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VIDEO STORIES FROM FEBRUARY 20 OF YEARS PAST


FEBRUARY 20, 2007
FATAL CRASH SH 105 EAST AT SCOTT


FEBRUARY 20, 2007
CONROE IN CUSTODY FATAL
After a crash, the victim was leaning against the police car that responded. EMS arrived and were evaluating him when he collapsed.


FEBRUARY 20, 2013
BRYAN FIREFIGHTER LODD MEMORIAL
Over 300 pieces of fire equipment slowly moved toward the Central Baptist Church in Bryan this morning just after daybreak. Law enforcement officers closed almost every street in the area to make way for the procession. Once they arrived close to the church a walking procession took place the remainder of the way. With bagpipes playing the line moved slowly into the church.

“In each of the Bryan fire stations, this slogan is displayed. Everyone goes home,” shared Bryan Mayor Jason Bienski.

“Lt Eric Wallace and Lt. Greg Pickard has gone home to a very special place. They have gone home to the lord and savior Jesus Christ. They were very brave and heroic men who I am proud to have known, but most importantly they are servants of God in service to their families and to their community,” he continued.

“To Brothers Pickard and Wallace,” read Bryan Fire Lt. D.J. Carpenter,” Their last alarm. They’re going home.”

As the final alarm bell rang out inside Central Baptist Church Wednesday afternoon, the start reality echoed in thousands of people’s ears: two of their fellow firefighters were not coming back to the station.

Eric Wallace and Greg Pickard were firefighters respected in their profession. They were also heroes honored by their actions.

“Fallen firefighters are shown support from their fellow firefighters, from the community and the world we live in,” said Dave White, a retired firefighter. He added this support in death is a firefighter tradition.

The deaths of Eric Wallace and Greg Pickard affected the greater firefighter family. Wednesday, they let two families know they will never be alone, even by those who are watching over those injured by Friday’s fire


FEBRUARY 20, 2014
FATAL CRASH SH 105 AT HIGHWAY 6-GRIMES COUNTY
Richard Garza of Navasota was westbound on SH 105 just before SH 6 Thursday afternoon when he slammed into the rear of a belly dump asphalt truck. SH 105 which has been undergoing construction through Grimes County to add passing lanes was very slow when the crash happened. Several points were down to one lane. As vehicles approached the red light at SH 6 the backup was extensive. The truck was at a stop in the traffic when he was rear ended by Garza.

Navasota firefighters worked almost thirty minutes to free Garza from the wreckage. He was then transported to St Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan with serious but nonlife-threatening injuries.


FEBRUARY 20, 2014
DPS DIRECTORS AWARD-FOR RESCUE AT DOBBIN HOME EXPLOSION
On June 11, 2013, at approximately 8:14 a.m., a residence exploded at 185 FM 1486 in Dobbin. The residence was occupied by Jennifer Mock (58 years of age), Lena Knight (65 years of age), and Wyatt Mock (8 years of age). The cause of the explosion was believed to be due to a buildup of flammable gases in and around the home.

Paul Whitley was about 200 yards away from the house when the incident occurred. Mr. Whitley responded to what he thought was an unoccupied house. When he arrived, Mr. Whitley located Jennifer Mock trying to crawl out of the fiery debris, and pulled her to the front yard. Around this time, Trooper Bradford arrived on the scene.

Trooper John Bradford was en route to the Conroe District office when he heard and felt the explosion as it shook the vehicle he was driving. He saw a large cloud of smoke, fire and debris in the air and hastily proceeded to the area of the explosion. When he reached the scene, he noticed that the house had been blown completely apart, with a few walls still standing. There were several small fires still burning in the area where the house had been. We later learned the explosion was caused by broken gas lines running throughout the house.

Trooper Bradford noticed several people standing around an elderly and badly burned female (Jennifer Mock). Ms. Mock was conscious, and Trooper Bradford asked her if anyone else was still inside the residence. Ms. Mock replied that her sister (Lena Knight) and infant baby boy (Wyatt Mock) was still inside the residence.

Bart Hogan, a Consolidated Telephone employee who was working at a Consolidated switch station across from the explosion also responded to the incident, located Wyatt amongst the debris field. He removed Wyatt from the debris and handed him to an unknown bystander while he, Trooper Bradford, Paul Whitley, and Jeremy Giles, another bystander who responded, searched for Lena Knight.

While all of this had been taking place, Rockey Butler another bystander that had responded to the incident, started administering care to Wyatt, who was badly burned and cut. With instruction from 911 operators, Mr. Butler provided the baby with what aid he could.

While Mr. Butler was providing aid to Wyatt, Trooper Bradford, Mr. Giles, Mr. Hogan, and Mr. Whitley located Lena Knight. Ms. Knight was in the rear area of the residence. Ms. Knight was underneath a partial wall that was on fire and smoldering. They removed the partial wall from Ms. Knight and noticed that she had sustained very bad burns over her entire body. As they attempted to move Ms. Knight, they noticed a boiling sound in close proximity to them. The noise was coming from a butane tank about 10 yards from where they were standing. The tank had burning debris around it. It became imperative to remove Ms. Knight from that location immediately in the event that the butane tank exploded. Ms. Knight was carried to a driveway across the street.

All victims were transported by helicopter to the hospital. Ms. Knight and Ms. Mock eventually succumbed to their injuries and passed away. Wyatt has been released from the hospital and is recovering.

The Texas Department of Public Safety, on behalf of Director Steve McCraw, presented the Director’s Award, the highest award given by DPS to Trooper Bradford, Paul Whitley, Bart Hogan, and Jeremy Giles for their heroism. Jeremy Giles wife Susan accepted the award for her husband. Rhonda Whitley accepted the award for her father Paul Whitley.


FEBRUARY 20, 2016
BODY FOUND AFTER 2 ALARM FIRE IN FOREST COVE/KINGWOOD
Just after 5am Saturday morning a fire was reported at a condo complex in the Forest Cove area of Kingwood. Firefighters arrived at the scene to see flames through the roof. It was too intense to enter. In addition, the air conditioners were mounted on the roof, one such fell through the roof as the fire burned. As firefighters battled the blaze from the front, the fire erupted from the rear. As an engine was assigned a body was discovered outside the blaze. The victim was deceased but it was not fire-related. Houston Homicide detectives were dispatched to the scene. Additional details as available.


FEBRUARY 20, 2016
LAKE CONROE FATAL
With two bass tournaments in full swing Saturday morning, tragedy struck on the north side of Lake Conroe. Two experienced boaters in bass boats were traveling just off Scott’s Ridge. Apparently one operator was about to make a turn and the other operator attempted to do the same. Instead of the normal separation. both boats collided almost head-on. One of the boats almost cut the other in two. When Montgomery Fire Department Fire Boat first arrived on the scene CPR was being performed on a male in his 50’s/ That male passed away at the scene. At the request of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, the driver of the other boat was taken to Conroe Regional Medical Center for a mandatory blood draw due to the fatality. Officials say he showed no signs of impairment.


FEBRUARY 20, 2016
DASHWOOD DRIVE-BY SHOOTING
Just after 9 pm on Saturday Houston Police responded to a reported shooting in the 5800 block of Dashwood in Southwest Houston. Police say a male and a female were walking down the street when a vehicle pulled up next to them. The suspect rolled down his window, produced a gun and fired multiple times. The female was hit in the arm and back. She was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The male was pronounced dead on the scene. Houston Homicide is investigating along with the Houston Police Gang Task Force. Last week close by a teen was shot walking down the street simply because he was wearing a blue shirt.


FEBRUARY 20, 2018
PORTER CARJACKING SUSPECT
Early this morning a young man was carjacked at gunpoint at the Porterwood Apartments in Porter. The Hispanic male took his phone, billfold and his Chevrolet Sonic. The owner, who has On Star on his vehicle immediately notified the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and they began to track the vehicle. The vehicle was located on the tracker in the Roman Forest area and Kings Colony. As deputies responded a Roman Forest Officer started looking in the area it was tracked to. He spotted the vehicle in the 25900 block of Glouchester. As he got out on the vehicle several males and a female fled into the woods. He chased them on foot. The suspects doubled back and went into a home at that location. Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies, Roman Forest, Patton Village, and Montgomery County Precinct 4 deputies along with DPS surrounded the home. Using their PA they attempted to get the suspects to give up. The suspects were moving around inside but finally, the door opened and they came out. Slowly one at a time as deputies yelled commands to them. All were detained. Roman Forest Chief Carlisle said that the DA has accepted evading charges on one of the males who fled on foot. The Sheriff’s Office is still processing the scene and charges will be brought on the suspects who were involved.


FEBRUARY 20, 2020
WOODLANDS ATM ATTEMPTED THEFT.
About 1:45 am Thursday Montogmery County dispatchers received a call from Frost Bank Security reporting that they had 3 males on video breaking into an ATM at Kuykendahl and Woodlands Parkway. Deputies were within seconds of the location and as they pulled in two black males took off running on foot. A deputy got on in custody. The other tried to drive off in a GMC SUV. He was stopped in the HEB parking lot and taken into custody. The search for the 3rd male came up empty-handed but they believe they also have his identification. That male dressed in red Nikes, black jogging pants and a black jacket was last seen heading north from the location. The trio was able to break into the machine but they were not able to penetrate the cash box. Screwdrivers, hammers and pry bars were found in the vehicle. The two which are believed to be from the Acres Homes area of Houston were transported to the Montgomery County Jail and charged with 3rd-degree felony attempted ATM theft.


FEBRUARY 20, 2020
CLEVELAND FATAL HOUSE FIRE
Just after 11 am Thursday Cleveland Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire on County Road 3293 off FM 1010 south of Cleveland. Plum Grove, Tarkington, and East Montgomery County were also dispatched. When Cleveland Firefighters arrived they were met with heavy fire conditions at the front door and porch area. An adult male resident informed firefighters his father was still inside. Firefighters entered through a bedroom window to begin a search. During that search, there was a roof collapse and communications were lost with the firefighters inside. An additional alarm was pulled which dispatched North Montgomery County Fire also. East Montgomery County firefighters arrived on the scene just after the collapse and went into the inferno searching for the firefighters inside. They located then and were able to re-establish communications. They also located the 79-year-old resident and brought him out. MCHD and Liberty County EMS worked to resuscitate the victim but they were unable to save him. Cleveland Fire Chief Sean Anderson said the fire was caused by the fireplace which was in use due to the cold weather. The victim’s son was not injured but did lose a dog in the blaze. One firefighter suffered minor injuries.


FEBRUARY 20, 2020
LAKE CONROE WATTER LEVEL VOTE
Motion by Tisdale, second by Alexander
Recommend to the City of Houston for its consideration the following:
Spring lowering:
Lower to 200’ msl beginning April 1 through May 31. Recapture beginning June 1.
Fall lowering:
Beginning August 1, lower to 200’ MSL.
Beginning September 1, lower to 199.5’ MSL.
If a named storm enters the region, COH may initiate an additional prerelease to 199’ MSL by notifying SJRA in writing of their call for prerelease.
Program to continue through December 2022.
SJRA staff to coordinate with COH staff on the details and timing of the lowering.


FEBRUARY 20, 2020
SAN JACINTO RIVER AUTHORITY BOARD SPENDS AN HOUR DECIDING ON LAKE CONROE LEVELS
After hours of public comment, Thursday night with close to 1600 people attending the San Jacinto River Authority Board voted on what and when the Lake Conroe levels should be adjusted. That one hour was the most confusing hour on the subject as members went back and forth with motions, withdrawn motions, wording and one attempting to explain to the others what was meant in what their suggestion was. In the end, the vote was 5 to one to adjust the Lake Levels.

Motion by Tisdale, second by Alexander
Recommend to the City of Houston for its consideration the following:
Spring lowering:
Lower to 200’ MSL beginning April 1 through May 31. Recapture beginning June 1.
Fall lowering:
Beginning August 1, lower to 200’ MSL.
Beginning September 1, lower to 199.5’ MSL.
If a named storm enters the region, COH may initiate an additional prerelease to 199’ MSL by notifying SJRA in writing of their call for prerelease.
THE MEETING ENDED JUST AFTER 11 PM

EDITOR NOTE: LABOR DAY WEEKEND IS SEPTEMBER 7, 2020

 


FEBRUARY 20, 2021
DREAM CENTER IN SPLENDORA DISTRIBUTES FOOD AND WATER
Saturday morning the Texas Dream Center which is located on the property of Nelson Pools in Splendora served over 250 area residents in need of food and water. Shawn and Shannon Nelson started the Dream Center 18-years ago. Thousands of individuals and families have found hope and healing through the programs, resources, and outreaches at the Dream Center. The Dream Center aims not only to meet the immediate needs of the communities like providing food and clothing but also focuses on the full successful transformation of people’s lives. The Dream Center is supplied by the Montgomery County Food Bank, donations, and several other sources.


FEBRUARY 20, 2021
BIDEN MONTGOMERY COUNTY DISASTER DECLARATION
President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration for Texas, unlocking more federal resources to assist the state struggling to recover from deadly winter storms. “Yesterday, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the State of Texas and ordered federal assistance to supplement state and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by severe winter storms beginning on February 11, 2021, and continuing,” the White House said in a statement Saturday. The President’s approval allows the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide more resources and assistance, including grants for temporary housing and repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help communities recover. The White House has been proactive in responding to the crisis, with the President had already approved an emergency declaration for the state last weekend and continuing to monitor the situation and work with local authorities there.


FEBRUARY 20, 2022
I45 MULCH FIRE COVERS THREE HOSPITALS IN SMOKE AND CLOSES FEEDER OF I-45
Just after 1 pm, a fire broke out at the Living Earth Mulch yard on I-45 northbound between Tamina/Research and SH 242. Needham, MAgnolia, and Lake Conroe Fire responded to the scene to be met with heavy fire in a 7000 cubic yard mulch pile. The smoke was covering all three hospitals, St. Lukes, Texas Children’s, and Methodist. Firefighters connected to three different fire hydrants hooked to City of Conroe water. All three were defective. They finally had to layover 1000 feet of hose from Methodist Hospital which is on Shenandoahs water system. They are pumping over 1000 gallons a minute since 1pm. Needham Fire. Needham Fire Chief Kevin Hossler could see it was going to be possibly days fighting the blaze. He then contacted Montgomery County Precinct 4 Commissioner James Metts to ask for help. Commissioner Metts who is one of the only Commissioners in the county that keeps tracked equipment available got crews together immediately and transported an excavator and dozer to the scene. At this time they are using the equipment to break up the pile and get to the deep-seated fire. AS they pull material off firefighters douse the material. The I-45 feeder between Research and SH 242 will be closed possibly most of the night due to fire equipment and hose on the roadway. Both Commissioner Metts and Chief Hossler are concerned with the smoke affecting the three hospitals and patients going in and out of the facilities. That is one of the reasons the amount of effort is being put in to extinguish the blaze.

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