.
There are a total of 17,754 voters registered in Austin County. There were a total of 4,893 votes cast in the primaries on Tuesday with 4,606 cast in the Republican Primary and 287 votes in the Democratic Primary. Voter turnout countywide was 27.56 percent.
Austin County Republican Primary races mirrored statewide races for President and Senate. Mitt Romney carried Austin County with 2,792 votes or 63.99 percent. Romney claimed Texas with 69 percent of the vote and picked up enough delegates for the Republican nomination.
David Dewhurst had 2,122 Austin County votes or 49.27 percent and Ted Cruz received 1,560 votes for 36.22 percent. The two will be in a runoff as statewide Dewhurst received 45 percent of the vote to 34 percent for Cruz.
Complete Austin County vote results are available at the Austin County website.