March 1, 2017
Music Study Club of Navasota to host free event
BY NICOLE SHUPE
Staff writer
The Music Study Club of
Navasota will be presenting a
free concert beginning at 6:30
p.m. Tuesday, March 7, at the
First Presbyterian Church lo-
cated at 302 Nolan Street in
Navasota.
The event will feature
performances by Alexandra
Smither and the Navasota
High School choir students
Sprint coming to Jarvis Tire Authorities ask for crime tips
Special to The Examiner
Jarvis Tire Pros of Nava-
sota will host a meet and greet
with World of Outlaws Sprint
car driver Greg Wilson from
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday,
March 6, at the 1120 North La-
Salle Jarvis Tire Pros location
in Navasota.
Hercules Tire has spon-
sored Wilson’s racing team
since 2012 and is the primary
Pecan
From Page 1A
golf clubs, PLGC golf pro
Ross Arrington said, “We are
still kicking. Over half a dozen
courses shut down within 30
minutes and 40 miles of Nava-
sota. They’re shutting down
and we’re making improve-
ments.”
General Manager Wayne
Desern estimates that the ex-
pansion of the first floor and
the second floor addition has
doubled the size of the club
house. When construction is
complete, there will be men’s
and women’s locker rooms
and showers downstairs, a
conference room upstairs and
a card room for members with
access to private showers and
bathrooms.
Another improvement is a
fitness facility with a sauna and
spa and trainers available to
teach fitness classes. The good
news for non golfers is that a
new membership level is be-
ing created for those interested
only in dining and the club’s
fitness area.
Bird’s eye view dining
With the recent closure of
the Brenham Municipal Air-
port’s “Southern Flyer Diner,”
Hassell is prepared to fill that
“dining experience” void. Ac-
cording to Desern, the club’s
large kitchen “has everything
but the cook.” Hiring is already
underway and Desern expects
the restaurant to be open for
business in 4-5 months.
The new second story con-
ference room, also available for
private catered events, will give
diners a sweeping 180 degree
view of aircraft taxiing down
the runway at the Navasota
Municipal Airport, a pictur-
esque view of the golf course
with its lakes, trees and greens,
wrapping around to catch a
Grimes County Clean-Up Event
Sponsored by Grimes County in partnership with
Funded by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
thru the Brazos Valley Council of Governments
Open to All Residents of Grimes County
Spring Clean Up: March 11-18, 2017
Early Summer Clean Up: May 13-20, 2017
Collection Site Hours:
Stoneham:
Saturday 12-3
Tuesday 7-12
Thursday 7-12
Limit of 6 tires per day per resident
This is not an event for Commercial Customers
Please stack tires in the trailer
Appliances, Paint, Batteries, or Electronics are not allowed in Open Container
If you have any questions please contact (936)-873-4495
Open Container Locations:
Stoneham Collection Site:
10810 SPUR 234, Navasota 77868
Anderson Collection Site:
2075 FM 244, Anderson 77830
Iola Collection Site:
7505 Hillsboro, Iola 77861
under the direction of Jessica
Steels.
Smither is a soprano and
a recent graduate of Rice
University School of Opera.
According to the Study Club,
she has held fellowships at
the Music Academy of the
West, Songfest, as a Marc
and Eva Fellow and the Franz
Schubert Institute of Lieder.
She has also been a fellow
at Songfest Winter Intensive
and Marilyn Horne’s “The
Song Continues” at Carnegie
promoter for the event. Ac-
cording to Hercules Tire, the
World of Outlaws Craftsman
Sprint Car Series is the pre-
mier winged sprint car series in
the world. The series features
“world class drivers, thrilling
races and is the self-proclaimed
Greatest Show on Dirt.”
Visitors to Jarvis Tire Pros
on Monday will be able to
meet Wilson and hear why
he and his family are passion-
glimpse of the Pecan Lakes
Estate subdivision.
According to Arrington,
there is no dining experience
comparable in Navasota or
Grimes County but don’t ex-
pect the dining to be as formal
as Pebble Creek or Traditions
country clubs. PLGC wants to
foster a sense of camaraderie
and fellowship. The confer-
ence room will be wheelchair
accessible via elevator and seat
approximately 150 guests.
The new menu has been
designed to “appeal to a wide
group of people,” and will in-
clude two fish dishes, steaks,
burgers, chicken sandwiches,
grilled chicken salads and a
choice of pasta sauces.
Arrington said, “If you
want an upscale dining expe-
rience, we have a place to seat
you. If you want to come in
at lunch for something quick,
we’ll have that for you as well.”
Improving the game
Another big investment is
the purchase of a launch mon-
itor. A launch monitor shows
golfers their distance, speed,
trajectory and if they are caus-
ing the ball to hook or slice. Ar-
rington explained that no other
public golf course in the Bra-
zos Valley has one and it will
allow the pro staff “to properly
teach and fit out here.”
Grounds improvements
include the addition of 100
trees and a drip irrigation sys-
tem with nursery plants soon
to follow. Desern and Hassell
agreed that the clubhouse im-
provements and presence of
the subdivision have changed
golfers’ attitudes.
Hassell said, “They’re
more prone to fix their divots
because they are taking more
pride in this place.”
Buying local
Hassell’s commitment to
Navasota includes patronizing
its businesses and hiring local
Keep Grimes County Beautiful
Anderson:
Saturday 7:30-11:15
Wednesday 7-3
Friday 7-3
Tire Trailer Locations:
Stoneham Collection Site:
10810 SPUR 234, Navasota 77868
Richards VFD:
11136 FM 149, Richards
Iola Collection Site/County Barn:
7505 Hillsboro, Iola 77861
Hall. Smither looks forward
to competing in the Eck-
hardt-Gramatte’ competition
in May, as well as performing
a program of contemporary
works with violinist Tim
Steeves, through Michigan
and Ontario. In June, Smith-
er makes her principal debut
with Toronto’s Opera in their
production of Ethyl Symth’s
“The Boatswain’s Mate”
before traveling to begin her
work as a soprano fellow for
the 2017 Tanglewood Festi-
ate about racing. He will have
one of his cars with him and
families will be able to exam-
ine the car. The vehicle has a
410 ci engine that delivers 890
horsepower at speeds up to 180
miles per hour. Children will
be allowed to sit in the car and
pictures may be taken.
For more information on
Hercules Tire or the event, con-
tact Jarvis Tire Pros at (936)
870-5492.
labor. He said, “I believe in
buying local and that is what
we’ve done.”
Desern explained, “The
electrician, the plumber and
AC guys are all local people.”
And that includes the cooks
under consideration for the
restaurant.
Desern continued, “Pretty
much everything we buy, as far
as materials, is local.”
In addition, the outside staff
taking care of the carts will be
“100 percent Navasota and
Anderson high school students
or college kids.”
Adding rooftops
Phase one of the 11 acre
Pecan Lakes Estates went
through a lengthy annexation
and rezoning process in 2016
before construction could be-
gin but now there are several
patio homes and single family
custom homes in the 74-lot
subdivision in varying de-
grees of completion. Another
12 acres is winding its way
through the annexation process
with 70 more homes planned
for phase two.
The idea of building up-
scale housing in Navasota has
been on his mind for some time
now. Hassell said, “I think it
is extremely good for the City
of Navasota. They need more
rooftops.”
Not a rich man’s sport
Golf pro Arrington’s pas-
sion and excitement for the
game and PLGC’s enhanced
services is evident.
He said, “I think a lot of
people are of the understanding
that golf is a rich man’s game
and that it’s not accessible to
the masses, which is totally
untrue. We like to think we
are more accessible than other
places and we’d like to see golf
grow in this area. First timers,
experienced, old, young, men,
women, children — anybody
is welcome.”
Iola:
Saturday 7:30-11:30
Wednesday 7-3
Friday 7-3
Page 3A
val. and “Follow The Drink- organization’s scholarship
The Navasota High ing Gourd.” The Advanced fund will be accepted.The
School choir students, under Women’s Chorus and the club awards yearly scholar-
the direction of Steels, will Women of Chorale are set to ships to area graduates who
perform selections as part of perform “Bayushki Bayu,” are pursuing musical studies
their spring concert. The all- “Jubilate Deo” and “Like a in their college career.
state auditioners will perform Tree” before the Chamber “The amount of scholar-
“Flight Song.” According Choir sings three selections ships changes yearly,” said
to Steels, additional perfor- - “Banks of Doon,” “Psallite” LaFontaine. “We had one
mances will include “Camp- and “Lord, I Know I Been recent scholarship winner
town Races” and “The Water Changed.” return her scholarship when
is Wide” by the beginning According to Judith La- she received a free-ride from
Women’s Chorus. The Fontaine of the Music Study Texas A&M University, so
Men’s Chorus and Men of Club of Navasota, the event is we have those additional
Chorale will sing “Poor Boy” free but donations toward the funds in reserve.”
Special to The Examiner time between 4 p.m. Feb. Anyone with information
2 and 8 a.m. Feb. 22 an un- that could assist in solving
The Grimes County known person opened the this crime should call Crime
Crime Stoppers is seeking metal entrance gate and Stoppers at (936) 873-2000.
information on the person entered the property and Tips can also be given anon-
responsible for the theft of took a 2005 CM Lowboy ymously at www.p3tips.
a 2013 Kubota RTV and a trailer, bumper pull, black com/tipform.aspx?ID=100
2005 CM 20-foot Lowboy in color, with wood floor, or download the P3 Tips
bumper pull trailer off of dual axle single wheel with app from the Apple Store or
County Road 345 in Nava- four white rims and a 2013 Google Play.
sota. Kubota RTV 4X4 diesel Any information given
On Feb. 22, at 9:04 a.m., motor, orange in color, four will be anonymous.
the Grimes County Sher- seater, and a winch mount- If your information leads
iff’s Office was dispatched ed on the front of the RTV to an arrest and/or indict-
to a residence on County from the property. ment in this case, you may
Road 345 regarding a theft.
The victim said some-
Crime Stoppers is asking
for help to solve this crime.
be eligible for a reward of
up to $1,000.
Updated Property Tax Information
Now Available for Texas Taxpayers
New and updated property tax information has just been compiled by the Grimes
Central Appraisal District and is available now to assist taxpayers. This property tax
information is current and covers a wide range of topics, such as taxpayer remedies,
exemptions and appraisals, and has information for select groups, such as disabled
veterans and persons age 65 or older.
“Whether you are a homeowner, business owner, disabled veteran or taxpayer,
it’s important you know your rights concerning the property tax laws.” said Mark
Boehnke, Chief Appraiser of the Grimes Central Appraisal District. “You can contact
us about any property tax issues with full confidence that we will provide you the
most complete, accurate and up-to-date available information to assist you.”
This includes information about the following programs.
• Property Tax Exemptions for Disabled Veterans - The law provides partial
exemptions for any property owned by veterans who are disabled, surviving
spouses and surviving children of deceased disabled veterans. This includes
homesteads donated to disabled veterans by charitable organizations at no cost
to the disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. The exemption amount is
determined according to percentage of service-connected disability. The law also
provides a 100 percent homestead exemption for 100 percent disabled veterans
and their surviving spouses and for surviving spouses of U.S. armed service
members killed in action.
• Property Tax Exemptions – Non-profit organizations that meet statutory
requirements may seek property tax exemptions and must apply to their county
appraisal district by a specific date. Businesses that receive tax abatements
granted by taxing units; ship inventory out of Texas that may be eligible for the
freeport exemption; store certain goods in transit in warehouses that are moved
within 175 days; construct, install or acquire pollution control property; own and
operate energy storage systems; convert landfill-generated gas; or store offshore
drilling equipment while not in use may also be eligible for statutory exemptions.
• Rendering Taxable Property - If a business owns tangible personal property that
is used to produce income, the business must file a rendition with its local county
appraisal district by a specified date. Personal property includes inventory and
equipment used by a business. Owners do not have to render exempt property
such as church property or an agriculture producer’s equipment used for farming.
• Appraisal Notices – Normally, taxpayers receive a notice of appraised value from
the appropriate local county appraisal district. The city, county, school districts
and other local taxing units will use the appraisal district’s value to set property
taxes for the coming year.
• Property Taxpayer Remedies – This Comptroller publication explains in detail
how to protest a property appraisal, what issues the county appraisal review
board (ARB) can consider and what to expect during a protest hearing. The
publication also discusses the options of taking a taxpayer’s case to district court,
the State Office of Administrative Hearings or binding arbitration if the taxpayer is
dissatisfied with the outcome of the ARB hearing.
• Homestead Exemptions – A homestead is generally defined as the home
and land used as the owner’s principal residence on Jan. 1 of the tax year. A
homestead exemption reduces the appraised value of the home and, as a result,
lowers property taxes. Applications are submitted to the appropriate local county
appraisal district.
• Productivity Appraisal – Property owners who use land for timber land
production, agricultural purposes or wildlife management can be granted property
tax relief on their land. They may apply to their local county appraisal district for
an agricultural appraisal which may result in a lower appraisal of the land based
on how much the taxpayer produces, versus what the land would sell for on the
open market.
• Residence Homestead Tax Deferral - Texas homeowners may postpone paying
the currently delinquent property taxes due on the appreciating value of their
homes by filing a tax deferral affidavit at their local county appraisal district. This
tax relief allows homeowners to pay the property taxes on 105 percent of the
preceding year’s appraised value of their homestead, plus the taxes on any new
improvements to the homestead. The remaining taxes are postponed, but not
cancelled, with interest accruing at 8 percent per year.
• Property Tax Deferral for Persons Age 65 or Older or Disabled Homeowners
– Texans who are age 65 or older or disabled, as defined by law, may postpone
paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing a tax
deferral affidavit. Once the affidavit is on file, taxes are deferred, but not cancelled,
as long as the owner continues to own and live in the home. Interest continues
to accrue on unpaid taxes. You may obtain a deferral affidavit at the appraisal
district.
• Notice of Availability of Electronic Communication – In appraisal districts
located in counties with a population of more than 200,000 or that have
authorized electronic communications, and that have implemented a system
that allows such communications, chief appraisers and ARBs may communicate
electronically through email or other media with property owners or their
designated representatives. Written agreements are required for notices and
other documents to be delivered electronically instead of mailing.
• Protesting Property Appraisal Values – Property owners who disagree with the
appraisal district’s appraisal of their property for local taxes or for any other action
that adversely affects them may protest their property value to the appraisal
district’s ARB.
For more information about these programs, contact the Grimes Central Appraisal
District at 360 Hill Street, Anderson, Texas 77830 or (936) 873-2163. Information is
also available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s website at
comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/property-tax/.
Got News? (936) 825-6484