According to reports, police tried pulling over Juan Rosales on his motorcycle around 1:20 a.m. in the 6000 block of IH 610 for speeding and an unreadable license plate, but he did not pull over.

A witness followed the Rosales when he exited onto Kirby Drive and never lost sight of him, police said.

Rosales stopped at a shop in Houston and he was caught as he tried to get off his motorcycle.

Rosales was arrested and charged with felony evading.

The city started a curbside recycling program in 2006 and has expanded that program to include glass, paper, cardboard, metal, plastic and thin plastic.

The Works Department picks up curbside recycling every Wednesday from all residents that place a recycling bin at the curb by 8 a.m.

For those who wish want to take recyclables to a recycling center, visit the West University RecyclExpress at 5004 Dincans. It is open 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.

For a full guide to the city’s curbside recycling program, visit www.ci.bellaire.tx.us under City Departments/Public Works or call 713-662-8170 or email tgross@ci.bellaire.tx.us.

Among the Mexican-origin women with breast cancer who were surveyed, half were diagnosed before age 50, years earlier than the national average for non-Hispanic white women. This puts them outside the recently released U.S. Preventive Task Force guidelines that recommend screening, including mammograms, begin at 50. The guidelines have been controversial, and MD Anderson opted to continue to recommend screening beginning at age 40.

“Under the revised Task Force guidelines, up to half of Mexican-origin women with breast cancer may be undiagnosed or diagnosed in late stages, possibly increasing disparities in rates of breast cancer mortality,” said Patricia Miranda, Ph.D., a Kellogg Health Scholar post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Health Disparities Research at MD Anderson and the study’s lead author. “Hispanic women are not recognized in the guidelines as a high-risk group, and we would like to see that decision revisited.”

One-Size-Fits-All Approach Falls Short

Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among Hispanic women in the United States. Previous studies have shown they are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced breast cancer and 20 percent more likely to die from the cancer than non-Hispanic white women.

Hispanics are the nation’s largest and fastest growing minority group. According to the American Community Survey, more than 45 million Hispanics live in this country. By 2050, the population, which has the lowest rate of insurance coverage, is expected to reach 132 million.

“As the new national health care policy is implemented, if a one-size-fits all screening recommendation is implemented as the Task Force recommends, we fear a huge number of breast cancer cases won’t be picked up at an early stage, especially with the growth of the Hispanic population in this country,” said Melissa Bondy, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Epidemiology and senior corresponding author.

The study, which is among the first to use a non-clinical, population-based sample to examine the risk of breast cancer in this group, identified 714 Hispanic women in the Houston area from MD Anderson’s Mano a Mano Mexican-American Cohort Study: 119 with breast cancer and 595 without cancer.

Several factors were compared including:

• Age at diagnosis
• Family history of breast cancer
• Marital status, number of children and education
• Health insurance status
• Language acculturation (ability to speak English)
• Country of birth (U.S. or Mexico)

Family History, Acculturation Raise Risk

Women at highest risk for breast cancer – 2-1/2 times other women surveyed – had a family history of the disease, spoke English well and were born in Mexico.

The strongest risk factor was family history, which increased odds fourfold and was found to be true of 85 percent who had breast cancer. This indicates that women with a strong family history of breast cancer should receive earlier and more frequent screening, Bondy said.

The role of acculturation was striking too. Women who spoke English well had 2-1/2 times the risk of women who did not. The longer a woman had lived in the United States, the higher her risk.

Single women were almost twice as likely as married women to develop breast cancer, and women without insurance were 1-1/2 times more likely than those with insurance to be diagnosed. Women who do not have insurance are less likely to be screened.

Although the study is fairly small, researchers believe it shows the need for clear action on several fronts.

“Going forward, we believe it’s essential to create education programs specifically for this population, especially if any of the screening guidelines change,” Miranda said.

In addition, the study recommends assistance with acquiring health insurance, which may increase access to screening and early detection, and working with affected communities to help formulate policy agendas.

More Research Planned

Although Hispanics are the fastest growing group in the country, they are markedly under-represented in medical research. MD Anderson, which has been studying Mexican-American health through the Mano A Mano study for 10 years, is involved in a major study of Hispanic women in Mexico, Arizona and Texas.

“We are looking at reasons these women are getting breast cancer earlier and tend to develop later stage breast cancer,” Bondy said. “We’re hoping to find answers that will help save lives.”

Co-authors with Miranda and Bondy on the study include: Anna Wilkinson, Ph.D.; Carol Etzel, Ph.D. and Renke Zhou; all of MD Anderson’s Department of Epidemiology, and Lovell Jones, Ph.D., of Health Disparities Research at MD Anderson; and Patricia Thompson, Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, Arizona Cancer Center.  Zhou also is a graduate student in The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, a joint program of MD Anderson and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston.

The homeowners came back from being out of town on Aug. 23 and found that someone had forced entry through a window at the rear of the house.

The unknown suspect stole cash from one of the dresser drawers in the bedroom, police said.

This incident is under investigation.

On Aug. 24, police received a call about a suspicious person running toward Second Street from a residence in the 4800 block of Linden.

Police checked the area and found that the front door of a residence in the 4800 block of Willow Street had been forced open.

The unknown suspect left a pillow case containing jewelry at the back door, police said.

On Aug. 28, an unknown suspect broke into a house that is under construction in the 4400 block of Effie and stole several construction materials.

The Bellaire Police Department will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction  from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Community National Bank, 5123 Bellaire Blvd.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

“With this National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign, we are aggressively reaching out to individuals to encourage them to rid their households of unused prescription drugs that pose a safety hazard and can contribute to prescription drug abuse,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary G. Grindler. “The Department of Justice is committed to doing everything we can to make our communities safer, and this initiative represents a new front in our efforts.”

“Today we are launching a first-ever National Prescription Drug Take-Back campaign that will provide a safe way for Americans to dispose of their unwanted prescription drugs,” said Michele M. Leonhart, acting administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration. “This effort symbolizes DEA’s commitment to halting the disturbing rise in addiction caused by their misuse and abuse. Working together with our state and local partners, the medical community, anti-drug coalitions, and a concerned public, we will eliminate a major source of abused prescription drugs, and reduce the hazard they pose to our families and communities in a safe, legal, and environmentally sound way.”

“Prescription drug abuse is the Nation’s fastest-growing drug problem, and take-back events like this one are an indispensable tool for reducing the threat that the diversion and abuse of these drugs pose to public health,” said Director of National Drug Control Policy Gil Kerlikowske. “The federal/state/and local collaboration represented in this initiative is key in our national efforts to reduce pharmaceutical drug diversion and abuse.”

Collection sites in every community can be found by going to www.dea.gov. The website site will be continuously updated with new take-back locations.

Other participants in this initiative include the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy; the Partnership for a Drug-Free America; the International Association of Chiefs of Police; the National Association of Attorneys General; the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; the Federation of State Medical Boards and the National District Attorneys Association.

Police officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The toothpaste and the deodorant were recovered because the suspect had dumped it, police said.

This incident is under investigation.

On Aug. 24, a purse was stolen from an unattended shopping cart in the 5800 block of Bissonnet.

On Aug. 25, an unknown suspect used a Bellaire resident’s personal information for hospital visits and opened an account with Comcast Cable.

On Aug. 27, a large brass water valve was removed from some piping in the 4700 block of Bellaire, causing a large water leak.

On Aug. 29, an unknown person fraudulently attempted to obtain replacement credit cards using someone else’s identifying information.

This year’s event is a fundraiser for the next Bellaire Town Square plan. Proceeds from the event will go towards building a new skate park, pavilion, plaza with an interactive fountain and a new lawn.

The wine and tapas gala will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 1 at Spencer and Cassie Neumann’s home, 1002 Pauline St.

An auction will be held featuring pieces of art by local artists including Lori Betz, Terry Leavitt-Chavez, Piyali Diygupta, and Paula Hawkins.

Guests will be able to purchase and customize bricks to be placed in Bellaire Town Square.

“Through this fundraiser, Patrons continues their success in helping Bellaire build exceptional parks for our residents and families,” Mayor Cindy Siegel said.

Tickets to the gala are $40 a person by advance order and are available online at www.bellaireparks.org, by cash or check at the Bellaire Recreation Center, and by check mailed to PATRONS at P.O. Box 3228, Bellaire, TX 77402.

Tickets at the door are $45 a person.

Under today’s agreement, Bally must provide refunds to Texans who were deceived into paying fees they did not actually owe and who did not utilize the company’s fitness facilities.

Bally operates 24 fitness centers in and around the Dallas, Houston and San Antonio areas, including one in the Bellaire area.

An investigation by the AG’s Office revealed that between summer 2009 and March 2010, Bally mailed more than 11,000 misleading “past due” collection notices to former customers in an attempt to encourage them to rejoin their former gym. The collection notices created the false impression that former members owed Bally outstanding membership fees.

The notices were actually an attempt to get former members to renew their memberships.

Today’s judgment also includes an injunction prohibiting Bally from indicating that current or former members owe a balance unless the balance is actually owed. Bally was also enjoined from claiming harmful information may be submitted to a credit bureau when Bally’s records do not support such a representation.

According to records obtained by the state, more than 1,000 Texas residents made payments to Bally after receiving the misleading past-due collection notices.

Under today’s agreement, Bally will send out settlement notices to customers who are automatically eligible for restitution. Any customers who do not receive a notice but believe they are entitled to restitution should file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

The notices that led to the state’s enforcement action indicated that recipients owed “past-due” fees under Bally’s “Value Plan” – fees for which the notice demanded immediate payment. Some of Bally’s past due notices even claimed that failure to remit a payment could result in a negative entry on the former members’ credit reports.

The AG’s legal action charged Bally with attempting to confuse its former Value Plan members with deceptive bills so they would make payments that were not actually owed. The payments were actually applied to reinstate a lapsed membership former clients did not want.

For its part, Bally denied any intentional wrongdoing. Company spokesman Pete Marino said the company decided to settle the claim to avoid “the cost and disruption of litigation.”

“Although Bally denies all allegations made by the Texas Attorney General’s office, we have chosen to resolve this matter consensually in order to minimize the cost and disruption of litigation,” Marino said. “Notably, our settlement does not involve any finding of any wrongdoing on the part of Bally, nor were any civil penalties imposed.  We are pleased to put this matter behind us so that we can continue to focus on enhancing our member experience.”

Anyone believing they have been deceived by similar fraudulent business practices may call the Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free complaint line at 800-252-8011 or file a complaint online at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.

The production is based on the 1969 rock opera album “Tommy” by music hall of famer Pete Townshend.

Featuring an all teen cast of students from TUTS’ Humphreys School of Musical Theatre, “The Who’s Tommy” takes the stage at Zilkha Hall in the Hobby Center Sept. 10-11.

Broadway veteran and original “The Who’s Tommy” cast member Michael Tapley will direct.

Episcopal High School junior Austin Arizpe is a featured performer in “The Who’s Tommy” and has appeared in such productions as “The Drowsy Chaperone,” “Pippin,” “The Tempest,” “Dracula,” “When You Wish,” “School House Rock” and “The King and I.”

Ian Bouillion, a 16-year-old Strake Jesuit College Preparatory student, will be appearing in the upcoming performance as “Kevin’s Father.”

Bouillion recently won a St. Agnes Theatre Award for Best Leading Actor as “Jack” in “Into The Woods” and was nominated for a Tommy Tune Award for his role as “Thenardier” in “Les Miserables.”

St. John’s School sophomore Sam Burkett is in his sixth year of training at the Humphrey’s School of Musical Theatre and has performed in 10 TUTS shows.

Some of Burkett’s previous shows with TUTS include “13 – The Musical,” “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Gepetto & Son.”

Mia Gerachis, a 15-year-old Episcopal High School student, will be portraying the “Acid Queen” in “The Who’s Tommy.”

Gerachis has appeared in such productions as “Oliver,” “Annie,” “Seussical” and “Once On This Island.”

She was recently nominated for a Tommy Tune Award as Best Supporting Actress in her role as “Chaperone” in “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

HSPVA junior Christian Warner has been on tour for several productions since he was 9 years old.

He played the role of “Nipper” in “Oliver” and “Young Simba” in “The Lion King.”

After traveling for five years he returned to Houston and worked with TUTS in several shows including “13 – The Musical,” “The Stephen Schwartz Project,” “Aladdin Dual Language,” and “Little Shop of Horrors.”

“The Who’s Tommy” chronicles the life of a child trapped inside his own mind and his family’s desperate attempts to free him. As an adolescent, he discovers an uncanny knack for playing pinball, and that leads him to international stardom once he is freed from a catatonic state.

The cast of “The Who’s Tommy” is composed of 30 students from the Humphreys School of Musical Theatre including  Austin Arizpe, Melissa Beaird, Aaron Boudreaux, Monica Brown, Ian Bouillion, Sam Burkett, Emily Coleman, Rebecca Eckert, Mia Gerachis, James Hamrick, Sean Hardin, Brooke Humphrey, Austin Jacobs and Ryan Jacobs. Also in the cast are Mark Jammal, Connor Jones, Drew Jones, Ryan Kennedy, Dylan Lambert, McCall Montz, Ryne Nardecchia, Sydney Roberts, Morgan Starr, Terran Swonke, Sandy Valles, Charity Van Tassel, Christian Warner, Katy Wilson and Chris Wolff.

Michael Tapley, the Artistic Director for Theatre Under The Stars’ Tommy Tune Awards, will direct the production. Tapley began his career with TUTS in 1973 while appearing in “Kismet.” Over the years he has appeared in such TUTS productions as “Gypsy,” “The Sound of Music,” “A Chorus Line” and “West Side Story.” Tapley has also appeared on Broadway, most notably, in m “The Who’s Tommy.”

Assisting the director is Shay Rodgers, a native Houstonian who is currently in her 23^rd year with Theatre Under The Stars. Through her time at TUTS, Rodgers has held various roles including student, performer, teacher, production assistant, choreographer, stage manager and now manager of education.

John Cornelius serves as music director for the performance. Cornelius has been the music director, arranger and composer for a number of theaters including The Great Caruso, The Ensemble Theatre, Main Street Theatre and Theatre Under The Stars’ Humphreys School.

Tickets for “The Who’s Tommy” are available online at www.tuts.com, by phone at 713-558-8887 or in person at the Theatre Under The Stars box office at 800 Bagby in downtown Houston.

The company issued the recall in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration after Goya Foods recalled its frozen mamey pulp for the same health risk. Fruiti Pops uses mamey pulp from Goya in its frozen fruit bars.

The Fruiti Pops Mamey frozen fruit bars are sold at a number of retail and grocery stores throughout the Bellaire area.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with Fruiti Pops Mamey fruit bars.

No other flavors of Fruiti Pops fruit bars, nor any other products produced by Fruiti Pops, are affected by the recall.

Salmonella Typhi bacteria can cause typhoid fever, a potentially life-threatening illness, according to the FDA.

Once S. Typhi bacteria are eaten or drunk, they multiply and spread into the bloodstream. The body reacts with fever and severe abdominal pain, among other symptoms.

Most persons infected need to be hospitalized for antibiotic treatment.

Individuals with typhoid fever carry the bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract. In addition, a small number of persons recover from typhoid fever but continue to carry the bacteria. Both ill persons and carriers shed S. Typhi in their feces, FDA officials said.

Anyone experiencing illness after consuming Fruiti Pops mamey paletas should seek medical attention.

In addition to Texas, the recalled fruit bars were also distributed in California and Arizona. Consumers may have purchased the recalled product from retail locations, mobile vendors, vending machines or distribution outlets.

The recalled fruit bars come in clear polypropylene packaging and is not labeled with lot numbers or expiration dates. The UPC of the recalled product is 763734000097

Consumers who have purchased Fruiti Pops 4 oz. Mamey fruit bars can return the product to the place of purchase for a refund.

If consumers have any questions regarding the recall can contact Fruiti Pops, Inc. at 562-404-2568. Company personnel will be available Monday through Friday from the hours of 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. to answer questions.

DINOSAURS! At the Houston Zoo features10 life-like animatronic dinosaurs presented in a wooded, landscaped setting.  The Houston Zoo’s horticulture department selected plant species for the exhibit that represent those found in the fossil record.

State-of-the art electronics control the dinosaur’s fluid, choreographed movements, punctuated by spine chilling roars.  Along the exhibit’s winding trail, guests will be greeted by knowledgeable guides who can answer questions about each species.

Created by Billings Productions of McKinney, Texas, each dinosaur is built on a steel frame and covered with an intricately designed foam rubber ‘skin’ and painstakingly hand painted.

Baryonyx – Name means: “Heavy Claw”
BAR-ee-ON-iks

Baryonyx had crocodile-like jaws and teeth and is one of few dinosaurs to have preyed upon fish. When first discovered, its enormous, foot-long claws were actually thought to be feet.

Brachiosaurus – Name means: “Arm Lizard”
BRAK-ee-uh-SORE-us

Brachiosaurus was one of the tallest and largest known dinosaurs, eating over 400 pounds of food every day. Scientists believe it had a very large, powerful heart to pump blood all the way up its long neck.

Dilophosaurus – Name means: “Double-Crested Lizard”

die-LOF-o-SOR-us

Dilophosaurus had paired semi-circular plates that grew on top of its head. It was bipedal (stood on two feet) and extremely fast-moving, running at speeds of up to 17 mph. Their hind legs and feet were armed with very powerful claws and were likely used as weapons and for locomotion.

Dimetrodon – Name means: “Two Measures of Teeth”
die-MET-roe-don

The Dimetrodon preceded the earliest dinosaurs by more than 40 million years. Interesting characteristics of the Dimetrodon included two types of teeth (shearing and sharp) and a spiny sail along its back likely used for defense, thermoregulation, and mating rituals.

Euoplocephalus – Name means: “Well-armored Head”
YOU-o-plo-SEFF-a-lus

The Euoplocephalus had bony horns on its head, large spikes along its body, a club-like tail, and bony plates embedded in the skin on top of its body. Recent studies suggest that its mace-like tail struck with over 5,500 pounds of force.

Parasaurolophus – Name means: “Beside Crested Lizard”

PAIR-a-SORE-o-lo-fus

The Parasaurolophus had a hollow head crest that is believed to have been used to produce a distinctive call to other members of the herd. It relied on herding, acute senses, and above-average intelligence for protection against predators.

Parasaurolophus – Egg Nest

PAIR-a-SORE-o-lo-fus

Because Parasaurolophus babies do not have fully formed limbs, hatchlings may have remained in the nest for over eight months. Hatchlings grew four inches in length each month.  Once outside the nest, they may have followed the mother in a similar manner as ducklings.

Stegosaurus – Name means: “Roof Lizard” or “Plated Lizard”

STEG-uh-sawr-us

One of the most famous and well-known dinosaurs, the Stegosaurus is characterized by its broad triangular plates. Preserved trackways suggest that the Stegosaurus led a solitary life. Not known for being a very intelligent dinosaur, its brain was only about the size of a walnut.

Triceratops – Name means: “Three-horned Face”
Try-SAIR-a-tops

Triceratops horns were most likely used to display dominance; there was one above the snout and two above each eye. Scientists believe that the Triceratops had up to 800 closely-packed teeth. Although this has been the most commonly discovered dinosaur, it most likely lived solitary lifestyles.

Tyrannosaurus Rex – Name means: “Tyrant Lizard King”

tye-RAN-o-SORE-us rex

The Tyrannosaurus Rex was one of the largest, fastest, most powerful, and most feared dinosaurs. Scientific tests have shown that the T-Rex had the greatest bite force of any dinosaur. Its cone-shaped, serrated teeth were continually replaced. Some researchers suggest its stomach held nearly 500 pounds of meat at once.

The Zoo is open daily through Oct. 31. DINOSAURS! At the Houston Zoo is $2 per person with regular Zoo admission.

The last ticket will be sold at 6:30 p.m. daily; last entry at 6:45 p.m. daily.

For more information about the exhibit visit, www.houstonzoo.org/dinos.

The average price of unleaded regular now stands at $2.46 per gallon as of yesterday.

This compares to the national average that dropped 1.2 cents per gallon last week, bringing the nation wide average to $2.69 per gallon, according to gasoline price website HoustonGasPrices.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Bellaire during the past week, prices yesterday were 6.9 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago. They are 6.7 cents per gallon lower than a month ago.

The national average has decreased 5.8 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 9.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School’s varsity football team kicked off its 2010 season with a 15-8 opening game victory over rival St. Michael’s Catholic School on Aug. 27.

Head coach is Ivory Young.  He is assisted by offensive coordinator Cravon Rogers; defensive coordinator Scott Muckelroy; strength and conditioning coach Marion Jones; assistant line coach Marvin Love; assistant coach-wide receivers and quarterbacks Coach Ronald Gilmore; and assistant coach-offense George Walker.

According to reports, Ilario Romero was pulled over in the 5200 block of Bellaire for a defective brake light.

During the traffic stop, Romero was found to be displaying a fictitious motor vehicle inspection and was arrested for the offense.

On Aug. 19, a vehicle was hit in the 4900 block of Bellaire and the driver left the scene without providing information.

The driver with the damaged vehicle was able to get the license plate number and description of the vehicle.

This incident is under investigation.

On Aug. 20, a handbag was stolen from a vehicle in the Chase bank parking lot, 5104 Bellaire Blvd.

An unknown suspect broke out the driver side window and stole the bag.

This incident is under investigation.

“This district and our board are strong proponents of school choice, but we need to take a hard look at what our magnet schools are doing and what is and is not working,” said Superintendent Terry Grier. “We need to strengthen and support our magnet schools but we also need to reevaluate some of our campuses that have a magnet program but are turning away neighborhood kids because they are at full capacity.”

The audit will take place in two phases. Phase one will review the governance of HISD’s magnet program as it is relates to the Board’s Beliefs and Visions.  Independent consultants will review funding, office support, procedures and practices, evaluation, and the public and community vision for the district’s magnet program

Phase two will include a site visit to every school with a magnet program by one of twelve consultants who will meet with staff and parents. The consultants will also analyze how magnet funds are budgeted and spent at every individual school.

“It is very important that our parents and community are aware that we are doing this to ensure that there are standards in place when it comes to magnet school funding, budgeting and student achievement,” said Board Trustee Mike Lunceford.”

The last assessment of HISD’s magnet program was conducted six years ago. Magnet Schools of America will be meeting with the committee that conducted the review as well using the assessment as a starting point for their audit.

The review board hears property owner protests about appraised value, exemption denials and other appraisal district related matters.

ARB members sit in panels of three to conduct protest hearings, most of which are during the summer and fall months.

Members of the review board are appointed by the administrative district judge of the state civil district courts in Harris County and serve two-year terms.  Service on the review board does not constitute a full-time job; however, while conducting hearings, members are paid from $162 to $198 per day, depending on their length of service, for each full day of actual duty.

Review board service is generally a full-time commitment during the summer and fall months and requires members to be available to serve all day every weekday, as well as many Saturdays from May through September.

Weekday hearings are also held at other times of the year.  ARB members are not always scheduled every day, but must be available to serve if needed.

Jim Robinson, the Harris County Appraisal District’s chief appraiser, noted that the most important qualification for any ARB member is an attitude of fairness and willingness to devote sufficient time to the responsibilities.

In addition, Texas law contains specific provisions on eligibility. Candidates for the ARB must be current residents of Harris County and must have resided in the county for at least two years.

Persons who fall into any of the following categories are ineligible:

-      Persons who own an interest in property on which delinquent taxes are due, regardless of where in Texas that property may be located, unless the tax is deferred or being paid under an installment agreement.

-      Individuals who are currently employed by the State Comptroller of Public Accounts, or who are a member of the governing body, an officer, or a full or part-time employee of a county, city, school district, community college district, MUD, or any other entity supported by local property taxes.  Former governing body members, or officers of a taxing unit served by HCAD, are ineligible for four full years from the date they ceased to serve in that capacity.

-      Anyone who personally, or whose spouse personally, has a contract with a local government or an appraisal district.  The same restriction applies if the person, or his or her spouse, owns a 10 percent or greater interest in a business that contracts with a local government or appraisal district.

-      Persons who at any time have appeared before the ARB for compensation as a tax consultant, accountant, appraiser, or representative of a property owner.

-      Anyone who has served on the appraisal review board for all or part of three previous two-year terms, and any individual who has ever been employed by HCAD or has ever served as a member of the district’s board of directors.

Applicants are not considered if they are presently under indictment or have previously been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.

Application forms are available by contacting Charlene Fields at 713-957-5291.

Applicants selected as finalists will be scheduled for interviews.

The application deadline is Oct. 15.

According to reports, Michael Saco was pulled over in the 5500 block of Huisache for expired registration of 7/10 and an expired inspection of 3/10.

During the traffic stop, Saco was found to be in possession of 3 grams of marijuana.

Saco was arrested for the offense.

Cherita Andrews, Contestant of The Biggest Loser, Season 9; Jason Few, President, Reliant Energy and 2010 Start! Heart Walk Chairman; Mariella de Jong, Director, AEI Latin American Energy; Kim Davis, Host of “Beyond the Headlines,” KPRC-TV and Dan Wolterman, President and CEO, Memorial Hermann Healthcare System and Chairman of the Board, American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association, heart disease survivors, supporters and sponsors gathered for the 2010 Start! Heart Walk kick-off event at Reliant Stadium on Aug. 25 to renew their commitment to step toward a stronger, healthier life while raising funds to fight Houston’s No. 1 health threat, heart disease.

The 2010 Start! Heart Walk, which draws more than 25,000 Houston residents, will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6 at Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston.

Gage Passick was transported to Ben Taub Hospital on Aug. 19 around 12:30 a.m. after falling 40 feet through a skylight and landing on a wooden bench, Bellaire police said.

Passick and his friends, Eric Hauptfeisch, a 19-year-old Bellaire resident and Camerom Lumpford, an 18-year-old Houston resident, climber over a locked gate and scaled a brick wall to gain access to the church’s roof.

The males told Bellaire police officers that they went on the roof to look at the stars and drink beer, police said.

While the men were on the roof, Passick fell through a skylight into the church.

Hauptfeisch and Lumpford were arrested and charged with criminal trespass.

Passick will face charges of criminal trespass when he recovers from his injuries, police said.

According to reports, police were called to Sterling Bank as the forgery was taking place.

Latasha Jones, 32 and Latonya Gray, 32, were detained and identified as the two suspects who tried to pass the forged checks.

The bank teller contacted the account signer of the account and confirmed that the checks were forgeries, police said.

Jones and Gray were arrested and charged with forgery.