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VOL 11 No. 2
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2018
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City
Fort Bend Cares 13th annual Road Trip Through the Decades
Ready to Get Groovy at Fort Bend Cares Road Trip Through the Decades are (Left to Right): Committee member Gail McClendon, Executive Director Angel Tapia, Jim Rice of Presenting Sponsor Rice & Gardner, Board Member Patty Ward and (Front Row) Co-Chair Terri Nieser and Board Member Angela Mason. Make plans to take a blast through the past at Fort Bend Cares 13th Annual Road Trip fundraiser. Join presenting sponsor Rice & Gardner Consultants, Inc for a Road Trip through the Decades on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Other major supporters of the event are Diamond Sponsors Fluor and Fairmount Santrol and Gold Sponsors Johnson Development, Billy & Tammy Brown and Don & Ellie Knauss. Road Trip Emcee Khambrel Marshall of the KPRC 2 Severe Weather Team will preside over an evening of fun straight from the 50s through the 80s. Shark Bait - the Killer Band from Sugar Land - will take you back in time with your favorite songs from the era. Everyone will enjoy favorite dishes from a dozen popular restaurants, including BJ’s
Brewhouse and Restaurant, Brookstreet BBQ, Carrabbas, Chuy’s – Sugar Land, Cupcake Central – Katy, Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill, Fish City Grill, Keeper’s Japanese Restaurant & Bar, Outback Steakhouse, P.F. Chang’s, The Roof and The Rouxpour Restaurant & Bar. The event space, graciously donated by Fluor in Sugar Land, will take you back with décor and roaming entertainers from the Fabulous Fifties, the Swinging Sixties, the Disco Era and the Decade of Decadence. Event goers are welcome to come casual in jeans or get groovy and wear an outfit from your favorite decade. A live and silent auction, wine & spirits pull, casino games, a Kendra Scott jewelry pull and a raffle with a top prize of $1500 cash will help boost the amount of funds raised to support nonprofit organizations
that improve the lives of disadvantaged children in Fort Bend County. “Many of our local non-profits were impacted by Hurricane Harvey, so the charities we support need help more than ever,” said event co-chair Terri Nieser. “Buy your tickets and invite your friends. We have great food, fabulous entertainment, an incredibly fun, casual atmosphere and you get to make a positive difference in the lives of kids in Fort Bend!” Sponsorships are still available. Individual tickets are $75 and $50 for young professionals aged 35 and under, if purchased by January 19, 2018. Ticket prices increase to $85 and $60 respectively after January 19. For more information or to become a sponsor, call 832819-2005, email angel@fortbendcares.org or visit www. fortbendcares.org.
Farmers’ Market moves to Imperial Recreation Center By BARBARA FULENWIDER Sugar Land’s farmers’ market is moving to a new location and by all appearances city council members couldn’t be happier about it. Kimberly Terrell, Sugar Land’s assistant director of parks and recreation, led the charge for a temporary operation at the Imperial Park Recreation Center (IPRC). This past November the Fort Bend County Chamber of Commerce, which runs the farmers’ market at Imperial, announced it would be closing and moving to IPRC. The reason for moving was construction starting in March at the Imperial Market. Terrell told council the farmers’ market first opened on Oct. 1, 2011 and was meant to be a six weeks market that lasted for six years. She said the Imperial Market development is ready to get started and that the new market will open Jan. 13 just north of U.S. 90A. “After an outpouring of community support,” Terrell said, the market at IPRC will be open for approximately two years and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor hours are from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. so they can load and un-
load their fresh produce, plants and flowers, bakery goods, etc. “Staff has been working with the chamber to find an alternate site and looked at various park sites that might be a good place to host the market. We decided the Imperial IPRC would be a good place. It’s only 2.5 miles directly south of the former market.” Terrell told council at their Jan. 2 meeting that moving the market to the IPRC “is a good opportunity to showcase a city facility that maybe some people have not been to or seen. Council and the economic development are in favor of this. We’re in favor of it.” She said there will be 45 vendor spaces, “which is about the same as the current market. We’re also reserving some spots for our morning recreation center customers. We will make sure our customers have parking spaces. Overall there are 242 parking spaces that will still be used so we have plenty of places to park. “We will still have softball games at the same time but they will not be allowed to park in that lot. Softball participants must park on the western side
of the park and the signage is already there,” Terrell said. The one thing that vendors may not like is not being able to leave anything at the site, like they did at the previous market. They will have to put up and take down every time and they must leave the site as they found it. She also said no Sugar Land staff member will run the market because that will still be the chamber’s job. She also said her department is doing a signed plan to let people know the new market is planned and let people know where to go and how to get to the new one. There will also be a $1 charge for parking that is temporary until the Imperial Market development is completed. After the presentation Mayor Joe Zimmerman spread kudos to one and all and said the market was “Susie Goff’s idea going way back when. It truly takes a village and it did to get this accomplished. Staff has worked hard to make this come about.” With that said he made a motion to approve a license agreement with the chamber for the temporary operation of the See MARKET, Page 3
American Legion Park to get facelift from Post 294
Imperial Market final development plan amended By BARBARA FULENWIDER At Sugar Land’s Jan. 2 council meeting members were to amend the “final development plan” for Imperial Market. The Imperial Market Planned Development at Ulrich Street and Kempner was approved in December 2015 but a glitch was discovered. The square footage for four buildings wasn’t correct. Some had more some had less. Someone made mistakes on the additions and subtractions of square footage in the four buildings, according to Jim Murnane, Texas Real Estate Fund, Inc. Imperial Market developer. “We redid the traffic analysis and want to now correct a clerical error.” The buildings in the amendment are the Cinema, Smokestack, Wharf and Hotel Annex. Background information to
council says the amendment does not propose any changes to the existing historic structures on the site or to the proposed multi-family building in Imperial Market. In early 2017 there were discussions with Murnane that focused on the detailed design for specific interiors of four multiple proposed buildings at the site. The applicant said that after numerous discussions with potential tenants, it was decided that a number of square footage changes needed to be made on planned development document. There were no changes to the overall locations of the buildings or footprints of those buildings but changes on four buildings exceeded the director approved provisions in the city’s development code, so staff needed an
updated traffic impact analysis and parking calculations for vetting out the proposed changes in the PD. With that done, staff confirmed that traffic mitigation and parking numbers were adequate and appropriate for the development. Key aspects of the amendment include some square footage changes and additional square footage for the Hotel Annex building, which can provide additional benefit to the proposed hotel. The final site layout shows the additions and one subtraction for the four buildings. The Cinema Building had 77,730 square feet and now has 97,400 for 19,670 more square feet. The increase came about in order to provide stadium seating See PLAN, Page 3
Joel Battle Exchange Club presents the check to Jack Williams, Post Commander and Joe Bowden. American Legion Park located in the 4000 Block of Lexington Blvd. will receive a face lift. American Legion Post 294 has accepted the challenge to improve its appearance with the installation of a five-foot tall black granite monument celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the American Legion founded in 1919. Post 294 working in conjunction with The Missouri City Parks Department has developed a plan to add other improvements.
The park occupies 21 acres with a large lake that is traditionally stocked with fish enjoyed by residents, especially the youth. Park improvements include restrooms, landscaping, flag poles and a pavilion. To assist in the cost of the monument The Exchange Club of Missouri City has contributed $2000 to match the Post’s initial donation. Additional funds are being received to cover the monument cost of $7000. Post 294 is a 501-C3 group.
Dedication of the Monument and the improvements are scheduled for Memorial Day, May 28, 2018. Attendance will include District, State and National officials from the American Legion, City Officials led by Mayor Allen Owen, local Legion Members and others who may want to attend. This is the first step in honoring Veterans and active Military Personnel. The city has announced a major Veterans Memorial to be built on property near City Hall on Texas Parkway.
Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 10, 2018
NEWS
The Arc celebrates 50 years By REBECCA DEURLEIN As The Arc of Fort Bend celebrates 50 years of serving individuals with special needs and their families, it’s never been more apparent that the Fort Bend Community is one of a kind. From its inception to its current operations, The Arc was incorporated in 1968 and was developed through community support and effort, a self-sacrificing leadership team, and a passion for providing “quality of life” to every individual. Fort Bend County Commissioner James Patterson’s family was instrumental in getting the organization off the ground, perhaps because his interest was personal. Patterson and his wife, Mary Jo, had given birth to their son, Joe David, born with Down Syndrome, at a time when special education services did not exist within the public school system. After visiting with parents who had lost their own child and who recommended contacting The Arc, Patterson began attending support meetings that alternated between Smith Elementary School in LCISD and Lakeview Elementary School in FBISD. In his third year of attendance, he was asked to serve on The Arc Board of Direc-
tors, which partnered with Richmond State School to provide outreach to special needs families. While the partnership worked well, the parent support group saw the value and promise in The Arc and wanted to support its mission, so they set out to bring together a team to raise money for services and resources for special needs families. They needed a van to transport clients, so they planned an oyster eating contest - based solely on the fact that all of the oysters would be donated. That contest raised $15,000, twice what was needed to purchase a van and sparked a yearly event that gave The Arc prominence within the Fort Bend community. “On the second year of the Oyster Eating Contest, we added a few items auctioned off by a local TV personality. When that TV personality didn’t show in the third year, I was coerced into auctioning off the items, and the rest, as they say, is history,” said Patterson. Houston Oiler participation helped to draw crowds, and the event continued from 1976-1993, doubling profits each year for several years running. Since that time, the Oyster Eating Contest has evolved
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into the annual Golf Tournament, first held at Quail Valley, then Weston Lakes, and still held every June. As The Arc began providing services the list of those wanting to participate grew, as did the need for sustainable income. A western dance was planned and implemented where again, everything was donated by Board members and community leaders. The dance was such a hit that it outgrew its initial location at Regal Ranch, moved to the Fort Bend County Fairgrounds, then to Fluor and finally, to the George Ranch Arena. The western dance is now known as the “Best in the West”, one of the most popular and successful Fort Bend fundraisers held annually on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. It continues to bring in outstanding profits with very few costs, thanks to the generosity of area schools, businesses, and individuals who not only donate to the event, but also serve on committees volunteering their time to make the event happen. With fundraising resources, programs, and transportation intact, The Arc saw an increase in Fort Bend County population and in special needs families seeking services. It became obvious that the organization needed a building. One visit to the George Foundation netted the group enough money to begin scouting land and building options. They needed a 15,000 square foot building and a bank loan, which they secured through the generosity of Keith Bowles at Puffer Sweiven. Bowles provided his own
signature on the bank note that allowed The Arc to build its first building – thanks to Gene Reed and others who donated supplies and services to construct a building, located at Hwy 6 and Glenn Lakes Lane in Missouri City. From there, The Arc formed a partnership with the Richmond State School, now known as Texana to provide day activities for adults with special needs. Eventually in 2006, The Arc moved its administrative office to its current location on Brooks Street in Sugar Land. It was then that Laura LaVigne was hired as Executive Director, bringing with her years of special education teaching experience, along with experience as a school administrator. “I enjoy working with an organization that accomplishes its goals by building community support around helping others. I am amazed and so thankful for the hundreds of volunteers who give their time
and talent so that others will enjoy an improved quality of life,” said LaVigne. And those volunteers are absolutely necessary to the success of the organization. The Arc receives one small governmental grant that funds half of one program that they offer. Texas ranks 50th in the nation for funding community supports, so LaVigne is adamant about giving back to the local community that has made her organization what it is today. “We make our money in Fort Bend and spend our money in Fort Bend. Our budget goes entirely to improving the lives of people with disabilities.” Today, The Arc provides a variety of services including legislative, educational and client advocacy, recreational activities, Special Olympics, and housing for clients in group homes which are leased at below market value and
maintained entirely by the organization. Patterson explained, “We go out and buy houses in neighborhoods where you would want to live and maintain them better than your neighbors. This is because of Laura LaVigne - she insists on those standards. As she says, if you wouldn’t let your son or daughter live there, our clients won’t live there.” High standards, financial responsibility, and problemsolving are the tenets upon which The Arc formed, grew, and served over all these years. Growth continues as The Arc serves individuals with intellectual and related developmental disabilities( including autism), raises funds for services and homes, and sends the message throughout the Fort Bend community that all individuals are worthy of respect and a good quality of life.
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GUEST COMMENTARY Congressman Pete Olson highlights his accomplishments in 2017 Happy New Year! As we celebrate 2018, we also reflect upon the past year. Here are some highlights of my efforts to serve you in Washington. Rolling Back Burdensome Regulations – In the House, we acted to end over a dozen Obama-era rules using the Congressional Review Act. During his tenure, President Obama implemented a large number of regulations that were overreaching. We were able to repeal many burdensome rules and with President Trump’s support, ensure that they cannot be enacted again in the future. House Passes Olson Ozone Bill - In July, the House passed my common sense bill, H.R. 806, the Ozone Standards Implementation Act. This bill provides states with flexible tools they need to meet ozone and other air quality standards issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. This bill
Market From Page 1
farmers’ market on city owned property. Then it was council’s turn to speak and District 2 Council Member Amy Mitchell spoke first. “This was a community need and these vendors really do rely on it.” She then voiced her concern about parking, which Terrell assured there won’t be a problem. Then Mitchell said she was also a little concerned about vendors not being able to keep things at the market over night. “I think vendors rely on that.”
Plan From Page 1 and features that did not increase seat count or generate additional parking or traffic needs. The Smokestack had 56,450 square feet and with the proposed amendment adopted will have 90,000 or 33,550 more. The Wharf, had 59,330 square feet initially and now has 76,000 or 16,670 more. The Hotel Annex had 10,700 square feet and now has 30,000 or 19,300 more. The Cinema is proposed for a multi-theater of 10 movie screens with some commercial included. The Smokestack is adjacent to the main parking garage and is proposed for a mix of office, retail and restaurants. The Wharf is primarily designed to consist of retail/restaurant combinations and the Hotel Annex, directly adjacent to the Char House, will provide restaurant/conference/acces-
Olson has a Senate companion S. 263, which had a hearing and I hope the Senate will pass their version in 2018. House Action to Honor Fallen Pearland Police Officer The House unanimously passed my bill to name a post office after fallen Pearland police officer Endy Ekpanya. Every day, police officers like Officer Ekpanya selflessly and courageously
risk their lives to protect our communities. Dedicating this post office to him is a small gesture to thank him for his service to Pearland. I urge the Senate to act so we can see the Post Office become reality in 2018. President Trump Signs Olson/Shaheen Diabetes Bill Into Law - In November, President Trump signed the Olson/Shaheen National Diabetes Clinical Care Commission Act into law. Our bill establishes a Commission to develop and recommend solutions to streamline federal programs to improve care for folks with diabetes and related metabolic disorders. Millions of Americans are affected by diabetes and our bill will help ensure they enjoy a better quality of life. Securing Harvey Aid for Texas - My Texas colleagues and I continue to fight for necessary aid to help Texans affected by Hurricane Harvey.
Keri Schmidt, president and CEO of the FortBend County Chamber of Commerce, said, “They are used to taking things down. At this point they are just grateful to have the extension of the market.” Mitchell said she is “thrilled we will have the farmers’ market there,” and thanked all who worked to make it happen. Then District 4 Council Member Carol McCutcheon said she has been going to the farmers market from the first day it opened “so I know how much vendors rely on selling their products and how much the citizens just love coming there. I was just thrilled when I
found out the chamber was going to work on this solution.” At Large 2 Council Member Mary Joyce and District 2 CouncilMember Bridget Yeung, expressed their thanks for the outcome of the market. At-Large 1 Councilman Himesh Gandhi wrapped it up saying, “This came through the EDC and was unanimously supported. If the new location is ready sooner, there might be an opportunity to go sooner.” The vote to approve was seconded by McCutcheon and was unanimous. District 1 Councilman Steve Porter was not at the meeting.
sory uses. Murnane told council the revisions relate specifically to only four buildings – the Cinema, Smokestack, Wharf and Hotel Annex. He said the Cinema building captured the second level terraces and that the top roof level was 70 percent used and is now 100 percent used. The Cinema seat count of 483 decreased to allow for larger seats. “We have grander seats and fewer cars that need parking.” The Smokestack building, Murnane said, has three floors of office space and the Wharf is designed for retail and restaurant combinations. The Hotel Annex will also be three stories and used for conferences and breakout space. He said the original parking and traffic analysis used 349,000 square feet of retail and office, a 150 room hotel and a 504 seat cinema. “The result is we now have a better and more beneficial parking situation.” When Murnane finished his
presentation to council, Councilman Himesh Gandhi said, “I think the community is excited to see this project come through. When will we see some construction?” Murnane said the groundbreaking will be March 15. “This project has a million different pieces. The construction schedule we plan is 15 months in this year if the weather is perfect and nothing goes wrong. You have nine months of building during 2018 and six months to nine months in 2019.” Council Member Bridget Yeung said, “It has taken us a number of years but are finally beginning to move forward with this development. I think it will be absolutely fabulous.” At Large 2 Council Member Mary Joyce said, “It will be the hub of celebrating our history. You really do care about the history,” she told Murnane. Council voted 6-0 to approve the amendment to the planned development.
This includes funding for FEMA, flood insurance and Community Disaster Loans. I will continue to help every constituent in need of navigating federal disaster assistance and fight for the federal aid needed to make our state whole. I will continue to work with Governor Abbott, community leaders and my fellow Texans in Congress to secure the funding that we need. Any constituent in need of assistance should call my office at 281-485-4855 for help. Cutting Your Taxes - Last month, Congress kept our promise and delivered the first major overhaul of our nation’s tax code since 1986. With this reform, a typical family
Surf the redesigned missouricitytx.gov
As citizen engagement and community partnerships grow and evolve, the “Show Me City” continually strives to be a leader in municipal transparency and engagement. Across all citizen communications platforms, Missouri City is dedicated to sharing the most relevant, the most up-to-date and, in cases of emergency, the most lifesaving information with our engaged citizenry. As digital media continues to offer residents new and exciting ways to become involved with local government and their community, staff is constantly re-evaluating current citizen communications tools and is looking for ways to utilize innovative and on-trend media platforms. One example is the recent upgrade of the City’s main web presence, www. missouricitytx.gov. In November, Missouri City reached a milestone in citizen education and engagement with the relaunch of a revitalized City website. The redesign features streamlined pages, social media connections, branding for the City’s new Mission, Vision, Credo, and Code of Ideals; customized department homepages; a portal for a livestream of the MCTV channel and the ability to translate content into multiple languages that represent the City’s cultural diversity. “The journey that dedicated Missouri City staff members took to complete this
C H A N G E YO U R LIFE hccs.edu/change
INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 10, 2018 • Page 3 American Energy Security of four earning $73,000 will keep $2,059 more of their and Economic Growth – As hard-earned money. The part of our tax reform, we standard deduction goes up opened a limited section of to roughly double the current the non-wilderness area of rate from $6,500 to $12,000 the Arctic National Wildlife for individuals and $13,000 to Refuge for energy exploration. development $24,000 for married couples. Responsible It lowers taxes across the will raise tens of billions of board, creates more jobs, and dollars for deficit reduction in the decades to come, while simplifies the tax code. Repealing the Individual creating thousands of new Mandate - Included in our jobs, reducing our dependence tax reform bill is the repeal on foreign oil, and helping of Obamacare’s individual to keep energy affordable mandate. This intrusive for American families and mandate forced all Americans businesses. It was a busy year and to purchase healthcare, or face a tax penalty. Repealing this an honor to serve as your mandate puts you in charge of representative in Congress. I your health insurance - NOT look forward to another busy year working for the 22nd DC bureaucrats. District of Texas.
redesign and relaunch was challenging, and I am proud of the Communications team who dedicated months of exhaustive and meticulous research, design and development to produce this comprehensive new website,” City Manager Anthony J. Snipes said. “City Council has made it clear that transparency and strengthening the City’s brand and image were two of their main goals when I began my career as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer more than two years ago. I am proud that staff was able to collaborate with so many internal and external partners to create a website that addresses all of their specific, individual needs.” The overhaul of the City’s main online presence was a collaboration of residents, City Council, stakeholders, employees from all departments, the University of Houston Master of Public Administration program, who polled local businesses for the initiative, Creative Consumer Research, a market research firm that conducted an independent internal/external project survey and public input symposium, and CivicPlus, a nationally renowned company that provides integrated technology platforms and solutions for local, state and federal government agencies. According to CivicPlus officials, the company “is built on designing innovative solutions for local governments. We continually
invest in our products to strengthen and transform the way local governments work and communicate with their citizens and we are proud to partner with Missouri City to help it accomplish its citizen engagement goals.” Referring to their effective partnership with the City’s Communications Department, who managed the website redesign, CivicPlus officials also said, “we want to congratulate [the City] on the launch of [its] new website! Your hard work has paid off, and the Missouri City website is something of which your community should be very proud.” The site has improved functionality and improved navigation, with pages populated by features based on the requests of citizens, commercial partners, stakeholders and staff. As part of the relaunch, each City Council member has their own page with their biography, contact information and a geographic representation map, again ensuring the City continues its commitment to transparency. In alignment with business plans and strategic goals, some departments now have a personalized homepage giving staff the ability to customize their information based on their operations and the needs of citizens. Five departments also received a unique URL so that citizens may directly access See WEB, Page 5
Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 10, 2018
OPINION History of fake news in U.S. By JARRETT SREPMAN Fake news isn’t suddenly ruining America, but putting government in charge of deciding what news is fake will. In the wake of President Donald Trump’s victory in the 2016 election, numerous media outlets ran stories claiming that many websites had published false stories that helped Trump beat Hillary Clinton. Since then, left-leaning opinion writers have called for a solution to this alleged epidemic. The New York Times reported last January that Silicon Valley giants Facebook and Google will team up with legacy media outlets to fact-check stories and curtail the proliferation of “fake news.” However, intentionally misleading news has been around since before the invention of the printing press. In fact, our Founding Fathers grappled with this very issue when they created our system of government. They saw that while it was tempting to censor fake stories, ultimately, the truth was more likely to be abused by an all-powerful government arbiter than the filter of unimpeded popular debate. Attempts to weed out factually incorrect news reports can quickly morph into fact-checking and manipulating differences in opinion. Fortunately, there have been few serious calls in the United States for official censoring of political news or media, in contrast to most of the world, including Europe. Freedom of thought, freedom of the press, and even the freedom to be wrong make America great and exceptional. In addition to preserving liberty, our free-wheeling tradition gives the United States an edge in adapting to the increasingly decentralized media landscape that is a natural product of the Internet Age. Most importantly, it produces a more critically informed populace in the long term. The Founding Fathers were well aware of the power of the press, for good or ill. After all, many of them, such as Samuel Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Paine, were newspaper-
men and pamphleteers. The revolutionary ideas they disseminated throughout the colonies found eager readers, putting them high on King George III’s enemies list. Three years after the Constitution was ratified, the American people amended it by adding the Bill of Rights, which included the First Amendment and its protections of the media. However, the Founders understood that a free press was not an entirely unqualified blessing; some had reservations. Elbridge Gerry, who was present at the Constitutional Convention, lamented how con artists in his home state were manipulating the people. “The people do not [lack] virtue, but are the dupes of pretended patriots,” Gerry said at the convention. “In Massachusetts it had been fully confirmed by experience, that they are daily misled into the most baneful measures and opinions, by the false reports circulated by designing men, and which no one on the spot can refute.” The Founders saw that while it was tempting to censor fake stories, ultimately the truth was more likely to be abused by an all-powerful government arbiter than the filter of unimpeded popular debate. Franklin also warned about the power of the press, which the public must put so much trust in. In a short essay, Franklin explained how the press acted as the “court” of public opinion and wielded enormous unofficial power. For an institution with so much influence, Franklin noted that the bar for entry into journalism is remarkably low, with no requirement regarding “Ability, Integrity, Knowledge.” He said the liberty of the press can easily turn into the “liberty of affronting, calumniating, and defaming one another.” The Founders wrote constitutional protections for the press with open eyes, as their written remarks record. Yet, the evils that come through the occasional problems of a free press are heavily outweighed by its benefits.
Lies may proliferate, but the truth has a real chance to rise to the top. Thomas Jefferson said that the most effectual way for a people to be governed by “reason and truth” is to give freedom to the press. There was simply no other way. He wrote in a letter to Gerry: “I am … for freedom of the press, and against all violations of the Constitution to silence by force and not by reason the complaints or criticisms, just or unjust, of our citizens against the conduct of their agents.” Liars and scandal mongers may occasionally have success in a system without censorship, but truth was ultimately more likely to be found when passed through the people as a whole. Jefferson wrote: “It is so difficult to draw a clear line of separation between the abuse and the wholesome use of the press, that as yet we have found it better to trust the public judgment, rather than the magistrate, with the discrimination between truth and falsehood. And hitherto the public judgment has performed that office with wonderful correctness.” Despite full knowledge of the media’s often unscrupulous power over public opinion, the Founders chose to grant broad protections to a decentralized press, opting to place their faith in newspapers checking one another with more efficacy and less risk of bias than heavy-handed government crackdowns. When the Federalist Party passed the infamous Alien and Sedition Acts under President John Adams to clamp down on “false, scandalous and malicious writing” against the government in the midst of the “Quasi War” with France, there was an immense backlash. A few journalists were arrested, but the governing party was crushed in future elections and ceased to exist shortly thereafter. In the United States, press freedom would become an almost unquestioned element of American culture and policy. Things worked out differently across the Atlantic. In France, a popular uprising, stoked by a
rabid press, led to mob violence, tyranny, and oppressive censorship. Revolutionary scribblers initially brought an end to the Old Regime and the royal restrictions on speech, but freedom of the press didn’t last. After the monarchy was crushed, the revolutionaries censored the press even more ruthlessly than had the Bourbon kings. The radicals argued that press freedom was leading people astray and impeding their revolution. A Frenchman who was a keen observer of both systems explained why freedom of the press worked out so differently in these sister republics. Alexis de Tocqueville caught on to why liberty of the press worked so much better in the United States than in his home country. One system was almost entirely free from suggestions of government censorship and the other perpetually in danger of falling prey to the “instincts of the pettiest despots.” Americans understood, wrote Tocqueville in his book “Democracy in America, “:at creating a government body with the power to assess the truth in media would be far more dangerous than any system of press freedom.” As USA Today reported, in the days leading up to the French presidential election, the media were warned not to report on data leaks from candidate Emmanuel Macron’s campaign. The French election commission said that the leaks likely contained some fraudulent data, i.e. “fake news,” and any reporting on it or even passing it along on social media could lead to criminal charges. Jim Swift of The Weekly Standard pointed out the obvious: “This is censorship, plain and simple. In the Internet Age, reporters and citizens around the globe can share information—be it about the Macron hack or not— on Twitter, Facebook, or on their websites. The French press and citizenry? Repressed.” But The New York Times praised the reporting ban, and emphasized the benefits of the centralized French system over the more freewheeling ones in Britain and the United States. In a recent article, the Times noted: A similar scandal occurred in
the United States when WikiLeaks published thousands of emails from the Democratic National Committee that cast the Clinton campaign in a negative light. Yet, there was no censorship of the information; the American people would not have stood for it. Who has the better system? Since the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, France has gone through five republics, two empires, and four monarchies. Despite the bumptious nature of American politics and media, it would be foolish to bet on France’s fifth republic outlasting America’s first. However, in the mid-20th century, the American press became more centralized and the country opened its media sector to many of the same problems that had plagued European media. Some glamorize the era in which a few television companies and big newspapers became media gatekeepers, similar to the model that currently exists in France. This nostalgia for “more responsible” journalism ignores the fact that some of the most egregious fake news blunders were perpetrated by an unchecked centralized press. Perhaps the worst offense of all came from The New York Times. In 1932, Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, frustrated that he could not crush Ukrainian nationalism, ordered that grain quotas for Ukrainian fields be raised so high that the peasants working the fields would not be left with enough food to feed themselves. NKVD troops collected the grain and watched over the populace to prevent them from leaving to find nourishment elsewhere. As a result of these policies, as many as 7 million Ukrainians died of starvation in 1932 and 1933. But while Stalin was conducting an atrocity with few equals in human history, The New York Times was reporting on the regime’s triumphs of modernization. Walter Duranty, the Times Moscow bureau chief, won the 1932 Pulitzer Prize for Correspondence for his 1931 series of articles on the Soviet Union. Pulitzer in hand, he proceeded to perpetrate perhaps the worst incident of fake news in Ameri-
can media history at a time when Americans relied on the Times and a handful of other large media outlets to bring them news from around the world. These reports were highly influential in the United States and had enormous impact on U.S.Soviet relations. Historian Robert Conquest wrote in his book, “The Harvest of Sorrow: Soviet Collectivization and the Terror-Famine,” that due to the perceived credibility of The New York Times, the American people accepted the fraudulent accounts as true.” Though Duranty’s reporting was a lie, The New York Times never questioned its authenticity and dismissed charges that its reporter was cooking up false reports. Famed British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge wrote of this willful self-deception in his autobiography: If the New York Times went on all those years giving great prominence to Duranty’s messages, building him and them up when they were so evidently nonsensically untrue … this was not, we may be sure, because the Times was deceived. Rather it wanted to be so deceived, and Duranty provided the requisite deception material. In the more centralized national media landscape of the mid-20th century, a fraudulent story like that published in the Times was both more likely to be believed and less likely to be debunked. But America’s evolving media landscape is again moving toward decentralization. The First Amendment is one of the greatest of many gifts the Founding generation bequeathed us and has been a truly defining feature of American exceptionalism with few comparisons around the globe. Through all the angst over fake news, fraudulent journalists, and media hyperbole, the American republic will survive. In the end, fake news peddlers will only damage their own reputations and bring doubt on their reporting. Fortunately, our freedom isn’t dependent on the musings of the White House press corps. It hinges on the Constitution and the liberty it was created to protect. —The Daily Signal
INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 10, 2018 • Page 5
NEWS Sienna LID begins design of fourth pump station
DANCERS AT PEDIATRIC UNIT. Pediatric patients at Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital were visited by special guests from the BalletForte Dance Company during the holidays. The dancers, dressed in costume from their performance of The Nutcracker, brought smiles and cheer to patients and employees in the Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Pediatric IMU.
The Sienna Plantation Levee Improvement District (LID) has awarded a contract to LJA Engineering & Surveying for the design of a fourth pump station in the Fort Bend master-planned community. “This pump station is the first of several planned capital improvements projects to expand the system ahead of anticipated growth in the Sawmill Lake and future villages,” said Ken Beckman, district president. The new $7.3 million pump station will house six pumps, each with a capacity of 45,000 gallons per minute for a combined total of 270,000 gallons of water per minute. It will be placed in the
Libraries announce Family Reading Club
The popularity of Fort Bend County Libraries’ Summer Reading Clubs for children, teens, and adults inspired the library system to add a similar program for families during the winter season. The Family Reading Club will begin on Sunday, January 21, and will continue for six weeks through March 3, at all branches in the Fort Bend County library system.
This six-week program is designed to encourage families to read, learn, and have fun together. Families participate in the program by reading books and completing optional “challenges” that can be done at home. All Fort Bend County families are eligible to participate. “The best way to help children learn new words and to build a larger vocabulary is to
Talk on Social Security Andrew Hardwick, a Metropolitan Public Affairs Specialist for the Social Security Administration, will present a special program, “Social Security Disability Benefits,” on Monday, January 22, beginning at 6:30 pm, in Meeting Room 1 at Fort Bend County Libraries’ University Branch Library, located at 14010 University Blvd in Sugar Land, on the UH campus. Hardwick will provide an overview of disability benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, and the qualifications and application process for each. Learn about other Social Security programs that are available and how to qualify for them. Hardwick will also demonstrate how to access one’s Social Security record online and how to use other online services. Those attending this workshop may want to set up a “my Social Security” account online at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and print out a Social Security Statement before arriving at the class so that Hardwick may address any questions they have. Hardwick has worked in public affairs for the Social Security Administration since 2001, and has won numerous communication awards during that time. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a master’s degree in psychology. This presentation is free and open to the public. Anyone over the age of 18 is encouraged to attend. For more information, call the University Branch Library at 281-633-5100 or the library system’s Public Information Office at 281-633-4734.
Rosenberg Police Citizen’s Police Academy Class begins in February
The Rosenberg Police would like to invite all citizens of Fort Bend County to attend the 27th class of the annual Rosenberg Citizen’s Police Academy. The purpose of the Academy is to provide Rosenberg citizens with a better understanding of the daily operation of the Police Department through educational sessions about different aspects of law enforcement. Classes are scheduled to start on February 13th, 2018 and will be held every Tuesday evening from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for 14 weeks and will be concluded by graduation. During the course, participants will learn about and be exposed to many different areas of law enforcement. Participants will have the opportunity to: •Ride with an on-duty Patrol Officer •Witness how emergency calls are received and dispatched •Experience how Detectives investigate crimes •Observe how Crime Scene Technicians collect and analyze evidence •Participate in video simulation of “shoot or don’t shoot” scenarios •Tours of local and county law enforcement facilities Sign up now to join the
more than 450 graduates of the Rosenberg Citizens Police Academy. Complete the application at http://rosenbergtx.gov/citizenpolice-academy/ and submit it electronically or in person at the Rosenberg Police Department, 2120 4th Street, Rosenberg, Texas, 77471. You may also contact Sgt. M. Bradley at 832-309-1161 for details.
talk and read with them,” says Susan King, Coordinator of Youth Services for the library system. “Children hear more new words when you read books to them.” Families that complete the program by reading 36 books – 6 books per week – are eligible to receive a book bag for the family, and will have their name entered into a drawing for a $50 dining gift card, donated by the Friends of the Library. The drawing for the gift card will take place on March 5, and one winning family will be selected from each branch library. A single registration is required for each participating family.
An adult (parent or guardian) is asked to register the family online by going to the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us) and clicking on the “Family Reading Club” image, which will become available January 21. Families may also register at any of the libraries in the Fort Bend County library system. Upon registering, families will then have their own online page on which to record their books. There is no charge to join the Family Reading Club. The program is sponsored by Fort Bend County Libraries and the Friends of the Library organizations that support the county library system. For more information, call 281-633-4734.
FBISD to hold public hearing on Academic Performance Report Fort Bend ISD will conduct a public hearing regarding the annual Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) on Monday, January 22, 2018 at 6 p.m. The public hearing will take place at the Board Room of the FBISD Administration Building (16431 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479) during a regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Trustees. State law requires school districts to hold a public discussion about the District’s performance on the annual TAPR within 90 calendar days from the date the report was released. For more information about the TAPR from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), please visit the TEA’s website at https:// rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/perfreport/tapr/index.html. No. 17-CPR-031218 Notice of Appointment of Bradley K. Porlier Notice is hereby given that on the 8th day of January, 2018, Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of Marilyn R. Porlier, Deceased, were issued to Bradley K. Porlier, Independent Executor of the Estate of Marilyn R. Porlier, by Fort Bend County Court at Law No. One (1), being Cause No. 17-CPR-031218 pending upon the Docket of said Court. All persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time prescribed by law at the address of Bradley K. Porlier, Independent Executor, being as shown below: Bradley K. Porlier 66 Hessenford Street Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Dated this 8th day of January, 2018. Dermot Rigg, P.C. 2245 Texas Drive, Suite 300 Sugar Land, Texas 77479 281-242-7447 (phone)) 281-566-2505 (fax) Email: drigg15@windstream.net Attorney for Bradley K. Parlier, Independent Executor of the Estate of Marilyn R. Parlier, Deceased.
southwestern portion of the district approximately 3,000 feet northwest of the current south pump station. The station will complement the three pump stations already operational within the Sienna LID, doubling capacity in the southern levee system. Two stations currently serve the north area of the district, each station housing four pumps; combined, these two stations can pump out 286,400 gallons of water per minute. A third station, located in the southwestern portion of the district, has six pumps that can operate at 43,250 gallons per minute apiece or a total capacity of 259,500 gallons of water per minute.
Web From Page 3 their web pages; they are as follows: Police Department: www.missouricitypolice.org Fire & Rescue Services: www. missouricityfirerescue.org Economic Development: www.missouricityecodev.com Financial Services: www.mctxfinance.com Parks & Recreation: www.mctxparks.com In line with the website redesign, the City debuted its new citywide mobile application, “MCTX Mobile”, for smart phone, tablet and phablet devices. Residents may download this new app by searching for ‘MCTX mobile’ in the Apple app store or on Google Play. “We encourage citizens to download the app to receive website RSS feeds for upcoming events, emergency alerts, special projects and more,” Snipes said. The new MCTX Mobile app was finalized in partnership with Swagit Productions, LLC, whose contract was approved by City Council in May 2016 to be the City’s provider of HD broadcast and streaming equipment
Design of the new station is estimated to take seven months with construction expected to begin July 2018. The pump station should be operational by fall 2019. The 10,800-acre Sienna Plantation is celebrating 20 years of development. Sixteen builders have opened 21 models in Sienna Plantation, where homes are priced from the $250,000s. Learn more about Sienna Plantation at www.siennaplantation.com. To see how the levee system functioned during Hurricane Harvey visit https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=iD148UqqjE4.
and services solution for City public meetings. The partnership included an option for a mobile app (HD Peg Portal) that fully integrates with the City’s website and social media platforms and provides an outlet to give residents a consistent location to see media broadcasting around the clock as well as providing staff the ability to send push notifications, especially in case of special announcements and emergencies. “This collaboration with Missouri City to implement their Mobile App changes the way the City does their future business. Instead of residents having to come to a specific website to gather public information, Missouri City’s staff will be able to push electronic print, as well as timely video content, directly to its citizens,” said David Alex Owusu, Swagit’s VicePresident and Co-Founder. “The requirement would only be a 3G, 4G or 5G connection via a mobile device, and communication regarding local community events changes overnight. The current administration clearly believes in maximizing transparency.”
International Coffee Hour Start your week off by sharing a cup of coffee, exchanging news or a corny joke, and chatting with friends at George Memorial Library’s new “International Coffee Hour” – a monthly social hour celebrating the multitude of diverse cultures found in Fort Bend County. The library’s first International Coffee Hour will take place on Monday, Jan. 29, beginning at 9 a.m, in the Meeting Room of the library, at 1001 Golfview in Richmond. People of all nationalities are invited to come to this informal gathering to get to know one another, share cultural experiences, and learn something new and fascinating about each other in a casual and comfortable environment. The International Coffee Hour will take place on the last Monday of every month. Coffee is provided through the generous support of the Friends of George Memorial Library. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call George Memorial Library at 281-342-4455 or the library system’s Communications Office at 281-633-4734.
Page 6 • INDEPENDENT •JANUARY 10, 2018
Richmond woman gets six years in prison for setting fire to apartment complex
AUTOMOBILE: Toyota C-HR
By BARBARA FULENWIDER Stylish, athletic and filled with technology, the all-new 2018 Toyota C-HR – or, Coupe High-Rider – represents a leap forward for Toyota. The 2018 C-HR maintains an avant-garde physique; modern and comfortable cabin. It is available in grades XLE and XLE Premium and each is equipped with lots of standard features that include 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, bucket seats and 7-inch audio display. At the C-HR’s nose, are two slim projector-beam halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRL) and auto-on/off activation wrap deep into its toned shoulders. Because of this, the vehicle looks wider than it is, and has a fascia that’s uncommon in the segment. Deep, curvy character lines run below the slender windows, and continue above the rear wheel where they marry a high beltline and distinctive CPillar with hidden-type design door handles. Arches house 18-inch tall by 7-inch wide aluminum wheels and 225/50R-18 all-season PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Veranda, Section 9, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Harvest Green, Section 10, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
tires. The XLE Premium model includes color-matched front and rear passenger door handles with touch-sensor lock and unlock capability, integrated front fog lights, power side mirrors with turn signals, blind spot warning indicators, puddle lights and auto-fold. For a bigger dose of individuality, the C-HR can be outfitted in a special paint job that pairs body color with a white-painted roof, side mirrors, and A-pillar for a custom look. Available pairings include Blue Eclipse Metallic, Ruby Flare Pearl, and Radiant Green Mica. The 7-inch audio display is positioned centrally atop the dash to help reduce a driver’s eye movements. A bright 4.2inch color Multi-Information Display sits between the twin-ring cluster and shows odometer, SPORT and ECO modes, outside temperature, fuel economy and trip information, fuel economy history, G-force monitor, and more. The test drive was the C-HR XLE standard and has all-black appointments; premium leather-wrapped steering wheel; PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for the addition of stop signs on Clodine Road and removal of stop signs on Denver Miller Road, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Bonbrook Plantation South, Section 9, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. You are invited to attend and state your approval or objection on this matter. Submitted by Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
City of Missouri City LEGAL NOTICE Vicksburg Estates, Ltd. is now issuing an Invitation for Bids for the following: IFB #18-143 CONSTRUCTION OF STORM SEWERS, SANITARY SEWERS, AND WATER LINES TO SERVE LAKE SHORE HARBOUR SECTION EIGHT. Scope: Vicksburg Estates, Ltd., in accordance with the requirements of City of Missouri City Public Improvement District 2, will contract to construct the following: 1. Approximately 2,600 LF of water lines (size varies). 2. Approximately 1,600 LF of 24-inch R.C.P storm sewer 3. Approximately 3,800 LF of gravity sanitary sewer. The Project will be constructed per the design plans provided with the bid package at the pre-bid. The successful contractor shall provide labor, materials, equipment and transportation necessary to perform under this contract per specifications. There will be a non-mandatory pre-bid conference at 10:00 A.M. local time on Tuesday January 23, 2018 in the office of R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc. at 16340 Park Ten Place, Suite 350, Houston, Texas 77084. Bid responses will be accepted until 2:00 P.M. local time on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 and then opened. Bid packages are available at the pre-bid from the office of R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc., at 16340 Park Ten Place, Suite 350, Houston, Texas 77084. Plans, specifications and bidding documents IN ELECTRONIC FORM ONLY may be secured from the office of R. G. Miller Engineers, Inc for a non-refundable fee of Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00). Bids must be sealed, marked on the outside of the delivery envelope with the IFB name and number as listed above, and the date of opening. All proposals shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total price of the bid contained in the proposal, payable without recourse to Vicksburg Estates, Ltd., as a guarantee that bidder will enter into a contract and execute a Performance Bond and Payment Bond in an amount equal to 100% of the contract price, from a surety company holding a permit from the State of Texas to act as surety. The Bid Bond must be enclosed in the same envelope with the bid. Bids without Bid Bonds will not be considered. Bids must be delivered to the attention of the Sealed Bid Box, City of Missouri City Purchasing Office, 1522 Texas Parkway, Missouri City, Texas, 77489, prior to the acceptance deadline. Bids marked improperly and therefore misdirected may be disqualified. Bids are opened in public in the City Hall Council Chambers.
auto-dimming rearview mirror with backup camera; electric parking brake; dual-zone climate control; and sport fabrictrimmed front bucket seats with sport bolsters and six-way adjustability. The XLE Premium adds blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert; heated front seats; eight-way adjustable power lumbar driver’s seat; and smart key system with push button start. Both models are equipped with a six-speaker AM/FM/ HD Radio, Aha app, USB 2.0 port with iPod connectivity and control, AUX audio jack, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and voice recognition with voice training. For extra cargo carrying versatility, the rear 60/40 seat can split and fold flat, and can easily accommodate child seats. Everything in the trunk is concealed by a standard cargo cover. The newly developed MacPherson strut front suspension with SACHS dampers has angled strut bearings and a large diameter stabilizer bar. At the rear is an all-new double-wishbone style multilink rear suspension. Braking is handled by pairing11.7-inch front ventilated discs with 11.1-inch rear solid discs. The C-HR’s engine is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder dualoverhead cam that makes 144 horsepower at 6,100 rpm and 139 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm and gets 27 mpg in city driving and 31 on the highway. The Toyota C-HR comes standard with a a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking; lane departure alert with steering assist function; automatic high beams and radar cruise control. The system also includes 10 standard airbags, standard hillstart assist, rear backup camera, and an available blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, only available on the XLE Premium model. The small C-HR is a well packaged four-door vehicle that can seat four adults, has comfortable bucket seats up front and numerous amenities. The XLE retails for $22,500 and the XLE Premium has a MSRP of $24,350. The Toyota C-HR is a sporty number that provides fun driving and is a great size for city driving.
Judge Chad Bridges sentenced Sierra Renee Davis to 6 years in prison on January 4, 2018 for Arson. The 23-year-old Richmond woman pled guilty to setting fire to an apartment complex last November and asked the Court to determine her punishment. According to Assistant District Attorney Abdul Farukhi, the entire Richmond Fire Department, supported by units from the Rosenberg and Sugar Land Fire Departments, responded to an apartment complex fire at 2111 Thompson Highway around 5 am on August 23, 2016. The complex was occupied at the time and several families were asleep when the fire broke out. Richmond investigators determined the fire was intentionally set and started an arson investigation. Investigators learned from witnesses that the day before, Sierra Davis had previously tried to burn the apartments as well as a vehicle. Investigators interviewed Sierra Davis who confessed to setting four fires in the last two days. The defendant admitted to starting two fires in the apartment unit and two fires in a vehicle in the parking lot. The defendant said the apartment unit and vehicle belonged to her ex-boyfriend who had cheated. She stated her motivation was revenge; to make “him feel the pain I was feeling.” Faced with the prospect of a jury trial, Davis pled guilty to arson after a jury was empaneled. The defendant elected to have the trial court assess punishment without a recommendation from prosecutors. At the sentencing hearing, lead Richmond Fire Marshal Investigator Greg Mensik described how Davis told them she set the apartment on fire by breaking a window near the entry door and how she used that opening to ignite a curtain. The State presented evidence including the defendant’s confession and photographs of the damage to the vehicle, apartment, and burn injuries suffered by her
Davis ex-boyfriend. Another resident of the apartment complex testified that she and her four children were asleep in an apartment below at the time of the fire. She testified that the event traumatized her children who needed counseling and that her property was also damaged in the fire. She stated that Davis never apologized to her and never compensated her for her losses despite her being an innocent party. The owner of the apartment complex testified that the total loss incurred by the fire exceeded $100,000 and that the defendant has not paid anything to compensate him for the loss. Davis testified at the hearing, blaming the fire on her ex-boyfriend and the drugs and alcohol she was consuming at the time. She said that setting fires was out of character for her and that she was not in her right state of mind. During the prosecution’s cross-examination; however, the defendant acknowledged that she was sober at the time she set the first fire and had left her employment at a children’s daycare to set the fire on August 22, 2016. Davis then clarified that she was under the influence of “weed, Xanax, and alcohol” when she set the fire on August 23, 2016, and that after the fire, she prayed to God that he would understand why she did what she did. The defendant admitted to driving while intoxicated to her ex-boyfriend’s apartment and putting other motorists’ lives at risk. After setting the fire on August 23, 2016, and after
consuming drugs and alcohol, the defendant acknowledged she went to work at the daycare center where she was eventually apprehended by law enforcement. The State also questioned Davis about a pending harassment charge against a different ex-boyfriend in Harris County that arose after the arson while the defendant was on bond. The defendant denied those allegations. In their closing remarks, the defense blamed the exboyfriend for cheating on the defendant and the apartment complex for not having fire sprinklers or extinguishers which would have limited the damage caused by the fire. The State responded that Davis continued to blame everyone but herself for her choices and action. The repeated attempts to burn her ex-boyfriend’s property put not only his life at risk, but the lives of innocent families and first responders. The Court stated that while it acknowledged the mitigating factors in the defendant’s social history, it found that the defendant posed a risk to innocent third parties: other residents at the apartments, the fire fighters who risked their lives to stop the fire, and the general public who were at risk if another fire broke out elsewhere because so many resources were called to fight this fire. The trial court sentenced the defendant to serve six years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. “I understand that betrayal in relationships can give rise to strong emotions, but innocent people should not be put in harm’s way,” stated Abdul Farukhi, lead prosecutor for the State. “The loss of life in this case could have been catastrophic and the Court’s decision today helps protect the community and our first responders from further danger.” Davis was prosecuted in the 240th District Court. Arson in this case is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000. Davis was eligible to receive probation. Assistant District Attorneys Abdul Farukhi and Brandon Draper prosecuted the case.
Teeth-grinding theft at Sugar Land dental office
Sugar Land police are looking for a man who stole the identity of another man and opened lines of credit for expensive dental work. An office manager at Smile Texas said a man arrived for a consultation on Nov. 30 and used a false name to schedule dental work that included surgery and dentures totaling $45,000. During the consultation, he verified an approved loan through an online lending service for procedure. Molds were made and medical personnel were scheduled, but the man didn’t show up on the day of the surgery. While trying to reach the man by phone, another man called the dental office and informed the office staff that someone had
PUBLIC NOTICE OF TEST OF AUTOMATIC TABULATING EQUIPMENT AVISO PÚBLICO DE PROBAR EL EQUIPO TABULAR AUTOMATICAMENTE Notice is hereby given that the automatic tabulating equipment that will be used in the Primary Election to be held on March 6, 2018, will be tested on January 18, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. at the Fort Bend County Elections Department, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas to ascertain that it will accurately count the votes cast for all offices and on all measures. Por lo presente se da aviso que el equipo para tabular automáticamente que se usará en la elección primaria el 6 de Marzo del 2018 se probara el 18 de Enero del 2018 a las 9 a.m. en el Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend, 4520 Reading Road, Rosenberg Texas para determinar si el equipo contara con exactitud los votos para todos los puestos oficiales y sobre todos los medidas. /s/ John Oldham Fort Bend County Elections Administrator Administrador de Elecciones del Condado de Fort Bend
used his personal information to open fraudulent lines of credit. Smile Texas incurred costs of more than $9,800 for the initial consultation, molds, lab fees and payments to medical professional who arrived for the surgery. Smile Texas provided a photo of the suspect to detectives; it was taken prior to the scheduled surgery, a standard practice of the business.
The suspect is described as a black man in his 40s, about 6 feet 1 inch tall and weighing about 220 pounds. The suspect faces charges of fraudulent use of identifying information and tampering with a government document. Anyone with information should call the Sugar Land Police Department at (281) 275-2540 or Fort Bend County Crime Stoppers at (281) 342TIPS (8477).
Bollywood dance fitness demonstration at First Colony Branch Library
Would you like to become more active and just have fun? If you’re not sure where to start, Fort Bend County Libraries will have a fun, heart-pumping “Bollywood Dance Fitness” demonstration on Saturday, January 27, beginning at 11:00 a.m, in the Meeting Room at the First Colony Branch Library, 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Fitness instructor Cyndia Rodriquez will show how to incorporate the music and dance of India into your exercise routine with fun, easy-to-follow dance moves inspired by the lively and vibrant music of Bollywood. Those attending the class should wear comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water. The program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, however, and reservations are required. To register online at the library’s website (www.fortbend.lib.tx.us), click on “Events,” select “First Colony Branch Library,” and find the program. Participants may also register by calling the library at 281-238-2800, or by visiting the library.
INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 10, 2018 • Page 7
NEWS Houston Methodist Sugar Land offers support to cancer survivors
Spazmatics perform at the chamber chairman’s gala
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s annual CHAIRMAN’S GALA will be held on Friday, January 26, 2018 at Safari Texas Ranch. This year’s theme is Totally 80’s. The Gala gives members a chance to meet in a festive setting, putting aside business issues and simply enjoying one another’s company. This fabulous evening is presented by TDECU. The night will unfold with a complimentary cocktail reception starting at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner and brief awards. The celebration continues as guests enter a festive ballroom experiencing the ultimate party experience of The Spazmatics. Reserve your table now
to enjoy this retro evening! Sponsorship opportunities include WE LOVE THE 80’S Sponsor at $3,000, Neon Lights Sponsor at $2,000, or corporate table at $1,000. Individual reservations are available for $100. WE LOVE THE 80’s Sponsors include: CHI St. Luke’s Health - Sugar Land Hospital, City of Sugar Land, Consolidated Communications, Fluor Corporation, PrimeWay Federal Credit Union, Smart Financial Credit Union, and Sterling McCall Automotive Group. NEON LIGHT Sponsors include: Audi Sugar Land, Blue Sky Marketing, CenterPoint Energy, Classic Chevrolet, Fort Bend Lifestyles and Homes Magazine, Houston Methodist Sugar Land, John-
son Development Corporation, MD Anderson Cancer Center - Sugar Land, Memorial Hermann Sugar Land Hospital, Mercantil Commercebank, NALCO Champion, Pamela Printing Company, Rice & Gardner Consultants, Rich Products Corporation, Safari Texas Ranch, Sienna Plantation, Signarama, Sugar Lakes Family Practice, Welcome Wagon, Wharton County Junior College and Windstream Communications. Attire is evening 80’s and seating is limited. Register online at www. F o r t B e n d C h a m b e r. c o m or contact Sheridan Labbè for more information at 281.566.2152 or Sheridan@ fortbendcc.org
Saddle Up! It’s “Round Up for Autism” Luncheon
Pictured (L to R): Anne Marie Buckle, a young lady living with autism, Presenting Sponsors, John and Lisa Daugherty, Hope For Three Executive Director, Darla Farmer and Erin Buckle, encourage friends and neighbors to support unique and differently-able children. In the past decade, the prevHope For Three Autism Ranch. The event, presented Advocates encourages fami- by Daugherty Insurance, is an alence of Autism Spectrum lies, friends and supporters opportunity to hear first-hand Disorder has risen 289% and to Saddle Up! for the 7th An- from three Fathers and Honor- is more prevalent than AIDS, nual Awareness Luncheon, ary Chair, Judge Joel Clouser, cancer and diabetes combined. “Round Up for Autism,” on the challenges and rewards Because of this, the need to raise awareness and funds is February 8th at Safari Texas of living with autism. tremendous. Cowboys and cowgirls, in their western wear, are welcome to support local families with a scrumptious lunch and enjoy live music from Launch Academy Band. Line dancing and entertainment from Cookie Joe’s Dancin’ School are sure to have folks two-steppin’ to their tables. To join the H43 posse as a volunteer, table sponsor or underwriter, give a holler at 281245-0640 or, mosey on over to hopeforthree.org to learn more about this fun and informative shindig. Individual tickets also available.
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital now offers a wide range of support groups and programs designed to improve the physical, social, psychological and spiritual health of cancer survivors and caregivers. “With the tremendous strides made in cancer care, we are seeing more and more survivors live long and productive lives after their treatment ends,” said Amy Sebastian-Deutsch, director of oncology and infusion therapy services at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. “But these survivors, most over the age of 50, often require specialized services to overcome the physical and emotional impacts of their disease and treatment. There really was nothing comprehensive offered in Fort Bend, so we decided to augment our current supportive offerings by providing a range of services centered around art, music, exercise and massage.” The hospital’s program, developed with a generous grant from the George Foundation, includes three unique classes, held monthly and all free of charge: •Thriving Through Creative Arts — Offers survivors a chance to relax and express themselves through art — a proven approach to help cope with the aftermath of cancer and related treatments
•Life in Motion — A creative movement program designed to improve balance, coordination and agility and enhance social and emotional health •Music4Life — Is a unique music program offered in collaboration with the Houston Methodist Center for Performing Arts Medicine (CPAM) that can help improve cognitive, physical, psychological and social functioning. Music therapists use evidence-based music interventions to address the stress associated with a diagnosis of cancer and cancer treatment •Massage — This service will be provided on a limited basis for cancer survivors beginning in February 2018. The benefits of massage include alleviation of stress, pain and other side effects which may be experienced as a result of cancer and its treatments. Survivors should call Houston Methodist Wellness Services and mention the cancer survivor program provided through Houston Methodist Sugar Land at 713.441.5980 “These programs provide other benefits, too, because they allow survivors to meet and interact with others who have lived through the same experiences,” said SebastianDeutsch. “Having someone to talk with who understands what it’s like to fight and survive cancer is an important
part of the healing process. Having that camaraderie with others can be powerful.” For more information on the cancer survivorship programs, or to register, visit houstonmethodist.org/events and select Cancer under Health Topic in the life side bar or call 281.274.7500. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital also offers three other support groups for breast cancer patients and survivors, patients with an ostomy, and one focused on helping people cope with the grief of losing a loved one. More information on these support groups can be found on our spiritual care page at bit.ly/ supportgroups-sl. Houston Methodist Sugar Land is Fort Bend County’s only hospital with American College of Surgeons - Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation. Facilities achieve such accreditation after proving commitment to providing the best cancer care and complying with CoC standards. Hospitals that achieve accreditation provide a vast scope of high quality, specialized services — screenings, diagnostics, genetic testing, advanced technology, clinical trials and patient support. Visit the Facebook page at fb.com/methodistsugarland for the latest news, events and infor
Snow at Rosenberg Railroad Museum’s WinterFest
Grab your mittens and head out to the Rosenberg Railroad Museum on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 for a day of winter fun! The museum added this family friendly event to its Festival line up last year and it was a ARCTIC BLAST! The fundraising event will be held on the Rosenberg Railroad Museum grounds, 1921 Ave. F in Rosenberg, on Saturday, January 20th from 10 a.m to 5 p.. WinterFest will feature two snow play areas for the kids, a bounce house, winter-themed crafts and games, food trucks, as well as a Museum open house and much more! NGEN radio will be broadcasting live from the grounds with all proceeds from the event benefitting museum operations. According to Museum executive director, Ratha Liladrie, “There is something for everyone! It’s a great opportunity to learn about Texas railroading, get some great food from area food trucks, have fun with snow, and also see the Museum’s restored rail car, the Quebec, and Tower 17.” The fun starts at 10 a.m and goes on until 5pm. $8.00 Admission for everyone 2 yrs and older; Children under 2 are Free. More information and speed pass advance purchase tickets are available online at http://www.rosenbergrrmuseum.org/winter-fest/. If you would like to volunteer for the event, please contact event chair Brenda Cauthen at bcauthen1@gmail.com. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and education of railroading in Fort Bend County. During the event, check out the Museum’s outdoor “G” scale garden railroad depiction of the Richmond Rosenberg area with trains being run by the Houston Area “G” Gaugers (HAGG) (Photo courtesy Brenda Cauthen)
Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 10, 2018
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WANT TO QUIT SMOKING? Join us for Beat the Pack®, a free quit-smoking program developed by Pfizer Inc. and sponsored by Houston Methodist Cancer Center. This program consists of four sessions led by Houston Methodist facilitators and includes: • Tools and tips • A support group of smokers, like you, who want to quit • Help to create your quit plan
Who:
Any adult who is ready to quit smoking
When:
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Where:
Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Fwy. Main Pavilion Conference Room A Sugar Land, TX 77479
RSVP:
Visit houstonmethodist.org/events to register or call 281.274.7500.
Tuesday, Jan. 16 Tuesday, Jan. 23
Tuesday, Jan. 30 Tuesday, Feb. 5
Beat the Pack® is a registered trademark of Pfizer Inc.