ISIAH CAREY'S 'INSITE'

HONORING RUTH IN HOUSTON!

2012-01-17T00:47:00.001-06:00

Hey Ruth!

The Insite would like to congratulate Houstonian Ruth Allen Ollison. She is blessed enough to have had two very successful careers in her life. She's gone from the newsroom to the pulpit.

The former broadcast journalist was honored by the Houston Association of Black Journalists Monday night as a precursor to a bigger event at the end of the month.

Ollison will be inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame in Washington.

The event will take place at the end of the month.

Dozens of journalists were on hand in Houston to congratulate the current spiritual leader of Beulah Land Community Church in the Third Ward.

The East Texas native and longtime Houston resident spent nearly two decades in the broadcasting industry, with a career that included news reporting, anchoring and management.

She has worked in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Washington D.C, and helped start the news department at the NBC affiliate in Tyler, Texas.

Ollison went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Doctorate of Ministry (Spirituality and Transforming Community) from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

In Houston, Ollison took her desire to help the community to the Third Ward, where she transformed a crack house into the Beulah Land Community Church.

A reception is also being held by the Houston Association of Black Journalists to honor the broadcasting legend.

But the Houston reception was a who's who in the industry that included Mary Benton, Melinda Spaulding, Kim Davis, Carolyn Campbell, HABJ President Jerome Solomon, Shannon Buggs, Cindy George,
and many more.

Here are some the pictures captured by the Insite. And Congratulations Ruth!

COMPOSITE SKETCH OF MAN WANTED IN CARJACKING AND AMBER ALERT!

2012-01-13T06:31:00.001-06:00

Houston police homicide investigators have released a composite sketch of the suspect wanted in the kidnapping of 18-month-old Evan Montgomery Lamar Miller from a parking lot at 11300 South Gessner about 5:45 p.m. on Thursday (Jan. 12).

The suspect is described only as a black male believed to be in his 20s or 30s with a thin build. The composite sketch is attached to this news release below.

Anyone with information on the suspect's identity or his whereabouts is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3

CONSTABLE CURSES MEDIA AND TAKES A SWING AT US!

2012-01-12T20:57:00.001-06:00

Former Constable Faces Conspiracy, Bribery Charge: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE ARRESTED!

2012-01-12T09:41:00.001-06:00

Abercia Indicted

HOUSTON –Long-time Harris County Precinct One Constable Jack Abercia has been arrested along with his Chief Lieutenant Weldon Kenneth Wiener and Office Chief Michael Butler following the return of a 13-count federal indictment, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today along with FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen L. Morris.

The sealed indictment was returned Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2012, and was unsealed in its entirety just minutes ago following the arrests of Abercia, 78, Wiener, 72, and Butler, 56, all of Houston.

The indictment charges the all three with conspiracy to violate various federal laws, and charges Abercia and Wiener with unlawfully accessing the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database on multiple occasions for private financial gain. Abercia and Butler are also charged with bribery in connection with the hiring of an otherwise unqualified applicant for a deputy constable position in return for a cash bribe totaling $5,000.

“Assistance from the public is often critical in these very important investigations,” said Morris. “Anyone with information about potential wrongdoing by a public official is urged to contact the FBI.”

All three are charged with conspiracy. Abercia and Wiener are charged in 11 counts alleging they accessed the NCIC database or caused another to access it on 11 occasions without authority or in excess of official authority in return for private financial gain. Abercia and Wiener would, according to the indictment, solicit and accept cash bribes in return for having unauthorized criminal background checks run on prospective employees of various businesses. NCIC is restricted to genuine law enforcement purposes. Users must undergo training and screening, have passwords that are monitored and are instructed that the database is not to be used for non-law enforcement reasons nor beyond in the performance of their official duties. While the indictment charges 11 specific acts of unauthorized access or access in excess of official authority in November 2011, it also alleges the practice had been occurring in the office for a longer period of time.

The bribery charge in the final count of the indictment alleges Abercia and Butler hired an otherwise unqualified applicant to be a deputy constable in exchange for a $5,000 cash payment. According to the indictment, Butler physically received the money, through an intermediary, and allegedly gave Abercia $3,000, while keeping $2,000 for himself.

All three men are expected to appear in federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Milloy.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, all three face up to five years in prison. Abercia and Wiener will also face an additional five years in prison for each count of exceeding authorized computer access, while Abercia and Butler could also receive an additional 10 years in prison if convicted of the bribery charge. All 13 counts also include a possible fine of $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release on each count.

This case was investigated by the FBI Houston Law Enforcement/Border Corruption Task Force with special assistance from the Houston Police Department - Internal Affairs Division and the Texas Rangers and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Wynne.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3

ARRESTED AT FBI HEADQUARTERS AND SCOTT GERTNER IS BACK!

2012-01-11T21:31:00.001-06:00

The Isiah Factor - Scott Gertner Returns: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

THE COST OF GOING TO WORK WITH WARRANTS!

2012-01-11T16:34:00.001-06:00

You've already heard me talk about the spanking brand new FBI building in Houston.

It didn't make my most impressive looking structure list.

But I did learn something very interesting about the construction of the facility.

A very reliable source says while the FBI building was being constructed nearly 150 people were arrested on the site.

Why? Anyone who enters the FBI building is subject to a soft background check.

That means a search for warrants.

So, apparently a lot of people who went to work on the structure had something in their background that lead them to being arrested while working on the construction of the federal building in 2011.

It left me a bit nervous when I checked in but as you see I'm here to write about it!

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.3

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE A DEPUTY SHERIFF?

2012-01-11T15:05:00.001-06:00

The registration deadline for the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) first Citizens Police Academy (CPA) of 2012 is approaching. The class begins February 2, 2012. All citizens are encouraged to participate.

The Citizens Police Academy is a once-a-week, 13-week program. It is designed to give residents a working knowledge of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, including police procedures and protocol.

Through the CPA’s interactive courses, participants learn many aspects of law enforcement, such as the Texas Penal Code, Patrol Procedures, Gang Awareness, Terrorism and many other topics. Residents will gain a better understanding of how police services are conducted in their communities and see “how and why” deputies make some of their decisions in the course of their duties.

Graduates of the CPA play a vital role in their community by improving communication between citizens and law enforcement and by providing local input and support throughout the county. The HCSO hopes the graduates will become partners with the agency in identifying problems and solutions to the crime issues affecting our community.

The CPA is free and enrollment is open to qualified individuals, but space is limited. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age and reside in Harris County. A thorough background check will be conducted on each applicant.

Residents interested in participating in the CPA may pick up an application at any HCSO storefront or substation or by contacting the HCSO’s Community Services Division at 713-759-9454. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-serve basis. All applications must be turned in no later than January 27, 2011.

WHO: Harris County Sheriff’s Office

WHAT: First Citizens Police Academy of 2012

WHEN: Thursdays beginning February 2, 2012

7-10 p.m.

WHERE: Second Baptist Church

19449 Katy Freeway

Houston, TX 77094

A LIVE PERFORMANCE AT THE NEW SCOTT GERTNER'S - DISTORTED A BIT BUT YOU GET THE IDEA!

2012-01-10T21:17:00.000-06:00

$4.00 FOR A SINGLE BOTTLE OF WATER AT A GIFT SHOP?

2012-01-10T17:41:00.001-06:00

Would you ever pay $4 for a single bottle of water? Apparently, someone is willing to for that amount over at Reliant Stadium. I made a stop at the Texans Gift Shop and I was shocked they were charging $4 for a single bottle of Dasani water.

SCHOOL POLICE OFFICER SAYS YOU CAN'T SUSPEND ME - I QUIT!

2012-01-10T17:38:00.001-06:00

The Insite has learned a North Forest ISD police officer has quit after facing suspension. That officer was among several resource officers who said they were told to remove their jackets during a cold snap last week. Those officers say they had to take off their coast because they didn't have a specially designed patch on it. The officer in question quit according to sources after she was being told she would be suspended for not taking off her jacket!

WHERE ARE THE GRAND JURIES IN HARRIS COUNTY?

2012-01-10T17:34:00.001-06:00

Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos is facing a lot of tough questions. Many are asking why there aren't any new Harris County Grand Juries in place. Judges say a new state law changes how long a panel serves and most grand juries ended back in December but no new ones have been picked. Lykos says she doesn't see it as a problem and no criminals will go free. Felons must be indicted by a grand jury within 90 days of their arrest or be released on bond. The current grand jury selection process is expected to begin sometime this week!

DARIAN WARD APPOINTED SPOKESPERSON / PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER AT THE HOUSTON AIRPORT SYSTEM!

2012-01-10T13:09:00.001-06:00

The Official Release from HAS:

The Houston Airport System announces Darian Ward as the new Public Information Officer (PIO) for the aviation department. Darian has worked at the Houston Airport System since October 2008 in a variety of public affairs roles, including her most recent job as the Assistant Public Information Officer/Senior Community Relations Associate.

Darian Ward is experienced as an airport spokesperson and handles public announcements for the Houston Airport System (HAS). During her three years at HAS, Darian is known for sharing positive news on a variety of airport projects such as new airline launches and airport restaurant openings. Darian handles media inquiries and assists with requests for information about Houston's three airports. She is trained on the PIER system of information distribution and NIMS. Darian hosted the monthly TV show "Houston Airports Today."  Darian was recognized by the Airports Council International-North America for marketing excellence for production of a TV commercial with Former President George Bush and for hosting the airport industry's best broadcast production of 2009, which was the Bush Airport's 40th Anniversary TV special.

For 15 years, Darian hosted radio and TV news programs in five cities. She was on the air in Houston for nearly 10 years.  Prior to working at the Houston Airport System, Darian was President of multi-media firm Joy in Motion Productions. She hosted the following TV series: "The Good Life" and "Military Makeover." As a broadcast journalist, Darian won the following honors: NATPE/FOX Diversity Producer Fellow; Texas Associated Press – Outstanding Reporting; Trailblazer Award from Houston Black Journalists; WCCO-TV Edward R. Murrow Award; and Associated Press Award for Reporting.

THE WINNERS OF THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS TYLER PERRY PLAY TICKETS!

2012-01-09T22:29:00.002-06:00

The Insite would like to thank all of the participants in the Tyler Perry's Have and Have Nots contest on the blog.

Each winner walks away with a pair of tickets to the new Tyler Perry play The Haves and the Have Nots.

They submitted photos of themselves depicting their best (Haves) and at their worst or humble (Have Nots).

- Hobby Center January 19th - 22nd

Without further delay the winners are:

Kira Dennis - Winner

Sherrie Rice - Winner

Todjlyn Lacour - Winner

Tim Jackson - Winner

Attention Winners: Each winner will receive their tickets in the mail or they can pick them up in person. Email IsiahCarey@gmail if you're a winner and how you want to get your tickets. If you choose mail then please send your mailing address to my email as soon as possible!

TIPS FOR FOOTBALL WIDOWS FROM THE AUTHOR WHO WROTE THE BOOK!

2012-01-09T22:11:00.000-06:00

Tucker Wilson's tips

By: Tucker Wilson

Tips for Football Widows

The playoffs can be difficult for non-sports lovers. Here are a few tips to remind Football Widows that there’s life outside the huddle:

Have a solid game plan. The old adage "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" could be quite effective. Learn about the game, there are a slew of websites that can teach you enough about to game to make you feel like you're part of the sideline action.

Create your own special team. If you just can’t get into it, try a different approach, game time is the perfect chance for you to create a life all your own. While your football fan watches the game, you can hang out with other football widows. Your team can spend time shopping, checking out the latest chick flick, or go spa hopping.

The kitchen is closed. There are positives during this time of year look at it as an official break from the kitchen. During the game a menu of snacks coupled with ice cold beer is perfectly logical while watching the game.

Suit up on Sundays. Statistics indicate 40 percent of the NFL's fan base is female. It's becoming more apparent that women love the NFL just as much, if not more, than men. There are a series of athletic clothing lines designed with women in mind.

We now interrupt our regularly scheduled programming. Accept the reality that football is must-see TV in your home. Recognize the action on the gridiron will temporarily replace family, chores, the ability to hear, or comprehend anything a family member or spouse utters.

Although it may seem to drag on forever, don't fret. Just like it started, the season will eventually end. While it may appear as if those 15-minute quarters are more valuable than gold, your loved one's focus will soon return to normal—regardless of whether that's good or bad.

To Buy the Book: http://www.amazon.com/Football-Widows-Pat-Tucker/dp/1593093152/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326168576&sr=8-1

THE CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW KICKS OFF IN LAS VEGAS!

2012-01-09T21:45:00.002-06:00

MAN SHOT AND KILLED AFTER STRUGGLE WITH HARRIS COUNTY DEPUTY!

2012-01-09T16:59:00.000-06:00

A burglary suspect struggling with an HCSO deputy for the officer’s weapon died after the gun accidentally discharged during the fight.

It happened about 11 a.m. on Monday in the 18200 block of Linden Forest Ln. in west Harris County.

A woman was home with her toddler son when she heard someone break into the back door. The woman ran out the front door to a neighbor’s house and called police.

HCSO Deputy D. Warren was the first on the scene and surprised three suspects inside the home. Two of the suspects fled on foot – one of them after jumping out of one of the home’s second story windows. Deputy Warren chased a third suspect out through the back door.

In the backyard, a struggled ensued with the suspect trying to take the deputy’s weapon. During the struggle the deputy’s gun accidentally discharged on two separate occasions, with one bullet striking the suspect. The suspect, not yet identified, was taken to North Cypress Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Dep. Warren was shaken up but, as he reassured Sheriff Garcia at the scene, not physically injured. The woman and her child also escaped injury.

Dep. Warren is a field training officer assigned to HCSO district 4. He’s been with the HCSO since 1987.

Investigators were searching for the two suspects at large.

IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT TO CITY COURT THEY UNDERSTAND WHY!

2012-01-09T12:48:00.001-06:00

MUNICIPAL COURTS CASE EXCEPTIONS:

Monday, January 9, 2012 The City of Houston Municipal Courts remains open today, Monday, January 9, 2012; however, those individuals who are scheduled to appear in court and are unable to make a court appearance due to inclement weather will have the opportunity to reset their case(s).

If you are set for arraignment (first appearance):

You may request a trial setting or send proof of compliance by mail. You may request the DSC (Driving Safety Course) or Deferred Disposition by mail. Visit the court’s website at www.houstontx.gov/courts to download the forms needed for each option. We will accept items postmarked through Saturday, January 14, 2012 for these requests.

If you are scheduled for trial:

Resets will be given in person at all court locations beginning Tuesday, January 10, 2012 through Saturday, January 14, 2012.

Citizens are reminded that payments can be made as follows:

Online at http://www.houstontx.gov/courts/HowDoIPayMyTicket.html Western Union By Mail (P.O. Box 4996, Houston, Texas 77210-4996)

If individuals fail to reset their cases or fail to resolve their case by Saturday, January 14, 2012, a warrant for your arrest may be issued.

HEAVY FLOODING HITS HOUSTON MONDAY MORNING!

2012-01-09T10:35:00.001-06:00

We're about to kick off a campfire under the southwest freeway this morning. Someone bring me some smores. We're actually trapped by flooding waters 59 @ Newcastle. About a dozen drivers are waiting on the water to go down.

Update: Finally made it from under the freeway after 5 hours of being held hostage by the flooding!

BEYONCE' REPORTEDLY DELIVERS HER BABY IN NEW YORK!

2012-01-08T09:49:00.001-06:00

Singer Beyoncé reportedly welcomed Blue Ivy Carter into the world on Saturday by Caesarean section at Lennox Hill hospital in New York.

Reports in the New York Daily News reveal that Beyoncé checked in under the name Ingrid Jackson, and took over the entire fourth floor. The move is said to have cost the star $1.3million.

Fellow singer Rihanna was among the first of the celebrities to take to Twitter to announce how pleased she was for the new mum and her partner, rapper Jay-Z.

The We Found Love singer tweeted to her followers: 'Welcome to the world princess Carter! Love Aunty Rih'.
Hip hop mogul Russell Simmons added his voice to the onslaught of well-wishers, saying: 'congrats to my good friends Beyonce and Jay-Z '.

Gwyneth Paltrow, a close friend of Beyonce's, also congratulated the happy couple in a tweet which read: 'Welcome to the world Blue! We love you already.'

Take That member and X Factor judge Gary Barlow joined in, tweeting: 'Congrats to Beyoncé & Jay-Z on the birth of their first child Blue Ivy... Special moment! x'

In the early hours of Sunday morning, Twitter was rife with rumours that the diva had named her bundle of joy Ivy Blue, but the tweet from actress Paltrow led to Blue Ivy emerging as the baby's name.

In order to ensure the safety her bootylicious bundle of joy, the Run The World singer apparently requested that security cameras be covered up and hospital staff turn in their mobile phones.

Blue Ivy Carter, whose godmother is rumoured to be Nicki Minaj, will be Beyoncé and Jay-Z's first child. The former Destiny's Child frontwoman announced her pregnancy at the Video Music Awards last year.

Update: Solange tweets:

The most beautiful girl in the world.

SCOTT GERTNER IS BACK IN BUSINESS!

2012-01-08T09:01:00.002-06:00

Scott Gertner

It was back in June 2010 when the world famous Scott Gertner Sky Bar shut down in Houston and there's been a void ever since.

Well, you wait is over.

The Grammy nominated singer is back with a new and better location.

Gertner's new club is now located in the Pavillion in downtown Houston on Fannin street.

If that doesn't help, it's in the same complex with the House of Blues.

Gertner has held a sneak peak over the last two weekends and dozens of people have turned out.

The club looks great, the prices are reasonable, and the live entertainment as usual is kicking.

Here are some of the pictures I snapped Saturday night.

Make sure you go check out the new hot spot in Houston.

And welcome back Scott!

NEWS 92'S MATT SAMPSELL DROPS BY THE INSITE!

2012-01-06T23:49:00.002-06:00

Matt Sampsell on the scene!

Shout out to Houston journalist Matt Sampsell. He's former sports reporter/ anchor from FOX 26 who has transferred his skills to the radio.

Matt now works as a general assignment reporter for the new News 92 radio in Houston.

He's been doing a great job delivering compelling stories in the community.

From a father who was hit and killed while in his motorized wheelchair to the arrest of two 10 year olds accused of raping their classmate.

Hey Matt - thanks for dropping by the Insite.

I'll be listening to you on the radio!

TWO TEN YEAR OLDS CHARGED WITH SEXUALLY ASSAULTING AN 8 YEAR OLD FELLOW STUDENT!

2012-01-06T23:29:00.002-06:00

Press Conference at Thompson Elementary School

What you expect to see on the campus of an elementary school: children playing and learning.

But you never expect to hear the type of story this mom, who we are calling Pam, is about to tell you.
"My son told me that he was molested on the school bus."

What's even more shocking in this bizarre story at Thompson Elementary -- those who allegedly sexually assaulted Pam’s 8-year-old special-needs son are also special-needs students.

Mother of sex assault victim 'Pam'

"He told me two kids, two 10-year-olds, molested him on the school bus, and the bus driver wasn't listening, and she wasn't paying attention to him," the mom, who we are calling Pam, said.

Those two boys have been arrested and charged with sexual assault, their parents said.

But what adds insult to injury – Pam said she didn't learn of her son's alleged victimization until a week after it happened.

And it gets worse.

"When they notified me, my son was already at home sick,” Pam said. “They sent a letter home saying he was being suspended from school for inappropriate behavior on the bus."

She turned to local community activist Quanell X for help because here is where this case takes another twist.

She said the detectives investigating the sexual assault turned their attention to her as a parent.

"Now law enforcement is investigating her and this mother to see if the children learned this behavior from them,” Quanell X said. “Her child is the victim in this case."

“This mother” refers to the mother of one of the suspects in the sexual assault. She refused to talk or address any questions about her son.

The Houston Independent School District released the following statement:

“On August 30, 2011, the Houston ISD transportation department was asked to review general conditions on a school bus that transports students with special needs from Thompson Elementary School. As part of this review, HISD officials viewed security videos from the bus. One of those videos, filmed on August 25, 2011, appeared to show three male students engaged in inappropriate activity. On August 30, the Thompson Elementary principal notified the parents of the students who were involved. In addition, the Houston Police Department and Child Protective Services also were notified and HPD took the lead on the criminal investigation.

On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, Houston police took two 10-year-old Thompson students into custody. Parents of the students who were involved in the incident are being offered counseling services for their children.”

MEMBERS OF THE POLICE UNION MEET WITH A CANDIDATE FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY!

2012-01-06T16:52:00.000-06:00

Judge Mike Anderson

Pat Lykos

The Insite has learned Harris County Judge Mike Anderson met with members of the Houston Police Officers' Union Thursday. Anderson is now running for the position of Harris County District Attorney. It's the seat currently held by Pat Lykos. And as many of you know there has been no love lost between the police union and Lykos. It was just last month when several law enforcement groups announced a vote of no confidence in Lykos as the county's top prosecutor. There's no word yet if union leaders will endorse Anderson over Lykos but there will soon be a political action meeting involving the membership of the union. It is then when they will decide who they will support in the race for district attorney. I think the answer to that is already pretty clear!

THE TIME TO TALK IS NOW!

2012-01-06T16:09:00.000-06:00

After more than two years of silence a controversial Houston pastor will soon address an issue that has left him in the headlines.

Former Pure Light Baptist Church leader Rev. Rory Murphy will talk about the allegation next Monday that he sold the church from under the small Fifth Ward congregation.

Bishop James Dixon

A group of ministers has called a press conference to address the issue along with Murphy.

The press release also indicates those ministers headed by Bishop James Dixon will make an effort to make Pure Light whole.

As you know the congregation has been attempting to raise money to fight a Florida based buyer who purchased their church from Murphy back in 2009 according to federal court records.

The Insite will be there and have an update for you next week!

FIFTH WARD CHURCH BURGLARIZED MULTIPLE TIMES BY THIEVES!

2012-01-06T07:26:00.001-06:00

Thieves Repeatedly Target Fifth Ward Church: MyFoxHOUSTON.com

HOW TO CONTACT THE CHURCH IF YOU'D LIKE TO HELP: "Amos Cruz"