VOL 10 No. 2
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FORT BEND FAIR. BALANCED. INFORMATIVE. P. O.BOX 623, SUGAR LAND, TX 77487-0623
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017
Official newspaper of Fort Bend County & Missouri City
Spaghetti Dinner 2017
Lynn Krauss, Carlos Perez, Jim Lockwood and Greg Kramer are getting “Ready for Spaghetti,” the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s 30th Annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser set for Friday, April 21. Join The Exchange Club of ter, Texana Center for Autistic can flags along the Fort Bend Sugar Land’s 30th Annual Spa- Children, Fort Bend Council on County Fair and Houston Rodeo ghetti Dinner on Friday, April Substance Abuse, Fort Bend Se- parade routes. •Service to Seniors provides 21, 2017 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at niors Meals on Wheels, Crime Fluor Corporation Cafeteria, 1 Stoppers, YMCA, DePelchin, a monthly birthday party for SeFluor Daniel Drive, Sugar Land. Literacy Council of Fort Bend, niors Meals on Wheels. •Youth of the Month recogLocal law enforcement The ESCAPE Family Resource agencies and fire departments Center and many others. These nizes FBISD students for outprepare a variety of spaghetti funds also supports our commu- standing performance. •One Nation Under God sauces, competing to win the nity service projects. •Santa’s Exchange distributes breakfast honors our veterans cook-off trophy. This family oriented dinner over 10,000 toys annually to and active military. Please help support the Fort features great raffle prizes, a live needy children. •The Light of Hope ceremo- Bend Community by purchasauction, silent auction and kid’s ny raises awareness for Child ing a dinner ticket for $25 for area with fun and games. adults, $5 for children or a raffle The funds raised allow The Abuse Prevention. •Back to School Bash pro- ticket for $100 which includes 2 Exchange Club of Sugar Land to continue supporting local vides backpacks, school sup- adult and 2 children’s spaghetti dinners. non-profits including Child plies and new shoes. For more information visit •Give a Kid a Flag to Wave Advocates of Fort Bend, Fort Bend County Women’s Cen- distributes over 30,000 Ameri- www.ecsl.org
County seeks to recover part of costs in administering “non-consent tows” By SESHADRI KUMAR Fort Bend County Commissioners Court is seeking legislation to enable the county to collect the administrative costs of towing stranded vehicles on a major thoroughfare such as I-10, U.S. 59 and the Grand Parkway in Fort Bend County. Commissioner Andy Meyers has proposed a resolution urging the Texas Legislature to allow the county to levy an administrative fee. If the county is allowed to recover part of its administrative costs on towing, it need not use the county property taxes to pay for this program as is being done now, according to Meyers. Also, the Houston-Galveston Area Council is planning to introduce a pilot “safe clear” program, where the law enforcement will authorize the tow, without the consent of the vehicle owner. It is called “ nonconsent” tow. If a vehicle is abandoned or is stalled on a roadway, obstructing traffic, law enforcement can authorize the vehicle to be towed out of the roadway to a nearby safe place. Under the proposed pilot program, the state and federal agencies will provide funds for the “safe clear” and a towing
company will be paid, say $60 for moving the vehicle away from traffic. Commissioner Meyers said Fort Bend County could take advantage of this program. Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy Nehls is not in favor of making changes to the existing “rotation” system where the sheriff’s dispatch authorizes a towing company to tow the vehicle. The sheriff is opposed to using any new software for the program or charging any fee. Authorization of a tow is integral to the existing dispatch service and the cost is minimal, Chief Deputy David Marcaurele told the commissioners court at a recent meeting. In order to charge a fee a new regulation has to be introduced and it will cost time and money, he said. “We do it the old fashioned way,” Marcaurele said. Marcaurele said the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s office handles about 6,000 “non-consent” tows annually. County Judge Bob Hebert found merit in the idea of the county acquiring the ability to levy a fee on non-consenting tow, so that the property tax funds now being used for these
towings could be freed up. He asked the County Auditor Ed Sturdivant to get with Commissioner Meyers’ staff and the sheriff’s staff to find out the actual administrative cost for the non-consent tows so that the amount can be specified in the resolution for the legislature. Even after the legislature approves the bill, the county still has the freedom to impose the fee or not and the sheriff’s input will be taken into account before implementing the program. In the case of a non-consent tow”, a sheriff’s official has to go to the site and authorize the tow and that costs money, though the actual towing cost is paid by the individual vehicle owner. The cost of administering the “Rotation Program” of managing the rotation of the towing companies, according to the Sheriff’s office, is about $26,000. The current statute provides that the county can levy a fee to administer the “Rotation Program” only, Meyers said. The cost of administering the entire “Non-Consent Tow Program,” which includes the “Rotation Program” as well as Deputies responding to calls regarding See TOW, Page 3
Missouri City hosts NFL Hall of Famers during Super Bowl Weekend
The 501©3 Missouri City Parks Foundation will host two fundraising events with the NFL Hall of Fame Players Association during Super Bowl LI weekend at the City Centre at Quail Valley, 2880 La Quinta Dr. The first event will be a pre-game tailgate party, and the second event is a Super Bowl watch party. Profits from the partnerships will be equally divided between the Missouri City Parks Foundation and a charity of the Association’s choice. PRE-GAME TAILGATE PARTY - SUNDAY, FEB. 5, 2:30-5:00 p.m. Mingle with HOF Players and NFL Legends while enjoying pre-game fun and games, assorted vendors for great food samplings, beverages, live music, and top off the day with a commemorative gift. ADULT TICKET: $75 Includes above and three (3) beverage tickets good for
soda, beer, or basic mixed drink CHILD TICKET: $25 - Includes above and two (2) beverage tickets good for soda PRIVATE WATCH PARTY - SUNDAY, FEB. 5, 5:00 p.m. - END OF GAME Enjoy an intimate setting where HOF Players and NFL Legends will be mingling and interacting with guests during the big game. Price is all-inclusive of food & drink, activities, and participation in the silent auction. INDIVIDUAL TICKETS: $150 SUITE PURCHASE: $5,000 - Lounge seating for up to ten (10) guests in a private watch area with a Hall of Fame Player acting as your arm chair quarterback. HALL OF FAME & NFL PLAYERS ATTENDING: • Hall of Famer Dave Wilcox (San Francisco 49ers) • Hall of Famer Paul Krause (Minnesota Vikings)
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Hall of Famer Elvin Bethea (Houston Oilers) • Hall of Famer Roger Wehrli (St. Louis Cardinals) • Hall of Famer Mel Renfro (Dallas Cowboys) • Hall of Famer Jan Stenerud (Kansas City Chiefs) • Hall of Famer Jack Youngblood (Los Angeles Rams) • Hall of Famer Curley Culp (Kansas City Chiefs/ Houston Oilers/Detroit Lions) • Thomas Henderson (Dallas Cowboys) • Mark Clayton (Miami Dolphins) • Rodney Hampton (New York Giants) • Everson Walls (Dallas Cowboys) • Curtis McGriff (New York Giants) Tickets may be purchased via this link: http://bit. ly/2hUc8Tm.
FBISD “met” standards: TEA report
By SESHADRI KUMAR The Texas Education Agency released on Friday its new A-F accountability rating of Texas schools. While overall Fort Bend ISD “met” all standards, and two elementary schools are reported to be “Needing Improvement,” the district itself did not earn any distinction. Among High Schools, Clements earned distinction in all seven categories, while Marshall High School received no
distinction. The campus “met” standards, but got Ds in Student Achievement, Student Progress, and Closing Performance Gaps and got an F in Post secondary Readiness. While Clements HS earned distinction in Academic Achievement in ELA/Reading, Academic Achievement in Mathematics, Academic Achievement in Science, Academic Achievement in Social Studies, Top 25 Percent Student Progress, Top 25 Percent
Closing Performance Gaps and in Postsecondary Readiness, Dulles HS missed one, did not earn distinction in Top 25 Percent Closing Performance Gaps. Elkins HS did not earn distinction in Academic Achievement in Science, Top 25 Percent Closing Performance Gaps, and Postsecondary Readiness.
See TEA, Page 5
Missouri City residents oppose new residential development
By BARBARA FULENWIDER Missouri City’s first council meeting of the new year was a little tumultuous when it came to agenda item 7.a. 1. Council members had to make a difficult decision that 112 people, 35 percent within 200 feet of a proposed new development, had protested. It was the rezoning of 95.31 acres adjacent to their neighborhoods. The naysayers felt the rezoning from suburban district (SD) to planned development district (PD) for a new neighborhood named Shipman’s Cove would bring more traffic, safety and flooding problems to Newpoint Estates, south of the site, and Creekmont, north and east of it.
Larry B. Briggs and Alfred L. Deaton own the acreage and were represented by Stan Winter, with Jones & Carter, Inc., which requested the zoning change for the owners. On Aug. 10, 2016, Winter talked to the Missouri City Planning & Zoning Commission about lot sizes, drainage, detention, open space and landscape buffer with the rest of the land used for street right of way. He said the planned development district is to have 20 percent of open space, a pedestrian trail/sidewalk and a minimum 1.5-acre recreation reserve. There will be some 280 lots with 60 foot widths. He said Ashton Woods, the primary builders of Shipman’s
Cove, plan to buy more land to build an additional entry street into the subdivision that would intersect with Hwy. 6. The street would be limited to right turn movements in and out and would limit cut-through traffic in Creekmont. Winter also told P&Z members that the Ashton Woods builder will stop access into Newpoint by building an emergency access only gate to allow emergency vehicles to have additional ingress and prevent cut through traffic or any migration from one neighborhood to the other. The builder’s representative also said his client will install a traffic signal at Watts Plantation See PROTEST, Page 4
Page 2 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 11, 2017
SPOTLIGHT/REAL ESTATE Fort Bend Education Foundation celebrates 25th anniversary of support to teachers and schools
Making math meaningful— Colony Bend Elementary
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This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Fort Bend Education Foundation. For more than two decades, the Foundation has served as a powerful catalyst for extraordinary academic achievement. Since its inception in 1992, the Foundation has provided educators with opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all students in Fort Bend ISD through its Grants to Teachers and Schools programs, professional development grants, corporate pass-thru programs and grants to assist new teachers who are beginning their educational careers by outfitting their classrooms. Thanks to generous corporate and individual donors, the Fort Bend Education Foundation has awarded more than $32 million to FBISD teachers and schools over the years. The Foundation receives hundreds of grant applications each year from educators representing every school in FBISD. The Foundation’s Board of Directors completes an extensive review of each proposal to ensure that strict criteria are met. “We have received really amazing grant proposals over the years that inspire and equip students for successful futures,” said Jim Brown, FBEF President. “The Foundation has funded literacy and math programs at the elementary level, agricultural and science projects at the middle school level, and fashion design and technical education projects for high schools. The list goes on and on.” In 1992, the Foundation funded $42,137 in grants compared to last year when the Foundation funded $477,000 in grants. Three districtwide programs recently funded by the FBEF include a Programming and Robotics Club in partnership with Schlumberger on 45 FBISD campuses; a Mobile Digital Film School, which teaches students advanced film-making techniques with a film showcase during the Annual FBISD Film Fest in the spring, and “Robots for Homebound Education,” which enables home and hospital bound students to virtually attend class. These programs are just a few of the thousands of grants that have been funded by the
Fort Bend Education Foundation. The number of grants funded each year is limited only by the amount of money raised by the Foundation. “The demands on school districts today are enormous, and budgets can’t always keep pace with the individual requests of classroom teachers who want to make education come alive for their students,” said Brenna Cosby, Executive Director. “Delivering this exceptional level of learning is neither easy nor inexpensive.” “Each grant is the result of the generosity of our local community – including businesses, corporations and individuals – who support the Foundation. As we begin our 25th year of service, we are asking the community to be a part of enriching Fort Bend Future by donating to our 25th anniversary campaign. We touch every school in Fort Bend ISD.” For more information or to donate today online, visit the FBEF at www.fortbendisd. com/foundation
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281-499-1126 Q: How do repair facilities match the paint? A: Your vehicle has a paint code, which specifically identifies the color of your car. Matching is not a problem if your vehicle is precisely the color specified by the paint code. In actual vehicle production, there is a variability within many paint codes, frequently from paint lot to paint lot, or between factories. If your vehicle isn't exactly the color specified by the factory, the first step in matching is called tinting, varying the relative amounts of the components in the formula. Sometimes, a perfect match can’t be attained by tinting alone. The last little bit of variance is made invisible is made invisible to the human eye by blending, which is painting portions of the vehicle adjacent to the repaired areas so the color changes unnoticeable. This can make the difference between a very good match and a completely invisible repair. Matching paint requires a high level of skill and sometimes a great deal of patience. Be sure you select a repair facility that will take the time to produce a match in the perfect range and will not be satisfied with merely good results.
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INDEPENDENT •JANUARY 11, 2017 • Page 3
NEWS Bridget Yeung seeks re-election Sugar Land Councilman Harish Jajoo to seek another term to Sugar Land City Council Bridget Yeung has announced that she is seeking re-election to Sugar Land City Council in the May, 2017, General Election. Yeung is currently serving her third term on City Council representing District 2. She is a 30-year resident of Sugar Land and a well-known business professional, long recognized for her dedication to community service. Yeung is a Principal with Fort Bend Financial, having over 29 years experience in the ďŹ nancial services industry. She is the founder of the project to restore the historic Sugar Land Auditorium. Additionally, she is a founding member and continues to serve on the board of the Sugar Land Cultural Arts Foundation. In 2012, she was the recipient of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land’s Gold Deeds Award for “service to
Yeung her community.� During this Council year, Yeung serves on the Economic Development Committee, the Finance/Audit Committee, the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, TIRZ 3 Board of Directors, the Sugar Land Development Corporation, and the President of the City of Sugar Land 4B Corpo-
ration. She was appointed by the Mayor to lead the Smart Financial Centre Task Force and serves on the Festival Site Naming Task Force. Yeung states, “Serving on the City Council has been a true pleasure and great learning experience. I believe you can have the greatest impact on the lives of residents at the local level. I am happy to report that Sugar Land and Fort Bend County continue to thrive and have the best to offer in excellent schools, beautiful parks, low crime, and a vibrant economy. Sound planning and leadership are critical to safeguard what we have accomplished and to continue to improve for the future.� For more information about Bridget Yeung and her bid for re-election to Sugar Land City Council, visit www.bridgetyeungforcc.com.
Amy Mitchell announces re-election bid Amy Mitchell has announced she is seeking reelection to Sugar Land City Council in the May 6, 2017 General Election. Mitchell invites the community to join her at her campaign kicko on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 from 5:30 to 7:30 at Ruggles Green, 15903 City Walk, Sugar Land, Texas 77479. Mitchell is currently serving her third term on City Council representing District 3. She is a 23 year resident of Sugar Land and a well-known and well-respected attorney known for her dedication to community service. During her tenure on City Council, Mitchell served on several City of Sugar Land committees including: Finance, Intergovernmental Relations, Compensation and Economic Development. She also served as President of the Sugar Land Development Corporation and Chair of TIRZ 3. On these committees, she helped develop and implement Sugar Land’s City ďŹ nancial policy, ensured appropriate compensation for public safety employees and helped to ensure the Texas Instruments and the Performing Arts Center buildings met Sugar Land’s high standards. Mitchell’s goal has been to protect Sugar Land citizens and was a strong proponent of providing local EMS services to Sugar Land residents. During her tenure on City Council, Constellation Field, Texas Instruments, Minute Maid,
Tow From Page 1 keeping track of the tows, etc. is a dierent issue. County Auditor Ed Sturdivant estimates that this cost the county $235,000 annually. Current statute does not allow the county to levy a fee to cover the administrative costs for the “Non-consent Tow Programâ€?. “We were seeking legislation to allow us to cover some of those costs (a $25 fee on 6,000 non-consent tows that we were considering equals $150,000; a fee of $39 would cover the $235,000 cost of the program). “With the Sheri’s vigorous opposition to levying a fee or using a software program to administer the towing program, including calculating and billing the Admin. Fee, it will be hard to pursue the legislation. I’ve got too much on my legislative plate now to spend time trying to overcome the opposition of another county elected oďŹƒcial over getting legislation to levy a user fee to oset some of our property taxes,â€? Meyers said.
Mitchell the Festival Site, the Sugar Land Fire Station 7 opened, the Sugar Land EMS program began, numerous medical facilities were built and/ or expanded including Memorial Hermann Sugar Land and Methodist Hospital, and she helped transform the University of Houston’s Sugar Land site into second major campus. Mitchell represents residents of District 3 at numerous oďŹƒcial city functions, including the grand openings of Sugar Land Fire Station 7 and Constellation Field, the ground breaking for the Ace Performing Arts Center and Memorial Hermann Sugar Land, and numerous regional chamber and infrastructure events. Mitchell was also honored to participate in a wide range of community events outside her scope as a Councilwoman including emceeing the Annual Dragon Boat Races and the Aga Khan Partnership Walk and Golf Tournaments. As a community leader, Mitchell remains active with a number of community organizations including the Sugar Land Exchange Club (past President and Board Member), Sugar Land Citizens Police Academy, Sugar Land Citizens Fire Academy, Sugar Land 101, and Sugar Land Rotary. Ms. Mitchell is an active member of both the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce and the Central Fort Bend Chamber Alliance and serves on the Advisory Board of Memorial Hermann Sugar Land. Mitchell remains a strong advocate for the many educational institutions in Fort Bend. Ms. Mitchell played a
key role as a vocal advocate for keeping Colony Bend Elementary School open. Mitchell regularly volunteers her time to local schools, from making career day presentations at First Colony Middle School, to being an awards presenter at Clements High School, to teaching mediation and litigation skills at the University of Houston Law Center. Prior to serving on City Council, Mitchell founded Mitchell and Du, LLC, one of the ďŹ rst female owned law ďŹ rms in Fort Bend County. Mitchell has been practicing law for over 30 years and is recognized by judges and lawyers resulting in her being awarded the highest ranking for ethical standards and legal work. She was appointed by the State Bar of Texas to serve on the 5A Grievance Committee of the State Bar to oversee the conduct of lawyers in Fort Bend and surrounding areas to uphold the highest ethical standards in the legal profession. She was also honored by her peers on the Grievance committee when they elected Mitchell to the maximum term of service for a member of the committee. Mitchell states, “Serving on the City Council has been an honor and privilege. My experience and respect for this community has enabled me to work tirelessly on behalf of Sugar Land and District 3. Each decision I am asked to make on behalf of District 3 and the city are weighed heavily and I do my best to make decisions that are the most beneďŹ cial for the city to continue as one of America’s best places to live now and in the future. I constantly strive to understand the challenges and policies at hand, stay informed and be prepared to react and respond to issues in my district.â€? Mitchell is married to Gordon Berkstresser. She has one son, William Loose-Mitchell and two step-children, Tyler and Hunter Berkstresser.
Cause No. 16-CPR-029758 Notice of Appointment of Mitchell Alan Maples Notice is hereby given that on the 9th day of January, 2017, Letters Testamentary upon the Estate of Joy Maples Ellis, Deceased, were issued to Mitchell Alan Maples, Independent Executor of the Estate of Joy Maples Ellis, Deceased, by the County Court at Law Number Four (4) of Fort Bend County, Texas, in Cause No. 16-CPR029758, 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 the said Mitchell Alan Maples, Independent Executor, as shown below: Mitchell Alan Maples 3011 Silent Spring Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Dated this 9th day of January, 2017. Dermot Rigg, P.C. 13333 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100 Sugar Land, Texas 77478 281-242-7447 (phone)) 281-494-0101 (fax) Email:drigg15@windstream.net
Sugar Land Councilman Harish Jajoo last week announced his plans to seek reelection to a fourth term in District 4, pledging to remain an independent voice for the city’s residents. Jajoo, a licensed professional engineer and small business owner, gained prominence on council by working to lower property taxes, restrain spending, and improve public services. “I have lived in Sugar Land for 32 years. It is where I raised my family, built my life, and came to admire its people and to value their friendship,â€? Jajoo said. “As a member of City Council, I have always worked to be a clear voice for conservative principles and ďŹ scal responsibility.â€? First elected to council in 2011, Jajoo has spearheaded eorts to promote planned growth, upgrade public safety services, develop new parks and bike paths, rehabilitated streets and sidewalks all while holding down taxes. He was among members who worked to raise the city’s homestead
Jajoo exemption tax rate from 7 to 10 percent, saving homeowners thousands of dollars. He has been most proud of completion of the City’s world class performance venue -Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land as well as Festival Grounds and Brazos Park- all in District 4 “My single goal for Sugar Land has been to see that progress and tradition receive equal attention as we build our city together,� Jajoo said. “Our community’s values are my values, and as Texans we all know that family and
community come ďŹ rst in our lives. That has been my guiding principle on council.â€? While on council, Jajoo was elected President of the Texas Association of Mayors, Council Members and Commissioners (TAMCC). He also serves on the board of the Texas Municipal League and was past president of the League’s Region 14. On City Council, Jajoo serves on the Fiscal and Audit Committee, the Integrated Water Resource Planning Task Force, Sugar Land 4B Corporation, Sugar Land Development Corporation, and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 4. He has previously served on the City’s Economic Development Committee, Intergovernmental Relations Committee and Compensation Committee. He was also a member of Transportation Policy Council under the Houston-Galveston Area Council for 5 years. Jajoo and his wife Shashi have two sons, Sid and Rishi. The Jajoos reside in Sugar Land’s Commonwealth subdivision neighborhood.
Sugar Land to address 2016 accomplishments, vision for the future
Sugar Land will partner with the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce to present a State of the City Address focusing on the City’s 2016 accomplishments. This is the ninth year that the City has presented an annual summary of activities to citizens. The community is invited to attend the program to be held Jan. 19 at the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, 18111 Lexington Blvd. A breakfast buet will be served from 7-8 a.m., and a dynamic presentation of 2016 Sugar Land achievements will follow from Mayor Joe Zimmerman and City Manager Allen Bogard. Some of these include the following: *Substantial completion of the plaza and the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land occurred in 2016. The Smart Financial Centre will be capable of hosting a wide range of performances, including national music and comedy artists, theatrical and family entertainment, as well as cultural and performing arts attractions. The project is expected to spur additional commercial and retail growth that will further establish Sugar Land as one of the strongest economies in the region. No general fund tax dollars were spent on the plaza or the Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land, which is projected to provide an annual beneďŹ t to the community of $26.1 million over 30 years. *The City purchased the 259-acre Central Unit prison site. The prop-
erty is largely north of U.S. Highway 90A and west of the Sugar Land Regional Airport. The City intends to use the land for three purposes: a light industrial business park, a public safety training center and improvements to the Sugar Land Regional Airport, including a point of entry on the western side. The development of a light industrial business park is important for the creation and retention of primary jobs in the ďŹ elds of manufacturing, research and development and corporate operations. Nearly half of the funds for the acquisition will be provided through a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. *Sugar Land annexed the 754acre Cullinan Park after signing historic agreements with the Cullinan Park Conservancy, the city of Houston and the Houston Parks Board. Future development of the property has long been targeted by the community and is consistent with the conservancy’s eorts to preserve the vast natural resources of the park. The City now operates and maintains the park, which includes enhanced security; trail cleanup; lawn maintenance; and new lighting systems, signage and entry gates. Future planned improvements include trails and boardwalks that allow greater access to existing lakes and wetlands areas, as well as locations for canoe and kayak launches into Oyster Creek. *Sugar Land approved a plan for the redevelopment of the historical Imperial Sugar reďŹ nery site.
Known as the Imperial Market, the 850,000-square-foot, mixeduse lifestyle center will be the centerpiece of a new 720-acre master planned community known as Imperial. Imperial Market will be comprised of 258,000 square feet of upscale retail and restaurant space, 100,000 square feet of “Aâ€? quality oďŹƒce space, a luxury residential complex and a highend boutique hotel. In addition, the Houston Children’s Museum has chosen Imperial Market as the new home of the Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center. The Sugar Land Heritage Foundation will also locate at the site and is partnering with the City to construct a museum documenting all aspects of Sugar Land’s heritage. Priorities during 2017 will include the annexation of Greatwood and New Territory on Dec. 12, 2017; a focus on tourism and commercial sources to reduce property taxes, an eort that funds a high level of services for taxpayers while maintaining one of the state’s lowest property tax rates; preservation and celebration of Sugar Land’s history, such as efforts to create a museum that will include a diversity of exhibits documenting the contributions of all members of the community; and continued work to update Sugar Land’s Land Use Plan, a document that guides development within the City. Register for the State of the City Address at www.fortbendchamber.com.
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Page 4 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 11, 2017
OPINION Lost Luggage By MICHAEL GRANTO A regrettable fact of modern airline travel is that airlines sometimes lose your luggage. This can have consequences you might not think of, depending on where it happens. As Area Manager, Asia/ Pacific, I had to travel to Singapore in addition to several other destinations this trip. I had flown Pan-American Airlines, and arrived in Singapore at 4:00 a.m. local time to find they had lost my luggage. I called Pan-Am in New York City. Since it was 13 hours later there, I had no trouble getting through to a manager named Craig. After I explained what happened he was very accommodating, allowing that I could purchase a few necessary items at Pan-Am’s expense, but that I should “try not to hurt him too badly.” About a day later, the Assistant Manager came to my room. When he arrived, he brought my luggage, and a good-sized fruit basket, compliments of the hotel. He apologized repeatedly for my luggage being delayed, and wished that the rest of my stay went well. About a month later, my job led me to South Korea, and once again, I flew Pan-Am. Once again, Pan-Am lost my luggage. How lucky can one guy get? I was in for a major reality check this time. In Korea, I
Protest From Page 1
and Hwy. 6 and that the plan will improve existing drainage. Five opponents of the rezoning change spoke at the P&Z meeting prior to the Sept. 6 first council meeting on the subject and five other opponents told council at their first meeting of the new year that they too wanted no rezoning on the nearby undeveloped 95 acres. Charles Irving, representative of the Newpoint Estates Association, said there were a total of 34 changes in the ordinance between Nov. 19 first reading and now at the second reading and wanted reasons for the changes. Mayor Allen Owen replied that he couldn’t say anything about the changes “because the item got tagged at the last meeting and once an item is tagged we cannot talk about it.” Council Member Yolanda Ford replied to Owen saying she tagged it “but that didn’t mean council couldn’t vote on it. They just couldn’t discuss it any more at that meeting.” Then the city attorney, E. Joyce Iyamu, explained the changes and why they were made. All are on Missouri City’s website and were basically corrections rather than substantive changes. Then Jeff Beicker went to the podium to tell council that his land was to the west of the proposed development and that the developer had told council the 95 acres would drain west into Beicker’s property. “I’ve never had any contact with the developer nor have I given any permission to the developer to use my land for drainage. It amounts to illegally taking my property. “I have a substantial property that is not allowed to be used for whatever drainage the city decides on. If this goes forward I’ve already contacted the Army Corps of Engineers. We’ll be looking to put a nature conservancy on it and have it designated wetlands. That will affect the drainage for all of Missouri City that’s in this area. “If you want to go there, then let’s go there. It’s not really fair to line the pockets of developers so you can line the city’s pock-
Granto found that I could not buy underwear or even socks at what my Korean friends said was Seoul’s largest department store. I felt quite embarrassed; at the time, I was what you might kindly call “plus sized.” When I got back to my hotel, I washed my undies and socks in the bathtub, and hung them on lamps in the room. Then I called Craig at PanAm. I told him I was stark naked, in a hotel room in Seoul, with my undies drying on the light fixtures. I reminded him I had called him from Singapore the previous month. There was silence on the other end of the phone. Then he said, “My God.” I said, “Craig, this time it will cost you.” Four days later, I got a message that my luggage was at the airport. My Korean counterparts told me we’d have to go to airport security to claim it. I asked, “Why security?” I was told, “Sometimes North Korean spy lose luggage on purpose, try to sneak bombs into Seoul.” ets with tax money by destroying the value of my property. It’s just wrong. “Y’all voted the right way the first time (it was on council’s agenda) and when you didn’t get your way you changed the rules. That’s what five-yearolds and authoritarians do and it’s just not right.” He was applauded long and loudly as he walked back to his seat. Then Mary Ross, who also had spoken to P&Z members told council she found it “very offensive that a developer could come in and destroy a neighborhood. Your constituents came to you four times and we just had it (concerns) swept out of the way.” She then asked all from Creekmont to stand and “see your city council member is Floyd Emery and Don Smith. I want you (city council) to see the people you are putting the screws to.” Robin Nalley said flooding and traffic are the protesters’ issues and they aren’t new. “We’ve discussed these issues with city council for the best part of the year. Please just do the right thing. Find some common ground with our community so we don’t feel like we have been completely run over in all this. At the end of the day I hope you will consider all of us out here and how this will impact us.” Joe DeLeon was the last to speak and he said, “We turn in protest letters and they get ignored. Now we are faced with a second and final reading. How it’s done appears unfair and disingenuous. We’ve protested safety concerns, traffic congestion and flooding until we are blue in the face. “They plan to put in a 20 ½-acre detention pond and I don’t know what else this builder has promised to convince you to approve rezoning. Don’t let the builder convince you otherwise regarding flooding. Don’t put the cart before the horse. “We are not opposed to development and growth of the city. Please be more accountable transparent and honest with the citizens. High density development could cause problems down the road. Vote against rezoning.”
Rule of Law and Texas Elections
By LAURA PRESSLEY, Ph.D. Our right to vote is sacred. Over the last 150 years, Americans have passionately driven, and collaborated with, those in political and legislative power to guarantee the right to vote to all Americans: •1870: Non-white men and freed slaves •1920: Women •1924: All Native Americans •1943: Chinese immigrants •1971: Adults aged 18 through 21 •1986: Military living on US bases, abroad, or aboard ship The expectation of accurately counting our votes is front and center. In this current political climate, Americans are very aware of the risks of computerized voting-especially those that lack paper backup records. Legal cases around the country, such as Dr. Laura Pressley’s 2014 election contest in Austin, Texas have come about because of the lack of mandated election back up records to validate (Granto is a United States computerized results. Marine Corps veteran of Vietnam, awarded the Purple The Ruling from the Austin Heart. For over 24 years, he Third Court of Appeals worked for the University of The virtues of Pressley’s Miami Medical Campus Secu- election contest case are rity Department, and retired grounded in truth, evidence, in 2014. He moved to Mis- and the rule of law. Yet, on souri City, with his wife to be December 23, 2016, the Auscloser to her daughter.) tin based Third Court of Appeals did not rule in Pressley’s favor. They ruled the Texas SecWith no one else signed up to retary of State (SoS) may inspeak, there was a motion and struct counties to ignore laws a second to approve the ordi- in the Texas Election Code nance. related to backup records for Councilman Emery pro- electronic voting and recounts posed an amendment to the (pp. 19-20). This legal preceordinance to eliminate the 911 dence is very concerning for gate that only emergency vehi- Texas. cles could use and use the space Moreover, the Austin Court designated for the gate as green •Denied ruling on the Texas space and keep the same fence line that will border Ashley Woods and Newpoint. He said his reasoning for it “is to control access from other sources over Sean Burnett a 17-year resito Darby Lane in the event of an dent of Sugar Land and busiemergency.” ness owner has officially anAssistant City Manger Scott nounced his intent to run for Elmer suggested the motion inthe City of Sugar Land Counclude putting pavers in the green cil Member District 4 in the space in order to support the May 6, 2017 Election. weight of emergency vehicles. “I believe our city is among He explained that “should there the greatest in the country and ever be a need to use that green I want to do my part to ensure space for emergency purposes, Sugar Land is prepared for it would be passable.” inevitable growth while imAfter Elmer’s amendment proving safety, attracting high was passed, At Large Councilquality jobs, supporting local man Jerry Wyatt said, “When businesses, communicating we annexed Newpoint Estates with our exceptional school into the city it was classified R1. district, leverage technology Creekmont, south of Hwy. 6 beto improve traffic congestion, came R1. It’s no different than and balancing our expandthe zoning request before us. ing tax base. We owe it to all All the drainage of what I’d call generations to chart a strateCreekmont South was done by gic course in accordance with this city.” Sugar Land’s governing docuPrior to the vote Owen told ments, and I want our District the large assembly of protest4 to have a leading voice in ers in the chambers that “it’s governing this City,” said not an easy decision to make Burnett either way.” With that said the Burnett is running based vote was taken to approve the on his passionate desire to new zoning and it passed 5-2 bring multi-generational ideas with council members Ford and to city leadership. The canChris Preston voting against it. didate’s platform is themed, Council waited to go to its “Sugar Land: A City for the next agenda item until numerAges - all Ages” and touts a ous disgruntled residents of proactive strategy to protect Creekmont left the chamber. They could not accompany me past a yellow line on the floor. A taller-than-I-am (where does HE get socks?) Korean security guard with an Uzi on his chest held them back. When I got inside the luggage room, there were two guards, both with Uzis on their chests, one of whom asked me, “Why have you lost your luggage?” He then pointed to what looked like the terminal moraines of lost luggage, and said, “Find your luggage!” I did that, and waited until they took it apart. They found a primitive email device I was testing. It looked like a laptop. Both of them alerted: “Why do you have a computer?” At this point, I figured they were looking at me as a North Korean spy. I eventually explained the presence of the hateful device to the satisfaction of the men with Uzis on their chests, and was permitted to leave. The taller one tried to hide a smile as I left.
Constitutional requirement to number Texas ballots used in elections (See ruling, last sentence on p. 20). •Upheld that election irregularities and illegal behavior documented in Pressley’s case with audit logs, corruption errors, missing mobile ballot boxes, unconstitutional cast vote records, witness affidavits, blocking of poll watchers, computer science expert declarations, instructions to election judges to not print mandated full zero and results tapes, statistical mathematical patterns, more ballots than voters, missing security seals, waivers to law by SoS, etc. were not a scintilla of evidence to call into question her election results. •Upheld the more than $120,000 in financial sanctions to team Pressley for exercising the right to petition in court. The outcome, of the Pressley case, could have been a positive and balanced one. This case offered an opportunity for the Austin Third Court to influence Travis County to improve their processes, to follow all election laws, address their recurrent tabulation corruption errors and security breeches, secure all memory cards, improve transparency, adhere to the Texas Constitution, and retain all mandated paper backup records. Yet, that is not what occurred. The truth of Texas elections have been undeniably uncloaked. Unfortunately, not a word was written by the Austin appeals court encouraging better procedures or validating that each irregularity committed by Travis County Elections office opens the door to local election fraud. Honest admission of the issues would have ensured election integrity all over Texas.
Implications to Texas Elections and Next Steps The legal precedent set by the Austin appeals court endangers election integrity in Texas and the ability for voters and candidates to challenge questionable results. Also, checks and balances mandated by Texas election laws must be obeyed by counties regardless of convenience. Dr. Pressley simply states, “Laws are not negotiable. The expectation for the strict adherence to the rule of law in Texas elections will not be silenced.” Pressley’s team is considering appealing to the Texas Supreme Court. In addition, the 2017 Legislative Session will be full of election integrity bills to secure the purity of our Texas vote. More to come on those efforts.
Dr. Laura Pressley has cracked the code of electronic voting corruption in Texas and has filed an historic election contest with evidence of how county election corruption occurs. She has given over 100 presentations in the last year all over Texas on the technical details of how electronic voting machines are not adhering to state laws and what we are going to do about it this 2017 .
Sean Burnett announces run for Sugar Land City Council District 4
Burnett resident interests while preparing Sugar Land to welcome future generations and attract high- quality national employers. Burnett’s complete platform is included here: www. electseanburnett.com. Sean and his wife, Nancy, moved to Sugar Land in early 1999. Since arriving, Burnett has run businesses, volunteered, participated and worshipped alongside fellow Sugar Land residents as the city grew rapidly over the last two decades. The Burnetts have one daughter who is a freshman at Trinity University in
San Antonio. The family has been an active member of the First Colony Church of Christ since 1998. Burnett is currently serving as Vice Chair of the City of Sugar Land’s Planning & Zoning commission. In addition, he has served, and continues to serve, in numerous other volunteer capacities over the last 18 years. Burnett currently works as Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Training at Covia Health - an innovative healthcare service firm based in Houston which is focused on detecting and preventing late-stage breast cancer. Prior to Covia Health, he also served in senior leadership positions at recognized Sugar Land-based businesses such as Freed Advertising and Outback Steakhouse. Burnett earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising in 1995 from the University of Texas at Austin. He also graduated from Rice University in 2006 with a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
Highway 36A Coalition with Commissioner Andy Meyers The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Infrastructure Division will host Highway 36A Coalition with Commissioner Andy Meyers on Thursday, February 2, 2017 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce. This event is sponsored by Costello. Andy Meyers was elected Fort Bend County Precinct 3 Commissioner in 1996 and reelected in 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Commissioner Meyers holds BS and MBA Degrees from Louisiana State University, is a licensed CPA
Meyers and Real Estate Broker and held Securities Dealers licenses. He worked over 25 years as a financial executive for major corpo-
rations in the oil & gas and real estate development businesses before seeking elected office. Commissioner Meyers is focused on efficient and effective use of taxpayers’ dollars. He proposed Fort Bend’s first Mobility Committee in December, 1999, which led to the county’s first ever Mobility Bond Program in 2000 and its recreation in 2004, leading to the County’s second Mobility Bond Program in 2007. Commissioner Meyers was selected “Best Elected Official” in Fort Bend County four times.
The Infrastructure Division of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is under the leadership of Chairman, Vern Hegwood, Costello, Inc. The mission of the Infrastructure Division is to educate and advocate for transportation, infrastructure and development issues throughout the region. We acknowledge that a strong infrastructure is a prerequisite for cities and communities to thrive. Thoroughly monthly meetings and conferences, the division strive to educate and advocated for Infrastructure impacting the county.
News Varicose and spider vein seminar Varicose veins can be unsightly and may cause discomfort or pain. In some cases, they can even lead to serious health problems. Understanding more about varicose veins can help you decide how to better deal with them. Ulises Baltazar, M.D., board-certified vascular surgeon with Houston Methodist Cardiovascular Surgery Associates, answers some commonly asked questions. Q: What are varicose veins? A: They are enlarged veins that may be blue, red or fleshcolored and occur most often in the legs. They may appear twisted and bulging and may be raised above the surface of the skin. Q: What causes them? A: Varicose veins may be caused by weak, damaged, deformed or missing valves in the veins. Your leg muscles push blood back to the heart against gravity. Normally, valves in your veins keep your blood flowing forward to return it to your heart. But if the valves aren’t working properly, blood can leak back into the veins and pool there. When backed-up blood makes the veins bigger, they can become varicose.
Dr. Ulises Baltazar Q: How common are they? A: Varicose veins affect half of the 50 years and older population. They are more common among older people, people who are overweight or obese, those who sit or stand for long periods and women. Q: When should I see a health care provider about varicose veins? A: You should seek treatment if varicose veins cause pain or aching; a vein is red, swollen, very tender or warm to the touch; the skin on your calf and ankle becomes thick and changes color, or has sores; a varicose vein begins to bleed; or your symptoms interfere with your daily activities. Q: How are varicose veins treated?
A: Varicose veins are treated in the following ways: •Self-care— Getting regular exercise that uses the legs; eating a low-salt, high-fiber diet; maintaining a healthy weight; and elevating your legs when resting may help ease pain and keep varicose veins from getting worse. •Compression stockings— Over-the-counter or prescription-strength compression stockings squeeze your legs, helping blood move more efficiently. •Sclerotherapy— A doctor injects a solution into the veins that scars and closes them. In a few weeks, the veins should fade away, but additional treatments may be required. This procedure may be used for small or mediumsize varicose veins. •Laser treatment— Very strong bursts of light are sent through the skin to the veins, making them slowly fade and disappear. This is usually only effective for small veins. •Catheter-assisted procedures— A doctor threads a tiny tube called a catheter into a vein, then uses either radiofrequency or laser energy (heat) at the tip of the catheter to close off and seal the vein
as the catheter is removed. This treatment is effective for large varicose veins. •Ambulatory phlebectomy— This is another surgical procedure that involves removing veins through small incisions, but only the parts of the leg that will be pricked are numbed with anesthesia. •Vein stripping— A long vein is surgically removed through small incisions; general anesthesia is often required. This procedure is usually reserved for very large veins. You don’t have to live with the discomfort and embarrassment of varicose veins. For an appointment with Ulises Baltazar, M.D. call 281.240.8400. VEIN SEMINAR Join Dr. Ulises Baltazar on Thursday, Jan. 26 at 6 p.m. for a vein seminar at Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital’s Brazos Pavilion Conference Center. He will be speaking about the causes, symptoms, risk factors, treatments and prevention of varicose and spider veins. Registration required. Register online at events.houstonmethodist.org/sl-veinseminar or call 281.274.7500.
Fort Bend County Fair Association bags awards
Front row Left to Right (kneeling) – Neil O. Yelderman, Vickie Todd Autry, Sean Gutierrez, Tim Jakubik and Margaret Kunz; Standing Left to right Cecil Willis, Jackie Snader, Elizabeth Duff Drozd, Russell Gibson, Erin Gorka, Roy Mercer, James Duke, Marjie Pollard, Bill Autry, Jennifer Williams, Bobby Poncik, Cindy Schmidt, Chase Raska, Louis Katz and Brian Graeber. The Fort Bend County Fair Association received top honors for their marketing and communication efforts. The awards were announced during the Ray Cammack Shows - Award of Excellence for Marketing & Communication competition for superior efforts in event marketing and management at the Texas As-
sociation of Fairs and Events (TAFE) convention and trade show on January 7th. The Fort Bend County Fair competed with other large market fairs and events with attendance ranging from 100,000 to 250,000. The fair received 12 awards for their hard work, including three 1st place honors. Many of the
board members attended the convention including 2017 Fort Bend County Fair President Ernest Lawson. “Being honored for our hard-work and recognized by our peers, it is humbling. So many fairs do a great job for the youth and their communities, so to be acknowledged among these talented associations it
TEA From Page 1
the ratings in this report are for informational purposes to meet a legislative requirement. No inferences about district or campus performance in the 2015–16 school year should be drawn from these ratings, and these ratings should not be considered predictors of future district or campus performance ratings. Campus and district ratings for 2017–18 will use different data and different indicators than were used for this report. The Texas Education Agency released preliminary ratings in a newly-created and still-developing A-F accountability system that is set to take effect in August of 2018. House Bill 2804, passed by the 84th Texas Legislature, changes the current accountability system from a four index system to a five domain system, with each campus and the District receiving six A-F letter grades: one grade in five domains and an overall grade. In anticipation of the public release of the preliminary report, FBISD Superintendent
Dr. Charles Dupre reiterated the District’s commitment to continuous improvement despite how the state chooses to measure and report student performance. “I regret that our state legislature has chosen to implement an A-F rating system that does not accurately represent the teaching and learning that occurs each day, nor recognizes the growth our students achieve toward reaching their full potential due to the work of our outstanding, dedicated teachers,” said Dupre. “Neither the current or future state accountability system will cause us to change our focus on meeting the needs of each unique student in FBISD. We know it is incumbent upon us to inspire and equip our students for futures beyond what they can imagine, and our mission is not changing.”
Similarly, Hightower HS did not earn distinction in three areas, Academic Achievement in ELA/Reading, Top 25 Percent Closing Performance Gaps and Post secondary Readiness. Kempner HS did not make it in Academic Achievement in ELA/Reading, Academic Achievement in Social Studies and Top 25 Percent Student Progress. Willowridge achieved distinction only in Academic Achievement in Social Studies and Travis earned distinction in Academic Achievement in Science. Bush HS earned distinction in Academic Achievement in Mathematics and Top 25 Percent Closing Performance Gaps. Briargate and Ridgemont elementary campuses have been rated as “Need Improvement.” In a disclaimer TEA says
(The ratings report can be found on the TEA website under the title 2016 Accountability Reports.)
is quite an achievement,” said Lawson. This is the third year in a row that the Fort Bend County Fair is awarded for their Specialty Video, E-Newsletter, Color Ads, and Sponsorship program. The Specialty Video has over 50,000 views and is the fair’s version of Carpool Karaoke featuring 2016 headliner, Johnny Lee, and then President, Neil O. Yelderman. Fort Bend County Fair Association honors include: First Place Honors: Best Premium Book Best Specialty Video Best Overall Sponsorship Program Second Place Honors: Best Newspaper Ad Best Photography Series Best E-Newsletter Best Shirt Design Best Pin, Badge or Button Third Place Honors: NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 400TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 20th day of December, 2016, by the Clerk thereof, in the case of CITY OF HOUSTON, ET AL VS. BRENDA J. HEMPHILL, ET AL in Cause# 15-DCV226021 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 7th day of February, 2017, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 2150010090600907 LOT 6 IN BLOCK 9 OF BRIARGATE, SECTION I, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 6, PAGE 15 OF THE FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING THE SAME PROPERTY INDENTIFIED ON THE PAINTIFF’S 2004 THROUGH 2014 TAX ROLLS AS ACCOUNT NO. 1938011200006. Levied on the 7th day of January,2017 as the property of BRENDA J. HEMPHILL W. TIMOTHY WEAVER AKA WILLIAM TIMOTHY WEAVER BRIARGATE COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION, A TEXAS to satisfy a judgment amounting to $14,783.60, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, FORT BEND COUNTY, FORT BEND DRAINAGE DISTRICT, AND FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND AND CITY OF HOUSTON. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 6th day of January, 2017. Mike Beard CONSTABLE, Pct. 1 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS By John Morales Deputy #1114
INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 11, 2017 • Page 5
January is National Mentoring Month Parents and community members who have a desire to help equip and inspire students to be successful, in school and in life, are invited to join Fort Bend ISD’s Mentor Team. Volunteer mentors devote 30-45 minutes a week to students at all levels to help them reach their full potential. The following FBISD schools are currently in need of adult mentors – Hunters Glen, Lantern Lane, Mission Glen, Mission West and Palmer Elementary Schools; Baines, Crockett and Hodges Bend Middle Schools; and Ridge Point High School. Adults interested in serving as an FBISD mentor are invited to attend a one-time training on Wednesday, January 11, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., in the FBISD Administration Building Board Room (16431 Lexington Blvd., Sugar Land, 77479). If you want to make a positive influence in a child’s life, then consider joining FBISD’s Mentor Team. All mentors are required to complete a criminal history background application before volunteering on a campus. For more information, call (281) 634-1109.
Fort Bend ISD to host District Spelling Bee on February 4 Fort Bend ISD will host its District Spelling Bee on Saturday, February 4, from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m. at Fort Settlement Middle School Cafetorium (5440 Elkins Road, Sugar Land, TX 77479). FBISD school winners in grades 3-8 will compete at the District Spelling Bee, and two champions will advance to the Houston PBS Spelling Bee, which will be Saturday, April 1, 2017.
Best Other Merchandise Best Online Advertising Best Program – color Best Color Ad The TAFE Ray Cammack Shows Marketing & Communication Awards program recognizes excellence in marketing campaigns used to promote fairs, festivals and events. The Fort Bend County Fair continues to bring awareness to their fair and striving to make their fair a place for all residents. “We are always looking for ways to get all our residents interested and involved in our Fair, no matter where they live, where they are from or what their background is… we want to be a Fair that everyone can attend and participate,” shares Lawson. “We will put every effort into our marketing and community outreach to make this happen.” Hats off to the Fort Bend County Fair! Be sure to mark your calendar for this year’s fair running from September 29 to October 8, 2017. NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 240TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 20th day of December, 2016, by the Clerk thereof, in the case of CITY OF ROSENBERG VS. NINFA BENTANCUR, ET AL in Cause# 15-DCV-223383 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 7th day of February, 2017, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 2: GEO: 7835000070051901 LOT FIVE (5), BLOCK SEVEN (7), CITY OF ROSENBERG, LOCATED IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN CLERKS FILE NUMBER 9304742 OF THE REAL PROPERTY RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. (ACCOUNT NUMBER 7835-00-007-0051-901 AND 7835-00007-0050-901) TRACT 1: GEO: 7835000070050901 65 PERCENT OF LOT 5 IN BLOCK 7 OF ROSENBERG, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF IN VOLUME 213, PAGE 442 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 6th day of January,2017 as the property of NINFA BENTANCUR, TEXAS TAX SOLUTION, LLC to satisfy a judgment amounting to $3,763.36, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of CITY OF ROSENBERG ,FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND; FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY LATERAL FLOOD ROAD CONTROL AND FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT AND FORT BEND COUNTY LATERAL FLOOD ROAD CONTROL. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 6th day of January, 2017. Mike Beard CONSTABLE, Pct. 1 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS By John Morales Deputy #1114
WANT TO ADVERTISE? Call Russ at 281-948-6034 Or email Russ@ fbindependent. com
NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 240TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 20th day of December, 2016, by the Clerk thereof, in the case of CITY OF ROSENBERG vs. MARCO ANTONIO ROSALES, ET AL in Cause# 15-DCV220352 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 7th day of February, 2017, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 7835000090031901 LOT 3, IN BLOCK 9, OF CITY OF ROSENBERG, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME ‘P’, PAGE 146, OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; SAVE AND EXCEPT THE EAST 50 FEET, DESCRIBED IN A DEED RECORDED IN VOLUME 505, PAGE 728 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 7th day of January,2017 as the property MARCO ANTONIO ROSALES, 4807 TULIP TRAIL LANE, RICHMOND, TX 77469; FELICITA M. ROSALES, 807 TULIP TRAIL LANE, RICHMOND, TX 77469; PALISADES COLLECTION, LLC, IN REM ONLY BY SERVING ITS REGISTERED AGENT: CORPORATION SERVICE CO, DBA CSCLA WYERS, 211 E. 7TH STREET, SUITE 620, AUSTIN, TX 78701 to satisfy a judgment amounting to $2,282.21, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of CITY OF ROSENBERG CONSOLIDATED INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT, WEST FORT BEND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT, FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT, WEST FORT BEND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND; FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT AND WEST FORT BEND MANAGEMENT DISTRICT. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 7th day of January, 2017. Mike Beard CONSTABLE, Pct. 1 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS By John Morales Deputy #1114
INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 11, 2017 • Page 6
AUTOMOBILE: Mitsubishi Outlander NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 268TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 15th day of December, 2016, by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND COUNTY vs. BRENDA M. GARZA, AKA BRENDA, MIREY A MARTINEZ, ET AL in Cause# 16-DCV-230097 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 7th day of February, 2017, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: Rl0352 A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 1.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, OUT OF LOT 13 OF TURKEY CREEK SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 53, PAGE 233 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AS TRACT 1 IN EXHIBIT A ATTACHED TO A DEED FROM ECTOR CAVAZOS, ET UX TO BRENDA M. GARZA, ET VIR DATED SEPTEMBER 29, 2006 AND RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE N0.2006122995 IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF REAL PROPERTY OF HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING THE SAME PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS TRACT 1 AND IDENTIFIED ON THE PLAINTIFF’S TAX ROLLS AS ACCOUNT NO. 0327-08-001-5600-903. TRACT 2: GEO: R12002 A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 1.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, OUT OF LOT 13 OF TURKEY CREEK SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 53, PAGE 233 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS AS TRACT 2 IN EXHIBIT A ATTACHED TO A DEED FROM JOHN DISOTELL, ET UX TO DAVID L. CARSON, ET UX DATED DECEMBER 11, 1981 AND RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 81089703 OF THE DEED RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING THE SAME PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS TRACT 2 AND IDENTIFIED ON THE PLAINTIFF’S TAX ROLLS AS ACCOUNT NO. 0327-04-0000020-903. Levied on the 7th day of January, 2017 as the property of BRENDA M. GARZA AKA BRENDA MIREYA MARTINEZ MARCO A. GARZA to satisfy a judgment amounting to $4,038.01 , representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by Jaw in favor of BRAZOS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT, FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT #8. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 7th day of January, 2017. Mike Beard CONSTABLE, Pct. 1 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS By John Morales Deputy #1114
City of Missouri City ORDINANCE NO. O-17-01 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS, ADOPTING AND ENACTING A NEW CODE FOR THE CITY OF MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS; PROVIDING FOR THE MANNER OF AMENDING SUCH CODE; PROVIDING FOR SAVINGS; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL; PROVIDING A PENALTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. I, Maria Jackson, City Secretary of the City of Missouri City, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the caption of said Ordinance No. O-17-01 approved on second and final reading by the City Council at its regular meeting held on January 3, 2017, as the same appears in the records of my office. /s/ Maria Jackson City Secretary PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for Arcola Farms Partial Replat No. 1, Precinct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Reza Samani with Advance Surveying, Inc. at samanireza@hotmail.com for information prior to the hearing. Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for replat: Sienna Village of Destrehan Section 6 Amending Plat No. 1, Pct 1. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Geoff Freeman with LJA Engineering at Gfreeman@ljaengineering. com for information prior to the hearing.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for Aliana, Section 55 being a partial replat of Reserve “A” Westmoor Drive and Reserves, Precinct 4. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Rene Rodriguez with LJA Engineering at RRodriguez@ljaengineering.com for information prior to the hearing. Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 for replat: Mason Road Self Storage, Precinct 3. The hearing will be held in the Commissioners Courtroom at 401 Jackson Street, Second Floor, Richmond, Texas. Under state law, you the owner, have certain rights with respect to the proposed replat. Should you wish to exercise your right, you may be heard at the planned public hearing. You may contact Chris Rhodes with CivilSurv Land Surveying, LC at chris@ civil-surv.net for information prior to the hearing.
By BARBARA FULENWIDER The Mitsubishi Outlander comes with a choice of two engines and new options on 2017 models. They include a new all-wheel control drive system, blind spot warning with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alert, electronic parking brake switch, a forward collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection, automatic high beam headlights and a multi-view camera system. The Mitsubishi Outlander also has an updated, newly designed black center floor console with 12-volt power outlet in the console’s cargo area, a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel, courtesy floor lights, washer fluid low level warning lamp and a shark fin antenna. The two engines available to buyers are a 2.4-liter, 16-valve, inline four cylinder with single overhead cam and NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 240TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 29th day of November, 2016 by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND COUNTY, ET AL vs. COURTNEY SCHUETZE, AKA COURTNEY ELIZABETH SCHUETZE, ET AL in Cause# 15-DCV227989 a and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 7th day of February, 2017, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 2278420030190914 LOT 19 IN BLOCK 3 OF CINCO RANCH SOUTHWEST, SECTION 42, A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20100049, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY,TEXAS. Levied on the 3rd day of January, 2017 COURTNEY SCHUETZE, AKA COURTNEY ELIZABETH SCHUETZE CINCO RANCH RESIDENTIAL ASSOCIATION II, INC. to satisfy a judgment amounting to $19,218.32, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of CINCO SOUTHWEST MUNICIPAL UTILITY DISTRICT# 3 FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT, FORT BEND COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT #4, KATY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT #4 AND KATY INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 3RD day of JANUARY, 2017. Wayne Thompson Pct. 3 Constable Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Pedro Soto Deputy #1336
The nature of the demands of said PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is as follows to-wit: LOT FOURTEEN (14), IN BLOCK ONE (1 ), OF OYSTER CREEK PLACE AT LAKE OLYMPIA, SECTION THREE (3), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR “PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN SLIDE NO. 996 B, OF THE PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. WELLS FARGO BANK, NA IS SEEKING THE COURT QUANTIFY THE AMOUNT CHARGEABLE TO THE PROPERTY WITH RESPECT TO THE LOAN (INCLUDING PRINCIPAL, PREJUDGMENT INTEREST, REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES AND EXPENSES, ADVANCES, COSTS AND POST-JUDGMENT INTEREST) AND GRANT FORECLOSURE UPON THE LIEN SECURING SUCH AMOUNT AS PLAINTIFF’S SOLE REMEDY FOR DEFENDANTS’ BREACH OF CONTRACT. If this Citation is not served , it shall be returned unserved. Issued under my hand and seal of said Court, at Richmond, Texas on this the 22nd day of December, 2016.
NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 400TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 28th day of December,2016, by the Clerk thereof, in the case of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT VS. LATONIA L. GUMS, ET AL in Cause # 13DCV-205458 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 7th day of February, 2017, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 5860010020260907 LOT TWENTY-SIX (26), IN BLOCK (2) OF QUAIL GLEN, SECTION ONE (1), A SUBDIVISION IN FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN VOLUME 21, PAGE 16 OF THE MAP RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. Levied on the 3rd day of January, 2017 as the property of LATONIA L. GUMS AKA LATONIA LYNN GUMS- PORTER, BANK OF AMERICA, NA to satisfy a judgment amounting to $12,391.90, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of FORT BEND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CITY OF HOUSTON; FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND; FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT AND FORT BEND COUNTY LATERAL ROAD AND FLOOD CONTROL. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 3RD day of JANUARY, 2017.
DISTRICT CLERK ANNIE REBECCA ELLIOTT Fort Bend County, Texas By Deputy District Vanessa Vasquez Fort Bend County,Texas Telephone: (281) 341-3754
Wayne Thompson Pct. 3 Constable Fort Bend County, Texas BY: Pedro Soto Deputy #1336
Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
Submitted by, Laura Richard Fort Bend County Clerk
THE STATE OF TEXAS CITATION BY PUBLICATION TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF GALEN W. SOUTHWICK AKA GALEN SOUTHWICK, NO KNOWN ADDRESS NOTICE: You have been sued. You may employ an attorney. If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10:00 a.m. on Monday next following the expiration of forty-two days from the date of issuance of this citation, same being February 06, 2017 a default judgment may be taken against you. Said answer may be filed by mailing same to: District Clerk’s Office, 301 Jackson, Richmond, Texas 77469, or by bringing it to the office. Our street address is 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond TX 77469. We are located on the first floor of the Justice Center building. The case is presently pending before the 268TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT of Fort Bend County sitting in Richmond, Texas, and was filed on November 01 , 2016. It bears cause number 16-DCV-236713 and is styled: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. vs. Galen W. Southwick NKJA Galen Southwick, Deceased; Sylvia M. Southwick NKJA Sylvia Southwick; Fairpoint Ventures, LLC; Mahendra Pandula The name and address of the attorney for PLAINTIFF OR PETITIONER is: ELIZABETH HAYES · ‘ BUCKLEY MADOLE PC PO BOX 9013 ADDISON TX 75001 214-550-4154
a 3.0-liter, 24-valve V6 also with single overhead cam. The 2.4-liter engine makes 166 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and the 3.0-liter makes 224 horsepower at 6,250 rpm. Torque for the smaller engine is 162 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm while the V6 makes 215 lb-ft of torque at 3,750 rpm. Transmissions are either continuously variable or six speed and the automatic with paddle shifters. Fuel economy for the 2.4 liter engine is 24 in the city and 29 on the highway for an average of 26 miles per gallon. The V6 gets 20 city/27 highway for a combined 23 mpg. The Mitsubishi Outlander rides on 18.7-inch aluminum alloy wheels and 225/55 R18 all-season radials. Inside the Outlander provides the driver with autodimming rearview mirror with Homelink, an economy (ECO) mode system to boost PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Commissioners Court of Fort Bend County, Texas has set a public hearing on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. for acceptance of the traffic control plan for Aliana, Section 43, 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 NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 400TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 28th day of December, 2016, by the Clerk thereof, in the case of NEEDVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. ERIC GABRIEL DICESARE, ET AL in Cause# 13-DCV-211420 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 7th day of February, 2017, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: 0095000005220906 A TRACT OR PARCEL OF LAND CONTAINING 10.6174 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, LOCATED IN THE BARNABAS WICKSON SURVEY, ABSTRACT 95, IN HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS; BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS IN A DEED FROM LORENE HELEN SATSKY ROE, ET AL TO ERIC DICESARE, ETAL DATED MAY 6, 2006 AND RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 2006054490 IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; SAVE AND EXCEPT A TRACT OR PARCEL CONTAINING 3.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, DESCRIBED BY METES AND BOUNDS IN A DEED RECORDED UNDER CLERK’S FILE NO. 2006150616 IN THE OFFICIAL PUBLIC RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS; LEAVING HEREIN A RESIDUE OF 7.617 4 ACRES, MORE OR LESS. Levied on the 7th day of January,2017 as the property of ERIC GABRIEL DICESARE, ROY K. EWART ATTORNEY FOR GLORIA SVABIC, AKA SLAVKA GLORIA SVABIC, ANA ELISA MARTJNEZ AKA ANA ELISA DICESARE to satisfy a judgment amounting to $36,614.92, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of NEEDVILLE INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, WHARTON COUNTY JUNIOR COLLEGE, FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT; FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND AND GLORIA SVABIC. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 7th day of January, 2017. Ramon L. Ramirez, CONSTABLE, Pct. 1 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS By John Morales Deputy #1114
miles per hour, high contrast meter gauge cluster, dual zone automatic climate control, a six-inch touch panel 240-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 display audio system with digital HD Radio. The optional audio system is a 710-watt Rockford Fosgate available on the SEL Outlander model and standard on the GT. It is appropriately named -- it rocks. The Mitsubishi Outlander test drive vehicle had the smaller engine in it and came with three rows of seats. The 50/50 third row folds flat to provide more cargo space. The exterior of the Outlander has auto on/off LED highlights on the GT, LED positioning lights, LED fog lights and power folding side-view mirrors. The liftgate is remotely powered and is standard equipment on the GT and optional on the SEL model. Those of us who live in south Texas rarely need a wiper de-icer but when we do it really comes in handy. It is standard equipment on all four-wheel drive trims. The wind shield wipers are rain sensing and speed-sensitive variable intermittent. The NOTICE OF CONSTABLES SALE THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF FORT BEND By virtue of an Order of Sale issued out of the Honorable 400TH DISTRICT COURT of FORT BEND County on the 3rd day of January, 2017, by the Clerk thereof, in the case of BRAZOS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT vs. BRENDA JACKSON JONES, ET AL in Cause# 15-DCV-222204 and to me, as CONSTABLE directed and delivered, I will proceed to sell, at 10:00 0’ Clock AM on the 7th day of February, 2017, which is the first Tuesday of said month, at the William B. Travis Building, First Floor Meeting Room, 301 Jackson Street, Richmond Texas 77469-3108 of said FORT BEND County, in the City of RICHMOND, Texas, the following described property, to wit: TRACT 1: GEO: R10752/ 69987607578/ 0085-19-003-4806-903. A 50% UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN TRACT OF LAND BEING 2.447 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, KNOWN AS PART OF TRACT 4, IN THE SHELBY, FRAZIER & MCCORMICK SURVEY, ABSTRACT 85, FORT BEND COUNTY. TEXAS, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN COUNTY CLERK’S FILE NUMBER 9224860 OF THE REAL PROPERTY RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TRACT 13: GEO: R50011/ 0085-19-0034802-903. A TRACT OF LAND BEING 1.00 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, IN THE SHELBY, FRAZIER & MCCORMICK SURVEY, ABSTRACT 85, FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN VOLUME 1576, PAGE 358 OF THE OFFICIAL RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS. TRACT 9: GEO: 69987631312/008519-003-4804-903. A 50% UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN TRACT OF LAND BEING 2.447 ACRES, MORE OR LESS, KNOWN AS PART OF TRACT 4, IN THE SHELBY, FRAZIER & MCCORMICK SURVEY, ABSTRACT 85, FORT BEND COUNTY. TEXAS, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED IN COUNTY CLERK’S FILE NUMBER. Levied on the 7th day of January,2017 as the property of BRENDA JACKSON JONES, ENNETH R. JONES, CHASEWOOD COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION to satisfy a judgment amounting to $10,660.77, representing delinquent taxes, penalties, interest, and attorney’s fees through the date of judgment, plus all costs of court, costs of sale, and post judgment penalties and interest recoverable by law in favor of BRAZOS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, FORT BEND COUNTY DRAINAGE DISTRICT, FORT BEND COUNTY GENERAL FUND, FORT BEND COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICE DISTRICT #3. ALL BIDDERS MUST COMPLY WITH SECTION 34.015 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY TAX CODE. GIVEN UNDER MY HAND THIS 7th day of January, 2017. Mike Beard CONSTABLE, Pct. 1 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS By John Morales Deputy #1114
back glass is darkened for privacy so others can’t check-out your cargo. Safety features on the Outlander include the all-wheel control four-wheel drive system and the more sophisticated super all-wheel control four-wheel drive system with active front differential. Other safety features on the Outlander are anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, stability control with traction control, tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer antitheft alarm system and child safety rear door locks. Three factory options that can be added are a sunroof package, a premium package for the SEL and a touring package for the SEL and GT. The MSRP for the Outlander SEL with two-wheel drive and the 2.4-liter motor retails for $25,495. The optional touring package increased the bottom line by $4,000 to $29,495 and the destination/handling fee added $895 more for a total of $30,390. The Outlander SUV has plenty of power and interior space for six adults and some cargo. It rides nicely, includes numerous comforts and handles well. CONSTABLE’S SALE Notice is hereby Given, that by virtue of a certain Order of Sale Issued by the Clerk of the 268TH Court of Fort Bend County, on the 16th day of November, 2016, in a certain cause number 16-DCV-230331 wherein Village of Diamond Bay Homeowners Association, Inc. plaintiff , and Hiam Shapi: and Fatma AI-Attas jointly and severally defendant, in which cause a judgment was rendered on the 3rd day of June, 2016, in favor of the said plaintiff Village of Diamond Bay Homeowners Association. Inc. against said defendant Hiam Shapi: and Fatma AI-Attas, jointly and severally, for the sum of $2,337.17 as past due assessments and late charges and fines: jointly and severally the total sum of $2.352.55 for attorney’s fees; all costs of court post-judgement interest at the rate of 5% per annum on the full amount of the judgement awarded herein from the date hereof until paid with the interest thereon at the rate of 5% per annum from date of judgment, together with all costs of suit, I levied upon, and will, on the 4th day of January, 2017 within legal hours, proceed to sell for cash to the highest bidder, all the right, title and interest of Hiam Shapi; and Fatma AIAttas, jointly and severally in and to the following described Real property, levied upon as the property of Hiam shapi; and Fatma AI-Attas, jointly and severally to wit: PROPERTY DESCRIPTION: LOT TEN (10), IN BLOCK ONE (1), OF THE FINAL PLAT OF SHADOW CREEK RANCH SF-53, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT NO. 20050260 OF THER PLAT RECORDS OF FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS ( “THE PROPERTY” ) DATE OF SALE: February 7, 2017 TIME OF SALE: APPROXIMATELY 10:00 AM PLACE OF SALE: 301 Jackson Street, William Travis Building, 1st Floor Meeting Room in the City of Richmond, Tx 77469 TERMS OF SALE: CASH; CREDIT- $0 The above sale to be made by me to satisfy the above described judgment for $2,337.17 AS THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT DUE, CONSISTING OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS AND RELATED CHARGES: $2,352.55 AS ATTORNEY’S: COSTS OF COURT AND PROCESS SERVER’S FEES IN THE AMOUNT OF $329.00: POST-JUDGEMENT INTEREST AT FIVE PERCENT (5%) PER ANNUM ON ALL SUMS AWARDED HEREIN FROM THE DATE OF JUDGEMENT UNTIL FULLY PAID AND FURTHER SUM $329.00, in favor of Village of Diamond Bay Homeowners Association , Inc. together with the costs of said suit, and the proceeds applied to the satisfaction thereof. Mike Beard CONSTABLE, Pct. 1 FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS By John Morales Deputy #1114
INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 11, 2017 • Page 7
FILM REVIEW: Hidden Figures
On Saturday, January 7, 2017, Missouri City staff, Councilmembers, stakeholders and residents joined Houston-area elected officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony for Ruben Davis Drive. The day’s ceremony included a salute to the former Fort Bend County Precinct 2 Constable at the Fort Bend County Annex building, which is located next to the newly renamed Orchard street in honor of the Constable who passed away recently. Orchard Street was approved to be renamed Ruben Davis Drive by City Council at its Dec. 5 meeting. Davis, who passed away in October 2016, served as a Fort Bend County Constable from 1996 until he passed, and prior to that had served more than 20 years with the Houston Police Department.
Johnson Development scores with $100,000 Gridiron Giveaway
Johnson Development Corp. is kicking off 2017 with the $100,000 Gridiron Giveaway. Visit any model home in a Johnson community during January to participate. Johnson Development Corp. is kicking off a super promotion that could have players scoring big during the “JDC $100,000 Gridiron Giveaway.” “All eyes are on Sunday, Feb. 5, when the biggest game in football comes to Houston, and we wanted to host an equally big promotion,” said Doug Goff, Chief Operating Officer of Johnson Development. Through January, people visiting any model home in a Johnson Development community in the Houston and DallasFort Worth regions will receive a scratch-off card where six matching symbols are hidden. Anyone revealing all six wins. “We have over 175 model
homes in Houston and D-FW, so people have a wide variety to choose from,” Goff said. “It’s a great time to buy a new home, especially when you have an opportunity to win big.” Johnson Development is one of the most active developers in the nation, with 17 communities in Houston, Dallas and Atlanta. The Houston Business Journal also lists Johnson Development as the second largest residential real estate developer in Houston in a report published this summer. Houston-area developments include Cross Creek Ranch and Jordan Ranch in Fulshear, Edgewater in Webster, Fall Creek in Humble, Grand Central Park in Conroe, Harmony
in Spring, Harvest Green and Veranda in Richmond, Imperial in Sugar Land, Riverstone and Sienna Plantation in Fort Bend County, Tuscan Lakes in League City, Willow Creek Farms in Brookshire and Woodforest in South Montgomery County. Johnson communities in Dallas-Fort Worth include Trinity Falls in McKinney and Viridian in Arlington. Winning cards must be validated by the promotions company. In the case of multiple winners, the $100,000 prize will be split. Builder sales representatives will be handing out one card per family. More information is available at www.JohnsonDev.com/ Gridiron.
Based on true events, and begins in 1926 West Virginia with the explanation to a young couple that their daughter is receiving a full scholarship at the “best school for Negroes in the state.” The teacher of the 12 year-old girl explains that she has “never seen a mind like the one your daughter has; you have to go; you have to see what she becomes.” There is a reference to “back of the bus” by the three young women while driving a 1957 Chevy on their way to start their lives as adults circa 1961. They have to explain to a white police officer that “we are working at NASA; they are hiring a lot of women.” Director and co-writer Theodore Melfi does not shy away from the issue of race as we watch these three self-motivated women struggle in a man’s
world; a white man’s world. Men of science who are competent and conceited. This is a time when the USA was trying to beat the Russians at every turn and especially the space race. President John Kennedy and the mood of the country was in complete awe of NASA and its accomplishments and astronauts. A job at NASA was gold. Mathematicians and engineers ruled and wrangled at NASA. Assistants and coffee-getters were women; white women. Enter our three brilliant black women who are overlooked and underemployed until they have opportunities to shine. Taraji P. Henson stars as Katherine G. Johnson; the little girl-genius who blossomed into a dazzling star working on the Mercury 7 Project. As
she was given her clearance name-tag to allow her to work on the task force by her supervisor (Kirsten Dunst), she was cautioned “We’ve never had a Colored here, Katherine, don’t embarrass me.” Octavia Spencer as Dorothy Vaughan and Janelle Monae as Mary Jackson are the other two young women who are fighting for their professional lives at a time when they had to go to “another building” to use the bathroom. The planning meeting for this film went something like this: “Ok, Kevin (Costner), we all know that you are the bigdog movie star, but you need to get out of the way of these three actresses and let us create a poignant story about an exciting and flawed time in the history of this great country; can you do that, Kevin?” Costner: “Roger, that, Theo.” Costner’s Al Harrison was a perfect platform for Henson’s Katherine Goble Johnson. Taraji P. Henson, 46, is also a Hollywood star since 2015 when she became the dynamic Cookie Lyon on TV’s “Empire.” Speaking of stars, Octavia Spencer has already won an Oscar for her portrayal of Minny Jackson in “The Help” (2011) and she nails her character in this film. Janelle Monae is primarily known for her musical and singing prowess, but she is the cute one of the trio and the young one at age 31. Other actors in an extremely strong ensemble are Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons and Mahershala Ali who, in 2016 alone, also appears in “Moonlight,” “Free State of Jones” and “Luke Gage.” Melfi figured out a way to make “Hidden Figures” meaningful and entertaining while telling a sensitive story without overplaying his hand. This movie is of this world and outer space. Rock ‘n Roll. Grade 90. Larry H.
Marshall High School Coach James Williams named All Greater Houston Coach of the Year Congratulations to Marshall High School Coach James Williams for being named the All Greater Houston Coach of the Year by the Houston Chronicle. Williams was chosen for the honor after leading the Marshall Buffs to the 5A state quarterfinals for the first time since 2012. The Buffs finished their season with an impressive 11 – 3 record. “I am very honored to receive the Coach of the Year recognition. It’s truly humbling,” Williams said. “The credit has to go to our outstanding players, my coaching staff and our very
Williams
supportive administrators.” During the season, Williams was also recognized as a Houston Texans Coach of the Week and the Be a Champion Leadership Award. While in the playoffs, the Buffs were awarded the Dave Campbell’s week 14 Army 5A School of the Week. “We are so very proud of our 2016 football team and what they have accomplished.” Williams has been coaching for 19 years. This is his seventh year as Athletic Coordinator / Head Football Coach at Marshall High School.
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Page 8 • INDEPENDENT • JANUARY 11, 2017
A SUPER PROMOTION THAT COULD LEAVE YOU
$100,000 RICHER! Visit any model home in a JOHNSON DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY during JANUARY for your chance to...
SCORE THIS BIG PRIZE!
Visit any COMMUNITY or JOHNSONDEV.COM for more info! The Scratch Match & Win Johnson Development $100,000 Gridiron Giveaway promotion card distribution dates are 1/1/17-2/5/17. The winning card(s) redemption date deadline is 2/12/17. Please see Official Rules for all details to participate and claim prize of the Scratch Match & Win promotion. The contest is open to all US Residents who are 18 years of age or older. Limit one card per person during the promotion period. In order to qualify for prize reimbursement, an eligible contestant must scratch six (6) and only six (6) surfaces revealing identical winning “stack of bills” symbols (in any rotation) under each and every scratched surface. Cards that are manipulated, altered, forged, hand printed, water damaged, mutilated, tampered with in any way, or which contain any computer programming, printing, mechanical or typographical errors, will be considered void and will not be eligible for prize redemption. If there is more than one winning card, the total $100,000 prize will be split evenly among the winners. Current or former employees, family members, agents, successors, or assignees of Johnson Development Corp. or its affiliates or any promotional agency involved with this promotion shall be ineligible to participate and/or claim any prize covered within. Names and Likenesses of promotion winner(s) may be used by Johnson Development Corp., its affiliates and Odd on Promotions for promotional purposes without further compensation.