A former longtime instructor with the Kickstart Kids martial arts program at Fort Bend ISD’s Quail Valley Middle School has been arrested and charged with sexual assault of a child and possession of more than 50 items of child pornography.
Friday. An arraignment is set for September 30 in the 458th District Court.
Fort Bend ISD spokesperson Sherry Williams referred to a statement that the district released in June.
Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy last week publicly called upon his fellow Democrat, Taral Patel, to withdraw from the November election for Precinct 3 Commissioner in the wake of charges against Patel of online impersonation and misrepresentation of identity.
Dona Devon Pettway, who according to his Kickstart website has been an employee of the Dallas-based program since 2006, was fired by the program in June after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student became known by Fort Bend ISD. Each of the two charges carries a $250,000 bond. Pettway went before a Fort Bend County magistrate on Monday after being arrested
In an open letter published Thursday in his private capacity, McCoy wrote that the Democratic Party “has been quick to highlight the incredible hypocrisy of Republicans at the state level who claim to value the Rule of Law while supporting an individual with multiple felony charges for public office,” referring to Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
“Now, in Fort Bend County, Democrats face a similar situation. In June, the Democratic nominee for County Commissioner Precinct 3, Taral Patel, was arrested on a felony charge for online impersonation and a misdemeanor charge for misrepresentation of identity. Court documents reveal Patel allegedly impersonated a sitting district judge and a former county employee via email and social media. The Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office has provided evidence that Patel allegedly created fake online accounts to post racist attacks directed at himself, which he then used to generate media attention and raise money for his campaign.” Patel was arrested in June on the felony and misdemeanor charges relating to the alleged creation of fake social media accounts and other online persona to engage in social media postings and press materials highlighting supposed racist and xenophobic attacks on himself. Patel is the son of Indian immigrants and a Hindu.
Subsequent search warrants by the public integrity unit of Fort Bend District Attorney’s Office have raised new allegations that Patel also created a fake Facebook account in the name of 240th District Court Judge Surrendran Pattel (who is unrelated to Patel) to engage in other false statements and emails relating to the race of Precinct 3 Commissioner, a post held for nearly three decades by Republican Andy Meyers. Still other search warrants allege that Patel, under the guise of a purported “for-
“The district was recently made aware of an allegation of inappropriate conduct of a contracted employee with a student. The contracted employee was recently released from the district and will not be returning to any FBISD campus pending the results of an investigation by the Fort Bend ISD Police Department. If any student, staff, or parent has concerns or information regarding inappropriate conduct, please contact FBISD Police at 281-634-5500 or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 281-491-8477,” the statement read.
The statement did not provide specificity about the contracted employee or the campus involved.
In an emailed statement, Joan Newhaus, executive director of Kickstart Kids, said that after the organization learned of the allegations against Pettway, “(w)e immediately removed the instructor from the classroom, and they are no longer employed by Kickstart Kids. All staff and instructors undergo a background check and receive comprehensive, regular training against abuse or misconduct toward students, all to protect young people under our care.
“We will cooperate fully with any investigation by the school district or law enforcement,” it read. Kickstart Kids was founded in 1990 by actor and martial arts specialist Chuck Norris. According to Newhaus, the program “prioritizes helping today’s young people. Its mission is to teach character through karate and to empower youth with core values, such as honesty, discipline and respect.” The program has been adopted by numerous school districts across Texas and other parts of the United States. Near the end of the 20232024 school year, the Fort Bend ISD administration was considering removing Kickstart Kids from its programs that students could attend to fulfill physical education requirements. But after numerous students and parents extolled the program at school board meetings, the board determined that it should remain as a P.E. equivalent.
Groundbreaking ceremony for African American Memorial set for Saturday
On Saturday, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held for what is planned to be Texas’s largest African American Memorial at Bates Allen Park in Kendleton. The event will begin at noon. Long in the planning, the memorial project is the culmination of years of efforts by various individuals and people to honor the legacy of Black residents of Fort Bend County.
“This groundbreaking represents more than just the start of a construction project; it is a celebration of resilience, progress, and the powerful legacies of those who have paved the way,” Fort Bend Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy said in a press release. He said the event will honor “these vital histories and to witness the creation of a symbol that will inspire future generations.”
On Commissioners Court, Dexter worked to secure $4
million in funding for the development of an expanded Bates M. Allen Park to include a memorial to honor the contributions of AfricanAmericans to the county in Kendleton, a historically Black community. Kendleton was founded shortly after the end of the Civil War by formerly enslaved people and quickly became one of the most prominent African-American communities in Southeast Texas. The expanded Bates
M. Allen Park will encompass the Newman Chapel and Oak Hill cemeteries, long-important landmarks in Kendleton. Among the people interred at Newman Chapel Cemetery is Benjamin Franklin Williams, a Republican lawmaker during the Reconstruction Era and the only Black man ever nominated to be Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, and Walter Moses Burton, the first Black sheriff in U.S. history.
Saturday’s ceremony will include remarks from McCoy; U.S.
Fort Bend County District
An artist’s rendering depicts the planned African American Memorial in Kendleton. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Saturday.
Courtesy Hines Architecture + Design
Rep. Al Green; U.S. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher; Precinct X Commissioner Grady Prestage; Texas Rep. Ron Reynolds; Kendleton Mayor Darryl K. Humphrey;
Dona Devon Pettway, a former instructor with the Kickstart Kids martial arts program at Fort Bend ISD’s Quail Valley Middle School, has been arrested and
Image from Pettway’s Kickstart Kids profile
Dexter McCoy Taral Patel
Sugar Land calls $350 million bond election
In a special-called meeting on Thursday, Sugar Land City Council called a $350 million bond election for November 5 to address public safety, streets, mobility and sidewalks, drainage, municipal facilities, and the city’s long-planned new animal shelter.
Voters will consider funding up to $350 million for proposed capital projects over the next five to seven years, equating to approximately $300 million in project costs in 2024 dollars.
If voters approve the projects, the bonds will require a tax rate increase of no more than 5 cents, spread out over the next five to seven years. According to a press release from the city, this equates to an incremental monthly cost to the average homeowner of approximately $5 each year - or about $20 per month by 2030, excluding property revaluation. All projects are anticipated to be completed or under construction in the next five to seven years. Bond projects were identified through years
of public feedback including the most recent Citizen Satisfaction Survey, sentiment surveys and community meetings - as well as various master plans and City Council input. Comprehensive community engagement and education will be conducted prior to the election. This will take place at community meetings, HOA meetings and special events. For more information including a complete project listing, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/ SLBond2024.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
mer county employee”, sent emails attacking Meyers. Thus far, prosecutors have not filed additional charges against Patel.
“Do we rally behind an individual facing credible allegations of undermining trust in our democracy just because they’re on our team?,” McCoy states in his letter. “Or do we remain steadfast in our principles and show our communities and the nation that we truly believe everyone must be held accountable for their actions, regardless of party affiliation?”
McCoy later states that Patel must withdraw from the Precinct 3 race (he narrowly won the Democratic nomination in a five-person primary
in March) in order to clear the way for the Party to support a candidate unencumbered by potentially multiple felony charges.”
“Supporting someone like Patel fuels the damaging perception that all politicians are the same. Silence from elected officials signals to our community that deception and manipulation are acceptable practices to achieve success,” McCoy writes.
“In Fort Bend County, we have an opportunity to lead by example. By refusing to support Patel’s candidacy and calling for him to withdraw from the race, we can demonstrate our commitment to ethical governance and accountability. It’s time for Democrats to show that we are truly the party of integrity. This is what our communities deserve,” he
Water District
writes. In a written statement, Meyers, the current Precinct 3 commissioner, said, ““Taral Patel is the Democratic Party’s nominee, and his issues are for the Democrat leadership to address. In the meantime, I continue to work on behalf of my constituents to address critical issues such as mobility and safety and keeping Fort Bend County family and business friendly.” Patel did not respond to a call from the Fort Bend Star for comment. He is set for arraignment on the felony online impersonation charge on August 26 in the 4354th District Court. A separate arraignment on the misdemeanor misrepresentation of identity charge is set for September 13 in County Court at Law 4.
Notice of Public Hearing on Tax Rate
FOR
AGAINST
PRESENT
ABSENT: Keli M Schroeder
The Sugar Land City Council has called a $350 million bond election for Nov. 5. File photo by Ken Fountain
Entries for Cullinan Park Conservancy’s photo contest accepted through Sept. 27
Photographers of every age and skill level are invited to participate in Cullinan Park Conservancy’s annual photo contest. Although the park is closed for cleanup after the Hurricane Beryl, photos can be taken any time of the year, as long as they are taken in Cullinan Park. Entries must be received by Friday, September 27. Winners of the photo contest will be announced and highlighted at the Conservancy’s 8th Annual Picnic for the Park luncheon on Thursday, October 24 at Sweetwater Country Club,
4400 Palm Royale Blvd., Sugar Land.
Photographers may submit up to three total photos in the following five categories: Birds; Wildlife; Flora (trees, flowers, plants), Landscapes, and any subject taken with a Cell Phone. First, Second and Third places for each category will be announced
Guest authors, musicians to join George Memorial Library's 'reading party' on Aug. 24
The Fort Bend County Libraries’ next silent reading party, “Wandering Words: An Exploration of Stories Through Music, Art, & Movement,” will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 2-4 p.m., at George Memorial Library, 1001 Golfview in Richmond. Previously scheduled in July, the event was rescheduled because of hurricane-related issues.
Readers are invited to bring a book to read quietly to themselves for the first hour. Live, curated pop rock, indie, folk, and acoustic music by Garage Arts Project will play in the background. After the first hour, award-winning authors Chitra Divakaruni and Saborna Roychowdhury will read excerpts from their books, as they relate to the theme for the day: “Independence.”
Attendees will have an opportunity to share their interpretations of the authors’ readings, as well as their own reading choices, in a small-group discussion. Originally from Calcutta, India, Divakaruni teaches creative writing at the University of Houston and resides in Sugar Land. She has won numerous awards for her writing, and has judged several prestigious literary awards, including the National Book Award and the PEN Faulkner Award. Her writing has
been included in more than 50 anthologies and has been translated into 20 languages. Two of her books have been made into movies.
A chemistry professor residing in Houston, Roychowdhury is an accomplished novelist whose works have been recognized in publications in the U.S. and beyond. Her second novel, “Everything Here Belongs to You”, was a medalist in the prestigious Reader’s Favorite International Book Awards contest in 2022. This event will culminate with a short finale by the featured Garage Arts Project performing artists: harpist Hope Cowan, Bharatanatyam classical dancer Sandhya Raghuraman, and Indian classical singer Mahalakshmi Krishnan. Similar to a book club, silent reading parties provide an opportunity for like-minded people to socialize - if they wish – and connect over their books as icebreakers. Silent reading parties also hold individuals -- who like to read but never seem to find the time – accountable for taking a break from their busy lives and committing to an hour of reading.
Sponsored by the Friends of George Memorial Library, this adults-only event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required.
Saborna Roychowdhury
Authors Chitra Divakaruni and Saborna Roychowdhury will read from their works at the “Wandering Words: An Exploration of Stories Through Music, Art, & Movement” event at George Memorial Library on Aug. 24. Photos courtesy Fort Bend County Libraries
To register online at the library’s website (www. fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Classes & Events,” select “George Memorial Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281342-4455, or by visiting the library.
and promoted not only at the luncheon but on social media. First-prize winners in each category will also be awarded a $50.00 cash prize. One Peoples Choice” winner from the Woobox online voting platform will also receive a $50 cash prize.
Winners of the 2023 Photo Contest can be found on the website.
“We’re grateful to Oxbow Advisors, who have consis-
The 754-acre Cullinan Park is located just north of Sugar Land Regional Airport on Highway 6 in Sugar Land. For complete details and Contest Rules, please visit www.cullinanparkconservancy.org/contest.
tently supported our mission and the photo contest over the years,” Cullinan Park Conservancy Board President Keith Borgfeldt said in a press release. “We thank Oxbow, photo contest judges, participants and all the volunteers who help make this part of our fundraising effort a success.”
Sugar Land Civic Arts launches graffiti artist competition
The Sugar Land Civic Arts Division invites local graffiti artists to showcase their talent and creativity in the “Art Unveiled: Bridging Community and Nature” graffiti muralist competition.
This project is set to transform two shipping containers near the Sugar Land Youth baseball field into “a vibrant symbol of community unity and natural beauty,” according to a press release. The deadline for submissions is September 6.
The murals will culminate in a public unveiling event, where the community can celebrate the completion of the artwork and engage with the artists and each other.
“The competition is designed to foster community engagement, highlight local talent and beautify public spaces through meaningful artwork. With two distinct themes, artists are invited to create murals that celebrate both the spirit of youth baseball and the rich natural landscape of Sugar Land.”
The competition structure follows:
• Youth Baseball Theme: Artists will capture the spirit of teamwork, sportsmanship and community unity through vibrant murals.
• Sugar Land Nature Theme: Murals will showcase the beauty of Sugar Land’s native species of flowers and birds, promoting an appreciation for biodiversity and the natural world.
Artists are encouraged to submit their portfolios and concepts related to program’s themes. A panel of judges will shortlist the most compelling designs, and community members will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite artworks!
The top six designs will advance to the final selection, where the final two chosen artists will receive $12,500 to bring their murals to life during a live painting event. Funding for the project was approved by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation, an entity created to fund economic development and quality of life projects
like public art through restricted sales tax revenue.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring this competition to Sugar Land,” Sugar Land Civic Arts Manager Sha Davis said in the release. “This is a unique opportunity to discover some of the top graffiti artists in our area, and we’re looking forward to seeing how their creativity and talent will continue transform our city.”
“Join us in making Sugar Land an even more vibrant and culturally enriched community through art,” Davis said. “Together, we can bridge community and nature, creating a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
“Art is an incredible way to beautify our city, and this competition will not only enhance our public spaces but also highlight the importance of our City Parks,” said Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Kimberly Terrell. “These parks are vital to our community and to programs like Sugar Land Little League, providing spaces where our residents can come together, celebrate, and create lasting memories.”
Photographers of every age and skill level are invited to participate in Cullinan Park Conservancy’s annual photo contest. This is 2023 People’s Choice-winning entry, ‘Reflections’ by Katy Lagunes. Courtesy Cullinan Park Conservancy
Community Reports
Community Reports
Chitra Divakaruni
Community Reports
Lynn Ashby Columnist
By Lynn Ashby ASHBY2@COMCAST.NET
Let’s say your house is on fire. The family is safe on the front lawn. Sirens tell you help is on the way. You have a short time to run into your house and grab something from certain destruction. What would you grab? Perhaps the irreplaceable Snoopy doll you had as a child or those gold bars you hid in the freezer awaiting either World War III or COVID-20, whichever comes first. That photo of Uncle Albert who you fawned over in the hospital. No, don’t bother. He still didn’t leave you the ranch. In m case, my father’s roll-top desk is too
By Eva K. Morris Youth Columnist
Belonging is a feeling that goes beyond words—a deep, emotional connection to a place, group, or even a person. For many, this sense of belonging is what gives life meaning. It is what drives people to find their tribe, to search for that place or those who make them feel at home, even if it is thousands of miles away. I live in Sienna, which is over half an hour away from the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston (commonly called the JCC) and the area where most Jewish families in the greater Houston area live. Since people of the Jewish faith are a minority, some-
EDITORIAL
What’s on first?
big to wrestle outside. I could always get a replica of my Medal of Honor or the Nobel Peace Prize. What do I value the most? In a famous TV skit, Jack Benny, who had a reputation for being stingy, is accosted on the street by a robber, who points a gun at Benny, and demands: “Your money or your life.” Pause. The robber says again, “Your money or your life,” to which Benny replies, “I’m thinking. I’m thinking.”
It’s all a matter of priorities. Yours are probably your family (except for Uncle Albert), your job (or trying to get one), your health and your religion, although for many their religion is ahead of most everything. Then there are the sports fans, who live and die over the fate of the Astros, Aggies, Longhorns, Cougars, Texans, etc. Those fans really need to get a life. We must recall the observation of John McKay, longtime coach of the University of Southern California Trojans football team. After some adoring fan congratulated McKay on a particularly important victory, he said: “There are still over 600 million Chinese
who don’t care if we win or lose.” Obviously they had the wrong priorities. Some folks’ top priority is money – get it any way anyhow, legal or illegal, with a pen or a pistol, it matters not. That’s why we have Huntsville. Some questionable choices are hard to refute. Vice President Dick Cheney, the war hawk who urged President George W. Bush to invade Iraq to seize its nuclear warheads which it didn’t have and never did, was asked why he received five draft deferments during the Vietnam War. Cheney explained: “I had other priorities in the sixties than military service.” Like not getting shot. This leads us to politics, politicians and government in general. Texans have a low opinion of all three and show it by not showing up on Election Day. We generally are at the bottom among the states in percentage of eligible voters who actually cast a ballot. We have other priorities. But the last presidential election in 2020 was an exception. That year more than 11million Texans – almost two-thirds of estimated eligible voters – voted, according to the Pew Research Center.
The number represented a higher-than-average turnout. In Texas, Donald Trump got 5.9 million votes and Joe Biden got 5.2 million. With 38 electoral votes, Texas is second only to California, but here’s the problem: Texas has a winner-take-all policy in the Electoral College. Trump got them all. So those 5,259,126 Texans who voted for Biden needn’t have bothered.
Maybe millions of Texans don’t vote because they know their vote won’t matter. Or they have other priorities, like sorting their sock drawer or watering the lawn. Possibly they know what they want from their various elected officials is not what they get. For most of them it is transparently clear that their top importance is getting elected and keep getting elected. To this end, they have the backbone of a jellyfish. A prime example currently is Vice President Kamara Harris. She is on tape, multiple times, calling for a fracking ban. Same with mandatory gun buybacks and banning private health insurance. She endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders’s Medicare for All bill. Now Harris has
done a 180 on all of them. It’s priorities over principles. When running for president in 2016, by one count, Trump took 141 different stances on 23 major issues. After he was elected, he took 32 new stances on 13 different issues. My favorite example is Sen. John Kerry, who when he was running for president in 2004, said, “I actually did vote for the $87 billion before I voted against it.” Their chief priority was winning. OK, we all change our minds. Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote: “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines.” Our little statesmen may have little minds, but at least they know their priorities. When it comes to what’s most important, we only have to look at Texas. How important are Italian Angela Carini and Algerian Imane Kheli? They were two boxers in the Paris Olympics, and Kheli won in a 46-second fight. Then a big brouhaha erupted over whether Kheli was a transgender person. That was important to Texans, so Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick got
Longing to belong
times I can feel secluded living further away from my religious community. I love being Jewish and am proud of what I believe in, but it feels harder to fit in when you are one of about ten Jewish students in your entire high school of over 2,000 children. Teenage years are hard enough when dealing with peer pressure, the constant need to be part of a group, or navigating the social standards. Adding the feeling of being different and standing out because of your faith brings upon an extra layer of social challenge. In Sienna, participating in Vacation Bible School, Fellow Christian Athletes, or a weekly Bible study group is common. In the suburbs, there are not very many opportunities for Jewish belonging, so I started searching for a place that would fulfill my desire to belong as well as connecting me to my faith. These past two summers, I have competed in the Jewish Community Center Association Maccabi Games, an Olympic-style competition
for Jewish teens all over the world. Each year a different location for the competition is chosen and everyone who makes their delegation team, travels to the host city and competes with Jewish teens all over the world. The Maccabi games last five days and include opening ceremonies, sport competitions, community service, and friendship. Last year Team Houston and others traveled to Israel to compete, while this year Houston, Texas hosted the Maccabi Games. In 2023, I heard about the possibility of being able to go to Israel and tried out for the tennis team and earned a spot on the roster. The first year I participated, I knew no one. While every athlete is Jewish, growing up in the suburbs meant I did not know the Houston Jewish community teens. Almost everyone that year knew each other so I had to step outside my comfort zone and be social. During the Israel games, I became good friends with some of the basketball players from Houston and athletes from other delega-
tions around the world. The trip made me realize how much my faith and meeting other Jewish adolescents meant to me.
I immediately signed up to compete in 2024 and could not wait for the games. To my surprise, Houston Tennis became more than a team to me, it became a family. This year, the team consisted of new people who did not compete in Israel. I became acquainted with the whole team, especially two girls in particular who are now among my closest friends. These were the people I turned to when I needed advice on something, who I texted when something happened, who I FaceTimed to talk to about everything and who were always there to support me through anything. Normally, as an athlete, I can sometimes dread going to practice because it could be boring, I would have nobody to talk to, or it would be brutally hot. But this year I went to every practice because I was always excited to see everyone, my friends, my tribe.
At the actual Maccabi games, I could not have asked for a better team. While tennis is an individual sport, meaning only one person can win, everyone cheered and watched each other because that is what a family does – they support each other, win or lose, just like this group of teens. There was never a moment during the games where someone was left alone or did not feel encouraged by someone. Even in between matches, every single person would sit together inside and talk and laugh together as if we had known each other for years. This year was when I realized that this was the feeling of belonging. This team made me feel like I belonged and I am so grateful for that experience, for that support and encouragement, for the emotion of comfort that comes when you truly are connected.
Belonging is not necessarily about fitting in perfectly or being the exact same as everyone else. It is not solely about being part of a group, but feeling truly understood
into the fight, so to speak. “NO MEN IN WOMEN’S SPORTS!!!” Abbott wrote on social media. “That is the law in Texas. It should be the standard everywhere.” Patrick declared: “We must fight back on every level against this continued Democrat assault against girls and women.”
Hey, Abbot and Patrick, maybe you can walk and chew gum at the same time, but don’t you have other priorities? At least 2.2 million Texans just sweated in the dark for up to a week because our electricity company, which you all indirectly oversee on our behalf, turned out to be incompetent, greedy and operating for years without adequate state supervision. Our public schools need money and you seem bound to cripple them. CNBC just ranked Texas the worst state in quality of life. Consumer Affairs ranked us third worst. We really don’t care about an Algerian boxer’s sexuality, and neither should you.
Speaking of priorities, I smell smoke.
Ashby prioritizes at ashby2@comcast.net
and valued by the individuals that make up the group. Maccabi allowed me to make amazing friends, create unforgettable memories, and connect to Judaism. While it may seem like no matter what you do, you just can not seem to find your people, know that there is a group for everyone. You may have to go searching for an organization like I did or you may find your people by simply joining a club at school. Finding where you belong can take some effort, but the reward of joy and acceptance is worth it. Remember that everyone belongs somewhere. Never give up on finding your people, your tribe. Morris is a Ridge Point High School student, class of 2027, a varsity tennis player, and an active member of JCC Maccabi Houston.
If you are a Fort Bend County high-school-age student (public, private, charter, or homeschool) who might be interested in becoming a Youth Columnist, please send an email to editor@fortbendstar.com.
Texans can find common ground
Editors’ note: This column is by members of Texans for a Secure Democracy, a nonpartisan organization based in Fort Bend County. This piece, which is slightly edited for style purposes, does not necessarily reflect the views of the Fort Bend Star or its staff. The Fort Bend Star welcomes opinion articles on matters of interest to Fort Bend County residents. Publication is at the discretion of the editor. Send submissions to editor@fortbendstar.com.
Texans for a Secure Democracy is a newly formed bipartisan organization of concerned citizens that vigorously supports the Constitution of the United States, democracy and human rights. We focus on candidate and election information and we encourage broad-based civic
engagement. We welcome members of all parties and independents. We currently are composed mostly of Fort Bend County residents, but we welcome others from the greater Houston area as well as from Texas at large. We decided that being bipartisan was important. We think that there are, in fact, a lot of things that Texans agree upon. Those areas of common ground are often overlooked for the purposes of division and party dominance. We need to shift our focus from winning arguments to seeking progress on issues important to us all. There is common ground if we are willing to work together and burrow it out.
Our two-party system often sets up a win/lose situation. If one party wins, the other loses. We have to put that aside. We must focus on solutions, not problems. We can get things done with a solution-oriented attitude. And if enough of us make this course correction and find the common ground we
are seeking, we can work from a position of strength to get our representatives in government to listen. This kind of work is essential if we want to get out of the gridlock that often stalls our Congress and our state legislatures. And working in the framework of looking for common ground will remind us that we do all share hopes and dreams for our country, ourselves, our children and grandchildren.
Some of our goals are to educate ourselves and other citizens about democracy, to encourage broader citizen participation in governing, and to promote equality, inclusion and diversity. We support a strong independent media and are determined to fight disinformation. We want to make government more transparent and accountable. Most importantly, we wish to build coalitions with citizens of various political persuasions to seek common ground in solving issues.
We are of the belief that if we want to keep our de-
mocracy, we can’t sit on the sidelines. “We the people” have to participate. Texans for a Secure Democracy usually meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the University Branch Library at the UH Sugar Land campus. Past speakers have included Judge Christian Becerra of the 434th District Court, who discussed hot-button issues in the criminal courts; Professor Jerry Johnson of UH Downtown, who did an outstanding interactive workshop with us entitled,
“How to Have Productive Political Conversations with Friends and “Family”; Fred Taylor, who discussed his plans as the new chair of the Fort Bend County Democratic Party; and Ali Hasanali of County Commissioner Dexter McCoy’s office, who discussed the duties and jurisdiction of the County Commissioner’s office.
On August 28, a Fort Bend County election judge will talk to our organization on the subject of election integrity. The meeting will
be held in Meeting Room 2 of the University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd. on the campus of UH Sugar Land, from 6-8 p.m. Free parking is available in the gated area only. Get ticket validated in library. If you are a Texas resident and would like to be more active in governmental issues, please join us this month or in the coming months. We look forward to meeting you. For more information, please visit our website: Texansforasecuredemocracy.org.
Eva K. Morris
Texans for a Secure Democracy is a newly formed bipartisan organization of concerned citizens that vigorously supports the Constitution of the United States, democracy and human rights. Public domain image of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, via Wikipedia
Space Cowboys fall twice to Tacoma over weekend
By Amanda Perry APERRY@ASTROS.COM
TACOMA, Wash. –Despite tying the game up at two in the top of the eighth, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys (74-45, 25-19) could not hold off the Tacoma Rainiers (7050, 27-18) as the Space Cowboys fell in the series finale 4-3 on Sunday afternoon at Cheney Stadium.
To start the final game of the series, Tacoma loaded the bases up against LHP Colton Gordon on a pair of singles and a hit-by-pitch. Jason Vosler drove in two on a base hit, putting the Rainiers up 2-0 after the first. Gordon got a double play to end the inning and Tacoma’s threat.
The Sugar Land offense remained scoreless until the top of the seventh, when Jacob Melton cranked a sweeper from RHP Cody Bolton 397 feet over the fence in rightcenter, his second home run
as a Space Cowboy, to cut Tacoma’s lead in half at 2-1.
After Vosler’s two-run single in the first, Gordon was immaculate. The lefty retired 17 of the next 20 batters he faced after the first inning, two reaching on walks and one on a fielding error. Going a career-high 6.2 innings pitched with seven strikeouts, Gordon was taken out with one on and two outs in the seventh. RHP Forrest Whitley (L, 2-1) came in for the final out and got Seby Zavala to pop out to end the frame.
Grae Kessinger started the top of the eighth with a single and a stolen base off RHP Carlos Vargas (W, 2-4), and Jesús Bastidas knocked in Kessinger with a base hit to right-center, tying the game up at two apiece.
Whitley returned for the bottom of the frame and put runners on first and second with two outs. RHP Luis Contreras took over to help escape the jam, but a
double by Vosler scored both runs and put Tacoma on top once again at 4-2. Melton mashed a second home run in the top of the ninth for his first multi-homer game in Triple-A to bring the Space Cowboys within one, but RHP Joey Krehbiel (S, 9) got the final outs to end the contest, sending Sugar Land home with a loss in the series finale.
In the previous game on Saturday night, the Space Cowboys were unable to take the lead after tying the game up in the second inning, resulting in a 6-2 defeat to Tacoma Rainiers in a seven-inning rain-shortened game.
Tacoma struck first in the bottom of the opening frame with a lead-off single and stolen base from Ryan Bliss. Bliss came in to score on an infield single by Samad Taylor and a throwing error, and RHP Rhett Kouba (L, 2-4) loaded the bases with no outs by walking the next
two batters. Kouba struck out Jason Vosler and got two first-pitch fly outs to end the frame and escape the jam. With two outs in the top of the third, Omar Narváez took the 11-pitch of an at bat against RHP Casey Lawrence (W, 9-8) and slammed it over the fence in right field to tie the game up at one. However, after Kouba issued back-to-back walks in the bottom of the third, Tyler Locklear knocked a three-run home run to give the Rainiers a 4-1 lead. Later in the inning, with runners on the corners, a wild pitch sent Rhylan Thomas home from third, adding another run for Tacoma. Quincy Hamilton reduced Sugar Land’s deficit to three with an RBI single in the fifth to drive in Narváez from third. In the bottom of the fifth, RHP Misael Tamarez took over for Kouba and surrendered a solo shot to Volser to make it a 6-2 Tacoma lead.
After the top of the seventh, the game entered a rain delay and was ruled official with rain forecasted for the remainder of the evening.
Sugar Land Space Cowboys games can be heard on ESPN 92.5 FM or online
Free backpacks for families in Fort Bend ISD and Lamar Consolidated ISD. Must be present and registration required. Check out our event information on Facebook and register today.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE GRAND PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH
In conjunction with the Literacy Council of Fort Bend Bend County, GPBC will offer ESL classes on Tuesday nights from mid August 2024 through May 2025. We are located at 12000 FM 1464 Richmond across from Austin HS. Our students speak several languages and encompass many faiths, all are welcome. For more information call 281-277-2200 and ask for ESL information. You may also email ESL@grandparkway. org
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CONCERT HONORS FALLEN HEROES
The Exchange Club of Sugar Land presents “A Night to Remember” on Sunday, May 26, at 7:05 p.m. The patriotic concert features a brass band, Grammy winning singers, ballet dancers and a 30-member chorus. The concert takes place in Sugar Land Town Square, in front of the City Hall Façade. Bring a chair and join us!
“A Night to Remember” is FREE and open to the public. Canned food donations are encouraged for East Fort Bend Human Needs Ministry
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FORT BEND
The League of Women Voters of Fort Bend, a nonpartisan organization, will provide voter registration and education events prior to the Feb. 5 deadline to be a registered voter in the March 5 Primary election. Locations, dates, and times include: (1) Wednesday, 1/24 -- Fort Bend YMCA, 4433 Cartwright Rd, Missouri City 7:30am - 12:30pm and 57pm; (2) Thursday, 1/25 -- First Colony Library 3:30 - 5:30pm; (3) Sat., 1/27 -- Cinco Ranch Library 10:30am - 1:30pm and University Branch Library 11am - 2pm; (4) Tuesday, 1/30 and Wednesday, 1/31 -- WCJC Sugar Land, Brazos Hall, 9am - 2pm; (5) Thursday, 2/1 -- ThriftWise, 501 Hwy 90E, Richmond -- 10am - 1pm. Register to vote, update your current voter registration, and get nonpartisan voting information at any of these events, or contact lwvfortbend@gmail.com.
EMMY-NOMINATED FORT BEND BOYS CHOIR HOLDING AUDITIONS
The Fort Bend Boys Choir is seeking talented young boys who like music and singing. If know of one, encourage him to audition for our award-winning and Emmy-Nominated Fort Bend Boys Choir! No experience is necessary and boys should be around eight years of age or older with an unchanged voice. Auditions are by special appointment at the First United Methodist Church Missouri City, 3900 Lexington Blvd., Missouri City, TX. Visit the Fort Bend Boys Choir’s webpage at www. fbbctx.org or call (281) 240-3800 for more details about auditions. Benefits as a choir member include greater self-esteem and self-confidence, better work ethic and a sense of belonging and community. A boy’s voice has an expiration date so it is important to audition when boys’ voices are still unchanged. Auditions are free!
AMERICAN LEGION POST 942
311 Ulrich Street, Sugar Land meets the fourth Tuesday of each Month at 7:00 pm. All Veterans are welcome.
LOVING FRIENDS IS A GROUP OF WOMEN AND MEN WHO ARE WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS THAT MEET MONTHLY FOR LUNCH, FRIENDSHIP, AND SOCIALIZATION Lunches. are planned for the fourth Tuesday of the month at various local restaurants. Please contact Bobbie Tomlin at {281} 967-0718
For more information about us and to learn about this month’s planned lunch. We hope to meet you soon.
QUAIL VALLEY GARDEN CLUB
The Quail Valley Garden Club is very busy, not only with meetings, but with some fun “stuff” for our members and the community. Please find our fall schedule of events that the QVGC will be involved with this fall leading up to the holidays.
FBJSL IS ACCEPTING CAF GRANT APPLICATIONS
We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com
THE SANCTUARY FOSTER CARE SERVICES
We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org
ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264
Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/ Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.
SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB
Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 832-9874193, dean7351@gmail.com We just started a new evening club also. Contact me for more info.
FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB
Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome everybody! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer.music@gmail.com.
LITERACY COUNCIL OF FORT BEND COUNTY
We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281-240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org.
GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE
Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events.
DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED
Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195.
EXCHANGE
EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!
MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801
Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at 2701 Cypress Point Dr., Missouri City Rec Center. Lunch, education, and entertainment. All seniors over 50 invited. For more information, call 713-8595920 or 281-499-3345.
STATE OF WISCONSIN CIRCUIT COURT MILWAUKEE COUNTY CIVIL DIVISION
ShortTermFinancial, L.L.C dba Americash Loans
2400 E. Devon Ave, Suite 300
Des Plaines IL 60018
JEROME LANDRY
Plaintiff,
14902 STONELICK BRIDGE LN
SUGAR LAND TX 77498
vs. Case No.: 2024CV004151
Classification Code: 30301
The amount claimed is over $10,000.
Defendant.
PUBLICATION SUMMONS
THE STATE OF WISCONSIN, To the person named above as a defendant
You are hereby notified that the plaintiff named above has filed a lawsuit or other legal action against you. The complaint, which is attached, states the nature and basis of the legal action.
Within 40 (forty) days after August 15, 2024, you must respond with a written answer, as that term is used in Chapter 802 of the Wisconsin Statutes, to the complaint. The court may reject or disregard an answer that does not follow the requirements of the statutes. The answer must be sent or delivered to the court, whose address is 901 N 9TH STREET MILWAUKEE, WI 53233 and to Dobberstein Law Firm, LLC, the plaintiff’s attorneys, whose address is 225 S. Executive Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin 53005. You may have an attorney help or represent you.
If you do not provide a proper answer within 40 (forty) days, the court may grant judgment against you for the award of money or other legal action requested in the complaint, and you may lose your right to object to anything that is or may be incorrect in the complaint. A judgment may be enforced as provided by law. A judgment awarding money may become a lien against any real estate you own now or in the future, and may also be enforced by garnishment or seizure of property.
Dated this 12th day of August, 2024.
MAILING ADDRESS:
225 S. Executive Dr. Brookfield, WI 53005 (262) 641-3715
DOBBERSTEIN LAW FIRM, LLC
Attorneys for the plaintiff
Electronically signed by Jillian E Caggiano
Jillian E Caggiano State Bar No. 1101032
Application has been made with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for New Retail Dealer’s On-Premise License by Wang LLC dba Suki Sushi to be located at 3699 Hwy 6, Sugar Land, TX 77494, Fort Bend County, Texas. Officers of said corporation are Peipei Wang and Wang Yu.
Expertise Matters When You Need
BACK AND NECK CARE
Spine Specialists Serving Fort Bend County and Surrounding Areas
If you suffer from back and neck pain, Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land delivers comprehensive spine care with treatment options ranging from nonsurgical and minimally invasive procedures to highly complex spine surgery. Whether you are experiencing everyday discomfort or severe pain from a significant condition or injury, our spine specialists offer advanced, personalized care — so you can get back to an active life.
At Houston Methodist Sugar Land, you’ll have access to:
• A multidisciplinary team of board-certified doctors and specialists
