“There isn’t an established swim team in that part of town, and it’s just a beautiful area,” COOG head coach Greg Orphanides said. “It’s like a fresh start moving from the University of Houston, and we’re excited about the location where we hope will drew new members from several areas like Bellaire, Meyerland, The Galleria, West University and the Museum District.

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City Manager Michael Ross told InstantNewsWestU that residents regularly call the city to assist in stopping newspapers from being thrown on their property.

West U residents receive a variety of free publications that are delivered to their homes including Papercity, the West University Examiner and the Village News.

“There’s not a whole lot we can do right now,” Ross said. “The city would love to be able to help if we could legally do that.”

The majority of residents that the city has heard from only want to receive publications that they specifically ask for, Ross said.

Ross said the free newspaper delivery issue has been going on for a long time and the city recently responded to it because a group of residents contacted the city asking for help.

The police department sent out an alert last week saying that there wasn’t anything they could do about newspapers being left in yards.

“United States Supreme Court has ruled that newspapers are a form of free speech, even though the resident has not subscribed to receive the papers, and cannot be regulated by government,” the city said in a statement. “Therefore, the City of West University Place cannot stop these papers from being delivered.”

According to e-mails obtained through a public information request, residents appear to have two main concerns with unsolicited newspaper delivery: the newspapers pile up when homeowners are out of town, which can attract burglars and repeated attempts to stop the paper from being delivered have been unsuccessful.

City Attorney Alan Petrov said a resident could file a nuisance claim if they repeatedly received a newspaper that they asked to be stopped, but it would be hard to prove.

When contacted about their delivery policies, Papercity,  the Examiner and the Village News said they honor requests to stop delivery when they are notified by residents.

To discontinue delivery of the Papercity, e-mail bryan@papercitymag.com 

To discontinue delivery of the West University Examiner,  e-mail DeliveryService@hcnonline.com or call 281-674-1360.

To discontinue delivery of the Village News, e-mail distribution@village-southwest-news.com or call 713-668-9293.

Several residents have asked the city if unsolicited newspapers are considered littering or a violation of the city’s solicitation ordinance, but it doesn’t fall under either category, Ross said.

A resident once filed a littering complaint but the city’s municipal court prosecutor refused to take the case, he said.

The City of Dallas is currently looking at revising its anti-littering and home solicitation ordinance to make it harder for unwanted visitors to knock on residents doors.

They are proposing that solicitors be required to register with the city and violators would be fined up to $500.

The City of West U already has these requirements in place, but also requires that solicitors wear an identification badge and abide by the city’s “No Knock” list.

Dallas appears to be taking its littering ordinance one step further by proposing regulations that would include unsolicited newspapers as litter.

The Dallas Morning News recently reported that Dallas City Attorney Tom Perkins said that under the proposed revisions to the city’s ordinances, unsolicited newspapers could be held in violation and subject to fines.

Ross said if Dallas approves its updated solicitation and littering ordinance, West U may consider similar changes.

“I think if it was an alternative we would certainly present that to council,” he said, adding that city council has been in support of a strict solicitation ordinance.

Petrov told InstantNewsWestU that if Dallas adopts its ordinance and it doesn’t get challenged he would recommend that the city look at strengthening its ordinance.

The local price compares with a national average that increased 3 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.43, according to gasoline price website HoustonGasPrices.com.

“The national average has continued on its upward trend as we move closer to spring and EPA-mandated cleaner burning gasoline,” said GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan. “The smaller movements in gasoline prices as of late in areas of the country will certainly not hold much longer. Gasoline prices tend to start moving significantly higher towards the end of February and into mid-March, so motorists should be preparing for higher prices.”

Including the change in gas prices in West U during the past week, prices yesterday were 45.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and 21.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has increased 10.2 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 31.9 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

Areas of dense fog are expected to form throughout the West U and greater Houston areas and could cause hazardous driving conditions.

The fog should begin to dissipate around 9 a.m., but may linger in areas near the coast.

Visibilities of less than ¼ mile may occur.

Motorists are encouraged to use their low-beam headlights, slow down and increase the distance between vehicles on the roadway.

The local price spike exceeded the national average that increased 4.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $3.39, according to gasoline price website HoustonGasPrices.com.

GasBuddy.com Senior Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan said even higher prices are on the horizon.

“Late last week, we saw wholesale gasoline prices rise dramatically on some refinery issues, which leads me to believe that retail gasoline prices will rise in response,” DeHaan said. “We continue to also watch how Iran responds to EU sanctions – there are some concerns that they may cut oil to the European region before the sanctions are to take effect to cause these countries hardship when they can’t find new sources of oil quickly enough. That in itself could draw crude oil prices higher quickly at a moment’s notice.”

Including the change in gas prices in West U during the past week, prices yesterday were 43.2 cents per gallon higher than the same day one year ago and are 26.9 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.

The national average has increased 13.5 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 30.4 cents per gallon higher than this day one year ago.

A mental health competency hearing was scheduled for Friday, Jan. 27 but it was reset by agreement of both parties.

The court approved a motion for the psychiatric examination in December. It is unknown at this time what the outcome was of the examination.

The 60-year-old Milton Street resident allegedly sexually assaulted his now 17-year-old granddaughter when she was between the ages of 6 and 9, West U police said. He turned himself in on Sept. 9, 2010.

InstantNewsWestU is not using the name of the suspect in order to maintain the privacy of the victim.

The man was charged with three counts of indecency with a child, according to documents on file with the Harris County District Clerk’s office.

The West U man has medical issues and was given the chance to arrange bail ahead of time, police said.

He was released from jail after posting a $90,000 bond.

The resident also has a criminal background including burglary with intent-theft, public lewdness, criminal mischief and driving while intoxicated, according to public documents.

If the man is convicted, he will have to register as a sex offender, police said.

The sixth grade St. Vincent de Paul Green basketball team was the first place champions at the Corpus Christi basketball tournament this weekend.

The sixth grade Green team had an undefeated season and ended the season with another tournament championship.

They beat Corpus Christi Catholic School 37 – 35 in the finals on Saturday evening.

JOHN GILLON, STRAKE JESUIT

Notable: In a game between District 19-5A’s top two teams, Gillon scored 23 points in a win over Seven Lakes. The senior followed with 31 points against Cinco Ranch.

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The West U. Colt 45s took 2^nd place in the 11 U tournament division at the Jingle Bell Dinger hosted by Lamar Little League.

Team members include (front row) Parker Siegel, Jacob Van Brunt, Tom Vincent, Will McAdams, Clay Didway, Brant Banks, (second row) Connor Parker, Michael Fordham, Matthew Guyton, Jake Tanner, (back row) Coach Philip Guyton, Manager Mark Coles, Coach Jim Tanner, Coach Scott Fordham. Not pictured: Matthew Kushwaha, Briggs Shiller.